DA wants to see news deal’s red tape

The Democratic Alliance has submitted an application to MultiChoice in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (Paia) to request access to the full terms of agreement between MultiChoice and its new 24-hour news channel, Newzroom Afrika, the party said yesterday.

“We welcome that the channel is 100% black and 50% female-owned. The DA is of the view that transformation in the media is crucial in solidifying press freedom and strengthening our democracy,” DA spokesperson Phumzile van Damme said.

The DA had always been a proponent of new competitors in the media space, as it provided viewers with a diversity of opinions, she said. “That being said, the same fervour with which we hold the public broadcaster to account is the same we use to hold private-owned companies to account. Past experiences with MultiChoice, especially with regards to their suspicious relationship and payments to ANN7, require the need for transparency and openness.”

Therefore, the DA had requested that MultiChoice make public its agreement with Newzroom Afrika, the list of bidders considered for the DStv Channel 405 contract, and the ranking of the shortlisted bidders and relevant documentation for the DSTV 405 contract.

The DA believed this information was in the best interests of the public as they needed assurance that the hard-earned money they paid for their DStv subscription fees were used in an ethical way.

“We trust MultiChoice will open its books to the public to give assurance there was nothing untoward,” Van Damme said. – ANA