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Last year, government spin-doctor Jimmy Manyi caused outrage when he threatened to withdraw advertising from newspapers that do not report favourably on government.

Early this year, when Manyi was deployed to the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Board, very few people saw the writing on the wall.

It is now crystal clear what is going on. President Zuma has deployed Jimmy Manyi to the MDDA to put the screws on community media that do not toe the government line in their coverage.

It has been reported that the Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS), headed by Manyi, is proposing legislation stipulating that 5% of all public and private sector advertising spend in community media must go to a “predetermined list” of media outlets.

This predetermined list will be decided by the MDDA, where Manyi now has significant influence. Manyi’s sinister media plan is coming together.

Manyi has already said that, as Head of the GCIS, he will ensure that public sector advertising goes to media that “tell the truth” about service delivery. Now, as an MDDA Board member, he will be able to dictate which community media get private sector advertising as well.

Many people – particularly in rural areas – rely on community radio and newspapers as their main source of news and information. By holding these media outlets to ransom, Jimmy Manyi will be able to determine what people read and hear in community media.

We view this as a key component of the ANC’s assault on press freedom, which includes the proposed Secrecy Bill and media tribunal. The Democratic Alliance will continue to fight against Manyi’s deployment to the MDDA and we will oppose any legislation that undermines press freedom.