A survey report by Broadcast Media Africa has raised critical questions about the sustainability and relevance of public interest broadcasting across Africa, as digital disruption continues to reshape how audiences access news, information, and cultural content.
The 2026 survey report, “Regulating Africa’s Broadcasting & Media Sector in the Digital Ecosystem”, highlights growing concern among industry stakeholders that traditional public service broadcasting models are struggling to adapt to the demands of a fast-evolving, platform-driven media environment.
According to the findings, over 68% of respondents believe that public interest broadcasters are currently under significant pressure, facing declining revenues, audience fragmentation, and increased competition from global digital platforms. These challenges limit their ability to fulfil core mandates, such as providing trusted news, educational programming, and culturally relevant local content.
A key issue identified is funding sustainability. Many public broadcasters across Africa continue to rely on government allocations and limited advertising income, both of which are under strain. The report indicates that more than 60% of stakeholders consider existing funding models unsustainable in the long term, particularly amid shifting advertising revenues toward digital platforms.
The report also points to a growing crisis of visibility and reach. As audiences increasingly consume content on social media and streaming platforms, public broadcasters are losing their traditional position as primary sources of information. Over 70% of respondents note that younger audiences, in particular, are turning away from traditional broadcast channels in favour of on-demand and mobile-first content experiences.
At the same time, the importance of public interest broadcasting has never been greater. The report identifies rising concerns about misinformation and disinformation, and declining trust in online content—challenges that underscore the need for credible, independent, and accessible sources of information.
However, regulatory and policy frameworks have yet to fully support this transition. Many public broadcasters operate under legacy regulations that do not adequately account for digital distribution, platform partnerships, or new forms of content delivery. As a result, their ability to innovate and compete is often constrained.
Encouragingly, the report reveals strong consensus on the need to reimagine public service broadcasting for the digital era. Over 80% of stakeholders support reforms to strengthen the role of public broadcasters, including investment in digital transformation, modernised funding mechanisms, and clearer mandates aligned with today’s media realities.
Commenting on the findings, Benjamin Pius said, “Public interest broadcasting remains a cornerstone of democratic societies, particularly in Africa, where access to reliable information is essential for social and economic development. However, the model must evolve. There is an urgent need to rethink how public broadcasters are funded, regulated, and positioned within the broader digital ecosystem to ensure they remain relevant, trusted, and accessible to all audiences.”
The report also highlights the importance of collaboration—both within countries and across the continent. Regional partnerships, content-sharing initiatives, and co-production models are increasingly seen as viable strategies to strengthen public broadcasting and extend its reach.
As Africa’s media landscape continues to transform, the report calls for a renewed commitment to public-interest broadcasting—one that balances independence, sustainability, and innovation to serve citizens in a digital-first world.
