South Africa’s media regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa), has issued a clear warning to television and radio stations: Do not allow parties in power to misuse their platforms in the lead-up to the municipal elections on November 1, 2025.
In fresh guidelines released this week, Icasa reminded broadcasters that incumbents often enjoy an unfair advantage and cautioned stations to be particularly careful about providing them with additional airtime or legitimacy solely due to their current positions in office.
“Treat everything from sitting officials with a critical eye,” Icasa emphasised. “Coverage should be no more favourable than if they were not in government.”
This announcement follows changes to election broadcasting regulations made earlier this month, which now explicitly include independent candidates in the airtime allocation. Icasa chair Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng acknowledged that while updating those rules, they initially omitted detailed broadcasting standards—a gap that this week’s announcement aims to address.
The new standards urge broadcasters to maintain fairness, independence, and impartiality throughout their election coverage. Icasa pointed out that elections are significant public events that warrant thorough, balanced reporting — rather than political spin.
Importantly, Icasa stressed that it will not interfere with broadcasters’ editorial decisions but expects them to adhere to fundamental journalistic ethics, particularly regarding equitable coverage.
As the countdown to Election Day intensifies, Icasa issued a special note about the final 48 hours: broadcasters must be especially diligent, ensuring that if any political party or independent candidate is criticised on air, they are afforded a fair opportunity to respond—ideally within the same programme.
The bottom line? Broadcasters must create space for all voices, manage conflicting views appropriately, and maintain a level of political playing field — regardless of who is in charge.
