SABC: We will be fair
2008-11-20 22:31
Johannesburg - The SABC has assured political parties that it will do its utmost to cover the elections in a fair, balanced and impartial manner, it said in a statement on Thursday.
This followed a series of meetings with political party leaders in Cape Town over the past two days to discuss the broadcaster's approach to next year's national and provincial elections.
"I am happy that the last two days were a success, where we exchanged views and got inputs from political parties regarding their concerns and expectations," said SABC board chairperson Khanyi Mkhonza.
She asked all political parties to ensure the SABC was fully informed about their plans and manifestos to allow the corporation to best allocate its limited resources.
Mkhonza said among the steps taken to ensure equitable coverage was the appointment of a complaints officer by the news division to deal with issues raised by political parties.
Complaints already raised by political parties included inadequate coverage of rural areas and matters affecting women and youth, and that the needs of disabled voters were not properly catered for.
The SABC said there were also numerous requests for more live debates.
The broadcaster would embark on a nationwide roadshow together with the Independent Electoral Commission and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.
The aim of this was create awareness of the SABC's election plans and its obligations.
- SAPA