Masango repeated 57 times that Greyling was talking “utter nonsense”‚ without making an effort to explain why he was of this opinion and thereby providing an opposing view‚ the BCCSA said.
The broadcaster’s manager‚ Thabisile Mbete‚ said Masango had been on leave and would apologise on air on Wednesday night’s show.
Mbete said the station and Masongo had accepted the ruling and would abide by it.
The BCCSA reprimanded 702 for contravening clauses 13 and 15(1) of the Broadcasting Code.
Clause 13 – the Controversial Issues of Public Importance – states that during controversial issues of public importance‚ a broadcaster must make reasonable efforts to fairly present opposing points of view‚ either in the same programme or in a subsequent programme. The clause also states that a person whose views are to be criticised in a broadcasting programme on controversial issues‚ must be given the right to reply.
Clause 15(1) states that broadcasting service licensees must exercise exceptional care and consideration in matters involving privacy‚ dignity and reputation of individuals‚ bearing in mind that the said rights may be overridden by a legitimate public interest.