DNTF warns Press Council fee changes could delay media funding approvals

Community and digital publishers applying for funding now face uncertainty after a rule change requiring individual Press Council membership payments, with delays potentially affecting access to support.

In a letter dated 10 April 2026, the Digital News Transformation Fund (DNTF) confirmed that applicants must now apply and pay for Press Council membership independently, following changes to the Council’s process.

The shift means some publishers are still trying to secure membership while discussions continue between the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) and the Press Council over whether fees will be covered for community print media.

The Press Council has confirmed that applicants who have submitted membership applications are currently recognised as provisional members. Full compliance, described as being in “good standing”, only happens once payment is completed.

Because those payments depend on the outcome of the MDDA discussions, the timeline remains uncertain. The DNTF warns that delays or a failure to reach agreement could affect whether applicants can finalise their status.

To manage this, the DNTF Board says Phase 2 applications will still move forward if membership applications can be verified. However, approvals may be conditional where full compliance has not yet been reached.

Contracts may still be issued, but applicants must maintain provisional membership and show ongoing efforts to regularise their status. The fund also notes that continued payments could depend on progress toward compliance.

If publishers ultimately fail to meet the requirement—either because the MDDA process does not cover costs or they do not pay themselves—the Board may decline their applications.

The DNTF says the situation is outside applicants’ control but insists it must balance fairness with governance requirements. The letter is signed by co-chairs Vincent Maher and Anetta Mangxaba.

What remains unclear is whether the MDDA will cover the fees, when a final decision will be made, and how many applicants may be affected. This has not been confirmed.

For small and rural publishers in the Eastern Cape, including those in areas like Bizana, Lusikisiki and Flagstaff, the outcome could directly affect access to funding needed to sustain local journalism. Many community outlets operate with limited resources, making additional compliance costs a potential barrier.

The development raises broader questions about whether new regulatory requirements could unintentionally exclude smaller media organisations from national funding opportunities.

Applicants are encouraged to continue with their membership applications and maintain communication with the DNTF while the situation evolves.

We will update this story as soon as there is clarity on the MDDA’s position and its impact on community media.