ANC Statement on launch of 24hour News Channel by the SABC

The African National Congress welcomes the launch of a 24hour news channel by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) today, 1 August 2013. The ANC congratulates the SABC for heeding the call for a diversified news offering that takes into account the views and perspectives of a broad cross section of South African society; reflecting and expressing our diversity in language and culture and the multiplicity of our ideas and opinions. 

It is the hope of the ANC that the Public Broadcaster will bring to South Africans accessible and informative news content from around the country and the world with no fear or favour. We further trust that this platform will not be yet another hourly regurgitation of stale content which can no longer be considered news, but rather a critical assessment and exposure of the best and worst in our society, anchored firmly on the hope and determination of ordinary South Africans to be part of solution, building a common nationhood. 

As we celebrate the emergence of new voices into the news space, the ANC trusts that the SABC will, with great urgency, soon expand beyond Pay TV housed on DSTV, to ensure that the majority of South Africans for whom Pay TV is a luxury, will also be able to enjoy quality, accessible, informative news content that tells the South African and global story. The ANC wishes the SABC well on this new venture and looks forward to the expansion and celebration of the voice of South Africa in all its diversity.

Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, ANC national spokesperson, August 1 2013

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