NEWSWATCH: And it's back... Making the news instead of reporting it, that is - the SABC. First off, a couple of unions reckon that whoever is right for the job of GCEO, Phil Molefe ain't it, reports IOL, which also reports our national broadcaster has fumbled the ball over the Rugby World Cup coverage. Still on the SABC, axed acting GCEO Rob Nicholson might have his head on the block, if claims by former SABC exec Phumelele Ntombela-Nzimande are correct, reports The New Age. Finally, on the alcohol ad ban front, Chris Moerdyk has some figures that might give sleepless nights at the SABC, reports IOL.
For more:
IOL: Molefe 'not right' for top SABC job... How can the SABC do this, asks Matankana Mathapo, spokesman for the Communication Workers Union: "How do you appoint Phil? What does he know? He was not a good candidate to be head of news and now he is the acting group chief executive..." How indeed? But it seems they have, which might explain why Hannes du Buisson, president of the Broadcast, Electronic, Media and Allied Workers Union (BEMAWU) says: "The SABC still hasn't got it right. They are not trusted by staff, civil society and the public. There will be controversy for as long as he holds that position."
IOL: SABC drops the ball on Rugby WC... Absolutely brilliant... Thud - and the ball drops... Those millions of South African rugby fans who don't have DStv will miss many of the Rugby World Cup (RWC) matches live on SABC because the national broadcaster will show only selected matches. On radio this morning a spokesman for the SABC appeared to blame the situation in part at least on the fact that his organisation has to pay for the production of various shows, as it doesn't cover only sport, but rather a range of genres of programming. So what are the plans for the Brazil soccer world cup...? "Sorry, can't afford to screen all the matches live - it's that darned cookery programme we have to pay for"?
The New Age: Ex SABC boss in trouble... Not so jolly old Nich... According to letters allegedly written by former SABC executive Phumelele Ntombela-Nzimande, axed acting CEO Rob Nicholson "did as he pleased" while employed at the SABC, making irregular appointments and flouting the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Given the comparatively recent problems surrounding the SABC and its level of financial management, there could well be some people who might reckon that the accusation could justifiably be levelled at some other members of management as well. Not that we're saying anything, of course.
IOL: Booze ads ban may hit jobs... It's enough to drive one to drink - health minister Aaron Motsoaledi says his department has declared war on liquor advertising. The question is: What impact will any ban have on jobs in the relevant sectors - and the SABC's (and other media, of course) advertising income? Hic!
