Did Zuma have a direct hand in ANN7’s editorial policy?

A new book written by a former ANN7 editor reportedly reveals how former president Jacob Zuma had a direct hand in the creation of the 24-hour news channel and its editorial policy.

News24 reports that Indian journalist Rajesh Sundaram alleges in his book Indentured – Behind the Scenes at Gupta TV that Zuma suggested the name of the TV channel and had a direct hand in appointing presenters.

Ajay Gupta, the elder Gupta brother, allegedly told Sundaram that Zuma had chosen the name ‘Africa News Network’ during a meeting on June 22, 2013.

Sundaram wrote in his book: “The name was already taken, so we decided to call it ‘Africa News Network 7’. We must make the president feel important and tell him that we are taking suggestions given by him seriously. He will like it if we seek suggestions from him on how to run the news channel. He would like to see us as his own channel.”

Among other explosive claims he makes in his book, Sundaram alleges that Zuma wanted former government spokesperson and current ANN7 owner, Mzwanele ‘Jimmy’ Manyi, to be hired to host a talk show during a meeting in July 2013.

“He will be most suited for your talk shows. If you want, I will speak with him as well. I am sure there are many presenters available. Just do let me know if there is any high-profile journalist you may have selected,” Zuma is quoted as telling the Guptas.

The book also reveals that Zuma apparently thought ANN7’s competitor, eNCA, portrayed him and his government in a negative light. However, he wanted ANN7 to keep his influence subtle, and did not want the channel to devolve into a publicity platform for him and the ANC.

Zuma is quoted saying: “I will be in Mpumalanga next week, and I will meet people in the local communities and announce measures for their welfare. But I am sure eNCA will not cover that. Their reporter will seek out opposition supporters and do a negative story on how the locals hate me and feel I have done nothing for them.”

Sundaram arrived in South Africa in 2013. His two-year contract with ANN7 reportedly ended in August 2013 after he complained about illegal and unfair labour practices at the channel, including undue political influence in its editorial policy.

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