The SABC’s Desperate Quest for Relevance: Why It’s Fleeing Terrestrial TV
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is on the brink of giving up on digital terrestrial television (DTT) before it’s even launched commercially. But why? The answer lies in the SABC’s pathetic excuse for a business plan, which has left it scrambling to find a new way to stay relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.
The SABC’s Plan: A Recipe for Disaster
In a shocking move, the SABC is pivoting away from terrestrial broadcasts and embracing satellite television. But don’t be fooled – this is not a brave new venture, but a desperate attempt to cling to life. The SABC is seeking a partner to help it launch a satellite platform, which will rival eMedia Holdings’ Openview. But the question is, who will bite? The SABC’s finances are in shambles, and it can’t afford to foot the bill itself.
The Cost of Failure
The SABC’s poor relationship with state-owned signal distributor Sentech is just one of the many thorns in its side. The broadcaster has described Sentech’s "monopoly pricing" for terrestrial distribution as a major obstacle, but perhaps Sentech is actually the one best placed to provide a satellite platform to the SABC – if only the parties could resolve their differences. Political leadership from new communications minister Solly Malatsi is required to make this happen.
The Risk of Failure
The SABC’s move to satellite television is a high-risk strategy, and one that may ultimately prove to be a failed experiment. The broadcaster has already alienated many of its viewers by withdrawing from an agreement with eMedia over sports rights sublicensing. The SABC’s decision to abandon terrestrial television may be a move to avoid Sentech’s monopoly pricing, but it also risks alienating its loyal viewers.
The Cost of Success
If the SABC’s satellite venture is successful, it could provide a much-needed source of additional revenue. The broadcaster has spoken of wanting to be in control of its own destiny, and this move could be the key to achieving that goal. But the cost of success will be high, and the SABC must be prepared to invest heavily in its new venture.
The Author’s Take
As the author of this piece, I can attest that the SABC’s move to satellite television is a bold, if misguided, move. The broadcaster’s poor relationship with Sentech is a major obstacle, and its decision to abandon terrestrial television may ultimately prove to be a failed experiment. But the SABC must be given credit for trying something new – even if it’s a risk that may not pay off.
