Media ownership was just one of the issues dealt with at the meeting, which also discussed media laws and self-regulation.

Sanef expressed "deep concern" at the possibility of political office bearers and civil servants acquiring interests in independent media.

This, after "moves in this direction", including: -- A bid by Koni Media Holdings -- jointly owned by among others
Foreign Affairs spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa, presidential adviser Titus Mafolo and former chief of protocol Billy Modise -- to buy control of Johncom.

Johncom owns, among others, the Sunday Times, the Sowetan and part of Business Day; -- The recent purchase of a stake in Johncom by African National Congress presidential hopeful, businessman Tokyo Sexwale; and -- Reported interest in other media assets by senior office-bearers of political parties.

"The bid by Koni Media Holdings is of particular concern given that it takes place amid serious tensions between the government and the country's largest weekend newspaper, The Sunday Times," Sanef said in a statement.

It welcomed the radio comment by government communications head Themba Maseko last week that the issue of civil servants' involvement in private media would need to be looked at by government. Sanef said it remained concerned about the Film and Publications'Amendment Bill under consideration by the National Council of Provinces.

"The revised draft law poses serious consequences for media freedom and the right of South Africans to receive information."

"The media shares with government the fight against child pornography, but we believe the Bill in its current form is
unconstitutional and will render the media dysfunctional."

Sanef has proposed that the law not apply to publications which accept the Press Council's code of conduct, and which already rules against child pornography.

The forum committed itself to promoting the effectiveness of the Press Council and the Ombudsman and to supporting the body in promoting media self-regulation to both the public and the ANC.

"Internationally, self-regulation is accepted as the best mechanism in a democracy for improving journalistic ethics and professionalism while also upholding media independence," it said.

It expressed deep concern at the ANC's proposal for a possible "tribunal" into the media, and resolved to engage with the party about this ahead of its national conference in Polokwane in December.

Sanef resolved to engage with the Fifa Local Organising Committee about 2010 soccer world cup coverage rights which could infringe on the media's rights to report freely on the event.