Interviewing of candidates for vacancies on the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Board

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Communications and Digital Technologies

08 November 2011
Chairperson: Mr S Kholwane (ANC)
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Meeting Summary

The Committee met to interview 9 short listed candidates to fill 2 vacant positions on the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Board.

The following short listed candidates were interviewed by the Committee:

Mr Dennis Lille
Mr Adam Haupt
Prof Benjamin Khoali
Mr Lionel Aderndolf
Mr Phenyo Nonqane
Ms Rene Smith
Mr Mxolisi Mvimbi
Adv Sifiso Malunga
Dr Bheki Shongwe

Meeting report

Interviews
Candidates were asked the following questions:

•The nominees were asked why they thought they were best candidate for the job

•Candidates were asked to explain the current funding model of the MDDA, whether it was still relevant and/or what funding model should be explored by the MDDA.

•Candidates were asked to elaborate on their qualifications and previous experience in relation to the position they were applying for.

•They were asked if the MDDA was still relevant in terms of its mandate or should be incorporated to other broadcasting institution to form something new.

•They were asked why they were interested in being on the MDDA Board and what experience they would bring to that Board.

•They were asked to expand on a turn-around strategy for the MDDA Board.

•They were asked what their focus would be in terms of bringing upcoming community media to the mainstream, what mistakes the Board had made and what they would do to fix those mistakes.

•They were asked to explain how they would transform the MDDA.

•They were asked to explain the difference they would make to the MDDA and what value they would add.

•Candidates were also asked whether they would commit themselves full-time to the MDDA Board.

•Candidates were asked if their political views would influence their decisions in the MDDA Board.

•They were asked to share their thoughts on the proposed Media Tribunal.

•They were asked if they served on other boards.

•Candidates were asked how the MDDA could utilize the new media which was the future of South African media to uplift community media projects.

•They were asked how the migration from analogue to digital would help rural community media in terms of understanding and affordability.

•They were asked if the current budget allocation to the MDDA was enough to carry out its mandate.

•They were asked what would be essential in the funding of community projects because small media companies survived on the funds they receive from MDDA.

•Candidates were asked how they would transform the content of local community newspapers which was currently skewed towards the mainstream media and flooded with advertisements.

•They were asked how they would develop alternative community media ownership and curb the influence of the mainstream media houses.

•They were asked how they would encourage media diversity and promote indigenous languages in community media.

•They were asked what they would do to promote the objectives of the MDDA.

•They were asked to explain the areas they would focus on if they were to be appointed to the MDDA Board.

•They were asked what the assessment was of mass media in South Africa, whether it was successful or not.

•They were asked if they would commit themselves fulltime to the MDDA Board.

•They were asked to explain their understanding of the challenges of community media organizations.

•They were asked how they would balance the conflict of interests in the MDDA Board.

•Candidates were asked to explain their views of the Information Bill as reported in the mainstream media.

•The meeting was adjourned.

•Refer to audio recordings for responses.








 

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