The limits of media democratization in South Africa: politics, privatization and regulation

This article critically examines the processes that have limited the develo pment of a democratic media system in post-apartheid South Africa. After a brief overview of the formation of the Independent Broadcasting authority, the evolution of the ANC's economic policies and approach to privatization is discussed. This provides the context in which the transformation of the broadcasting system since 1994 in South Africa can be understood. The priva tization of radio stations in 1996 indicates the political tensions that sh ape media reform. It is argued that the progress of democratic broadcasting reform is increasingly being dictated by the state's programme for restruc turing the telecommunications sector. In conclusion, it is suggested that t he post-1994 period has witnessed a diminution in the influence of independ ent civil society organizations over media policies, consequent upon an inc reasingly centralized and bureaucratic emphasis in policy formulation and i mplementation.