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.<\/p>\n
The paper stated that the order to stop listeners calling in was given by\u00a0SABC radio general manager, Leuba Ramakgolo.<\/p>\n
An SABC employee told the Sunday Times this was to stop \u201celectioneering on the broadcaster\u2019s platforms\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe source said SABC management said open lines would be dropped until after the elections,\u201d stated the report.<\/p>\n
The SABC\u2019s spokesman, Kaizer Kganyago, did not respond to questions from the paper.<\/p>\n
\u201cListeners of MetroFM Talk were shocked this week when host Rams Mabote did not invite them to comment on any issue they deemed important,\u201d stated the report.<\/p>\n
Listeners complained on Twitter about the snub, with the SABC employee\u00a0stating that the current affairs show drew a lot of complaints about the ANC.<\/p>\n
Another SABC source said\u00a0this was not the first time the broadcaster\u00a0tried to censor callers.<\/p>\n
\u201cSABC bosses have over the past few months complained about current affairs shows and warned about balance when discussing politics,\u201d stated the report.<\/p>\n
The full report is in the Sunday Times of 28 February 2016.<\/em><\/p>\n Motsoeneng to name and shame negative reporting on the SABC<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Motsoeneng happy to get back to work at the SABC<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nMore on the SABC<\/h3>\n