In the media

Meanwhile, Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) has warned the increase of misinformation and disinformation on social media poses a threat to democratic elections.

As South Africa draws closer to the seventh democratic elections, Media Monitoring Africa has warned that the increase of misinformation and disinformation on social media poses a threat to democratic elections.

Election logistics and political party politics are some of the hot topics in the media coverage of this year's general elections.

Bird suggests that the SABC's choice may stem from political pressure or a desire to steer clear of controversy.

Though the advertisement may evoke strong emotions in certain individuals, expert says that its content doesn't violate any laws and thus should be aired.

The Campaign for Free Expression (CFE), Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI), and SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS) have joined.

With about 40% of the world’s population voting in elections this year, manipulation of information using AI poses a huge threat to democracy.

Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) and the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) have signed a framework of co-operation with social media platforms Meta, TikTok and Google that.

Media Monitoring Africa previously warned that misinformation and disinformation would be a certainty in the run-up to this year's general election on 29 May.

Misinformation on the other hand is false and misleading content and contains some leaks, harassment, and hate speech.

They also argued that the FPB has no mandate to regulate misinformation and disinformation, and that the agency was effectively trying to enact new legislation without proper Parliamentary procedure.

MMA and Sanef argued that the vetting of SABC journalists was intimidatory and put them “under watch” of the SSA. This was unconstitutional and violated the right to press freedom.

Thandi Smith, Head of Programmes at Media Monitoring Africa joins us now as we continue to reflect on South Africa's democracy 30 years on, with a special focus on media and press freedom.

Meanwhile, media expert and Director at Media Monitoring Africa William Bird said traditional media must redefine itself in the face of past fast-paced, alternative news-sharing platforms.

Daily Maverick says there is a market failure and a risk of collapse coupled with a lack of financial support and policy reform.

Meta has partnered with the IEC and Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) to train over 160 government communicators on Meta’s approach to combating misinformation.

While MMA director William Bird swiftly defended Maughan, questions arise regarding Bird’s selective advocacy, particularly in cases involving female journalists like Adri Senekal.

Willam Bird, director of Media Monitoring Africa, said in an affidavit that the applicants accepted that the spread of misinformation, and particularly disinformation, poses.

Civil society organisations, including the Media Monitoring Africa and the SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition, have called for the withdrawal of the SABC Bill.

Bird explained that Sentech is one of the biggest costs for broadcasters, including the SABC, and in the state broadcasters case, he believes the government should cover these costs.