The South African Press Freedom ? A Minor Field Study Of Its Development Between 2003 and 2007

Sammanfattning: By utilizing a theoretical framework developed by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF) we have been able to identify developments in South African press freedom with a special focus on the printed press, between the years of 2003-2007. The purpose of this thesis has been (1) to determine whether there has been an actual decrease in the South African press freedom and (2) to establish a nuanced picture of these potential changes. To this end we have conducted an in-depth field study based on interviews with journalists and authorities within the South African media sphere. We have come to the conclusion that the press freedom in South Africa in fact has decreased and at the same time threats from parts of the ANC government have increased. However we are of the opinion that the gravity of these findings should not be exaggerated. The state of press freedom in South Africa is by most means in good condition.