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Current Policies: Religious Broadcasting
Q: How is airtime for religious programming allocated?
In allocating air time to religious groups, the SABC is committed to the principle of fairness and applies this principle in determining the time allocated to each group. These allocations are made on a three-yearly basis, after consultation with the Religious Broadcasting Panel (RPB), taking the following into account:
• Data on the percentage of the population in each religious group, as per the latest available census information.
• The need for each of the major religions to enjoy meaningful and sufficient programming of a faith specific nature
•The need for all the religions to be reflected in religious programmes
• The need for sufficient programming of a multifaith nature
• The need to redress past imbalances in religious broadcasting.
Q: Why does the religious programme policy give special attention to African Religion?
Religious broadcasting should strive to be contextual and relevant, and to reflect our African reality. Towards further correction test of the neglect of African culture in the public media, special attention is given to African Religion and traditional cultures
Review: Religious Broadcasting
• Are the above (& other clauses) in the policies still relevant and where should adjustments be made?
• The religious policies locate editorial control of meditational programmes outside the SABC. The policy also allows for the establishment of a Religious Broadcasting Panel, which will report to the Board, de ne the allocation of time to different religious groups and liaise with religious communities. Both these appear to be abrogation of editorial control being located within the SABC and should be addressed.
• The most important issue that arose regarding Religious Broadcasting, was whether or not the assumptions made around the importance of broadcasting as per sectarian interests was appropriate.
• Is the identification of the major religions still appropriate & how are the sometimes considerable differences within religions, eg Shi’ite & Sunni, Orthodox & Pentecostal managed?
• Paid for broadcasts have been raised as problematic in the context of public service religious broadcasting, but the Editorial Policies allow it – is this appropriate?
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