SABC fined for swearing on concert broadcast

THE SABC has been ordered to pay a R20 000 fine for broadcasting the #FillUpTheDome concert‚ which contained profane language.

The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) made the order following complaints it received from Given Rapula.

In his complaint‚ Rapula said: “I want to launch another complaint about the use of profane language on SABC1.

“On Saturday November 18, SABC1 was broadcasting a #FillUpTheDome DVD programme.

“The show was a full performance by Cassper Nyovest at The Dome‚ and‚ therefore‚ it had a use of profane language.

“I complain about SABC1 failing to warn viewers about language restriction on the programme‚ and failing to clean it before broadcasting it. I hope for you to take action on this complaint.”

The SABC argued that it was not able to follow the required operating processes due to processes which preceded the broadcasting of the concert.

“The programme was delivered late and we were racing for time to prepare it for broadcast‚ hence the language certification issue slipped through the cracks‚” it said.

It argued that in a subsequent broadcast of the follow-up concert‚ it was able to comply fully.

“The SABC would like to sincerely apologise to the tribunal and the complainant for the inconvenience caused.

“It is our humble submission that the tribunal will be lenient with us after having proven that we have learnt from past mistakes and continue to comply.”

The BCCSA found that the SABC failed to take the necessary precaution before the broadcast of the concert and thus contravened the provisions of the broadcasting code of conduct clauses.

“The contents of the respondent’s further presentation have accordingly been noted,” it said.

“However, they are mainly focused on the respondent’s internal operational inability to diligently broadcast material which will meet the required precautions of the broadcasting code.

“There is nothing in its presentation which evidences their awareness of their obligation as entrenched in the broadcasting code.”