SABC sees streaming subscriptions, gamification, gaming in its future

SABC sees streaming subscriptions, gamification, gaming in its future

The SABC introduced its own freemium-based, over-the-top platform in 2022. The South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC’s) goal is to generate R200 million annually through monetisation of its video streaming platform SABC+, says chief operating officer Lungile Binza. However, the public broadcaster is still far from achieving that target, the COO acknowledged. Binza spoke yesterday at…

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The one area where the SABC is actually thriving

The one area where the SABC is actually thriving

South Africans are increasingly turning to the SABC’s online services, including its YouTube channel and TikTok accounts, for the latest news, with these digital platforms all showing good growth last year. According to the broadcaster’s annual report, published on Friday, the challenge for public broadcasters around the world is to identify their niche and deliver…

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BMIT hired to develop new funding model for the SABC

BMIT hired to develop new funding model for the SABC

Communications minister Solly Malatsi The department of communications & digital technologies has appointed BMI-TechKnowledge Group (BMIT) to develop a new funding model for the SABC in what could prove to be a decisive move for the future of South Africa’s struggling public broadcaster. BMIT, a longstanding ICT research and advisory firm, has been tasked with…

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Comms ministry appoints BMIT to develop SABC financial model

Comms ministry appoints BMIT to develop SABC financial model

Public broadcaster the SABC’s Auckland Park headquarters. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has appointed BMIT Knowledge Group (BMIT) to develop a funding model for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). BMIT is an IT and telecoms research house located in Johannesburg. The DCDT says in a statement: “BMIT Knowledge Group is a…

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Pressure mounts on Solly Malatsi as SABC stares down ‘risk of collapse’

Pressure mounts on Solly Malatsi as SABC stares down ‘risk of collapse’

Khusela Diko and Solly Malatsi Pressure is mounting on communications minister Solly Malatsi’s to act to rescue the SABC as it struggles to pay its escalating bills. On Monday, reporters heard that state-owned signal distributor Sentech, whose primary client is the SABC, is “subsidising” the public broadcaster’s signal distribution expenses to the tune of R70-million/month….

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Government steps in to resolve SABC, Sentech tariff feud

Government steps in to resolve SABC, Sentech tariff feud

The Sentech television broadcasting tower in Auckland Park, Johannesburg The department of communications & digital technologies has published a tender in efforts to mediate in the ongoing tariff dispute between the SABC and its signal distributor, Sentech. According to a briefing document, the main purpose of the mediator will be to reach a settlement agreement…

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SABC wants VAT exemption on TV licences

SABC wants VAT exemption on TV licences

Cash-strapped public broadcaster the SABC has proposed applying to national treasury for a VAT exemption on TV licence fees in an effort to boost its finances. According to a report by News24 (paywall) on Monday, approval of the exemption will not decrease the amount people pay for their TV licence, as the SABC will keep…

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Top ICT tenders: Comms dept pursues SABC funding model

Top ICT tenders: Comms dept pursues SABC funding model

Television advertising revenue is dwindling and the competition for advertising has heightened. Volumes on National Treasury’s eTenders Portal are lower this week, but the ICT industry benefits from a range of interesting requests, with particular focus on software requirements. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies grabs the headline this week with its announcement that…

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