Pretoria - Communications Minister Faith Muthambi will this morning address the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) community broadcast stakeholder engagement workshop in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.
The workshop is aimed at engaging station managers on trends, developments and issues that face their respective radio stations across the country.
Shortly after she was appointed by President Jacob Zuma, Minister Muthambi embarked on a lengthy consultation process in all the nine provinces, engaging with the community print and radio media on various issues and challenges they were facing.
Minister Muthambi said: “Community radio stations are true champions of promoting social integration and fostering tolerance on the airwaves. Their programmes are identical to our social cohesion and nation-building programme.
“Before the dawn of democracy in 1994, the airwaves for community radio were closed. The apartheid laws ensured that the majority of citizens were disadvantaged and marginalised in the interest of the white minority.”
The Minister is also expected to share with delegates the proposed amendments to the Broadcasting Act tabled by government. The amendments are in line with the vision of ensuring universal access to broadcasting services in South Africa.
The proposed changes will strengthen the SABC and better allow it to fulfil its public broadcasting service mandate. - SAnews.gov.za
