Publications
Partners
UPDATE: 13 October, 15:37 - Algoa FM's managing director Alfie Jay has responded to Channel24's request for comment with the following statement: "The reason that Daron Mann is no longer engaged by Algoa FM is due to a material breach of his obligation to conduct himself in a professional and responsible manner.
"The information broadcast by Daron Mann was not substantiated by him with references of fact, nor was it balanced as required by the code of conduct.
"I confirm that the decision taken by Algoa FM had nothing to do with our client’s complaint and was solely a matter between Algoa FM and Daron Mann.
"Algoa FM respects entirely that people hold individual points of view. However, the expression of a point of view has the actual and/or potential consequence of undermining the legitimate and equally important interests of another.
"As a licensed commercial broadcaster, we must act responsibly and at all times observe those rights, especially considering we broadcast to the public. Radio personalities cannot use our licensed and regulated radio platform to encourage the public to refrain from consuming products which are produced by legitimate, legal and regulated businesses. The commercial viability of our business as well as our customers in any industry for that matter, is dependent on this responsibility been taken seriously."
Cape Town – An award-winning local radio DJ was sacked after pointing out cruelty in the dairy industry.
Daron Mann, who is a two-time winner of the MTN Best Breakfast Show Presenter Radio Award and former breakfast host on Algoa FM, confirmed to Channel24 that he was booted from the station after making an on-air comment about why he wanted to become a vegan.
Whilst discussing 'Hug A Vegetarian Day' with co-host Charlton Tobias, Daron mentioned that he's been a vegetarian for almost a year and hopes to soon become a vegan but is struggling to kick his dairy habit.
"Not totally vegan yet, to my shame I haven't kicked dairy, and the dairy industry is horrific," he said.
According to Daron this comment, which didn't sit well with dairy advertisers on the station, got him fired.
LISTEN TO THE CLIP SHARED ON TWITTER BY DEREK ALBERTS HERE:
Fans and animal rights activists were enraged by the dismissal and started a petition to get the presenter back on air.
"Confirmed. I've been terminated after almost 28 years," Daron told Channel24. "I am still a bit stunned. According to the station, I breached the terms of my contract."
Woodlands Dairy on 11 October commented on Daron's termination on their Facebook page writing; "It has come to our attention that some people believe Woodlands Dairy was instrumental in the dismissal of Mr Mann from Algoa FM.
"This is incorrect as all we did was lodge a complaint to Algoa FM regarding his comments. The termination of his contract was the decision of Algoa FM."
'ALGOA FM SATISFIED WITH THE STEPS TAKEN'
In a statement to The Weekend Post, Algoa FM managing director Alfie Jay confirmed that Daron had been fired from the station following his statement made on-air.
"Algoa FM respects entirely that people hold individual points of view. However, the expression of a point of view has the actual and/or potential consequence of undermining the legitimate and equally important interests of another."
According to The Weekend Post, Alfie said the station was satisfied with the steps it had taken based on widespread consultation and legal advice.
Charlton Tobias and Lee Duru will continue to present the Algoa FM breakfast show.
'CONSERVATION IS A ONE OF THE PILLARS OF THE MEDIA HOUSE'
In an article published on Bizcommunity earlier this year Daron, who is a vocal animal rights activist, attracted local and international attention on the plight of animals in the East London zoo using his platform on radio and social media.
Algoa FM marketing manager Toinette Koumpan is a statement in March said conservation is one of the pillars of the media house’s corporate social responsibility policy and added; "We fully support Daron in his animal rights campaign."
