Michael Markovitz
@michaelmarkovitz.bsky.social
Media viability, public service media & competition in the African digital economy. My views only.
https://michaelmarkovitz.substack.com
https://michaelmarkovitz.substack.com
Pinned
Finding our People at CTRL+J Africa
A Johannesburg gathering that confronted narratives, sovereignty, and the hard questions for journalism’s future
open.substack.com
Reflections on our #ctrljafrica event, where African regulators, global digital platforms, civil society, media publishers, journalists, govt, content creators & ‘newsfluencers’ met. We had 121 participants from 23 countries, with 41 out 47 speakers from Africa & strong rep rom Brazil & Indonesia.
Reflections on our #ctrljafrica event, where African regulators, global digital platforms, civil society, media publishers, journalists, govt, content creators & ‘newsfluencers’ met. We had 121 participants from 23 countries, with 41 out 47 speakers from Africa & strong rep rom Brazil & Indonesia.
Finding our People at CTRL+J Africa
A Johannesburg gathering that confronted narratives, sovereignty, and the hard questions for journalism’s future
open.substack.com
September 11, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Reflections on our #ctrljafrica event, where African regulators, global digital platforms, civil society, media publishers, journalists, govt, content creators & ‘newsfluencers’ met. We had 121 participants from 23 countries, with 41 out 47 speakers from Africa & strong rep rom Brazil & Indonesia.
Co-hosted by our Media Leadership Think Tank & International Fund for Public Interest Media, CTRL+J Africa convenes publishers, govts, regulators, funders & civil society to discuss who controls future of journalism. Live streaming from 9:00 AM (SAST) on 4 Sept: www.youtube.com/live/eVxDRtp...
CTRL+J Africa
YouTube video by GIBS Business School
www.youtube.com
September 1, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Co-hosted by our Media Leadership Think Tank & International Fund for Public Interest Media, CTRL+J Africa convenes publishers, govts, regulators, funders & civil society to discuss who controls future of journalism. Live streaming from 9:00 AM (SAST) on 4 Sept: www.youtube.com/live/eVxDRtp...
We have just completed Block 1 of the inaugural Executive Programme in Media Leadership at GIBS & what an energising start it’s been! As lead faculty for the programme, huge thanks to this fantastic pan-African group for your insight, curiosity & commitment. Look forward to seeing you again!
Gibs announces first cohort of Executive Programme in Media Leadership - Gordon Institute of Business Science
The Gordon Institute of Business Science (Gibs) is proud to announce the first cohort of its new Executive Programme in Media Leadership, an intensive four-month initiative...
www.bizcommunity.com
August 3, 2025 at 8:03 AM
We have just completed Block 1 of the inaugural Executive Programme in Media Leadership at GIBS & what an energising start it’s been! As lead faculty for the programme, huge thanks to this fantastic pan-African group for your insight, curiosity & commitment. Look forward to seeing you again!
It’s a line with deep roots and various origin stories, often regarded as a Turkish proverb. Whatever the source, the proverb speaks to a reality journalism must confront: the forces that weaken it are not always external. Sometimes, consequential decisions come from within.
When the axe came into the forest, the trees said: the handle is one of us
A reckoning with journalism’s internal compromises, and a path to resilience
open.substack.com
June 21, 2025 at 10:11 AM
It’s a line with deep roots and various origin stories, often regarded as a Turkish proverb. Whatever the source, the proverb speaks to a reality journalism must confront: the forces that weaken it are not always external. Sometimes, consequential decisions come from within.
Reposted by Michael Markovitz
Excellent faculty confirmed for our EP in Media Leadership; from leading GIBS faculty in strategy, leadership, innovation & entrepreneurship to globally recognised experts in media sustainability, public interest journalism, digital transformation & emerging tech. www.gibs.co.za/programmes/e...
June 4, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Excellent faculty confirmed for our EP in Media Leadership; from leading GIBS faculty in strategy, leadership, innovation & entrepreneurship to globally recognised experts in media sustainability, public interest journalism, digital transformation & emerging tech. www.gibs.co.za/programmes/e...
Excellent faculty confirmed for our EP in Media Leadership; from leading GIBS faculty in strategy, leadership, innovation & entrepreneurship to globally recognised experts in media sustainability, public interest journalism, digital transformation & emerging tech. www.gibs.co.za/programmes/e...
June 4, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Excellent faculty confirmed for our EP in Media Leadership; from leading GIBS faculty in strategy, leadership, innovation & entrepreneurship to globally recognised experts in media sustainability, public interest journalism, digital transformation & emerging tech. www.gibs.co.za/programmes/e...
Just in case you’re wondering, today @techcentral.co.za published my take on Africa’s biggest media deal - @canalplusat.bsky.social’s takeover of MultiChoice - now that the deal has been recommended for approval by South Africa’s Competition Commission. techcentral.co.za/really-at-st...
What's really at stake in the Canal+, MultiChoice merger - TechCentral
What the Canal+ takeover of MultiChoice could mean for competition in South Africa’s media ecosystem.
techcentral.co.za
May 26, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Just in case you’re wondering, today @techcentral.co.za published my take on Africa’s biggest media deal - @canalplusat.bsky.social’s takeover of MultiChoice - now that the deal has been recommended for approval by South Africa’s Competition Commission. techcentral.co.za/really-at-st...
Reposted by Michael Markovitz
Opinion | Michael Markovitz @michaelmarkovitz.bsky.social on what the Canal+ takeover of MultiChoice could mean for competition in South Africa’s media ecosystem.
What's really at stake in the Canal+, MultiChoice merger - TechCentral
What the Canal+ takeover of MultiChoice could mean for competition in South Africa’s media ecosystem.
techcentral.co.za
May 26, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Opinion | Michael Markovitz @michaelmarkovitz.bsky.social on what the Canal+ takeover of MultiChoice could mean for competition in South Africa’s media ecosystem.
Reposted by Michael Markovitz
SA has experienced how disinfo can be weaponised to damage its sovereignty, economy & credibility...The case vs Israel always triggered threats of retaliation & now the ‘white genocide’ lie is being amplified as geopolitical retribution. My piece: michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/why-defend...
Why defending information integrity should be a global priority for South Africa
M20 programme to elevate media issues on regional and international agendas
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com
May 19, 2025 at 3:40 PM
SA has experienced how disinfo can be weaponised to damage its sovereignty, economy & credibility...The case vs Israel always triggered threats of retaliation & now the ‘white genocide’ lie is being amplified as geopolitical retribution. My piece: michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/why-defend...
SA has experienced how disinfo can be weaponised to damage its sovereignty, economy & credibility...The case vs Israel always triggered threats of retaliation & now the ‘white genocide’ lie is being amplified as geopolitical retribution. My piece: michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/why-defend...
Why defending information integrity should be a global priority for South Africa
M20 programme to elevate media issues on regional and international agendas
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com
May 19, 2025 at 3:40 PM
SA has experienced how disinfo can be weaponised to damage its sovereignty, economy & credibility...The case vs Israel always triggered threats of retaliation & now the ‘white genocide’ lie is being amplified as geopolitical retribution. My piece: michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/why-defend...
Reposted by Michael Markovitz
Vile disinformation operation delivers for these white refugees from democracy, proving that with enough money, privilege can be repackaged as victimhood. Meanwhile, the Trump regime’s cruelty toward its own vulnerable citizens continues to be fully exposed. (paywall) www.news24.com/citypress/ne...
Trump orders money meant for sick and elderly be used to fund Afrikaner refugees | News24
The US government is expected to welcome the first batch of Afrikaner ‘refugees’ soon.
www.news24.com
May 11, 2025 at 6:05 AM
Vile disinformation operation delivers for these white refugees from democracy, proving that with enough money, privilege can be repackaged as victimhood. Meanwhile, the Trump regime’s cruelty toward its own vulnerable citizens continues to be fully exposed. (paywall) www.news24.com/citypress/ne...
Vile disinformation operation delivers for these white refugees from democracy, proving that with enough money, privilege can be repackaged as victimhood. Meanwhile, the Trump regime’s cruelty toward its own vulnerable citizens continues to be fully exposed. (paywall) www.news24.com/citypress/ne...
Trump orders money meant for sick and elderly be used to fund Afrikaner refugees | News24
The US government is expected to welcome the first batch of Afrikaner ‘refugees’ soon.
www.news24.com
May 11, 2025 at 6:05 AM
Vile disinformation operation delivers for these white refugees from democracy, proving that with enough money, privilege can be repackaged as victimhood. Meanwhile, the Trump regime’s cruelty toward its own vulnerable citizens continues to be fully exposed. (paywall) www.news24.com/citypress/ne...
Reposted by Michael Markovitz
Press freedom without sustainability is like a voice without breath. It may exist in principle but can't be exercised in practice. We're responding not just through research & advocacy - but by equipping a new generation of leaders to meet this moment. michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/on-world-p...
On World Press Freedom Day: Why Media Leadership Matters
New executive programme is a direct response to market crisis in media and journalism
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com
May 4, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Press freedom without sustainability is like a voice without breath. It may exist in principle but can't be exercised in practice. We're responding not just through research & advocacy - but by equipping a new generation of leaders to meet this moment. michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/on-world-p...
Press freedom without sustainability is like a voice without breath. It may exist in principle but can't be exercised in practice. We're responding not just through research & advocacy - but by equipping a new generation of leaders to meet this moment. michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/on-world-p...
On World Press Freedom Day: Why Media Leadership Matters
New executive programme is a direct response to market crisis in media and journalism
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com
May 4, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Press freedom without sustainability is like a voice without breath. It may exist in principle but can't be exercised in practice. We're responding not just through research & advocacy - but by equipping a new generation of leaders to meet this moment. michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/on-world-p...
Reposted by Michael Markovitz
The Jewish Chronicle is perhaps the only paper in British history where we are not allowed to know who owns it, or why. Its refusal to run an ad critical of Netanyahu makes this untenable, writes @arusbridger.bsky.social.
www.prospectmagazine...
www.prospectmagazine...
It’s time MPs investigated the Jewish Chronicle’s secret ownership
Britain’s longest-standing Jewish newspaper has refused to run an advert criticising Benjamin Netanyahu. The case raises more questions about the pape...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
May 4, 2025 at 7:57 AM
The Jewish Chronicle is perhaps the only paper in British history where we are not allowed to know who owns it, or why. Its refusal to run an ad critical of Netanyahu makes this untenable, writes @arusbridger.bsky.social.
www.prospectmagazine...
www.prospectmagazine...
Great piece by @arusbridger.bsky.social on the editorial & regulatory failure behind the Jewish Chronicle scandal in the UK. Not so in SA where the Jewish Report was 1st ever member to be expelled from SA Press Council for refusing to obey rulings in 2022.
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/...
A crisis at the Jewish Chronicle shows the toothlessness of the press watchdog
The country’s longest-standing Jewish newspaper ran fabricated stories that have prompted a widespread inquiry in Israel. But at home, the press regul...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
April 21, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Great piece by @arusbridger.bsky.social on the editorial & regulatory failure behind the Jewish Chronicle scandal in the UK. Not so in SA where the Jewish Report was 1st ever member to be expelled from SA Press Council for refusing to obey rulings in 2022.
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/...
Looking forward to the virtual launch of our inaugural Executive Programme in Media Leadership at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), Joburg.
📅 Date: 15 April 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00-13:00 SAST (GMT+2)
Register for our webinar here!👉 lnkd.in/dRntcEeD
www.bizcommunity.com/article/gibs...
📅 Date: 15 April 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00-13:00 SAST (GMT+2)
Register for our webinar here!👉 lnkd.in/dRntcEeD
www.bizcommunity.com/article/gibs...
Gibs in collaboration with Daily Maverick launches groundbreaking media executive programme
Styli Charalambous and Michael Markovitz to take part in the virtual launch to address media’s sustainability crisis...
www.bizcommunity.com
April 11, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Looking forward to the virtual launch of our inaugural Executive Programme in Media Leadership at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), Joburg.
📅 Date: 15 April 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00-13:00 SAST (GMT+2)
Register for our webinar here!👉 lnkd.in/dRntcEeD
www.bizcommunity.com/article/gibs...
📅 Date: 15 April 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00-13:00 SAST (GMT+2)
Register for our webinar here!👉 lnkd.in/dRntcEeD
www.bizcommunity.com/article/gibs...
Here we are again. Another analogue switch off date has been suspended by a court, confirming decade long warnings from South African broadcasters and civil society groups.
My quick take on the judgement and the way forward: open.substack.com/pub/michaelm...
My quick take on the judgement and the way forward: open.substack.com/pub/michaelm...
Update: Court Blocks Analogue Switch-Off — Again
"ASO would deliver a killer punch to SABC" and cause "irreparable harm"
open.substack.com
March 28, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Here we are again. Another analogue switch off date has been suspended by a court, confirming decade long warnings from South African broadcasters and civil society groups.
My quick take on the judgement and the way forward: open.substack.com/pub/michaelm...
My quick take on the judgement and the way forward: open.substack.com/pub/michaelm...
Here is my latest piece on the Canal+ planned takeover of the Multichoice Group where I argue that the concentration of sports and premium content rights across the continent could have potentially dire consequences for African public broadcasters and commercial competitors.
Monopoly+
Will the Canal+ takeover of MultiChoice sail through unchecked?
open.substack.com
March 22, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Here is my latest piece on the Canal+ planned takeover of the Multichoice Group where I argue that the concentration of sports and premium content rights across the continent could have potentially dire consequences for African public broadcasters and commercial competitors.
Broken promises.
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/a-broken-p...
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/a-broken-p...
March 5, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Broken promises.
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/a-broken-p...
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/a-broken-p...
Reposted by Michael Markovitz
With e.tv's permission, you can watch The Switch Off on my substack, Media Explorations. Its an investigation by Karen Schoonbee & Annika Larsen into the repeated failure of SA's digital migration, including insights from experts, civil society & myself.
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/a-broken-p...
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/a-broken-p...
A Broken Promise: The Failure of South Africa’s Digital Migration
Nine Years On, Digital Terrestrial Television Remains South Africa’s Smallest Broadcast Network
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com
March 5, 2025 at 10:07 AM
With e.tv's permission, you can watch The Switch Off on my substack, Media Explorations. Its an investigation by Karen Schoonbee & Annika Larsen into the repeated failure of SA's digital migration, including insights from experts, civil society & myself.
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/a-broken-p...
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/a-broken-p...
With e.tv's permission, you can watch The Switch Off on my substack, Media Explorations. Its an investigation by Karen Schoonbee & Annika Larsen into the repeated failure of SA's digital migration, including insights from experts, civil society & myself.
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/a-broken-p...
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/a-broken-p...
A Broken Promise: The Failure of South Africa’s Digital Migration
Nine Years On, Digital Terrestrial Television Remains South Africa’s Smallest Broadcast Network
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com
March 5, 2025 at 10:07 AM
With e.tv's permission, you can watch The Switch Off on my substack, Media Explorations. Its an investigation by Karen Schoonbee & Annika Larsen into the repeated failure of SA's digital migration, including insights from experts, civil society & myself.
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/a-broken-p...
michaelmarkovitz.substack.com/p/a-broken-p...
Reposted by Michael Markovitz
If you worked for 18F and got fired, Group together to start a consulting company.
It’s just a matter of time before DOGE needs you to fix the mess they inevitably create.
They will have to hire your company as a contractor to fix it. But on your terms.
I’m happy to invest and/or help
It’s just a matter of time before DOGE needs you to fix the mess they inevitably create.
They will have to hire your company as a contractor to fix it. But on your terms.
I’m happy to invest and/or help
March 2, 2025 at 12:34 AM
If you worked for 18F and got fired, Group together to start a consulting company.
It’s just a matter of time before DOGE needs you to fix the mess they inevitably create.
They will have to hire your company as a contractor to fix it. But on your terms.
I’m happy to invest and/or help
It’s just a matter of time before DOGE needs you to fix the mess they inevitably create.
They will have to hire your company as a contractor to fix it. But on your terms.
I’m happy to invest and/or help
Reposted by Michael Markovitz
Opinion | The Competition Commission’s provisional report into Big Tech and South African news media, published on Monday, moves beyond the typical pay-for-harm model, writes @michaelmarkovitz.bsky.social.
SA targets Big Tech's market power in media inquiry report - TechCentral
The Competition Commission's provisional report into Big Tech and South African news media, published on Monday, moves beyond the typical pay-for-harm model.
techcentral.co.za
February 26, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Opinion | The Competition Commission’s provisional report into Big Tech and South African news media, published on Monday, moves beyond the typical pay-for-harm model, writes @michaelmarkovitz.bsky.social.
Reposted by Michael Markovitz
I heart Tina Smith.
February 25, 2025 at 8:58 PM
I heart Tina Smith.