Abstract
The South African private news media industry represents a substantial portion of the overall media industry and the most successful in terms of profit acquired. It is critical however to assess the shareholders and private ownership of the news media industry in order to determine the likely success of investment in this industry. However, additional risk factors need to be considered along with the shareholders and ownership; macro factors such as, legislation and economic stability as well as micro factors such as the restructuring of ownership and transparency within the industry. It is also fundamental that the news media industry of South Africa is assessed through the lens of its historical landscape and transformation and its Fourth Estate responsibilities. Through this assessment it is possible to conclude three likely outcomes of investment in the news media industry. These outcomes are based on the measured growth and current stability of the industry and the South African economy. The most concerning risk for investment is the continued economic downturn of the South African economy and its effect on restructuring of media ownership and a declining profit. This can be coupled with the risk of legislative turnover and executive overreach within the news media industry
Highlights
This paper will critically analyze and discuss the landscape of the South African news media industry with specific focus on private ownership and shareholders within it in order to assess risk of investment within the industry
It is fundamental to begin by stating that the media industry in South Africa is made up by a three-tier system; the commercial sector, the community sector and the public broadcaster, which refers to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) (Moyo & Chuma, 2010, p. 40)
South Africa’s commercial media sector is the most successful of the three mainly due to its wide availability of content and given that its primary market are those participating in the mainstream of the economy (Moyo & Chuma, 2010, p. 40)
Summary
This paper will critically analyze and discuss the landscape of the South African news media industry with specific focus on private ownership and shareholders within it in order to assess risk of investment within the industry. This paper will focus on the commercial news media industry, considering South Africa’s four largest media houses, referred to. Mary-Anne Piasecki, B.A., Department of Politics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Piet Croucamp, Ph.D., Department of Politics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. As the ‘big four’ namely Media[24] (Naspers), the Independent Media Group (IMG), the Times Media Group (TMG) and Caxton publishers It will incorporate the newest media owner, TNA Media Group and the Mail and Guardian (M&G) an independently owned title
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