World Press Freedom day (3 May) is a date which celebrates the principles of press freedom, to evaluate and defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
World Press Freedom day also acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect and commitment to press freedom.
It serves as an occasion to inform citizens of violations of press freedom – a reminder that in dozens of countries around the world, publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered.
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991. This in turn was a response to a call by African journalists who in 1991 produced the Windhoek Declaration on media pluralism and independence.
The first radio show produced by bikers – presented by bikers – owned by bikers – for bikers and every other road user – launched in 2012 on Bush Radio is moving to a new time-slot.
The show will be broadcast every Monday evening from 7 to 10pm on 89.5FM and available via internet / mobile phone across the world).
The show will continue to have something for everyone – those to whom biking is a hobby; others who see it as a lifestyle and for those who believe biking is life itself!
This three-hour show will have weekly features on road safety, featured bike of the week; club of the week; general biker news; special guests and if it needs to be aired for debate, it will be dealt with on The Biker Show.
UPDATE: ICASA has granted an extension on written submissions
new deadline: 31 AUGUST 2015The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) have recently called upon individuals and groups to make written input into the draft regulations on South African music content (ie quotas)
The regulations will guide all radio stations in SA as to how much local music they must play.
Highlights of the proposed regulations are:
Community radio80% local (eg Bush Radio*, Zibonele, CCFM etc)
Commercial radio35% local (eg KFM, Heart, Smile, Highveld, YFM)
SABC “Commercial”35% local (Metro FM, 5FM + Good Hope FM)
SABC Public radio70% local.(excl SABC “commercial” above)
Written representations with regard to the draft regulations must be submitted to ICASA by the14 August 2015. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS)
Enquiries should be directed to 011 566-3259; between 10h00 and 16h00, Monday to Friday.
Persons submitting written representations are asked to indicate whether they want to make oral presentations as well.
*Bush Radio currently plays a minimum of 50% local music.
Today marks the 20th anniversary of Bush Radio‘s illegal broadcast (25 April 1993) which forced the issue of community broadcasting onto the legislative agenda in South Africa and paved the way for the airwaves to be opened and the development of a vibrant community radio sector.
Within days of the broadcast, authorities (police, members of the security branch and post office officials) seized the station’s equipment and arrested two staff members. Following intense local and international lobbying efforts, however, the case was dismissed and Bush Radio was granted a broadcast license on 1 August 1995.
One of Bush Radio’s board members and a strong anti-apartheid activist Professor William Tilden McClain passed away on Sunday the 02nd of October 2011. We at Bush Radio mourn his death.
Professor McClain was originally from a small town inIndiana in the United States, and after his studies served as Deputy Attorney General of Indiana.
His first interest of South Africa began in 1950’s when he went to study at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the Universityof London. Initially he was going to study Indian or Middle Eastern law, but was drawn to African law. At this time he also followed the Treason Trial in South Africa very closely.
In 1961 he was sent by the University to do research and collect documents in Africa. He drove from Nairobi to Lesotho and visited eight African states, including Swaziland. This is where he met his wife May Vuyelwa Hillary.
Professor McClain had a very close relationship with the struggle movement and its leadership in exile especially Oliver Tambo and Chris Hani. In an interview with a Bush Radio intern two months ago he recalled a story of how he got to give Oliver Tambo his sunglasses. “Oliver and I were on the plane heading for Zambia. Just before we landed in Lusaka, Oliver asked me to give him my sunglasses for disguise and I gave them to him and I never got them back”
He became involved with Bush Radio more than seven years ago and served on the board at the time of his death.
Professor McClain has been described as a leader, mentor and a person who was always willing to give. His guidance and generous heart will be sorely missed by everyone at Bush Radio. He has left a void which no one can fill. Our condolences go to his wife, children, extended family and his friends.
World Press Freedom day (3 May) is a date which celebrates the principles of press freedom, to evaluate and defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
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