Sources within the Johnnic Communications (Johncom) media stable have confirmed that <i>Business Day</i> editor Peter Bruce has terminated the column of controversial commentator David Gleason. Bruce’s decision is attributed to the columnist’s refusal to "stop writing political pieces", as well as to his seemingly overt support for mining magnate Brett Kebble.
In Johannesburg this morning the Constitutional Court ruled in favour of T-shirt makers and parody specialists Laugh It Off, bringing to an end the heavily publicised legal battle between the tiny company and multinational brewing giant South African Breweries (SAB). But media excitement has been marred by the gag order placed on <i>Mail & Guardian</i> last night.
Writer of this month’s lead article Andy Davis sent through a biting piece of American cultural satire for possible inclusion alongside his story. It’s called "Message From Our Sponsor", by Jello Biafria.
Following Barclays PLC’s recent announcement of its intention to acquire a controlling stake in the Absa Group for a reported R33-billion, it was announced in Johannesburg today that the Absa brand will not be replaced by the brand of its soon-to-be parent.
After years in an economic slump, Durban and Pietermaritzburg are experiencing a return to prosperity. Kevin Bloom speaks to the media bosses in KwaZulu-Natal’s major cities about the impact of regional growth on their brands.
Why is it that the Cape is the hub of South Africa’s magazine publishing industry when the readers and revenues are up north? Kevin Bloom asks the question and looks at the media sectors where the region is lagging.
This month’s focus on African-language (or vernacular) media came about as the result of a question. With the listenership figures on SABC’s PBS stations Ukhozi FM, Umhlobo Wenene FM and Lesedi FM still outstripping anything else that local radio has to offer (apart, of course, from the SABC’s own commercial station Metro FM), what are the revenue figures looking like?
Their listenership figures outperform all other radio brands in the country and their power to change corporate fortunes is indisputable, so why aren’t the African-language stations in SABC’s PBS portfolio doing better? Kevin Bloom reports.
<i>The Herald</i>, Zimbabwe’s largest government daily – which, incidentally, is also 20% owned by local giant Old Mutual – is about to be distributed and sold in South Africa. Kevin Bloom speaks to the editor.
Kevin Bloom argues that the strong performances of Zulu-language newspapers Ilanga, Isolezwe and Umafrika pose a problem: why don’t the rest of South Africa’s vernacular markets have their own mainstream titles?