Greater media pluralism, diversity urged

At the two-day expert group meeting organised by ARTICLE19: Global Campaign for Freedom of Expression, members of the Network of Academics on Policy and Regulation for Media Pluralism and Diversity in Africa discussed strategies for raising the standards on broadcasting and media regulation and practice, so that regulators will be able to reach across social and cultural differences on the continent.

Part of the challenge has been that "regulation is done without the full understanding of the goals of policy", said University of Witwatersrand (Wits) Professor, Tawana Kupe, a founding member of the Network and chair of the meeting. Professor Kupe said that regulation has been out of step with the needs of African people in an era of greater democracy and increased demand for public participation in governance.