Strengthening Public Service Media's Digital Future and Advocacy

Public service media plays a critical role in promoting access to information, democratic participation, cultural diversity and public accountability. Against a backdrop of rapid technological change and growing pressures on traditional media institutions, the Annual PSM Symposium 2026 provided an important platform for dialogue on the future of public service media in Southern Africa. 
Held in Johannesburg on 8 and 9 September 2026, the symposium was organised by the SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition under the theme, "Strengthening public service media's digital future and advocacy." Participants included representatives from public broadcasters, civil society organisations, academia, the media sector, regulatory bodies and advocacy groups from across the region. 
Through the support of KAS Media Africa, the symposium was also able to bring together participants and experts from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia and Botswana. Their contributions enriched the discussions by providing country perspectives on public service media governance, advocacy efforts, reform priorities and the challenges facing public broadcasters across Southern Africa.
Hendrik Sittig, director of KAS Media Africa: "The future of public service media is not an African challenge or a European challenge. It is a global challenge. And that is exactly why international exchange matters."
The event underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders and reaffirmed the value of public service media as a public good that supports informed citizenship, democratic participation and social cohesion. The symposium concluded with a strong emphasis on practical action and regional cooperation, reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring that public service media remains relevant, sustainable and accessible in the digital age.