Political interference at SABC - letter
2012-12-10 09:07
Johannesburg - An anonymous letter purportedly written by
SABC reporters, producers and presenters has raised concerns of political
interference at the state broadcaster, according to a report on Monday.
The Times reported that the letter contained complaints that
journalists were "taken to task" for not giving adequate coverage to
President Jacob Zuma.
The letter was addressed to the SABC board and acting news
head Jimi Matthews, but was unsigned, apparently because the authors feared they
would be victimised.
"The climate of uncertainty and fear has created a
state of paranoia in both the television and radio newsrooms and has lowered
morale," the letter reads.
According to the newspaper, the letter contained allegations
that some programmes were cancelled after the content was announced on air, and
when talkshow guests had already arrived.
Political journalists were allegedly removed from their
posts and analysts from their regular shows without explanation.
There were also complaints that stories about expelled ANC
Youth League president Julius Malema were "treated differently".
SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago denied to The Times that
Matthews or the board had received the note, and said the SABC had received no
complaints about the issues it raised.
- SAPA
