Wednesday, March 9, 2016

SABC RESPONDS TO CONCERNS OF POLITICAL STORIES ON NON NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS PROGRAMMES

Johannesburg, Tuesday, 08 March 2016 - The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), has noted the concerns expressed in the public domain through an open letter by the United Democratic Movement (UDM) published today, as well as in a meeting that took place yesterday between the SABC and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The concerns are around certain political parties allegedly using SABC programmes other than News and Current affairs programmes to advance their political agenda.

All these concerns reinforced the correctness of the decision that the SABC has taken to the effect that political discussions should only be dealt with in the News and Current affairs programmes only.
In the meeting with the EFF yesterday, the EFF agreed with the reasons for our decision. The decision was made to make sure that political parties do no misuse entertainment, religious and sports programmes for their political expediency.
The SABC would like to strongly warn political parties against misusing our programmes that are meant for other purposes either than news and current affairs.
We will also strongly deal with our employees who will assist any political parties to use their programmes for political expediency.
The SABC remains committed to continuously being a trusted public service broadcaster, in delivering news that are not divisive but that of nation-building, as well as retain its editorial independence. We will not allow any political party to use our airwaves unfairly.
For more info, contact: socialmedia@sabc.co.za

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