Centrist television in the democratic South Africa: policymakers fail to answer the regional/local question, 1990-2011

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the disconnect between policy intent and policy implementation in relation to regional/local (sub-national) TV deliverables in South Africa between 1990 and 2011, and evaluate the impact of this disconnect in pursuit of public interest objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on a research case study in which data extracted from policy documents and interviews were qualitatively analysed via the Kingdon “policy streams” framework and the Feintuck and Varney public interest media regulation framework.

Findings

It was found that ruptures in deliberative policymaking, and policy implementation missteps, undermined sub-national TV delivery and, in turn, undermined pursuit of the public interest.

Originality/value

By combining a political science conceptual framework with a media policy conceptual framework, the article provides unique insights into South African TV policymaking in the early democratic era.

Citation

Armstrong, C. (2013), "Centrist television in the democratic South Africa: policymakers fail to answer the regional/local question, 1990-2011", info, Vol. 15 No. 5, pp. 128-140. https://doi.org/10.1108/info-05-2013-0029