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SABC dumps Zapiro Show

A documentary on political satire has been pulled -- for the second time -- by the South African Broadcasting Corporation. Initially planned to be aired before the elections in April. It was then withdrawn with the so-called excuse that it lacked balance. Slowly the powers that be at the SABC built up the courage and it was announced that the SABC would air the show on SABC 3 at 20:30 (Special assigment). Excitement built up. Alas this was not to be. Shortly before the show was to go on air, SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said that the documentary would not be aired "owing to the fact that due process with regards to consultation has not been concluded". "Because of the problems encountered previously with this particular episode, the acting GCEO Mr Gab Mampone in his capacity as editor-in-chief will need to make the final sign-off."

What the SABC did n't want you to see

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Interview with Zapiro

Listen what Zapiro has to say about the show

Shapiro said he was angry the programme had been pulled from the air. In this case I must have been naive. I really thought it was going to go ahead. The SABC is predictable, cowardly and spineless. There are so many of their top echelon who are sucking up to the top ANC leaders. "I'm not sure strings are being pulled at Luthuli House. I think the SABC executives are trying to curry favour. The way they behave, they make us feel we're losing some of that freedom of expression Shapiro called the programme "interesting, challenging and breaking new ground" "I was less surprised (when it was first cancelled) than I am now. The stakes are now lower and it is even more sinister that is has been canned this time around."

More on SABC

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Ringtones

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Thabo M sings

"I will survive" and so on and stuff like that

Z-News seeks new online platform

The producers of Z News, a news satire co-developed by award winning South African cartoonist Zapiro, is seeking alternative distribution channels after the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) pulled the plug on the show before the pilot even aired. The SABC reportedly spent close to R1 million on development before the show got canned.

The producers are currently in discussions with numerous major online publishers to offer them a daily feed of the show, with revenue being generated through a mix of syndication fees, sponsorship/ advertising and mobile downloads. "It�s a new model for South Africa, but potentially a great way to bypass TV and provide uniquely local, healthy and much needed satire. Especially in the run-up to the elections," says producer Thierry Cassuto. Here is a short clip that shows how the TV pilot of Z News was produced, and reveals the bodies and the voices behind the puppets of Zuma, Mbeki, Zille, Manto, etc.