In the wake of recent looting and riots in portions of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has offered to help community radio stations. The group issued a statement expressing its sadness at reports of violence and damage to the country’s broadcasting and telecommunications infrastructure.
The demolition and vandalism of community radio stations and network towers are examples of this. However, the NAB members are aiding community radio stations in any way they can. The NAB stated, “Broadcasting plays a critical role in conveying news and information to citizens and communities, particularly during times of crisis and emergency.”
“Having access to the media is critical for citizens to protect their safety, health, and livelihoods. In South Africa’s three-tier broadcasting structure, community radio stations constitute a critical communication channel.”
“Community radio stations serve their local communities regardless of race, gender, disability, or socioeconomic status, and they frequently operate on a shoestring budget.” As a result, they rely primarily on donor funding to stay afloat. “The consequences of such devastation would be difficult, if not impossible, to overcome,” NAB Executive Director Nadia Bulbulia warned.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) demanded that the attacks on journalists and community radio stations in South Africa be thoroughly investigated. Since social unrest erupted in the provinces, at least four community radio stations have been destroyed and robbed, according to CPJ, an organisation that defends press freedom worldwide.
The radio stations are Alex FM in Alexandra, Johannesburg, Mams Radio in Mamelodi, northeast of Pretoria, West Side FM in Kagiso, West Rand, and Intokozo FM in Durban. The South African National Editors Forum (Sanef) also urged stations harmed to pursue opening criminal cases, which it expects will lead to successful prosecutions.
