GEM Summit Radio – Coverage of GBV and HIV/AIDS

The Protocol calls on Member States to take appropriate measures to encourage the media to play a constructive role in the eradication of gender based violence by adopting guidelines which ensure gender sensitive coverage.

According to the Gender and Media Progress Study, the media is more often than not part of the problem rather than of the solution when it comes to coverage of gender violence. Shows that domestic violence (13.2%) receives the highest proportion of coverage, while sexual harassment (2.4%) is the lowest. At 3.5% support for those affected is also a low priority in media coverage. When it comes to coverage of HIV/AIDS on the other hand there is a dramatic increase in the views and voices of those affected: The 2010 GMPS shows that while Persons Living with HIV and AIDS still only comprise 4% of total sources, those affected shot up from 4% to 36%, while official and UN sources dropped to 19%. This is a positive reflection on the Media Acton Plan on HIV and AIDS and Gender that stressed the importance of those most affected being at the frontline of speaking out.

PRODUCERS NOTES

Interview – Kholu Qhobela
Cue: Lesotho’s People’s Choice is a privately owned commercial radio stations that has tackled gender and HIV/AIDS head on, through polices and programmes. The station are leading the way with progressive newsroom policies supported by staff and management alike. Station manager Kholu Qhobela shows that making the SADC Protocol a reality is possible when there is concerted effort.
IN: “You’ve been selected as a finalist…”
OUT: “…doing a lot for the community at large.”
DURATION: 2’06

Download : Kholu Qhobela on People's Choice FM HIV/AIDS programmes