Examining radio broadcasting policies for multilingualism in South Africa: A study of the SABC's public radio stations.

This study examines the public radio policies, strategic initiatives and the robust implementation of multilingualism by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in South Africa. This study analyses SABC's initiatives, challenges and successes in promoting multilingualism on its radio platf...

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Publicado en:Radio Journal: International Studies in Broadcast & Audio Media Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 7 - 27
Autores principales: Minhas, Shahid, Salawu, Abiodun
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Intellect Ltd. Apr2026
Materias:
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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        atl: Examining radio broadcasting policies for multilingualism in South Africa: A study of the SABC's public radio stations.
      aug:
        au:
          Minhas, Shahid
          Salawu, Abiodun
        affil: North-West University
      su:
        South Africa
        South African Broadcasting Corp.
        Language policy
        Radio broadcasting
        Public radio
        Multilingualism
        South Africans
        Public broadcasting
        Communication models
      sug:
        subj:
          Language policy
          Radio broadcasting
          Public radio
          Multilingualism
          South Africa
          South African Broadcasting Corp.
          Radio Networks
          Radio broadcasting
          Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
          Radio Stations
          South Africans
          Public broadcasting
          Communication models
      keyword:
        Indigenous languages
        language and identity
        multilingualism
        PBS
        radio broadcasting
        radio policies
        SABC
        Indigenous languages
        language and identity
        multilingualism
        PBS
        radio broadcasting
        radio policies
        SABC
      ab: This study examines the public radio policies, strategic initiatives and the robust implementation of multilingualism by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in South Africa. This study analyses SABC's initiatives, challenges and successes in promoting multilingualism on its radio platforms through official policy documents and semi-structured interviews. Based on Howard Giles's Communication Accommodation Theory, the study explores how SABC adapts its communication strategies through language choice and engagement approaches to promote linguistic diversity. Using a qualitative research design, the study investigates SABC's approaches, challenges and achievements in fostering linguistic inclusivity. The findings reveal that SABC exhibits a commitment to linguistic inclusivity through its comprehensive language policy; however, the existing policies and their implementation do not adequately address the needs of unofficial languages, leading to their continued marginalization. Therefore, there is significant room for improvement in the implementation of policies throughout the country. The study highlights SABC's commitment to upholding the principles of editorial independence and public accountability, crucial for serving South Africa's diverse linguistic communities. Meanwhile, some languages receive less airtime and programmes compared to official languages, leading to disparities in linguistic visibility and cultural recognition. Furthermore, the research underscores the critical importance of language in fulfilling SABC's obligations as a public broadcaster, emphasizing the necessity of multilingual and culturally representative programming strategies and policy frameworks. The study argues that the constitution of South Africa should recognize more Indigenous languages, and these should find coverage on SABC radio just like official languages.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype: Article
      src: R
    language: English
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