|
SABC gave ANC free publicity
22/01/2004 12:42 - (SA)
MR. PETER MATLARE, Group CEO: SABC has done himself and the SABC a great injustice by allowing the national broadcaster to broadcast the launch of the ANC's election manifesto live to millions of viewers - in spite of huge opposition and unhappiness about the move.
This arrogance has created the perception that the public broadcaster has officially became the mouthpiece of the ruling party. I watched the entire proceedings and under no circumstances can the SABC claim that Mbeki spoke in his capacity as head of state!
He (Mbeki) clearly spoke in his capacity as president of the ruling party. The banners backstage did also not reflect the national flag, but the official ANC flags and banners, and in the process the ANC got millions of rands worth of free publicity.
It would be fair to expect that all major opposition parties are afforded the same form of treatment by the SABC. Failing that, all television license holders should boycott the SABC by refusing to pay licenses until they (the SABC) explain themselves to their loyal viewers and license holders in this regard.
I believe that all political parties intending to participate in the elections should join the UDM, the DA and the IFP in complaining to Icasa and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa about the blatant abuse by the SABC of the state facility.
Matlare should also do the right thing and tender his resignation for failing to act against this blatant abuse.
Rozario Brown
Mitchells Plain
- MetroBurger
|
