The South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) editorial policies compare favourably with the rest of the world, SABC board chairperson Eddie Funde said on Wednesday.
”Our editorial policies stand up against the best in the world,” he told reporters in Johannesburg.
”The board’s goals can be achieved when editorial independence and journalistic freedom are guaranteed,” Funde said.
He did, however, add the proviso that these would have to comply with South Africa’s Constitution, the Broadcasting Act and the goals of the board.
Funde denied rumours that senior staff at the SABC are threatening to leave because of the recent appointment of Snuki Zikalala as head of news. Zikalala’s new position is controversial in certain quarters because of his strong links to the African National Congress.
Funde said that the rumours should be treated ”as mere gossip”.
One of the first tasks for the newly appointed board is to assess the financial viability of the SABC.
”The pool of revenue generation does create some problems for us,” Funde said.
Most of the SABC’s revenue is derived from commercial activities while a small amount comes from television licences.
Funde said that funding problems are ”not insurmountable”. The board will deal with them ”in an innovative and creative manner”.
The fourth post-apartheid SABC board started operating in January. — Sapa