In October 2009 over 80 community media stakeholders gathered in Johannesburg to reflect on the state of community media In South Africa. The Conference confirmed the vision and principals contained in the NCRF Charter and developed resolutions mapping a path for an independent media able to play its critical role in promoting social and economic justice. Many of the Conference Resolutions stand in direct contradiction of the Public Service Broadcasting Bill published by the Government weeks later. Download the Conference Report here. 

 

 

The Conference was opened with Franklin Huizies & Mark Weinberg setting the context before a series of panel discussions gave input to frame discussion in various commissions. Inputs included:

 

 

After the panel discussions participants sat in commissions and developed the Conference Resolutions. 

 

Reading Anton Harber's assessment of  the Public Service Broadcasting Bill, it is clear that we will need to fight to defend the integrity and transformative mandate of community radio. It is critical that when we gather with of 300+ media activists at the Popular Media Mindblast and NCRF Biannual General Meeting (set of 6 - 11 December 2009) we develop a defense of the sector. 

 

The Community Media Reflection Conference was convened by the National Community Radio Forum and Alternative Information Development Centre. 

 

Download the Conference Report here.  

See the Conference announcement here.