DA calls for ICASA inquiry into SABC's election news bias

Media reports that spotlight escalating ANC bias in SABC news coverage in the run up to the May 7 election prompt me to request that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) conduct an inquiry into whether the public broadcaster is in breach of its licence conditions and, if so, take the necessary corrective and punitive action (see City Press report).

It also seems, from the media reports that Acting Group Operations Officer Mr Hlaudi Motoseneg, who is reportedly giving instructions on how opposition party rallies are covered, is acting outside the powers of the editor-in-chief , a role he usurped from the previous Group Chief Operating Officer.

I will also write to Minister of Communications Yunus Carrim to request that he robustly exercise his responsibilities of shareholder oversight to ensure that the SABC fulfills its obligations under the Broadcasting Act and its Editorial Charter to provide broadcasting access and coverage to the diversity of views in South Africans, free from political bias or interference.

A central tenet of the SABC's Charter is that it enjoys freedom of expression and journalistic, creative and programming independence. The SABC board is mandated explicitly to protect this freedom and independence.

ICASA has the legal obligation to monitor SABC broadcasts and enforce compliance with its licence conditions and Charter which, inter alia, requires the broadcaster to encourage the development of South African expression through programming that "reflects South African attitudes, opinions, ideas, values and artistic creativity".

In regulating broadcasting in South Africa ICASA must, by law, "ensure fairness and a diversity of views that broadly represent South African society as required in Section 192 of the Constitution".

There have been increasing media reports of SABC board chairperson Ms Ellen Tshabalala lobbying support for the ANC from public platforms when a legal requirement of her position is to lead by example in ethical behaviour and corporate governance issues in support of impartial journalism.

Recently revealed market research, commissioned by the SABC, shows that, not only do most South Africans believe that SABC news broadcasts are biased towards the ANC, but that most of its staff do not trust executive management or the board.

It is time for those who have the legal mandate to correct the political manipulation and executive mismanagement at the public broadcaster to act in the best interests of all South Africa.

Statement issued by Marian Shinn MP, DA Shadow Minister of Communications, April 13 2014

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