South Africa's Media

South Africa is ranked number 33 on the Freedom Report from Reporters without Borders and is considered to have a FREE press.

Freedom of expression and the press is protected in the nation's constitution and generally respected. However, the government has threatened to withdraw advertising from publications that report on corruption or other scandals.

In recent years there has been an increase in the use of interdictions and gag orders by governmental and non-state actors. According to the South African Freedom House report, government and political figures have displayed increased sensitivity to media criticism in 2008. Sometimes, they even accuse journalists of racism and betraying the state. Journalists are also occasionally harassed and assaulted.

According to the Freedom house organization, most South Africans receive their news over the radio, which is mostly controlled by the state-owned SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) which also dominates broadcast media. The SABC has also been accused of having a pro ANC (the current party in power) bent and self censorship.

There are several private magazines and newspapers that include: the Mail & Guardian (english), The Cape Times, and the Sunday Times, which are all sharply critical of the government.

The Internet is completely unregulated, but is only used by 10% of the population regularly. The access costs prevent most people from using it.

In 2007, UNICEF reports that for every 100 inhabitants, 87 had cell phones, while only 8 out of 100 were using the internet. However, these numbers are quickly increasing.