SABC's protest footage decision: Protective or propaganda?

© Juan Jose Jiménez González – 123RF.com

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