Bloomberg reports that the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is battling to quell a journalist revolt over censorship of programmes that portray the government in a negative light and its ban on screening footage of violent protests.
Acting CEO Jimi Matthews resigned on Monday, four days after three senior journalists were suspended for disagreeing with a management instruction not to report on protests against censorship. Several other senior SABC journalists posted pictures of themselves on Facebook with their mouths covered with black adhesive tape. SABC board chairman Mbulaheni Maguvhe reportedly blamed the ructions at the broadcaster on outside political interference and employees who were opposed to change. He apparently warned employees that anyone who leaked information or tried to drive political agendas would be tracked down and subjected to disciplinary procedures. CFO James Aguma has been appointed as acting CEO. He said on Tuesday: “SABC is not in a crisis. There is no revolt. SABC is carrying out its mandate.”
- Read this report by Mike Cohen and Rene Vollgraaff in full at Business Report
- Read too, SABC denies revolt and appoints new ‘leader’, at Daily Maverick
- And also, Dis 'reg of weg' by SAUK, at Netwerk24
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page