NEWS
CURRENT AFFAIRS AND
INFORMATION PROGRAMMING
INTRODUCTION
The SABC occupies a distinctive position of trust in the lives of its viewers and listeners. We are
the most extensive, all-inclusive and diverse news organisation in South Africa. The SABC
considers it a duty to provide consistent, relevant, useful and top-quality information and
analysis on which all South Africans can rely as they discuss and deliberate, form opinions and
build a common future.
The Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, the Broadcasting Act, the Code of Conduct for
Broadcasters and the SABC's Editorial Code set out the essential requirements for news and
current affairs services that are to be studied, understood and observed by every member of the
SABC's news staff.
This policy covers all the news, current affairs and information programming broadcast by the
SABC, including news bulletins and current affairs programmes provided for radio, television and
SABC Africa.

THE SABC'S ROLE IN NEWS, CURRENT AFFAIRS AND
INFORMATION PROGRAMMES
The SABC recognises the important part played by news and information in human, social and
economic growth and development, especially in societies such as ours that are embarking on
nation building. The SABC takes account of this, as it is in these circumstances that news,
current affairs and information services can be the catalyst for positive and progressive
development and change.
Through this policy, the SABC is well positioned - and unmatched in the market - to meet the
challenge of telling the South African story with compassion, determination and resolution, while
creating forums where South Africans from every walk of life can communicate ideas about their
common future.
The SABC should offer information that is substantial, and analysis that is authentic and
meaningful to ordinary, enquiring South Africans so that they can form their own opinions. Also,
since our services are for everyone's use, they should take account of representation and identity,
and reflect life as it is. This means accounts and interviews, and other forms of presentation,
should reflect and draw on South Africa's diversity of people, languages, cultures, genders,
abilities and classes, and the full spectrum of opinions, perspectives and comment.
For the SABC to achieve these objectives, we require - and our audiences rightly expect - the news
staff to uphold the highest editorial and ethical standards consistently and diligently. Clearly
what we uphold as a common good for society, such as decent and incorruptible values, robust
and vigorous creativity, and healthy and wholesome growth and development, lies at the very
heart of good journalism.
The SABC's freedom of expression and its journalistic, creative and programming independence
is guaranteed and protected in law. The principle of editorial independence is therefore
fundamental to the operations of the public broadcaster and especially important to the
functions of the SABC's news division.
The SABC is committed to upholding the independence of its news division and, flowing from
this policy, the news division will develop its own internal guidelines on how to entrench this
independence and deal with potential conflicts of interest in the newsroom. These guidelines
should deal with involvement of reporters in political organisations, declarations of financial or
family interests, how gifts and free travel are to be dealt with, etc.

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 As a public institution, the SABC is often itself the subject of its own news reports. When
reporting on itself, the SABC makes sure that it does so fairly and fully.

OBJECTIVITY, ACCURACY, FAIRNESS, IMPARTIALITY AND BALANCE
The SABC's right to freedom of expression comes with an obligation: the duty of every member
of its news staff to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards. These are captured in
the SABC's Editorial Code, some of the clauses of which are reproduced below:
We report, contextualise, and present news and current affairs honestly by striving to disclose
all the essential facts and by not suppressing relevant, available facts, or distorting by wrong
or improper emphasis
We do not allow advertising, commercial, political or personal considerations to influence our
editorial decisions. The SABC is expected to provide information, and as part of this duty
should evaluate, analyse and critically appraise government policies and programmes. The
SABC is not the mouthpiece of the government of the day, nor should it broadcast its
opinion of government policies, unless they relate directly to broadcasting matters
We seek balance by presenting relevant views on matters of importance, as far as possible.
This may not always be achieved in a single programme or news bulletin, but should be done
within a reasonable time
We are guided by news merit and judgement in reaching editorial decisions. Fairness does
not require editorial staff to be unquestioning, nor the SABC to give every side of an issue
the same amount of time
We do not accept gifts, favours, free travel, special treatment, or privileges that could
compromise our integrity, and any such offer is to be disclosed
We foster open dialogue with our viewers and listeners, as we are accountable to the public
for our reports
We aim to tell stories from a South African point of view and deal with issues that are
important to South Africans. This includes local, African and global issues. We endeavour
to contextualise for South Africans their life as global citizens, and to recount the story of
South Africa in all its variety and complexity. Given our history, and that South Africa is part
of Africa, we see it as our responsibility to endeavour to represent Africa and African stories
fairly and diversely
We are committed to being a truly national broadcaster, providing a showcase for all South
Africa's provinces and peoples.
The Code of Conduct for Broadcasters also requires the SABC to report news truthfully,
accurately and objectively. In this regard, the staff may not allow their professional judgement to
be influenced by pressures from political, commercial or other sectional interests.
Since they are professionals, SABC journalists and other news staff have personal opinions, beliefs
and preferences arising from social, educational, cultural and other forms of nurturing. South
Africa's apartheid past, and individuals' experiences in contesting and living under it, also
accentuates differences that could create unfairness and partiality, or perceptions of such bias. It
is the responsibility of SABC journalists and editorial staff to ensure that these forms of individual
and collective nurturing do not lead to any form or perception of inequity or prejudice.
In order to meet the required standard of journalistic objectivity it is the responsibility of SABC
news staff to be aware of such personal opinions, beliefs and preferences, and to take them into
account in gathering and transmitting news. SABC reporting should be, and be seen to be,
accurate, fair, impartial and balanced. Our audiences have the right to expect SABC news and
current affairs programming not to reflect the personal views of editorial staff.

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In assigning staff, SABC editors should be sensitive to published views, associations and
backgrounds, so as to avoid any perception of bias, or of vulnerability to undue influence.

 NEWS, CURRENT AFFAIRS AND
INFORMATION PROGRAMMING
SABC news staff are expected to present issues fairly, not to take sides, and to afford the public
access to the full range of views on a subject. In this regard, editorial staff should not become
emotional, or use emotive language, in writing stories or conducting interviews.
For the SABC to retain its credibility, accuracy is imperative. Research for any news programme
has to be thorough, and be checked and cross-checked. Substantiation is also an important tool
for ensuring accuracy. Another agency or SABC correspondent should substantiate national and
international reports that are not obtained first hand. News and current affairs stories and feeds
taken from international broadcasters, bureaux and correspondents are always to be
acknowledged, and to be consistent with SABC editorial policies and standards.
SABC editorial staff should always endeavour to present stories in a fair and balanced manner.
When exceptional circumstances make it impossible to achieve fairness and balance, or when a
damaging critique of an individual or institution is presented, those criticised should be given an
opportunity to present their side of the story: the "right of reply". When the response from such
an individual or institution is reflected in a subsequent programme, it should be given
comparable prominence.
With the best of intentions and efforts, mistakes still happen. When a serious factual error has
been made, it should be admitted and corrected as soon as it is realised. The Code of Conduct
requires any rectification to be presented with such a degree of prominence and timing as may
be adequate and fair in the circumstances so as to attract attention readily.

LANGUAGE AND TONE IN NEWS
It is important for the SABC to get its facts and use of language right. Given our nation's
divided history and previously unequal learning systems, the use of South African languages
should always take account of the needs and sensitivities of our audiences. This means the use
and tone of language should take account of our different cultures, abilities, classes and
experiences; avoiding exaggeration, value judgment, unnecessary provocation, and lack of
objectivity.
It has now become a standard practice for news stories and bulletins to be produced and
broadcast in all eleven official languages. This is another important dimension of language.
Since inaccuracies easily creep in when stories are translated, only staff who have the required
language skills should translate stories, and they should do so accurately and fairly.
Further guidelines on language use are laid out in the Programming Policy and the Language
Broadcasting Policy.

INTERVIEWING
Interviews are an important tool of journalism. In order to achieve the objective of an interview
to break new ground and get new information, it is important for interviewing to be purposeful
and well researched.
For an interview to be successful, it is important to inform an interviewee of the purpose of the
interview, its duration and any other relevant matter, and to establish how he or she prefers to
be addressed.
Care should be taken when interviewing ordinary people who do not have any experience of
broadcasting. We should also make allowances for the language barrier: confusion and
misunderstanding, or difficulty of expression, may arise when an interview is conducted in a
language other than the interviewee's home language. If necessary, an interviewer should repeat
questions and confirm that the interviewee has a clear understanding of what is asked, and may
request the interviewee to clarify answers. We should not make assumptions, or reconstruct an
interviewee's responses later; the interview is the opportunity to do so.
Conversely, interviewers are increasingly faced with interviewees who attempt to steer the
interview on their own course. In such cases, interruptions may be justified. Any unwillingness
to answer questions should be shown up, but this should be done calmly and respectfully.

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 Further guidelines for dealing with guests are given elsewhere in this policy, and in the policy on
Programming.

ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS NEWS
SABC News gives special attention to economics and business news aimed at informing and
educating our audiences. Examples are business, commercial and labour laws; harmful business
practices; effective ways of saving and spending money; prices, inflation and other basic economic
indicators, and how these affect our audiences.
In commissioning and broadcasting economics and business news, SABC news staff should ensure
that a range of views, perspectives and opinions - not only the orthodox ones - are presented in
a balanced, fair and accurate manner.

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM
Investigative journalism, to which the SABC has made an important contribution, is a key element
of our news services. SABC investigative journalism plays a vital part in pursuing matters of
public concern systematically through innovative and reliable journalism, making it possible to
access information that is crucial to the construction of a democratic society.
As a rule, and given its potential effect on the lives of a large part of society, investigative
journalism at the SABC always takes into account the relative importance of an issue. Minor
matters should not be dealt with when more significant issues warrant attention. Although
investigative journalism is robust and thorough in its examination of issues, it also has to adhere
to the highest ethical and journalistic standards, be in the public interest, offer valuable
information and authentic analysis, promote public dialogue, and enable the public to form their
own opinions.
Given its nature, investigative journalism frequently involves legal considerations, and on such
occasions the advice of the Legal Department is to be sought.
As a rule, SABC journalists work in the open. Clandestine methods of gathering news and
information should be used with due regard to the law, the right to privacy, and the significance
of the information. If it were to become necessary and in the public interest to gather
information to which the public normally does not have access, the matter should be referred to
the relevant Head of News. As a matter of policy, the SABC does not use hidden cameras and
microphones to gather news. In exceptional circumstances - such as illegal, antisocial or
fraudulent activity, or clear and significant abuse of public trust, and where alternative means of
newsgathering are impossible - the use of such equipment might be in the public interest. If so,
the matter is to be referred to the relevant Head of News, and in all these cases there should be
consultation with the Legal Department.

USE OF GUESTS, ANALYSTS AND SPECIALIST COMMENTATORS
The SABC's principle of providing the full spectrum of opinions, perspectives and comment also
applies to selection and use of guests, analysts and specialist commentators. This requires
editorial staff to choose, as participants, people who have a wide range of views, opinions and
perspectives, and are drawn from all over the country. Such people should be required to declare
any vested interest they may have in the matter to be discussed.

PAYING FOR INFORMATION
The Code of Conduct prohibits broadcasters from paying criminals for information, unless
compelling societal interests indicate the contrary.
As a matter of policy, the SABC does not pay people for information. In circumstances where
compelling public interest and the right to know are involved, and access to information cannot
be gained by other means, the matter is to be referred to the relevant Head of News for a
decision. When payment has been made, this fact is to be reported in the broadcast.

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 NEWS, CURRENT AFFAIRS AND
INFORMATION PROGRAMMING
PUBLIC OPINION SURVEYS
Polling and random sampling are methods used to discover facts, uncover attitudes and confirm
hypotheses. However, to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings of such research, it has
to be done according to proven scientific methods. Before broadcasting the results of non-SABC
surveys, journalists should obtain information on the methods used and the main results of the
survey; seek the opinion of experts in the field, and consult SABC Market Intelligence on the
validity of the methods used and interpretation of the findings.
The SABC may also conduct its own public opinion surveys, for which it takes full accountability.
The Head of News Research approves any such survey, including the design, questionnaires and
interpretation of the results, after consultation with the relevant Head of News.
Statements gathered (live or pre-recorded) from people chosen at random - vox pops - are not
scientific surveys. These should be presented solely to illustrate the range and texture of popular
opinion on a topical issue. There should not be any suggestion - explicit or implicit - that the
views broadcast in such a survey reflect wider public opinion.

PROTECTION OF SOURCES
The SABC firmly upholds the principle of journalistic freedom and sees the protection of a
journalist's sources as a key element of this principle.
At times, information that ought to be given to the public is available to journalists only through
confidential sources. If the confidentiality of such sources of information were not respected, it
would restrict the free flow of information in a free and democratic society.
In the event of a source not wanting to be identified publicly, the SABC uses the information
obtained only when the source is known to the journalist and has prima facie credibility; the
journalist has checked the reliability of the source and obtained corroboratory evidence from
other relevant sources; and the identity and bona fides of the confidential source have been
disclosed to the relevant Executive Producer ahead of the broadcast.
When protection of a source becomes a legal matter, the SABC does not advise its staff to refuse
to obey an order of a court, but makes its legal counsel available for advice and to present legal
argument in court to protect the source.

GENDER AND REPRESENTATION
Democratisation places an important responsibility on the SABC to include in our news services consciously and with due prominence - the perspectives and opinions of women who are
making a crucial contribution to the political, social and economic life of South Africa. This is one
of the important criteria for ensuring that the full range of comment is offered, so that our
audiences may have a comprehensive overview of issues in order to form their own opinions.
News staff should therefore endeavour to ensure fair gender representation in news and
information programming.

PRIVACY
Promoting the dignity of all South Africans is a cornerstone of our Constitution, and it is for this
reason that the Bill of Rights is so central to it. Unlike the private commercial media, the SABC
has a special duty to uphold the Bill of Rights and to respect the dignity and private lives of
individuals. For this reason, we respect individuals' right to privacy, and as a matter of policy do
not violate such privacy unless it is justifiable in the public interest.
The Programming Policy expands on the SABC's approach to matters of privacy.

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 REPORTING ON SUFFERING AND DISTRESS
In terms of the SABC Editorial Code we are circumspect in the presentation of brutality, violence,
atrocities and personal grief.
When covering any accident, disaster or conflict the SABC always gives a full, accurate and
factual account of relevant matters such as time, location and casualty figures. In doing so, we
avoid causing needless distress or anxiety to those who already know of their loss. SABC
editorial staff cover accidents and disasters with compassion and sensitivity that is frank and
genuine.
The consequences of a tragic event or disaster call for considerable sensitivity on the part of the
SABC. Reporting on these events should follow well established principles:
As a rule, intrusive visuals of the dead should not be broadcast unless the story demands it
Those injured or grieving should not be put under any pressure to give interviews
As far as reasonably possible, next of kin should not learn bad news from a radio or TV
newscast
A funeral should be covered only with the permission of the family, and treated sensitively and
without intrusion, unless public interest considerations are apparent
The time of day of transmission - before or after the watershed - and audience sensibilities
should always be considered
When the content of a report or programme may upset sensitive viewers or children, a
warning to that effect is to be given.
News bulletins should be prepared bearing in mind that children watch TV during the day and
early evening, especially in school holidays. This could mean delaying graphic details and visuals
of particularly disturbing events until the later bulletins, when it is reasonable to expect parents to
be in a better position to monitor their children's viewing.
In its coverage of crime, the SABC avoids sensationalist reports that have no context or
explanation. The SABC seeks to report not only on the event, but also the human consequences
and the subsequent judicial process.
The guidelines are elaborated on further in the Programming Policy. Editorial staff should also
consult the Legal Guidelines for Editorial Staff.

BROADCASTING EVENTS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE
The SABC gives full, or extended, live television and/or radio coverage of events of national
importance. In scheduling these events, editorial staff should take into account that they
inevitably result in schedule changes. Such events may include the Opening of Parliament, the
budget speech, State occasions such as visits by foreign dignitaries and State funerals; major
commemorative occasions, and the proceedings of national commissions of inquiry.
Other events that may warrant live coverage and involve scheduling and programming changes
include major parliamentary debates, the opening of provincial legislatures, and significant
conferences of the major political parties. Live coverage in this category requires approval of the
relevant stations and channels, in consultation with top management.
When an event of national importance is of a party political nature, editorial staff are to ensure
that the SABC policies on objectivity, accuracy, fairness, impartiality and balance are adhered to.
The Policy on Language Broadcasting outlines further requirements for broadcasting events of
national importance.

ELECTION BROADCASTS

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This news policy is applicable both during elections and outside of elections. Outside of elections,
the SABC approaches its coverage of political parties as it does its coverage of all other
newsmakers - we are guided by our commitment to objectivity, accuracy, fairness, impartiality and
balance. As such this policy does not deal specifically with the coverage of political parties outside
of an election period.

 NEWS, CURRENT AFFAIRS AND
INFORMATION PROGRAMMING
Broadcasting during elections is a testing time for the SABC. This is because it is during elections
in particular that our commitment to objectivity, accuracy, fairness, impartiality and balance is
scrutinised closely and evaluated assiduously. Election broadcasts are regulated by the
Independent Broadcasting Authority Act and ICASA's regulations. During an election period, the
SABC is bound to comply with additional ICASA guidelines on equitable coverage of political
parties, which are only applicable during an election period. Notwithstanding these
additional requirements, news decisions during election periods have, as is the case between
elections, to be driven by the news judgement of our news staff, and take account of the need
to ensure that attention is given to thorough examination of the views, policies and campaigns
of all the main political parties.
This is also a trying time for our editorial staff, who may experience pressure from political
parties seeking to influence our editorial decisions. While remaining courteous, staff should
always refer complaints to the appropriate offices.
News staff are required to study, understand and observe the statutory provisions on election
broadcasts in the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act (see Sections 58, 59 and 60) and
ICASA's regulations. These requirements include the limitations on party election broadcasts, the
time to be made available to political parties, the duration and scheduling of party election
broadcasts, and political advertising during election periods. News staff should also familiarise
themselves with any internal guidelines developed for election coverage, including policies such
as the Policy on Election Advertising.
The SABC shall, in compliance with the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, cease party
election broadcasts 48 hours before the polling period begins.

RESTRICTIONS ON SPONSORSHIP OF NEWS, CURRENT AFFAIRS
AND INFORMATION PROGRAMMES
The SABC's approach to the sponsorship of news, current affairs and information programmes
takes into account our public and commercial services' programming responsibilities, applicable
legal and regulatory requirements as stipulated from time to time by ICASA, and the overall
performance and well-being of our stations and channels.
Our overriding concern, shared by ICASA, is to preserve the editorial independence and integrity
of the programmes concerned. Like ICASA, the SABC seeks to ensure that editorial control of
programmes remains with the broadcaster. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of broadcasters to
ensure that editorial independence and integrity are not influenced by the presence of
advertising and sponsorship, and to demonstrate this to ICASA's satisfaction.
Sponsorship of television news and current affairs has been prohibited by ICASA, and is therefore
not allowed by the SABC. For radio, ICASA has allowed a window period for sponsorship of news,
but has encouraged the industry to phase it out. In line with the fact that it is currently
permitted by ICASA, the SABC’s policy is to allow for the sponsorship of radio news and current
affairs programmes. Weather forecasts and sports bulletins that form part of TV news bulletins
may be sponsored. Any product placement within news and current affairs programmes is
strictly forbidden.

REVIEW
This policy is reviewed by the SABC Board every five years.

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