On January 11, we waited in great anticipation for a lively political parties debate on SABC2, but it turned out to be a damp squib.
On January 11, we waited in great anticipation for a lively political parties debate on SABC2, but it turned out to be a damp squib.
What many of us expected to be a ground-breaking elections debate was a complete waste of air-time and the subsequent programme was no different. Even the attempt to bring in veteran journalist Tim Modise did not make any difference.
The shows were badly structured and the absence of other political parties with representation in Parliament tampered with the objectivity of the SABC and its commitment to provide fair coverage to all parties in the run-up to elections.
One wonders when ANC MPs will finally push for further legislative amendments to officially rename the SABC the South African National Congress Broadcasting Corporation? If the programmes were meant to provide objectivity, and undecided voters with informed choices, the poor souls were left even more confused.
In all instances, both presenters failed to explain before or after the programme the absence of other parties, especially those in Parliament. Everybody knows why they were not on the panel. The public broadcaster should not take things for granted, especially in the run-up to these crucial elections, or their continued disregard for voices outside the ruling alliance may continue to fuel speculation that the SABC has lost its credibility, editorial independence and objectivity.
Lesego Mogotsi, Tshwane
SABC is a lackey of ANC
On January 11, we waited in great anticipation for a lively political parties debate on SABC2, but it turned out to be a damp squib.
On January 11, we waited in great anticipation for a lively political parties debate on SABC2, but it turned out to be a damp squib.
What many of us expected to be a ground-breaking elections debate was a complete waste of air-time and the subsequent programme was no different. Even the attempt to bring in veteran journalist Tim Modise did not make any difference.
The shows were badly structured and the absence of other political parties with representation in Parliament tampered with the objectivity of the SABC and its commitment to provide fair coverage to all parties in the run-up to elections.
One wonders when ANC MPs will finally push for further legislative amendments to officially rename the SABC the South African National Congress Broadcasting Corporation? If the programmes were meant to provide objectivity, and undecided voters with informed choices, the poor souls were left even more confused.
In all instances, both presenters failed to explain before or after the programme the absence of other parties, especially those in Parliament. Everybody knows why they were not on the panel. The public broadcaster should not take things for granted, especially in the run-up to these crucial elections, or their continued disregard for voices outside the ruling alliance may continue to fuel speculation that the SABC has lost its credibility, editorial independence and objectivity.
Lesego Mogotsi, Tshwane
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