Latest news with #contentstandards
The Herald
07-08-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
DStv drops 'Open Chats Podcast' after controversial comments about coloured community
The Open Chats Podcast has been dropped by DStv amid a wave of backlash against derogatory remarks made about the coloured community in a recent episode. The comments sparked outrage on social media and drew the attention of PA leader and sport, arts and culture minister Gayton McKenzie, who came out strongly against the podcast and its hosts. McKenzie lambasted the podcasters for offensive and discriminatory statements, calling for accountability and respect for marginalised communities. MultiChoice spokesperson Suzaan Keyter confirmed to TshisaLIVE the podcast's contract with DStv ended on July 25 and said the platform is committed to maintaining quality and content standards. 'MultiChoice is aware of recent comments made on the Open Chats Podcast ,' said Keyter. ' Open Chats' contract with DStv ended on July 25 as the show was removed to make way for our August content slate. The [derogatory] episode was not aired on our platform. 'MultiChoice adheres to stringent quality control processes and does not promote any discriminatory content.' The incident has reignited conversations about the responsibilities of content creators and streaming platforms in ensuring respectful and inclusive media, especially in South Africa's diverse society.
The National
29-05-2025
- Business
- The National
UAE reveals new media rules with fines of up to Dh2 million
The UAE Media Council on Thursday announced a comprehensive new system to regulate the country's media sector. The framework, which will apply to everything from traditional publications to modern-day content creators and influencers, introduces a clear set of 20 content standards that media entities must meet. These include respect for all religions, the UAE's sovereignty, national institutions, and privacy rights. Content deemed harmful to the country's foreign relations, economy, or public trust such as fake news will not be tolerated, the council said. What are the punishments? Those who break the new regulations could face administrative fines of up to Dh1 million, which can be doubled to Dh2 million for repeat offences. Additionally, temporary closure of a business for up to six months or permanent closure may be enforced with cancellation of the licence. 'This isn't about tightening control, but empowering the sector,' said Mohammed Al Shehhi, secretary general of the UAE Media Council on Thursday in a press conference in Dubai. 'The new system offers flexible services and licences for all segments of the media industry, supporting innovation without adding financial strain. We are protecting intellectual property without limiting free speech.' How does it affect influencers? The UAE has introduced rules to regulate social media influencers in recent years. One of these is the need for a licence. If you are making money from your social media posts anywhere in the UAE then you will need to apply for the licence from the National Media Council. This costs Dh15,000 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai but the total costs can vary depending on which emirate you operate in. For more on influencer licences, check out The National's guide here. The new system establishes a solid foundation for a future-proof media landscape, addressing advancements in digital media, artificial intelligence, gaming, on-demand broadcasting, and other evolving fields, Mr Al Shehhi said. How will it be regulated? Maitha Al Suwaidi, chief executive of strategy and media policy at the UAE Media Council, said they will launch a unified AI and analytics platform to regulate and assess media content before publication. 'The new AI-powered platform will report fake advertisement and false information,' she said. Designed to support the council's national regulatory mandate, the platform provides a single, AI-powered environment to analyse, inspect, and validate media content that is pending release such as books, films, artworks, and more. This will ensure accelerated, thorough and accurate reviews of content that aligns with UAE laws, values, and standards before reaching the public. Previously, tasks such as the inspection and licensing of media content were conducted manually. 'Our aim to empower media talent, cultivating a competitive local media ecosystem, driving development of the media industry, and bolstering UAE status as a global media hub,' added Ms Al Suwaidi.
