Tag: opportunities

Entries open for the 2024 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards

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Anticipation levels in newsrooms across the country will rise as the opening date for entries into this year’s Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards (VJOY) has been announced as July 10.

Entrants can choose from 12 categories to enter their work, from Live Reporting and Breaking News; Investigative; Opinion; Lifestyle; Features; Photography; Sport; Financial & Economics; Politics; Sustainability, Innovation in Journalism, and the Young Journalist of the Year Award.

“As we commemorate 30 years of democracy in South Africa, we are reminded of the importance of media as the fourth estate that is crucial to our democracy. Ethical, independent and critical journalism holds those in power accountable and brings transparency to affairs that matter. Coinciding with 30 years of democracy, Vodacom South Africa celebrates 30 years of connecting South Africans and we are proud to be continuing our legacy of honouring excellence in journalism across a range of categories, recognising some of South Africa’s finest reporters and most newsworthy stories. Support for journalism remains paramount as the sustainability of journalism creates well-informed and connected societies,”

said Takalani Netshitenzhe, Director for External Affairs at Vodacom South Africa.

The judging panel for this year’s awards will once again be led by convener Mapi Mhlangu, who will guide her fellow judges as they debate the nuances of entries to decide which is the best. From 3 – 5 July, Mhlangu will host two daily virtual media roadshows to inform interested entrants about the rules of the competition, and entry mechanisms.

“Despite the significant strides made, the journalism sector faces numerous challenges today. These challenges demand a steadfast commitment to upholding ethical standards, reporting with integrity, and navigating the complexities of our time. As we imagine the next decade, there is no room for failure in sound journalistic storytelling. The future of our country relies on the dedication of journalists to uncover the truth, spark conversations, and drive positive change. I encourage all journalists to submit their best works to the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards and be part of celebrating what has been achieved in the past 30 years”, said Mapi Mahlangu.

Journalists must enter their best work produced between 01 August 2023 and 31 July 2024, at www.journalist.vodacom.co.za.

Entries open on 10 July and close midnight on 24 July, no late entries will be accepted.

Finalists chosen from the five regions will compete at the national finals that will be held on 31 October: 

  • Region A: Gauteng
  • Region B: Free State, Northern Cape, Northwest and Limpopo
  • Region C: KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga
  • Region D: Western Cape
  • Region E: Eastern Cape

The Vodacom Young Journalist Award offers an educational boost to nurture upcoming newsroom talent.

Regional category winners receive R5 000, national category winners, R10 000, and the overall Vodacom Journalist of the Year winner, R100 000. In the case of joint winners, prize money is shared. 

MDDA calls for community media grant applications

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The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) recently made a call encouraging community media projects with valid class broadcast service licenses, including radio, TV, and community print publications, as well as small commercial print, to apply for the 2024/25 grant funding.

The application window officially opened on 31 May 2024 and will close on 28 June 2024.

The MDDA said community media projects of all sizes are encouraged to apply.

“The MDDA aims to encourage media ownership, access and control to media, particularly by historically disadvantaged communities and diminished indigenous languages and cultural groups,” it said.

For print and digital publications, this year’s grant funding application call is focusing on Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State and the Western Cape.

For more updates regarding MDDA-related news and information, go to @MDDA_Media or WhatsApp 0635094934.

Invitation to SA Press Code Training

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The Press Council is hosting workshops on the South African Press Code on request.

If you would like to join the training sessions (booked by BMOA monthly from April) on the Press Code with your journalists, and yourselves, please send an email to Stephen our Exec. Director on admin@bmoa.co.za by no later than 29 March 2024 at 11:00 AM.

As media owners, having the Press Code at your disposal is paramount to ensure your content is accurate, balanced and fair towards your audiences and subjects.

This regulation is how all media, print/broadcast/digital is regulated in South Africa.

The workshop can be either virtual or in person and will be conducted by either the Press Ombud or one of the Deputy Press Ombuds. It should not last longer than 2 hours.

For your convenience, the Press Code is now available online in seven of South Africa’s official languages: English, Afrikaans, Tshivenda, Tsonga, Sepedi, isiXhosa, isiZulu.

Please visit the Press Council website for more information. #BMOA #BlackMedia #MediaTransformation #BlackMediaMatters

Looking to transition from Print to Digital media? Consider this short guide

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Press machine printing newspaper

The changing technology landscape has indeed had significant implications for print media worldwide, including in South Africa.

As digital platforms and online news consumption continue to grow, print media has faced challenges such as declining readership and advertising revenue.

However, there are still opportunities for print media to adapt and thrive in this changing environment.

To address the gaps and leverage the potential of technology, here are some steps that can be taken:

  1. Embrace digital transformation: Print media organizations should focus on integrating digital platforms and technologies into their operations. This includes developing an online presence, creating digital editions, and exploring multimedia content such as videos and podcasts.
  2. Enhance online content and engagement: Develop high-quality, engaging content specifically tailored for online platforms. This can involve producing multimedia stories, interactive features, and utilizing social media to engage with readers and build a loyal online community.
  3. Invest in data analytics: Utilize data analytics tools to gain insights into reader preferences, interests, and behavior. This data can inform content creation, audience targeting, and advertising strategies, enabling print media companies to deliver personalized experiences and increase reader engagement.
  4. Collaborate with technology partners: Forge partnerships with technology companies, digital marketing agencies, or startups specializing in media innovation. These collaborations can provide access to expertise, resources, and cutting-edge technologies that can help print media companies navigate the digital landscape effectively.
  5. Develop new revenue streams: Diversify revenue streams beyond traditional advertising and print subscriptions. This can include exploring opportunities in digital advertising, sponsored content, events, e-commerce, and developing premium subscription models for exclusive content.

Getting the right funding is also vital

Regarding funding, there are several avenues to consider:

  1. Media grants and funding programs: Research and apply for grants and funding programs specifically designed for media organizations. These can be offered by governmental bodies, non-profit organizations, or media development agencies that support media innovation and sustainability.
  2. Corporate partnerships and sponsorships: Seek partnerships with companies that have an interest in supporting media and journalism. This could involve collaborations for branded content, event sponsorships, or corporate social responsibility initiatives.
  3. Venture capital and investment: Explore the possibility of attracting investment from venture capital firms or angel investors interested in media and technology. Present a compelling business case highlighting the potential of your media company to adapt to the changing landscape and deliver value.
  4. Crowdfunding and community support: Engage with your audience and community to garner support through crowdfunding campaigns or membership models. Many readers are willing to contribute financially to support journalism they value.

When applying for funding, it is advisable to apply as a media company or organization rather than an individual.

This demonstrates a structured and sustainable approach, and it aligns with the expectations of most funding bodies.

Make sure to thoroughly research the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines for each funding opportunity to increase your chances of success.

Remember, the specific skills required to address the gaps in South Africa’s print media landscape will vary based on the organization’s goals and the nature of the technology adoption.

However, some essential skills and knowledge areas to consider include digital content creation, data analytics, social media management, multimedia production, audience engagement, and business development in the digital media space.

Continuous learning and upskilling are critical to stay abreast of evolving technologies and trends in the industry.

MDDA opens the call for grant funding applications 2023/24

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Closing date is on 17 July 2023, apply online or submit physically

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) will officially open the 2023/24 Call for Grant Funding Applications for a six-week period commencing from 05 June 2023.

Community broadcast media projects, including radio, TV, and community print publications, as well as small commercial print are invited to apply.

This year, the MDDA is celebrating twenty years of fulfilling its mandate by providing grant funding and other support, with the aim to encourage media ownership, access and control to media particularly by historically disadvantaged communities and diminished Indigenous language and cultural groups.

The agency will be introducing a few changes to this call for applications for both community print and community broadcast applications.

Grant Funding remains one of the core functions of the MDDA and is also one of the central factors towards ensuring successful empowerment, sustainability, and transformation of the community media sector. The application process will be conducted through compliant, cost-effective, and transparent selection procedures, in-line with corporate governance principles and compliance with the Agency’s legislative framework.

Community print applications: Due to the minimal budget for community print, the call to community projects will take a targeted approach and invite applications from four provinces.

“The MDDA will rotate the provinces every year after this call. All applications will be received on the MDDA’s online application system found on the MDDA website. The call is targeting organizations owned or focusing on youth, women and persons with disabilities related content. This year, the call is not accepting digital media applications under the print portfolio as it will be targeting communities which rely on hardcopy publications and publish in indigenous languages to assist further the mandate of media development and diversity in rural communities,” the agency stated.

Community Broadcast applications will still target all nine provinces.

How to submit your application

Applications will only be accepted via the following channels: emailed or physically delivered to the MDDA offices in Auckland Park (Gate 13, 26 Canary Road, Auckland Park, SABC GSM Building.)

The qualifying criteria is obtainable on the MDDA website, www.mdda.org.za.

For more information on the grant applications call, contact Mzu Kashe on the following e-mail: margaret@mdda.org.za / 082 785 6071.

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