Complaint by Democratic Party that no TV coverage had been given to what its leader, Mr Tony Leon, had had to say on Freedom Day during the 19:00 news on SABC2. Coverage was, however, given to the President, to several premiers and other leaders.
Held that the Broadcasting Code had not been contravened since it was not unequivocally clear that the Democratic Party was excluded by way of intentional or negligent conduct of the broadcaster. Furthermore, that given the subject matter discussed by the leaders covered, it could also not be concluded that there had been a material omission in not having given coverage to the DP and the NP.
Held further that insofar as the Democratic Party’s complaint was concerned in regard to an alleged disproportionate share of the time during the 20h00 news, that there had not been a material omission as required by the Code. There was also no evidence of bias.
Observed that if the Complainant is left out of newscasts on a systematic and continuing basis, this will be taken into consideration in establishing whether such omission was intentional or partial. In such circumstances the Commission will allow evidence to be led of omissions which took place during a longer period than the 30 day complaint period.