10 November 2008
From the blacklisting of commentators considered too critical of Government, the resignation of respected editorial staff, controversial programmes being pulled off the air, controversy over the appointment of the board, the suspension of senior managers and court room drama to Parliament`s vote of no confidence in the board and proposed new legislation empowering it to dismiss the board, some say the SABC has become a state broadcaster.
Will the SABC be impartial and independent in covering political developments including the emergence of a new party and the run up to the elections? What should be done to reclaim the SABC and transform it into a genuine public broadcaster in the interests of democracy?
Join the Faculty of Humanities at Wits and The Weekender in association with the Save Our SABC Coalition in a public debate with some of the top media analysts.
Panellists include:
Dr Blade Ndzimande, General Secretary of the South African Community Party;
Mathatha Tsedu, former Editor-in-Chief: City Press and Head: Media 24 Journalism Academy;
Professor Anton Harber, Caxton Professor of Journalism and Media Studies at Wits;
Dr Alison Gillwald, SABC Board Member
Dr Jane Duncan, Executive Director of the Freedom of Expression Institute;
Kate Skinner, Coordinator: Save Our SABC Coalition.
The debate will be facilitated by Prof. Tawana Kupe, Dean of the Wits Faculty of Humanities
Date: Monday, 10 November 2008
Time: 18:00 for 18:30
Venue: Wits Great Hall, East Campus (Parking in Senate House Basement)
RSVP: Lucille Smith by Friday, 7 October 2008.
For media enquiries contact Prof. Tawana Kupe on 078 459 6041 or email tawana.kupe@wits.ac.za or Kate Skinner on 082 926 6404 or email kate.skinner@mweb.co.za