Submissions on the Collapse of Ethical Integrity at the SABC

On 24 June 2019, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) launched an independent Inquiry into Media Credibility and Ethics. SANEF launched the Inquiry to investigate issues of editorial integrity, ethical breaches and capture of journalists across the media industry.

As part of its lobbying work, the Coalition writes submissions, commissions research, engages the media, organises public meetings and, where appropriate, mounts pickets and protests. Our contributions in advocating for a public-interest-focused
public broadcaster have been recognised by the broadcasting sector, the media, the courts, and Parliament as being immensely valuable.

In this submission, SOS shares its views with regards to issues that the SABC could address to strengthen its own editorial independence and integrity.

The following issues are addressed:
a) The SABC Editorial Process
b) Editorial accountability and role of the Editor in Chief
c) Ministerial interference in SABC Newsrooms
d) Funding the public mandate: Editorial and local content
e) Proposal of additions to SABC Editorial Policies
(i) Protection of Journalists
(ii) A Public Editor
(iii) A new SABC Charter

Alternatively you can download the PDF here.