B20 Summit – Media Limitations & Access Guidelines

These guidelines outline the rules of play for media access, technical provisions, and use of facilities at the B20 Summit in Johannesburg. All media are expected to comply fully with these procedures to ensure a smooth and secure event.

Accreditation & Access

  • Only accredited media representatives with valid B20 Summit accreditation will be granted entry to the venue.
  • Access times to venue: 06h30 SAST
  • Access times to plenary: 08h30 SAST
  • Media house camera access to the plenary is by prior arrangement only.
  • Accreditation badges must be visible at all times.
  • Entry to restricted areas will be strictly controlled and enforced.

Camera Access

  • In addition to the main cameras filming for the summit live stream, space has been allocated for 16 media house cameras on a designated platform at the back of the plenary hall.
  • Each accredited media house may position one camera with operator, accompanied by one journalist, on the platform (by prior arrangement with B20 Media Team).
  • The platform is positioned 35m from the centre of the stage. Media must plan accordingly and bring appropriate camera and lens equipment.
  • No roaming cameras or floor tripods will be permitted inside the plenary during sessions.
  • A link will be provided to access all official event images from the B20 Summit Portal.

Audio & Video Feeds

  • An audio distribution box will be available in the main plenary room for the 16 media house cameras. Media wishing to access this must submit requests at no later than Monday, 3rd November 2025 to the B20 Media Team.
  • Clean and dirty video feeds of the official live stream will be provided for media use at the B20 Media Hub.
  • Feeds will be available in HD-SDI with embedded audio. Audio outputs include XLR balanced line level.
  • No independent mixing, isolated channels, or alternative camera feeds will be supplied.

Translation Services

  • Real-time translations in French, Mandarin, and Portuguese will be available in the Media Village (Level O) in the exhibition hall.
  • Media may access their required language feed directly from this facility.
  • English will serve as the base language of the plenary.

Broadcast Restrictions

  • No OB vans or external broadcast crews will be permitted in the plenary.
  • All live broadcast requirements must use the official video and audio feeds provided.
  • Any live streaming from the plenary floor is strictly prohibited.
  • Provision will be made for Television Channels and Radio to access a feed from the B20 OB Hub in order for them to broadcast live on their respective channels. TV Channels can either take a feed from the OB Van (which will be positioned near exhibition –2) and can then add in their own lower thirds, idents, etc and then broadcast live.
  • Alternatively, B20 will supply an uplink and will provide media house on the satellite details. Media house would then need to provide their own downlink to their MCR, where channel specific information can be added to the content and then broadcast live from there.

Podcast Studios

  • One podcast studio set-up will be provided in the Level 2 foyer (subject to confirmation).
  • This studio must be booked in advance via the Media Liaison Desk.
  • Slots will be allocated in 30-minute increments to ensure fair access.

Interview Spaces

  • All interview spaces must be booked in advance through the Media Liaison Desk.
  • Exhibition 1 includes a dedicated television studio platform, with the exhibition serving as the backdrop. Use of this facility requires prior booking.
  • The event will provide the studio shell and furniture only. Media houses must supply their own cameras, lighting, and technical equipment.
  • VIP Room South (Level 1) will also be available for individual interviews, subject to scheduling through the Media Liaison Desk.

Conduct & Rules of Play

  • Movement in and out of the plenary must be kept to a minimum during live sessions.
  • Flash photography inside the plenary is not permitted.
  • Journalists must remain within designated areas at all times.
  • Respectful, professional behaviour is required. Disruptions will result in removal of access credentials.
  • Live blogging and social media reporting are permitted only from the Media Village.

Security and Screening

  • Security checks and equipment screening may take place at any time. Cameras, tripods, laptops, and other equipment may be inspected on entry or while inside the venue.
  • Drones are not permitted anywhere on site.
  • Media are advised to arrive well in advance of plenary sessions to allow sufficient time for screening.

Connectivity & Facilities

  • The Media Village will offer dedicated high-speed Wi-Fi for accredited media.
  • Workstations with power points will be available for use.
  • Charging stations for laptops, cameras, and other devices will be provided.

Media Liaison & Support

  • The Media Liaison Desk will be located in the Media Village (Level O) within the exhibition space.
  • For assistance, contact:
    Mahlodi Molekane, Media Relations Manager Mahlodim@b20southafrica.org / +27 83 746 7473
    Mpho Dingalo, Onsite Media Coordinator – mphod@b20southafrica.org / +27 72 566 0810
  • The Media Liaison Desk is available to assist with bookings, guidance, and enquiries. Facilities such as interview rooms, podcast studios, and workstations are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, unless pre-booked in advance.
  • All media enquiries should be directed to the Media Liaison Desk.

Standards Clause

All accredited media must comply with South African law and follow all host-nation security instructions at all times. Accreditation and access may be withdrawn if these guidelines are breached. The organisers reserve the right to remove any media representative who is under the influence of alcohol or substances, who fails to comply with established rules and procedures, or who engages in behaviour that is discourteous or disruptive towards delegates, staff, or fellow media representatives.

Welcome to the B20 South Africa Summit. We trust you will have a productive
and engaging day of reporting and storytelling.

WIFI, B20 Summit App, Livestream and Live Photo Bank

  • When you arrive to check in at the Media Hub, free WIFI is available as well
    as a QR code to access the Summit App.
    Here you will find the full Summit programme, speaker bios and also have
    access to a live photo bank:
    https://rtcstudios.pixieset.com/b20unbrandedimages/
  • The Main Plenary livestream can be accessed at
    https://summit.b20southafrica.org/live-stream/
  • The Media Team will also be available to assist and escort you to find an
    appropriate location in the Sandton Convention Centre
  • The Media Hub will be able to assist with downloads of the feeds

THIS MORNING’S HEADLINE THEME:

The Cooperation Agenda: Inclusive Growth for a Changing World

  • The full agenda can be found on the Summit App

WHAT TO WATCH TODAY: YOUR DAY AT A GLANCE

  • 09:30 – 09:45 – Please try and watch a very special Opening Ceremony
  • 10:00 – 10:20: This morning’s keynote address is by Ethiopias Tafara, Vice President for Africa, International Finance Corporation (IFC, World Bank Group): The Cooperation Agenda: Inclusive Growth for a Changing World
  • 10:20 – 10:25: Panel Discussion: Global South and Global North Conversation: Getting Global Cooperation Right in the Next Era of Global Change
  • 12:05 – 12:40 – Panel: The Role of Multilateral Institutions to Maintain Momentum
    H.E. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO, AUDA-NEPAD, John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), H.E. Lerato Dorothy Mataboge, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy,  African Union, Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General, CEO & Executive Director, United Nations Global Compac
  • 12:40 – 13:00 Keynote: From Connectivity to AI Transformation: A Vision for Sustainable Growth by Melanie  Nakagawa, Chief Sustainability Officer, Microsoft
  • 14:15 onwards – please check the full agenda for details of some very engaging and interesting breakaway sessions.

KEY MESSAGES TO LISTEN FOR

Global Cooperation: Advancing Multilateralism as the Order of the Day

  • The global challenges we face require global solutions. Cooperation across regions, sectors and systems.
  • The B20’s strength has been its diversity, uniting business leaders across geographies that have sought to prioritise cooperation over competition.
  • Sustainable global growth relies on a rational, fair and rule-bound trade system.
  • The advancing implementation of the AfCFTA affirms that Africa’s future is anchored in integration and collective progress,
  • The Troika of Brazil, South Africa and the United States symbolises continuity – a collective commitment to progress that transcends geography and perspectives.

Rebalancing the Global Equation: A New Compact Between North and South

  • The Global South is not waiting to be invited – it is leading with ideas, innovation and investment.
  • True cooperation means co-creation: shared leadership, mutual accountability and equitable voice in global governance.
  • Africa and the Global South are not just markets – they are makers of the future.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY

Today, we can facilitate interviews with – For requests, please contact the Media Concierge Desk in the Media Hub

  • Ethiopias Tafara, Vice President for Africa, International Finance Corporation (IFC, World Bank Group)
  • Jacqueline Mugo, Executive Director & CEO, Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), and President, International Organization of Employers (IOE)
  • Trevor Manuel, Chairperson & Independent Non-executive Director, Board for Old Mutual, and Chair, G20 Africa Expert Panel
  • Charles R. Johnston – MD of Citi Global Government Affairs
  • John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ