Media Houses Affected By COVID-19 In SA

When the COVID-19 wave first splashed across South Africa, some were in a state of sheer oblivion – not realising just how deep and rife this pandemic would evoke economic distress.  Others, however,  predicted the economic decline that this pandemic would cause.

Many businesses have since shut down due to the instability that the corona pandemic has imposed, especially media companies. During the initial and continuous press briefings by our government leaders, the importance of the media was severely emphasised, hence it posed as a reliable conduit in relaying important messaging to the public.

However, many journalists have found themselves on the unemployment lane, as they were laid off from work. One is reminded by a moving article on the recently defunct iconic newspaper, Sunday Sun, where one of its journalist’s took the bullet to the chest, as he wrote that, it was time to gracefully “pack up and go”.

Caxton and CTP Publishers and Printers:

A big number of employees from media and publishing company, Caxton were dealt a blow when it was announced that,  BONA Magazine and other magazines in the company, would soon shut down due to the financial strain that COVID -19 had on the company.

The shut down of BONA Magazine particularly hit a nerve with the masses, due to its impact on black power and excellence.

Media 24:

(i). The long standing media house, Media 24, didn’t escape the scourge and thorny inklings of COVID-19. It was announced that a few of its staple magazines will soon be permanently closed for business. The iconic Drum Magazine will sadly exist online, hence the printing of its physical copies has been discontinued.

(ii). Sunday Sun and Move Magazine:

The lovers of all things gossip must have felt some type of way, upon hearing the news of the shut down of their favourite Sunday newspaper. If the hearty farewell articles by some journalists from the newspaper are anything to go by, it indicates that the blow was taken into their strides.