Accused of sacrificing its public accountability, editorial policy and of moving ever closer to becoming a de facto state broadcaster, the SABC looked dangerously like it was being used by Robert Gumede in his war against the Mail & Guardian.

Yet the SABC is defiant, saying it doesn’t need to explain its editorial policy or news decisions to anyone.

Director of Media Monitoring Africa William Bird said the SABC’s airing of the Gumede insert and its response to media questions showed the broadcaster was not aware of its role or responsibilities.

“The SABC should be a beacon of ethical behaviour and quality news decisions. Like every other broadcaster in the country, they are obligated to adhere to the BCCSA code of conduct, and one of its requirements is that they offer balanced, accurate and fair reporting. The SABC’s news values don’t belong to the broadcaster, they belong to the public. I think that the SABC’s response is quite staggering.”

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