Podcasting is booming in South Africa—giving rise to a new generation of voices that are reshaping how we consume news, entertainment, and even politics. But now, that growing influence is catching the attention of lawmakers. Members of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies have been engaging with podcasters to better understand just how powerful these platforms have become—and whether it’s time to regulate them. Unlike traditional broadcasters, podcasters operate in a largely unregulated space—free to say what they want, how they want. But with that freedom comes growing concern around misinformation, accountability, and the potential impact on audiences. So tonight, we ask: should podcasters be treated like broadcasters and be regulated—or does that risk silencing one of the last truly free spaces in media?

<p>Podcasting is booming in South Africa&mdash;giving rise to&nbsp;a new generation of voices that are reshaping how we&nbsp;consume news, entertainment, and even politics. But&nbsp;now, that growing influence is catching the attention&nbsp;of lawmakers. Members of Parliament&rsquo;s Portfolio&nbsp;Committee on Communications and Digital&nbsp;Technologies have been engaging with podcasters to&nbsp;better understand just how powerful these platforms&nbsp;have become&mdash;and whether it&rsquo;s time to regulate them.&nbsp;Unlike traditional broadcasters, podcasters operate in&nbsp;a largely unregulated space&mdash;free to say what they&nbsp;want, how they want. But with that freedom comes&nbsp;growing concern around misinformation,&nbsp;accountability, and the potential impact on audiences.&nbsp;So tonight, we ask: should podcasters be treated like&nbsp;broadcasters and be regulated&mdash;or does that risk silencing one of the last truly free spaces in media?</p>

<p>METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope </p>