Matthews resignation underlines media crisis

27 June 2016

The shock resignation of the SABC’s acting Group CEO, Jimi Mathews, earlier today underlines the crisis state-owned media finds itself in.

In his resignation letter, that surfaced on social media today, Matthews resigned as Acting Group CEO of the SABC stating that “what is happening at the SABC is wrong” and that he “can no longer be part of it”.

The CEO of Pretoria FM, Willie Spies reacted in a statement saying that Matthews’ resignation is only the latest shock in a series of developments that emphasise the predicament journalists with integrity, working for state-controlled media, find themselves in.

Matthews suspension follows the suspension on Friday of three journalists including the Afrikaans broadcaster RSG’s Foeta Krige and Suna Venter and reports of the termination of programs such asEditors on SAFM and Kommentaar on RSG.

“The time has come for independent media institutions such as commercial and community media, to join hands in support of besieged journalists working for the SABC.  It is in times like these that we need to show the the power of strong communities and institutions can outweigh the tyranny of a failing state”, Spies said.

Pretoria FM is a community radio station based in Pretoria with a nationwide network of affiliated community stations. Pretoria FM also broadcasts on DStv’s audio channel 887 as well as on the internet and a mobile app. Its daily, independent news- and actuality program, Klankkoerant reaches listeners from ten different community radio stations over six provinces.

Issued by Willie Spies, MD, Pretoria FM, 27 June 2016