Parliamentary officials, members of the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) and the Press Gallery Association (PGA) met today to discuss provision of broadcast feed from the National Assembly.
South Africa’s major broadcasters – SABC, eTV, Primedia and ANN7 – were also at the meeting.
The meeting followed complaints from the Sanef about provision of the Parliamentary feed – audio and visuals - during disruptions in the National Assembly Chamber in August and November last year.
Parliament’s officials gave a comprehensive overview of the current constitutional, legal and policy framework within which filming and broadcasting of Parliamentary proceedings occur.
Both the Sanef and the PGA called for the urgent review of the policy. The meeting agreed that the Sanef will make a written submission to Parliament motivating for the urgent review of the policy.
Parliament’s officials informed the meeting of the improvement of broadcast quality and capability that will be operational from 12 February. The infrastructure will enable parliament to provide greater variety of audio visual feed.
The Sanef was led by its Chairperson, Mr Mpumelelo Mkhabela (also editor of the Sowetan) and its Executive Director, Mr Mathatha Tsedu, the PGA by its Chairperson Mr Thabo Mokone (also parliamentary correspondent for Times Media) and Mr Paul Vecchiatto (also parliamentary correspondent for Business Day). The Deputy Secretary to Parliament, Ms Penelope (Baby) Tyawa, and Parliament’s Spokesperson, Mr Luzuko Jacobs, led Parliament’s delegation.
Enquiries:
Luzuko Jacobs
Cell: 073 795 2273
Mpumelelo Mkhabela
Cell: 082 296 2541
Thabo Mokone
Cell: 082 490 9284
