Public Service Media (PSM) Symposium About the Future of South African Public Broadcasting – Johannesburg, South Africa

Public broadcasters around the world face shared challenges regarding funding, independence and digital transformation. To address these issues in the context of South Africa and its national broadcaster, the SABC, the SOS – Support Public Broadcasting Coalitions’ annual symposium took place on 3 October 2025. Topics discussed included the future of the SABC and the need for structural renewal in order to remain competitive and to secure information integrity, as well as the impact of the market on the South African media landscape.

Thandeka Gqubule-Mbeki, a journalism lecturer at Rhodes University and panellist on the event, opposed the idea of funding public service media through an independent institution, and discussed this with those who are fearful of an additional institution. Overall, the panels presented a variety of viewpoints, sparking discussions that continued beyond the event itself and prompting further crucial conversations.

In addition to the panel discussions, participants split into groups to discuss ways to advance information integrity in the digital age. Key thoughts from the discussions included the idea that content created for financial gain and that for the public good should be treated differently.  It was also suggested that digital programmes should incorporate digital literacy to combat disinformation.

Organised by SOS and supported by KAS Media Africa, the symposium sparked bold conversations and ideas for policy innovations to secure the future of public service media.