CASE NO: 29/2010 – NGCUKANA VS e.tv – DISTORTIONS AND GUTTER JOURNALISM

This case concerns a complaint regarding comments made by the anchor of the e-tv  programme called “Justice Factor”, on political actions or statements involving former President Thabo Mbeki’s “no crisis in Zimbabwe” comments and current President Jacob Zuma’s call for lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe, which earned him the “Loser” title from the show. The Complainant strongly feels that the presenter’s comment is based on ignorance, distortion of facts and outright lies. After watching the programme complained about and listening carefully to the arguments advanced by both the complainant and the broadcaster, the Tribunal concluded that the comment was an honest expression of opinion and was presented in such a manner that it clearly appeared to be comment, and was made on facts  fairly indicated and referred to, in compliance with clause 35.2 of the Broadcasting Code. No contravention of the Code was found by the Tribunal and the complaint was dismissed.