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Announcement on Meta support for Press Council subscriber publications

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MEDIA STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Johannesburg, 22 July 2026

The Competition Commission’s Final Report on the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry, published in November 2025, ordered Meta to implement a set of remedies to assist publishers subscribing to the Press Code “with a powerful, comprehensive and effective programme which they can leverage for sustainable growth.”

As a result, Meta approached the Press Council as its strategic partner with a collaboration proposal to assist subscriber publications make the best use of the opportunities available to them on Meta platforms, and to contribute to the sustainability of the Press Council’s co-regulatory system for quick and easy adjudication of complaints about media coverage.

In terms of the agreement, Meta will fund a comprehensive, multi-faceted programme for Press
Council publishers, including:

  • Setting up a Liaison Office at the Press Council to deliver training, hands-on support, and assistance for fast resolution of strategic, operational, and technical issues for publishers through dedicated liaison roles;
  • The development of a training and workshop programme covering platform best practices, content monetisation, audience growth, and AI tools to be delivered in person in South Africa;
  • An Ads credits programme supported by an independent third-party vendor to help SA news publishers grow their audiences and revenue; and
  • Ongoing investment in digital literacy initiatives reaching millions of South Africans

Meta and the Press Council are finalising the remaining implementation steps and look forward to sharing full programme details including how to participate and confirm launch dates as soon as possible.

ENDS
Issued by: META & Press Council of South Africa

MEDIA ENQUIRIES CONTACT: Tsile Maswanganyi

Tel: +27(0)11 484 3792
Mobile: +27(0)71 884 8555
Email: media@presscouncilsa.org.za
Click to Join Press Council of South Africa WhatsApp Media Group

Download the statement here.

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