‘Small media players at disadvantage’

INLSA

Anton Van Zyk, from community newspaper publisher LiN Media, argues a point at this weeks talk about the media industry in Braamfontein. Picture: Tiro Ramatlhatse

Johannesburg - If you are an independent voice, it means you are small. If you are small, it means you get bullied by the conglomerates. It’s not personal, but business.

This is according to Anton van Zyk, who runs LiN Media, a company that manages community newspapers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

In total, LiN Media handles 11 independent titles, including the Limpopo Mirror and Zoutpansberger.

Van Zyk gave a presentation on Thursday at the Joburg Theatre to the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) and the Print and Digital Media Transformation Task Team (PDMTTT).

The function was held to discuss, among others, challenges facing the media in light of the Competition Commission’s investigation into the big four media houses - Caxton, Media24, Independent Newspapers and Times Media.

The investigation follows allegations of market sharing before 1998, information sharing, and possible collusion between media companies.

These concerns led to the formation of the PDMTTT by the media industry itself to address transformation in the sector.

Caxton withdrew from making any submissions to the task team.

“Every community should have a voice, and that speaks to the essence of transformation,” said Van Zyk.

Printing and distribution costs are among the major factors that create a barrier to entry for most small to medium enterprises.

“I don’t think it is wise to invest in a printing press when the money can be invested elsewhere,” added Van Zyk, who believes the future lies in digital platforms.

Responding to a question from one of the delegates, Van Zyk highlighted the importance of newspapers that are well positioned within their communities and not “remote controlled by big city offices”.

“Newspapers must belong to residents of the communities. This means that the newspapers are always part of the pulse of such communities,” added Van Zyk.

ntombi.ndhlovu@inl.co.za

The Star