eNCA sacks news head Kanthan Pillay
eNCA has axed its acting Director of News, Kanthan Pillay, following his 'rat' tweet.
Earlier this week, Pillay posted a tweet saying, "rats swimming towards a sinking ship".
It was apparently in reference to journalist, Samkele Maseko, who had earlier announced his resignation from the eNCA in a tweet, saying he could not serve out his notice.
Maseko is apparently joining the SABC.
In reaction to Pillay's tweet, the reporter accused his former boss of interfering with editorial processes and censoring certain news items.
The SA National Editors Forum says it's requested a meeting with eNCA over allegations of editorial interference and censorship.
SANEF's Kate Skinner says they want feedback from eNCA management on these allegations.
"What we are very happy about is that Samkele has said that he is going to go to the Kathleen Satchwell inquiry into media ethics and credibility and will be airing all the issues there."
"So we think that will be a very positive step so those who are meeting with eNCA I think will be very important but also the fact that Samkele is going to the inquiry to look at ethical issues I think is also powerful and a positive move," she said.
In a statement today, eNCA says Pillay's tweet does not represent the company's views.
Read eNCA's full statement below:
eNCA has parted company with its Director of News Kanthan Pillay with immediate effect. This follows outrage and condemnation after a tweet he posted.
The tweet does not represent the views of e-Media Investments and the channel.
After intense overnight investigation and consultation, the channel decided it had no alternative but to end its relationship with him.
Although he was acting in an individual capacity and his posting was unsolicited, he was nonetheless a senior member of staff and the channel believes there was no room for any other outcome and that damage control was imperative.
Serious allegations have also been levelled at eNCA about Pillay’s censorship of stories and his management style. The channel takes the allegations of censorship very seriously.
To that end, eNCA is co-operating fully with the SA National Editors Forum that has requested clarity.
The channel will be appointing an external expert to investigate these claims.
Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Maggs says: “All news organisations have one currency and that is credibility. It is clear this negative attention has adversely affected eNCA’s reputation and credibility.
"However, with the talented and dedicated staff we have, I believe the channel can recover. Right now our immediate priorities are to mend strained relationships and to rebuild credibility with its audience and other stakeholders as soon as possible.”
