MDDA opens call for community media grant applications

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) invites community media platforms to submit grant funding applications before 28 June 2024. 

Encouraged and invited to apply are media projects with a valid Class Broadcast Service Licence, including radio, TV,  and community print publications, as well as small commercial print publications. 

“Over the past 20 years, the MDDA has fulfilled its mandate by providing grant funding and other support, to promote diverse media ownership, access and control of the community and small commercial media organisations,” said the MDDA.

The focus was on historically disadvantaged communities and diminished indigenous languages and cultural groups.

The MDDA added that it had contributed significantly to the transformation of the media landscape in South Africa but there were still communities including special interest groups, such as the youth and people living with disabilities that are underserved by  mainstream media. 

To address this gap, this year’s funding is targeting organisations owned by youth, women and persons with disabilities, and those that cover content related to these groups in Western Cape, Limpopo, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State. 

“Print publications, especially those that publish in indigenous languages are encouraged to apply to assist further the agenda of media development and diversity in rural communities.” 

The MDDA will host two virtual sessions on 14 and 24 June to educate and inform potential applicants about the compliance requirements necessary to qualify for funding. 

Additionally, these sessions will provide opportunities for participants to ask questions and seek clarification. 

The MDDA website will be used as the application portal for organisations intending to apply and will accept applications from the following organisations:

• Community broadcast (television and radio), 
• Community print publications 
• Small commercial print publications 

Broadcast applications can be emailed at applications@mdda.org.za, while walk-ins can be dropped off at the MDDA offices. 

Print applications will be received through the online application portal on the MDDA website. The qualifying criteria for all organisations will be published on the MDDA website and other communication platforms.¥