It’s Almost Supernatural interviewed Paula Slier, one of several reporters, commentators and analysts blacklisted from the South African Broadcasting Corp. by news director Dr. Snuki Shikalala. See parts one and two of the Q&A. Reacting to Shikalala’s free admission that he identifies with the Palestinian cause, Slier hits the nail on the head:
I think it is worrying that our public broadcaster is so strongly associated with the Palestinian struggle, but I think it would be as worrying if it was strongly associated with the actions of the State of Israel. The role of the SABC is to be impartial, to broadcast news as freely and objectively as is can, and to be vigilant about covering both sides of the conflict.
This, believe me, is not always easy, particularly regarding something as charged as the Middle East situation, but it is certainly not the role of Zikalala to start prescribing what view the public broadcaster should take re: the conflict.
UPDATE Oct. 22: Part three is now online.
