SABC's protest footage decision: Protective or propaganda?

NEWSWATCH: Twitter is lighting up with mentions of 'The SABC' and top man #Hlaudi following the SABC's announcement that they will no longer be screening violent protest action, particularly footage of people burning public institutions, as Motsoeneng reasoned it "promotes violent service delivery protests encourages copycat actions".

While that may be true, it’s also true that we live in an age where if people want to see something, they’ll find a way – everyone is a reporter these days with our camera-enabled smartphones, and everyone can self-publish on platforms like Youtube, with the potential to go viral in minutes.

Eyewitness News clarifies that the public broadcaster reiterated it will “continue to cover news without fear or favour” and that its reporters will still be deployed to cover the violent protests, but media like The TimesLive are dubbing the decision ‘propaganda much’.

Citizens are now also crying political wolf as the self-censorship move gains further online mentions ranging from pure outrage to tongue-in-cheek:

Educate? Come on!!The #SABC wants people to think that all is fine and dandy in SA so they can keep voting 4 the ANC https://t.co/NcJx2gFqLz
— Candice Lebese (@SweetestCandyx) May 27, 2016

Kanye warned us that no one man should have all that power. Hlaudi proving him right. Its not the SABC's mandate to keep us in ignorance
— Roshuma (@Shumi_Phungo) May 27, 2016

In local news, the #SABC will not be showing any weather forecasts during the winter months. Only during the warm, happy summer months.
— ANN7Reporter (@ANN7Reporter) May 27, 2016

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