There is no clear delimitation of the different roles of the board on the one hand and management as well as editors on the other. The board regularly interferes in the day-to-day running of the SABC including news and programming. One indication of this unduly hands-on approach is the fact that the board and its committees held no less than 45 meetings in 2007. Top management through its chief executive for news and current affairs also interferes with the day-to-day work in the news rooms by issuing questionable decrees. One example was a scandal caused by the alleged blacklisting of commentators (later in effect confirmed by a commission of inquiry) who did not find favour with the then CE. Another example was the fact that the CEO Dali Mpofu appeared at ANC conferences as a “deployed delegate” – casting serious doubt on his political neutrality. Direct interference from politicians seems to be rare. From time to time, high ranking politicians at provincial level demand to appear on the news with interviews or statements. In most cases, editors do not bow to such pressures. Regarding commercial influence, the public broadcaster SABC relies heavily on commercial revenue (advertising) which makes up 83% of its funding. Despite this dependence on commercial income, the SABC, compared to other broadcasters, is able to withstand direct pressure due to its near monopoly over the television airwaves and thus the TV advertising market: advertisers simply cannot afford not to be on the SABC. However, in programming other than news there is concern that content is overly influenced by sponsors (e.g. through product placement), although ICASA has strict regulations regarding the enforcement of editorial independence from advertisers and sponsors. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3.8 3, 2, 2, 2, 3, 5, 3, 4, 4 3.1 (2006 = 2.7) The public broadcaster is adequately funded in a manner that protects it from arbitrary interference with its budget. ANALYSIS: The public service of the SABC is funded by “revenues from advertising and sponsorships, grants and donations, as well as licence fees levied in respect of the licensing of persons in relation to television sets, and may receive grants from the State” (Broadcasting Act). In addition, the corporation’s public service arm may be subsidised from its commercial division. In fact, the SABC is overwhelmingly (83 %) funded by revenues from commercial activities and has become a “commercial public broadcaster” – with the attendant risk of commercial considerations impacting on editorial decisions. Licence fees amount to 13 % of the budget. State funds (4 % of the corporation’s income) are usually granted for special programmes such as educational material. Thus, the possibility of interference by government using its financial muscle seems minimal. There are, however, other avenues for such interference, i.e. via the requirement to obtain the minister’s approval on a number of financial matters. This dependence on mainly one (commercial) source is seen as dangerous. Steps are under way to arrive at a healthier mix of income – but such reform will take time. So This Is Democracy? 2008 -213- Media Institute of Southern Africa