Advance Search

Distributed public service broadcasting as an alternative model for public service broadcasting in South Africa

Pieter Jacobus Fourie
University of South Africa
Keywords:
Copyright and Licensing:
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Share:

How to Cite

Distributed public service broadcasting as an alternative model for public service broadcasting in South Africa. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 29(2), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v29i2.1681
  • Articles
  • Submited: October 16, 2022
  • Published: October 17, 2022

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to propose/justify a new model for South African public service
broadcasting, namely, distributed public service broadcasting. The justification is done against
the background of a description of the changed and converged new media environment brought
about by technological developments with the concomitant new production, content and
distribution challenges and with interactivity as the new foundation of communicator-audience
relationships. It is argued that the new media environment requires new thinking about public
service broadcasting (PSB). The need for a new model is further justified against the background
of the continued governance, managerial and financial problems the South African Broadcasting
Corporation (SABC) has been experiencing for more than a decade, which has led to a new but
controversial Public Service Broadcasting Bill (2009/2010) in an attempt to address the problems.
It is argued that the problems will not be resolved. Instead, a new broadcasting model should rather
be considered. It should, however, be emphasised that distributed public service broadcasting as
a new model is only introduced in this article. Detail about the model is the topic of additional
research that has yet to be done. Finally, the article should be read against the background of
what were, at the time of writing in 2010, a number of serious governmental threats to freedom
of expression with government proposing, inter alia, the introduction of a controversial Bill on the
Protection of Information and also of a Media Appeals Tribunal – both of these constituting further
threats to the autonomy of the public broadcaster and which makes it even more urgent that a
new broadcasting model be considered. The above topics are addressed in separate parts of the
article dealing with context, problems besetting South African public service broadcasting, past
and present efforts to address the problems, a justification for a new model – one focusing on the
new converged and digitised media environment – new thinking about regulation, the changed
nature of social responsibility, a semiotic justification,

pdf
pdf

Article Metrics Graph

Created with Highstock 6.0.4ViewsChart context menuMonthly Views664433440000000000000000661100000000007799111144223333002200111122220055000000000000000000141141955955110000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000002025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec025050075010001250Highcharts.com
Article Views | PDF Downloads
Chart Graph | Range Graph

References

  1. Alm, A. & Lowe, G.F. (2003). Outsourcing core competencies? In G.F. Lowe & T. Hujanen (Eds),Broadcasting and convergence: new articulations of the public service remit. Göteborg, Sweden: Nordicom.
  2. Bardoel, J. (2003a). 'Back to the public?' Assessing public broadcasting in the Netherlands, Javnost/The Public, 10 (3), 81-95.
  3. https://doi.org/10.1080/13183222.2003.11008836
  4. -. (2003b). Macht zonder verantwoordelijkheid? Media, mediabeleid en de kwaliteit van de openbare informatievoorziening. Inaugural lecture: University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands. 21 February 2003.
  5. Bardoel, J. & Brants, K. (2003). Public broadcasters and social responsibility in the Netherlands. In G.F. Lowe & T. Hujanen (Eds), Broadcasting and convergence: new articulations of the public service remit. Göteborg, Sweden: Nordicom.
  6. Bardoel, J. & d'Haenens, L. (2008). Reinventing public service broadcasting in Europe: prospects, promises and problems. Media, Culture & Society, 30 (3), 337-355.
  7. https://doi.org/10.1177/0163443708088791
  8. Benjamin, C. & Ensor. L. (2009). Treasury's R1,5bn lifeline for SABC hailed. Business Day, 25 November 2009:1.
  9. Born, G. (2003). 'From Reithian ethic to managerial discourse: accountability and audit at the BBC', Javnost/The Public 10 (3), 63-80.
  10. https://doi.org/10.1080/13183222.2003.11008835
  11. -. (2004). Uncertain vision. Birt, Dyke and the reinvention of the BBC. London: Secker and Warburg.
  12. Burger, M. (2009). Business's social involvement through public relations: a critical comparison of market-oriented and reflective paradigms of public relations. Communicatio, 35 (1), 101-119.
  13. https://doi.org/10.1080/02500160902906687
  14. Coppens, T. & Saeys, F. (2006). Enforcing performance: new approaches to govern public service broadcasting. Media, Culture & Society, 28 (2), 261-284.
  15. https://doi.org/10.1177/0163443706061684
  16. D'Arma, A. (2009). Broadcasting policy in Italy's 'Second Republic': national politics and European influences. Media, Culture & Society, 31 (5), 769-786.
  17. https://doi.org/10.1177/0163443709339464
  18. Debrett, M. (2009). Riding the wave: public service television in the multi-platform era. Media, Culture & Society, 31 (5), 807-827.
  19. https://doi.org/10.1177/0163443709339466
  20. Duncan, J. (2008a). Unpacking the crisis at the SABC. Presentation to the Open Society Foundation on the SABC. 10 June 2008. Retrieved January 1, 2010, from http://www.fxi.org.za.
  21. -. (2008b). Executive overstretch: South African broadcasting independence and accountability under Thabo Mbeki. Jane Duncan. Communicatio, 34(1).
  22. Ferreira, T. (2010a, 19 April). SAUK-beloftes maak skuld, baie, baie skuld. Beeld, p. 4.
  23. -. (2010b, 23 March). SAUK erken hy het te veel bestuurders en te min werkers. Beeld, p. 6.
  24. Fourie, P.J. (2003). The future of public service broadcasting in South Africa: the need to return to basic principles. Communicatio, 29 (1 & 2), 148-182.
  25. https://doi.org/10.1080/02500160308538025
  26. -. (2004). The market paradigm and the loss of public service broadcasting (television) for development and nation building. Communitas, 9, 1-19.
  27. -. (2005). Finding a new policy model for public service broadcasting (PSB): from PSB as an institution to PSB as a genre. Communitas, 10, 21-37.
  28. -. (2007). Moral philosophy as the foundation of normative media theory: the case of African ubuntuism. Communications: European Journal of Communication Research, 32, 1-29.
  29. -. (2008). External media regulation in South Africa.In P.J. Fourie (Ed.). Media Studies Volume 2: Policy, management and media representation. (2nd ed.). (pp. 30-72). Cape Town: Juta.
  30. -. (2009). 'n Terugkeer na die onderdrukking van vryheid van spraak? Ooreenkomste tussen die apartheidsregering(s) en die ANC se optrede teen die media/A return to the repression of freedom of speech? Similarities between the apartheid government(s) and the ANC's actions against the media. Tydskrif vir Geesteswetenskappe, 49, (1), 62-84.
  31. -. (2010a). 'New' paradigms, 'new' theory and four priorities for South African mass communication and media research. Critical Arts, 24, (2),173-192.
  32. https://doi.org/10.1080/02560041003786474
  33. -. (2010b). An examination of the value of the concept of the "semiosphere" in the study of mass communication: testing the value and feasibility of a proposed research project.
  34. Razon y Palabra, 72 May-July (Special Edition: Semiotics of Communication) 2010:1-23. Retrieved May 10, 2010, from http://www.razonypalabra.org.mx.
  35. Fourie, P.J. & Wigston, D. (1996). Hörfunk und Fernsehen in Südafrika. In C. Matzen (Ed.), Internationales Handbuch für Hörfunk und Fernsehen. Hamburg: Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft. (Subsequent editions of the Handbuch in 1998; 2000; 2002; 2004)
  36. Fourie, P.J. &. De Jager, R. (1998). South African media in transformation. In A.B. Albarran & S. Chan-Olmsted (Eds). Global mediaeconomics. Commercialisation, concentration and integration of world media markets. (pp. 217-233.). Ames: Iowa State University Press.
  37. Freedom of Expression Institute. (2008). Civil society meeting resolves to tackle SABC crisis and form coalition for independent broadcasting. Retrieved January 12, 2010, from http://www.fxi.org.za.
  38. Garnham, N. (2003). A response to Elizabeth Jacka's "Democracy as Defeat". Television & New Media, 4, (2), 193-200.
  39. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527476402250680
  40. Gedye, L. (2010, 19-25 March). A communication breakdown. 'Tit-for-tat' ? wrangling raises fears that government is looking to exercise more control over Icasa. Mail&Guardian, p. 7.
  41. Grootes, S. (2010). Coalition want SABC to become a chapter nine institution. Eyewitness News. Retrieved January 12, 2010, from http://www.ewn.co.za.
  42. Hallin, D.C. &Mancini, P. (2004). Comparing media systems: three models of media and politics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  43. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511790867
  44. Harber, A. (2009, 3 November). Clear and present danger of return to state broadcasting. Mail&Guardian, pp. 1-3.
  45. Jacka, E. (2003). "Democracy as defeat". The impotence of arguments for public service broadcasting. Television and New Media, 4 (2), 177-191.
  46. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527476402250675
  47. Jakubowicz, K. (2002). Bringing public service broadcasting to account. In G. Ferrell Lowe & T. Hujanen (Eds). Broadcasting and Convergence: new articulations of the public service remit. (pp. 147-167). Nordicom: Göteborg.
  48. Kupe, T. (2009, 7-8 November). Bill needs more airtime. The Weekender, p. 4.
  49. Lloyd, L., Duncan, J., Minnie, J. & Bussiek, ?. (2010). Public broadcasting in Africa: a survey. South Africa Country Report. Johannesburg/London: AfriMap (Africa Governance Monitoring and Advocacy Project.
  50. Lowe, G.F. (Ed.) (2010). The public in public service media. RIPE@2009. Gotenburg: Nordicom.
  51. Machet, E., Pertizinidou, E. & Ward, D. (2002). A comparative analysis of television programming regulation in seven European countries: a benchmark study. Report by the European Institute for the Media. Commissioned by the Dutch NOS. Düsseldorf: European Institute for the Media (EIM).
  52. Mochiko, T. (2010, 29 March). Legislation on its way to ensure Icasa run better. Business Day, p. 1.
  53. Mokgata, Z. (2010, 11 April). Radio licence applicants angry over delays. Sunday Times (Business Times), p. 4.
  54. Ngalwa, S. & Naidu, E. (2010, 23 May). Inside the SABC's bitter war over new head of news. The Sunday Independent, p. 1.
  55. Nyanda, S. (2009, 6 November). Tuime to set record straight on the public broadcaster. Business Day, p. 1.
  56. Peyper, L. (2010, 6 April). Plaasmoorde: 'ET is nr.3 368'. Beeld, p. 5.
  57. Political Editor. (2010, 9 September). Mediatribunaal staan vas - Zuma. "Persvryheid bring pyn vir sekere mense'. Beeld, p. 2.
  58. Punie, Y., Burgelman, J-C., Bogdanowicz, M., Desruelle, P. & Ducatel, K. (2002). The future of online media industries. Facts & figures, drivers of change and validated scenarios for 2005 and beyond. Seville: European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Prospective Technology Studies.
  59. Raboy, M. (2003). Rethinking broadcasting policy in a global media environment. In G.F. Lowe & T. Hujanen (Eds). Broadcasting & convergence: new articulations of the public service remit. Göteborg, Sweden: Nordicom.
  60. Richards, E. (2004). How light a touch? Journal of the RTS, January, 6-10.
  61. Rutten, P. Leurdijk, A. & Frissen, V. (2005). 'Out of focus'. Een analyse van het WRR Rapport over de Toekoms van de Media ('Out of Focus: An analysis of the Report by the Scientific Council for Government Policy on the Future of the Media'). Delft: TNO.
  62. Skinner, K. (2010, April). E-mail from Kate Skinner Coordinator: SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition, Report back from Commonwealth Broadcasters' Conference.
  63. SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition. (2010). "SOS Submission on Public Service Broadcasting Bill calls for urgent policy review process". Retrieved April 14, 2010, from http://www.mediamonitoringafrica.org/index.php/news/entry/comment_on_the_public_service_broadcasting_bill/.
  64. Steemers, J. (2003). Public service broadcasting is not dead yet. Strategies in the 21 century.In G.F. Lowe & T. Hujanen (Eds). Broadcasting & convergence: new articulations of the public service remit. (pp. ??). . Göteborg, Sweden: Nordicom.
  65. The Star. (2002, 13 December). South Africa gears up for a more inclusive broadcasting service. The Star, p. 3.
  66. Tolsi, N. (2010, 1 May). SABC's R26-m rental bill. Mail and Guardian Online, p. 1.
  67. Van Cuilenburg, J. & McQuail, D. (2003). Towards a new communications policy paradigm. European Journal of Communication, 18 (2), 181-207.
  68. https://doi.org/10.1177/0267323103018002002
  69. Van Heerden, M. (2008). Internal media regulation in South Africa. In P.J. Fourie (Ed.). Media Studies Volume 2: Policy, Management and Media Representation. 2nd ed. (pp. 72-119). Cape Town: Juta..
  70. Weekender (2009, 7-8 November). Icasa's trouble 'is quality of work, not budget'. The Weekender, p. 4.
  71. WRR Wetenschappelijke Raad voor het Regeringsbeleid/Scientific Council for Government Policy (2005) Focus op functies: uitdagingen voor een toekomst-bestendig mediabeleid (Focus on Functions: challenges for a future-sustainable media policy). Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press.
  72. https://doi.org/10.5117/9789053567333
How to Cite
Distributed public service broadcasting as an alternative model for public service broadcasting in South Africa. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 29(2), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v29i2.1681

Send mail to Author

Send Cancel

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Custom technologies based on your needs

  • ORCID
  • Crossref
  • PubMed
    • Clarivate