DA wants probe into SABC ‘interference’
THE Democratic Alliance is to request an independent investigation into allegations of political interference in programming at an SABC radio station.
According to media reports‚ the SABC took Metro FM’s Room Dividers off the air following complaints from Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula‚ that he felt “offended” by comments made on the show.
DA spokeswoman on communications‚ Phumzile Van Damme said Room Dividers was a robust segment on sports anchor Robert Marawa’s show on Metro FM‚ analysing performance
the of rugby teams‚ administrators and the minister in charge.
The SABC has confirmed that the segment had been taken off air‚ pending investigation.
“The SABC has set a dangerous precedent – anytime a member of Cabinet merely feels ‘offended’ by views expressed on any a radio or TV show – the show will be taken off air for ‘investigation’.
“There does not appear to be any legislation or policy that allows for programmes to be taken off air pending investigation‚” Van Damme said.
The DA would therefore be lodging a complaint with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa)‚ requesting an investigation of the SABC’s violation of:
● Section 10 of the Broadcasting Act, which requires the SABC to “provide significant news and public affairs programming which meets the highest standards of journalism‚ as well as fair and unbiased coverage‚ impartiality‚ balance and independence from government‚ commercial and other interests”.
● Section 11 of the Icasa regulations on the Code of Conduct of Broadcasting Licensees which entitles broadcasters to “broadcast comment on and criticism of any actions or
“The DA will also submit parliamentary questions for the record of decision approving the segment to be taken off air. We need to know who approved the decision‚ how the decision was made and why.
“Like all South Africans‚ broadcasters have freedom of speech‚ and the right to share their points of view,” Van Damme said.
“The DA will work hard to protect this right‚ in order to ensure that the SABC provides programming that is in the public interest‚ independent and represents varied opinions‚” Van Damme. — TMG Digital
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