The media is a great way to make local government more accountable. You can use media channels to share your problems and push the government to act. The government often acts when they get bad press. Below are tips on how to use the media to pressure your local government to address local service delivery issues quickly and properly.

Steps for using the media to create change

1. Identify local and national media

   • Identify big national media organisations, community newspapers, and radio stations that can help you get more support to address an issue in your area.

2. List the key issues

   • Clearly say what problems you want to talk about. Make sure your issue is specific and important to the community or to the country. This will make it more likely that the media will agree to cover your issue.

3. Research and gather evidence

   • Collect information, stories, and other proof to show the problem in detail. This will make your case stronger and more convincing to the media and the public.

4. Write a clear message

   • Make a clear and strong message that shows your problem and also shows what you want to happen. Make sure it is easy to understand and connects with the audience of the various media you are speaking to.

5. Talk to journalists in the media you have identified

   • Build relationships with journalists who cover related topics. Share your story with them and give them all the necessary information and proof.

6. Use social media platforms

   • Use social media to spread your message widely. Engage with followers, share updates, and encourage others to share your content to increase visibility.
   • Gather information from others to add to your information and grow your message.

7. Organise public events or community action

   • Plan events that get the media’s attention. Examples of these events could be press conferences, peaceful public events, or community meetings. Make sure these events are well-organised, legal, and safe. How to write a citizen action letter, draft a petition, and organise a community action event

8. Watch media coverage

   • Keep track of how the media covers your issue. Be ready to correct any mistakes or give more information if needed.

Tips for issuing a media statement

Journalists are busy and under pressure. They get bombarded with information. So, how do you get their interest? Below are some tips:

• Make sure your information looks great: It’s the presentation that counts!
• Keep it short: Don’t make the statement too long. Decide on the key points you want people to know about your issue and write these key points very simply.
• Get the media’s attention: Gather startling facts or human-interest stories about how people are being affected by the issue you are trying to fix.
• Include key information: Don’t forget to add your contact details, links to research reports, local media stories, and anything else you can think of.
• Find people with solutions: Search for local people who have made successful media campaigns about other issues and see if you can use their ideas to run your campaign.

More information

Find media to contact at:

• Association on Independent Publishers
• Caxton Publishing
• News Diary email
• Daily Maverick
• TimesLIVE
• GroundUp, or +27 21 788 9163
• Prime Media is home to premium radio stations 947, 702, Kfm 94.5 and CapeTalk; as well as award-winning independent news brand Eyewitness News.
• EWN Newsroom +27 11 506 3555.
• EWN 24 Hour Hotline 08 6000 NEWS (6397)

Get your community involved

Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.

Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.

How to set up a community group

How to start a WhatsApp group

How to start a residents' association

How to set up a community policing forum

How to set up a neighbourhood watch

How to organise community action

How to use media to create pressure for change

Know your rights – how local government works

It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.