As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day this year, the various threats to media freedom continue and in some cases, are increasing. One of these, which is an often under-estimated element in this system, is the way in which people access information. In our new globalized digital context, the types of news, stories and content that the public consume are increasingly shaped by social media and their somewhat unnoticed algorithms. Research across the world shows how this new environment means that people are more and more only receiving news tailored by their online preferences. Our question then becomes: what role do these entities have in shaping the type of media we consume? More importantly, what role do media play in ensuring that they help expand audience echo chambers?
Join us as we share some of our research into the dodgy news landscape in South Africa as well as host a riveting panel discussion highlighting what the media can do to improve this state of affairs.
For further information, please feel free to contact
Sarah at sarahf@mma.org.za or on (011) 788 - 1278
William at williamb@mma.org.za or on (011) 788 - 1278