Today, the 14^th December 2010 marks a meeting of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) and the Print Media South Africa (PMSA).(PMSA- includes, Media 24 LTD, CTP Limited, Independent Newspapers LTD and Avusa  LTD).

The meeting being one of the normal interactions between the partners discussed a number of issues of common interest ranging from an update on MDDA achievements and challenges, media transformation, media diversity, editorial independence, skills & enterprise development, common understanding of challenges faced by print media in the current technology era (for established and start up print enterprises), differences of business models between print & broadcasting media, etc.

The PMSA complemented the MDDA for its achievements. PMSA acknowledged that the MDDA is well run, professional and is a quality organization, driving its vision & mission according to its establishing act.

PMSA raised concerns regarding the MDDA's research report on trends of ownership & control done by Z-coms, July 2009. Significant progress had been made by the print industry on transformation including on ownership. The meeting acknowledged that a lot of changes had taken place since the report was published. PMSA tabled that it had adopted the BEE scorecard as a measurement for transformation for the industry.

The meeting noted that the July 2009 research was a beginning and agreed to partner in conducting a new research looking at all the elements of the BEE scorecard including ownership and control. The aim is to prepare a print industry research prior to the planned Parliamentary public hearings on media transformation and diversity. Further, the parties agreed to partner in respect of future industry research, skills development, maximizing value for training, academy collaborations and any other related work. The parties agreed on partnership, common understanding of the developments in the industry, regular meaningful dialogues aimed at finding optimal solutions and on working together.

The Agency thanked the Government (whose valuable support for the Agency through GCIS and the Presidency has made its work manageable) and the funding partners both broadcast and print media. The parties committed to continue join hands in assisting the building of an environment where a diverse, vibrant and creative media flourishes and reflects the needs of all South Africans. 

Issued by:

Phumelele Nzimande, Acting MDDA Chair, and

Prakash C Desai, PMSA President

 

As you know, the 21st World Newspaper Advertising Conference will be held in Malta, from 24 to 25 of February 2011. 

I would ask you to join us in helping to promote the event programme to your member newspapers.  We would therefore be grateful if your association could publish the attached banners on its website: we can translate them into any language you wish. The ads should be please linked to http://www.wan-ifra.org/advertising2011. 
Should you be willing to publish these advertisements in print, you will find attached the suitable version. 

Your members will benefit from the 200 EUR discount that we offer to association members, something we encourage you to remind your them of. 

This kind of help from WAN-IFRA member associations has proven very effective, in its contribution to the success of our recent events: we trust that you will confirm your support in this occasion. 

For further details about the 21st World Newspaper Advertising Conference please contact the programme manager of the event:

Ioana
Phone: +49.6151.733-769 
Email: ioana.straeter@wan-ifra.org

The Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa (ASA) has adopted substantial changes to its Code of Advertising Practice. The Code, which forms the guiding document of the industry, is revised annually to keep pace with the dynamics of the South African society and to meet the changing needs of the marketing and communications industry. Among the significant changes to the Code are updates to its individual codes, which are determined by various member organisation or negotiated with governmental institutions.  The provisions of the Code are mostly broadly framed, but special rules covered by the Appendices, apply to particular audiences and to certain categories of products and services.

• Appendix A sees the introduction of a new Code of Practice for the Marketing of Health Products, which has now replaced Appendix H (previously Advertising for over-the counter medicines).
• The Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use (ARA) has inserted a new Code of Commercial Communication in Appendix B.
• Appendix C that covers Advertising of cosmetics, has been updated relating to cosmetic cellulite products and preparations containing sunscreens.
• The Direct Marketing Association of South Africa revised its Appendix D, resulting in the deletion of some provisions and the re-numbering of remaining provisions.
• A new guideline, Guideline 10 has been included in the Code. This covers a new ARA Underage Line Policy, covering TV, radio, print and outdoor advertising.

Fred Makgato, Head Legal and Regulatory Affairs of the ASA pointed out that these Guidelines are not part of the ASA Code but relate to laws, rulings and procedures that can affect the preparation of advertising copy and that users are advised to study the full implications of the particular law before proceeding with advertising, as it must not be taken for granted that the laws listed have not been amended.

The role of the ASA is to act as a facilitator between those representing the public interest and those representing the industry when standards are set. The ASA also keeps abreast of international standards and will inform the Code Revision Committee of trends and changes.

For more information on the guidelines kindly contact the ASA on the details provided below.

Corné Koch

The Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa (ASA)

Tel (011) 781 2006

Fax (011) 781 1616

corne@asasa.org.za