SBC rejects allegations of bias and ill-intent by journalists, asks politicians to substantiate claims |26 March 2022

The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation has reacted to the statements made by President Wavel Ramkalawan on Thursday evening in his live press conference, and those made by the leader of the opposition Sebastien Pillay in the National Assembly on Tuesday March 22, 2022.

In a press statement issued yesterday, the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) said “these statements imply systemic wrongdoings and ill-intent, firstly, by its journalists, and consequently, by the management.

“The SBC board and management take accusations of the corporation being biased and under political influence very seriously, since to do so will put the SBC in contravention of the very law that governs it.

“The SBC is calling on politicians to proffer evidence to substantiate such statements.

“The SBC has recently requested from the leader of the opposition (Loto) in the National Assembly examples of where SBC is being ‘manipulated’ and is oppressing the United Seychelles. This is as per statements made by Loto and MNA Paul Ernesta in the National Assembly on Tuesday March 22, 2022.

“Similarly, since December, the SBC had asked the leader of government business in the National Assembly (LGB) Bernard Georges to provide examples to substantiate similar statements made in November 2021 during the SBC’s budget deliberations. None has been proffered so far.”

The corporation adds that these types of unfounded and unwarranted accusations are denigrating and demotivating to journalists and the staff in general.

The SBC asserts that its journalists are governed by its editorial guidelines, internal policies regarding politics, and other journalistic codes.”

The SBC has reiterated that it is committed to remain impartial in its coverage and giving equitable access to all sides as stated in its published editorial guidelines, and as expected in the SBC Act.

The SBC is calling on politicians to submit their complaints of any instances of bias by the corporation directly to the SBC board and management, so that investigations can be conducted, and appropriate actions taken, as required.

Press release from SBC