SABC’s new bid to stop anti-ANC criticism

 ·28 Feb 2016

The SABC has banned open lines on its radio talk shows in a bid to stop anti-ANC government callers from voicing their issues in the build-up to local government elections. This is according to a report in the Sunday Times.

The paper stated that the order to stop listeners calling in was given by SABC radio general manager, Leuba Ramakgolo.

An SABC employee told the Sunday Times this was to stop “electioneering on the broadcaster’s platforms”.

“The source said SABC management said open lines would be dropped until after the elections,” stated the report.

The SABC’s spokesman, Kaizer Kganyago, did not respond to questions from the paper.

MetroFM listeners shocked

“Listeners of MetroFM Talk were shocked this week when host Rams Mabote did not invite them to comment on any issue they deemed important,” stated the report.

Listeners complained on Twitter about the snub, with the SABC employee stating that the current affairs show drew a lot of complaints about the ANC.

Another SABC source said this was not the first time the broadcaster tried to censor callers.

“SABC bosses have over the past few months complained about current affairs shows and warned about balance when discussing politics,” stated the report.

The full report is in the Sunday Times of 28 February 2016.

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