SABC developments

June 25th, 2006

Mpofu has appointed Zwelakhe Sisulu to run the inquiry, assisted by Advocate Gilbert Marcus. Sisulu is a former SABC CEO and a journalist and editor of standing and experience. Marcus is a leading senior counsel and freedom of expression advocate. He is also, by the way, the regular representative of SABC rival eTV.
Meanwhile, a letter is circulating among some commentators. It reads as follows:

PLEASE CONSIDER APPENDING YOUR NAME AND DETAILS AND CIRCULATE TO INDIVIDUALS OR ORGANISATIONS THAT OFFER COMMENT TO THE MEDIA. THE IDEA IS NOT TO HAVE AS MANY SIGNATORIES AS POSSIBLE, BUT TO HAVE REPRESENTATIVES FROM CIVIL SOCIETY, THINK TANKS, TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, ETC – I.E. THOSE THE MEDIA ROUTINELY TURN TO FOR COMMENT.
As individuals who comment in the media on our areas of expertise and concerned generally for the value of freedom of expression, we write to express our concern over recent developments at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). In particular, there are allegations that certain commentators and analysts have been blocked from appearing on SABC stations for expressing views critical of government.
The suggestion that the SABC will only interview people who hold a particular view is an abrogation of their duties and obligations as a public service broadcaster and it is a serious infringement of freedom of expression. Furthermore, it taints us all, for it suggests that if we are quoted by the SABC, it must be because we have expressed sentiments which are politically acceptable to those who control SABC news and current affairs.
The SABC must dispel this notion quickly and clearly. They need to state clearly that any such policy is unacceptable and contrary to the organisation’s editorial charter. While we welcome Group Chief Executive Officer, Dali Mpofu’s statement on a commission of enquiry, we would prefer a commission to be independent rather than internal in nature and its report and recommendations must be issued publicly.The SABC needs also to demonstrate a willingness to quote those they are accused of “blacklistingâ€? and must refrain from taking any prejudicial action against those in their employ who have sought or seek to attest to the exclusionary or partisan actions of the SABC.
Until the SABC clearly refutes the blacklisting, it will be difficult for a self-respecting commentator, analyst or expert to agree to be interviewed. And we will be reluctant to do so until the matter is cleared up.
Signed by:
Name, Position, Institution, Contact Details
Please submit your signature by simple transmission of the details above and the reference “SABC� to petition.sabc@yahoo.com. We would like to submit the appeal soonest and urge you to respond quickly.

It seems to me that there is great value in keeping this ball rolling. What is needed at the SABC is a change of newsroom culture, and we need to push this inquiry into seeing that the problem is not a particular blacklist or policy, but a deeply-engrained culture of political subservience in the newsroom. To tackle less than this will amount to a whitewash.

Entry Filed under: Anton Harber, Journalism, Radio, TV