Jocoza News 5 May

• Anton Harber writes about the banning of opposition party advertisements by the national broadcaster, exactly 20 years after we achieved media freedom, and notes that we have at least the freedom to protest against this kind of thing.

• Beeld has been known for its crime reporting for many years, but a new editor has extended the paper's repertoire, writes Gill Moodie in the latest instalment of her “Backstory” series.

• In its 2013 overview on Namibia, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) points out that journalists and citizens seem not to be bothered by frequent restrictions of media freedom and freedom of speech.

• Harare police on Saturday disrupted a peaceful march organised by the Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) and the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe to mark World Press Freedom Day.

• The Protection of State Information Bill must be sent to the Constitutional Court for ratification before it is signed into law, the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) said in its comment marking media freedom day.

• After five years of crisis management and hopping from one scandal to another, President Jacob Zuma wants an information ministry, to clean up his image.

Opportunities:

• Registration is now open for the fifth edition of Joburg Radio Days, scheduled for July 2 – 4 at Wits University. It’s food for the radio brain, and topics include everything from the best radio apps in the world to cutting edge programming ideas in science, comedy and business and opportunities to speed-date the radio stars.

• The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Center for Business Journalism, will offer Fellowships to accomplished business journalists starting in the spring of 2014.

Have a good week further!

The jocoza team