The SOS Coalition returns for the third edition of the PSM Symposium 

The SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS Coalition), in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), will host its Annual Public Service Media Symposiumon 8 and 9 September 2026. The Symposium will bring together media practitioners, civil society, academics and other stakeholders to examine the future of public service media in South Africa and Southern Africa.

Under the theme, strengthening public service media’s digital future and advocacy, the two-day Symposium will provide a platform for critical dialogue on the role of public service media in strengthening democracy, ensuring universal access to information and responding to the rapidly changing media and digital environment.

The Symposium comes at a critical time when the SABC’s lack of funding for the coverage of the upcoming local government elections is under increasing scrutiny, while the public broadcaster continues to face significant challenges, including sustainability, editorial  independence pressures, an inadequate funding model, delayed legislative reform and the unprecedented demands for digital transformation. These challenges are not unique to South Africa. Public service media across Southern Africa faces similar pressures as they seek to remain sustainable, independent and responsive to changing audiences and an evolving media environment.

The programme will allow for both local and regional perspectives to be shared and sufficiently deliberated upon.  The first day of the Symposium will focus on the state, sustainability and future of the SABC, while the second day will broaden the discussion to public service media advocacy in Southern Africa. The Symposium will feature participants from Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, who will share experiences from their respective countries, reflect on common challenges, and explore practical solutions and models for building strong, sustained advocacy that can advance public service media across Southern Africa.

Furthermore, the Symposium will create an opportunity for stakeholders in Southern Africa to share experiences, exchange lessons and expertise, and explore opportunities for greater regional collaboration in strengthening public service media.

The SOS Coalition believes that public service media requires an ongoing platform for dialogue, reflection and collective action to continuously develop solutions that can shape, strengthen and safeguard its future. Its sustainability and relevance will also depend on meaningful collaboration not only nationally but across the region. We therefore invite you to join us in advancing this important conversation, sharing experiences and working together towards a stronger, more independent and sustainable public service media landscape in Southern Africa.

To attend RSVP here.

For media inquiries contact: 

1. Uyanda Siyotula

SOS National Coordinator 

natcoord@soscoalition.org.za  

060 691 2462 

• Carol Seatlanyane 

SOS Communications officer 

commsadmin@soscoalition.org.za