South African public TV channel SABC will not broadcast footage of violent protests

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

South African public TV channel SABC will not broadcast footage of violent protests

10:43 CAT | 27 May 2016

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has taken a decision not to publicise any content displaying violent service delivery protests in various parts of the country.

In a statement, the SABC has condemned the acts of public and private property vandalism and has made a decision that it will not show footage of people burning public institutions, like schools, in any of its news bulletins, with immediate effect.

“We are not going to provide publicity to such actions that are destructive and regressive,” the statement said.

The statement said the recent violent protests and vandalism are regrettable and viewed as regressive on the developments made after 22 years of South Africa’s democracy.

However, the public broadcaster reiterated that it will continue to cover news without fear or favour.

“We will not cover people who are destroying public property.”

The SABC’s Chief Operations Officer, Hlaudi Motsoeneng has stated that “It is regrettable that these actions are disrupting many lives and as a responsible public institution we will not assist these individuals to push their agenda that seeks media attention.”

“As a public service broadcaster we have a mandate to educate the citizens, and we therefore have taken this bold decision to show that violent protests are not necessary.”

Source: EWN