Two popular SABC personalities got the chop on Wednesday and insiders at the public broadcaster fear more axing will follow.
Arts reporter Alan Swerdlow, who also produces Fiona Ramsay’s show Art of the Matter for SAfm, confirmed that his contract had been terminated. And presenter Tony Lankester’s SAfm Weekend show has also been axed.
SABC staffers who spoke to the M&G on condition of anonymity said many more SAfm employees will suffer the same fate.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster, Paul Setsetse, told the M&G that SAfm is realigning its programming schedule, which would affect some presenters, to attract a more representative audience.
“The reason behind this decision is that we want to make sure our evening and weekend programmes are more representative, SAfm’s listenership is very white and we want to cater for many listeners across the colour line and from many racial groups,” said Setsetse.
“The programmes that have been cancelled are not helping us attract a representative audience. We have a public mandate and we need to make sure that our programming is in line with that mandate as a public broadcaster.”
Swerdlow, who is also a theatre director, said: “All I can tell is that my contract has been terminated, that’s all I can say. As of the end of September, they’re restructuring the schedule; the programmes are going to go.”
Ramsay said: “Nothing’s been told, I have not heard a peep from anybody.”