SABC: All a misunderstanding
2003-09-02 15:50
Cape Town - SABC boss Peter Matlare has dismissed media allegations that the public broadcaster is attempting to "gag" presenters from discussing politics outside current affairs programmes.
In a statement handed out during Matlare's media presentation on the SABC's latest annual report on Tuesday, he said: "There is absolutely no truth to those allegations."
The issue had been misunderstood, and the public broadcaster had a structure that "few print media understand", he said.
According to media reports on Monday, "a top secret, high-level order" last week saw presenters at all public service radio stations of the SABC barred from discussing politics beyond prescribed news and current affairs programs.
Station managers told to enforce the order
The document, written by SABC head of public service radio Judy Nwokedi, instructed station managers to enforce the order.
Nwokedi apparently said in the document that in the run up to the elections, "various attempts for political jostling will be made by politicians across the country".
Thus, all programmes, content and talkshows that "may vie in the direction of political discourse" had to be absolutely avoided.
The CEO had made a decision that "editorially all this content will be driven by news".
No exceptions would be made, and "news and current affairs divisions will ensure coverage on matters that are political", she wrote.
Editorial independence
In his statement on Tuesday, Matlare said the decision around this matter was designed to promote editorial independence, accountability, and fairness, particularly in view of the coming general elections.
"It is not an attempt to interfere with media independence as alleged. These principles are contained in the draft editorial policies that have been published by the SABC."
The corporation was committed to ensuring fair coverage of all political activities prior to the elections, Matlare said.
TV and radio worked very closely together to ensure viewers' and listeners' interests were served.
Editorial credibility
"But our editorial credibility stands or falls on our independence, and for that reason the news division is a discreet division within the SABC that is guaranteed editorial independence.
"Our editorial team consists of highly experienced and respected individuals who ensure that reporters follow editorial rules when doing stories.
"We have now clarified the SABC position," Matlare said.
- SAPA