8 October 2014
The SACP has noted the response by the SABC to our statement issued on 6 October (below). The SACP reiterates the content of its statement word for word and stands firmly by it. In addition, the response by the SABC is tantamount to admission that it was not absolute interference but strictly incompetence that led to the collapse of the news coverage over the weekend - which was never even corrected since then. The SACP rejects the idea that the public (including the SACP) has no right to comment and even express reservations about news coverage and programming by the PUBLIC broadcaster - the SABC. In fact the public reserves the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in our Country`s Constitution including on the conduct of affairs at the SABC. This right does not end in talk but action, which is what the SACP will engage in.
6 October 2014 SACP statement reaffirmed in all respects: Statement on SABC`s black on air
Every week brings fresh signs of a state of administrative disarray and incompetence at the SABC. Over the weekend the SACP and the dozens of formations supporting our Red October Financial Sector Campaign were the victims. A "presenter voice-over" was used along with newsmaker images without audio to cover the launch of the Financial Sector Campaign on last night`s news that were interrupted. This was repeated on the 24 hour SABC News Channel 404. The SACP calls for an investigation into what happened, and for the SABC to explain to the public and report to Parliament.
What happened at the SABC over the weekend is known in international broadcasting as `black-on-air`. `Black-on-air` is indeed often seen a symptom of deep structural and systemic crisis in a broadcasting entity. This calls for serious action as it should be a cause for concern to all those committed to public broadcasting.
Without public accountability, the SABC will be driven even further from its mandate as a public broadcaster, towards serving narrow sectional and private interests. Last month the Company and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) was forced to warn the SABC that it would declare its board delinquent if it failed to address non-compliance with the Companies Act, in terms of which the SABC has been registered.
The disarray in the SABC is the direct outcome of unsuitable and unqualified personnel in key positions, as well as internal interference by these forces in editorial policy. The SACP calls for drastic intervention by the government and relevant authorities. Stern action needs to be taken for institutional, operational, administrative and governance failures where these occur.
For general enquiries about SACP statements
Contact:
Alex Mohubetswane Mashilo – National Spokesperson, Head of Communications
Mobile: 082 9200 308
Office: 011 339 3621/2
Twitter: @2SACP
Website: www.sacp.org.za