William Bird, the director of Media Monitoring Africa, said that regardless of the outcome of the final report after more negotiations, the commission should be applauded for the interventions. "Whether the outcome is there or not and the media is saved, the reality is that this is a very strong, clear, unambiguous defence of our constitutional framework and an attempt to recognise the value and importance of news media." He said that the effect of the commission's inquiry is to treat digital platforms as public utilities rather than big companies that can do whatever they like. "If we can get that as a shift, even if they give us R2.50 for the next three years, that would be a massive victory for us," he said.