SOS Coalition launches continental consultations on African Commission’s resolution on public service content  

The SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS) conducted the first of a series of  continental consultations on universal access to public service content in Africa  beginning of May at the 2025 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF), in Lusaka, Zambia, with the support of Paradigm Initiative (PIN).

SOS conducts  these consultations on behalf of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)’s Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, following the adoption of ACHPR Resolution 631 earlier this year. The resolution mandates Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo to consult with African role players to assess their concept of public service content in current times and to develop guidelines for member states to develop a future-focused policy framework for universal access to public service content in Africa.

The resolution recognises that most of the new online services are not regulated to meet public interest benchmarks, and that legacy broadcasters who seek to distribute content on social media channels are now dependent on intermediary gatekeepers who promote sensational content rather than public interest content. Further, the resolution recognises the importance of safeguarding and supporting universal access to quality public interest content as a central pillar for actualising the right of access to information on the continent. 

SOS is of the view that not all content available to the public is public-interest content and many public service media (PSM) actually serve more as narrow government mouthpieces rather than advancers of content in the wider public interest. 

Briefing the participants in the DRIF session, SOS member Izak Minnaar said that the resolution  effectively democritises public service content by  extending the production, distribution and accessibility of PSC beyond what is already available via public service media.  The purpose of the resolution  is not to redefine the role of PSMs, but to define the criteria for public service content produced by others.

These consultations are crucial to ensure that the policy framework and guidelines are informed by African perspectives and standards, reflecting the continent’s unique digital needs and challenges. 

SOS will continue with these critical conversations across the continent. The next consultation is set to take place at the Africa Media Convention (AMC) in Morrocco, on 29-31 May 2025.  

SOS invites individuals or organisations who wish to contribute but are unable to attend consultations  to air their views via this Google form.

For more information contact 

Uyanda Siyotula

National Coordinator

[email protected]

060 691 2462