Question NW3586 to the Minister of Communications
21 October 2015 - NW3586
Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether, with reference to the broadcast of the Legal Research Group Workshop of a certain political organization (name furnished) on the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) news channel, DSTV 404 and live streaming of the specified workshop on sabcnews.com, the SABC charged (a) the specified political organization and/or (b) any other entity a fee for this broadcast; if not, (i) why not, (ii) on what grounds did the SABC broadcast the specified event free of charge and (iii) will this opportunity be afforded to other political parties free of charge; if so, what amount did the SABC charge the specified organization?
Reply:
The decision to broadcast the workshop was based on the view that the subject matter under discussion was topical and in the public interest, given the discomfort many individuals express at the seemingly unfettered practice of certain media organizations to publish whatever it pleases about targeted individuals, and the lack of recourse available to those said individuals.
The SABC did not charge any organization, a fee (or otherwise) to cover the event.
The event was deemed news worthy and warranted coverage.
Editorial decisions i.e. what to cover and why, is firmly vested in the newsrooms of the SABC News department.
MR N MUNZHELELE
ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: