Africa

South Africa

{This graph represents scores that have been modified by CIMA so that higher scores indicate a better media situation. It is intended to show trends over time; each index measures significantly different factors of press freedom. To see an explanation for how this graph was created, click here.}
 

IREX Description:

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), "Somalia was among the world's deadliest countries in 2009, surpassing violent hot spots such as Iraq and Pakistan."1 The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) noted, "In the history of Somalia, the past twelve months stand out as the darkest and deadliest period for journalism in the country. The work and life of journalists have become worthless and dispensable, while attacks against journalists continue unrestrained."2 CPJ and NUSOJ documented the death of nine journalists last year, including one of last year's MSI panelists, Mukhtar Mohamed Hirabe, director of Shabelle Radio in Mogadishu. Omar Faruk Osman, secretary general of NUSOJ, said, "The country has been in conflict for nearly 20 years now, but the kind of attacks specifically targeting journalists has never happened before.

Still, dedicated journalists courageously continue their efforts, despite the extreme risks of working in Somalia. They are working to elevate professional standards, in part to help show the public the value of media in society. There is also access to international news, and there is a fairly wide choice of media given the circumstances. On the new media front, Somali language news websites are adding new voices. According to a U.S. Department of State report, relative to the region, Somalia enjoys some of the least expensive Internet and telecommunications access—and the government does not restrict access. However, opposition actors monitor use and are thought behind anonymous threats delivered to local journalists via email.

Read more on IREX’s site…

Digital media freedom is generally respected in South Africa. Political content is not censored, and bloggers are not prosecuted for online activities. Access to the internet has improved; in fact, more people have an option to access the internet from their mobile telephones than from computers. Nevertheless, the majority of the population is unable to benefit from internet access due to high costs and the fact that most content is in English, an obstacle for those who speak only local languages. There are increasing concerns about laws and legal cases, as well as disciplinary cases in the workplace that may negatively affect digital media freedom, although the courts have been reluctant to infringe on this freedom.
 

Read more on Freedom House's site...

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