Competition Commission report to be released in November
PICTURE (SABC News YouTube channel): Izak Minnaar, a member of the Press Council of South Africa, and SANEF secretary-general Glenda Daniels of Wits University attend the hearings
The Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI) commenced on 17 October 2023 in terms of section 43B(1)(a) of the Competition Act 89 of 1998 (as amended). The Inquiry was initiated because the Commission has reason to believe that there are market features on digital platforms that distribute news media content that impede, distort, or restrict competition, or undermine the purposes of the Act, and which have material implications for the news media sector of South Africa.
The MDPMI has completed extensive rounds of information gathering that included a Statement of Issues, a Further Statement of Issues and public hearings as well as confidential in-camera sessions. The next step in the Inquiry process is to publish the provisional report which will encompass the Inquiry’s initial findings and preliminary remedies for public comments.
The Provisional Report with initial findings, remedies, and recommendations is now expected to be released in November 2024.
The adjustment in the administrative timetable is to allow for sufficient time to receive and incorporate remaining submissions from various stakeholders, including major digital platforms and media publishers and associations.
The MDPMI further continues to receive expert reports from media companies and needs to ensure comprehensive analysis and integration of all gathered information. Additionally, the MDPMI has also conducted a consumer survey and will be releasing the results thereof soon.
Sbu Ngalwa, treasurer general of the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), gives a picture of the first day of presentations:
