NIC HARALAMBOUS

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White Men Dominate Media Industry

According to an audit conducted by the South African National Editors Forum (Sanef) white men are not only paid more than any other demographic, but they also occupy a large majority of the top managerial positions in the media industry. Black women come in at the bottom of the list while black men occupy a mere 6% of newsroom top and senior management.I find this extremely strange, not unbelievable, just strange. I have been turned down from a few positions due to the colour of my skin and thought it was OK cause shit happens. I think, and had previously thought that the media industry was always fairly balanced with regard to demographics. I guess I was wrong. Ignorance is bliss I guess.According to SouthAfrica.info nine media houses were surveyed, including SABC, the Citizen, Kaya FM, Media 24, Primedia, the South African Press Association, the Independent group of newspapers, Johncom and the Mail and Guardian. That is an extremely comprehensive survey that leaves very little to debate.I think that this is an extremely important study done by Sanef and no doubt one that is close to Ferial Haffajee's heart. Lets hope that reform and change are upon us and that equality in the industry of the watchdog is near!