Angola
Botswana
Malawi
Mozambique
Namibia
Zimbabwe
Cote D'Ivoire
Ghana
Nigeria
Kenya
Uganda
Tanzania
Mauritius
Seychelles
Algeria
Egypt
Morocco
Zambia | Subscribefree to biz newsletters |
 |
| Media news | Press offices |
CategoriesPartnersSpecial sectionsLifestyleArchivesIn the news | Suitability of acting SABC news director questionedPhil Molefe will be appointed as head of news and current affairs as soon as Snuki Zikalala relinquishes his throne on April 30 until a permanent replacement is found, said the SABC yesterday, Tuesday, 28 April 2009. But, analysts and critics are already questioning the value of Molefe's appointment - two past editorial incidents could come back to haunt him and ‘melt down' the credibility of his ‘presidency'.  Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) director Jane Duncan told Bizcommunity.com, “Phil Molefe is a very affable person and has been around at the SABC for a long time now, so he knows the ins and outs of the public broadcaster. However, the position requires someone with an exceptional news sense, which in turn demands a person with strong news management experience. ‘Two incidents stand out' “On this level, it is difficult to say how Molefe will fare. But there are two incidents standing out in my mind that require us to watch his tenure as acting news head closely,” Duncan warned. “The first incident involved a decision to can a Special Assignment documentary on witchcraft in 1999, followed by a controversial decision not to renew the contract of the then executive producer Max du Preez.” Duncan said that Du Preez painted a less than flattering portrait of Molefe's conduct in his autobiography in relation to this issue. She added, “He also identified him as part of a triumvirate of people (including Zikalala), who sought to exercise editorial authority over SABC current affairs products, such as Special Assignment, to an inappropriate degree and in a way that compromised the editorial integrity of the current affairs output. “Did raise questions” “It may be worth reminding the public of the details of this dispute, as it did raise questions about Molefe.” The second incident, Duncan continued, involved what can only be described as the grovelling interview Molefe conducted with Robert Mugabe in 2003. “In the light of these incidents, we should ask whether Molefe will run the news department without fear or favour, which is what is needed to restore the news department's editorial integrity.” As Zikalala could testify, being the head of news and current affairs is undoubtedly one of the most challenging positions at SABC, and it takes just one ill-advised decision for the whole republic to call for your head to be served on the plate for supper. Certainly Molefe will have to think clearly to avoid Zikalala's ‘mistakes' and deliver the goods. “One of the most challenging” Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) director William Bird said, “It would not surprise me if the first thing Phil did on hearing the news was to have a stiff drink. Irrespective of your political views this has to be one of the most challenging news positions anywhere in the world. “I think from the word go you will be under fire, if you do what you consider the right thing you will come under fire from some, and if you give in and do something else you will come under fire from others.” For more:
About Issa Sikiti da SilvaIssa Sikiti da Silva is a winner of the 2010 SADC Media Awards (print category). He freelances for various media outlets, local and foreign, and has travelled extensively across Africa. His work has been published both in French and English. He used to contribute to Bizcommunity.com as a senior news writer.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This Message Board accepts no liability of legal consequences that arise from the Message Boards (e.g. libel, slander, or other such crimes). All posted messages are the sole property of their respective authors. The maintainer does retain the right to remove any message posts for whatever reasons. People that post messages to this forum are not to libel/slander nor in any other way depict a company, entity, individual(s), or service in a false light; should they do so, the legal consequences are theirs alone. Bizcommunity.com will disclose authors' IP addresses to authorities if compelled to do so by a court of law. | Related news
Follow us:
Top stories More Top stories news... ContributorsIndustry news
Community activity
|
CONTACT US | ABOUT US | SEND US NEWS | ADVERTISING RATES | | +27 (0)21 680 3500 | +27 (0)11 612 3003
ADSL & Web hosting proudly provided by Afrihost. All rights reserved. © 2012. Bizcommunity.com, its sponsors, contributors and advertisers disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, injury or expense that might arise from the use of, or reliance upon, the services contained herein. Privacy policy, Terms of Use, PAIA.