Radio 702 backs John Robbie

2000-10-16 21:10

Tessa Kruger

Johannesburg - Radio 702 said in a submission to the Broadcast Complaints Commission on Monday, that John Robbie did not violate the commission's code of conduct when he cut Ms Manto Tshabalala Msimang off during an "Aids interview", and during which he said, "I've never heard such rubbish."

The hearing took place after three members of the public complained about Robbie's behaviour towards the minister.

Robbie's legal representative, G J Marcus, argued that all the complaints boiled down to the journalist having been "rude" to Tshabalala-Msimang.

Marcus said the code of conduct did not stipulate that journalists be courteous, and "that such a stipulation would restrict them when asking penetrating and investigative questions".

He added that the validity of the complaints should be investigated in light of the subject, namely the Aids pandemic, the local and international controversy which has been caused by Mbeki's "interference", and the fact that the interview was done with a minister.

"The interview was with a person from whom it can be expected to explain the national strategy for the crisis and to answer relevant questions regarding the issue.

"When a minister refuses to answer a question of this nature, questions arise regarding her accountability to the public," said Marcus.

Marcus said Robbie did not violate the code's stipulation that views regarding an issue of public interest should be presented fairly.

Responding to Robbie's question about whether she believed that Aids was caused by the HI virus, Tshabalala-Msimang said she had already stated her opinion "for the umpteenth time".

"Robbie then gave her ten chances to answer the question before he cut her off."

Marcus said the attack on Tshabalala-Msimang's dignity was not under discussion. Should that be the case the commission required that the person concerned should personally submit a complaint.

An investigation after the interview would, according to Marcus, be unfair, because "it can't be one-sided and Tshabalala-Msimang is not represented at the commission".

He warned that any finding that would limit the media's watchdog function, would have a suppressing influence on freedom of expression.

The commission will publish its findings in two weeks' time.

- Beeld