SABC channels now on Telkom platforms
By Daniel Itai, Johannesburg, South Africa
SABC has today launched some of its broadcast channels on the platforms of mobile operator, Telkom.
Moreso, the move is meant to provide convenience and some form of flexibility to the state broadcaster’s audiences. Ian Plaatjies, SABC’s COO said:
“It’s really an exciting day for us. From today we are actually streaming our SABC 1, SABC 2, education channel and sports channel on Telkom.tv for free with no additional cost except for data charges on Telekom’s side. No TV license is needed to stream. The system will just ask for a mobile number.
Moreover, the world is changing this allows audiences to consume content when they wish and how they wish, they don’t need to be confined to traditional TV.
Furthermore, all advertising revenue done on Telkom’s platforms in relation with SABC content will be shared with SABC. In addition, from a mobile perspective the advantage is that they can offer data packages that are in line with our content which will make it easier and convevnient for the audience,”
However, Plaatjies also rubbished some media claims that have been insinuating that some online streaming platforms would soon be mandated to collect TV licensing fees on behalf of the state-owned broadcaster. Moreover, the COO said SABC was trying to ensure that it minimises the impact of the retrenchments of some 600 permanent employees and 1 200 freelancers. He added:
“We have never asked any online streaming platform like Netflix to collect licenses for us and on the issue of the Section 189, it’s important for employees to know that this is a difficult time for all of us even at managerial level so we are trying to ensure that we minimize the impact on our employees.”
The SABC is currently in financial limbo which has since promulgated it to instigate job cuts but with the new partnership it has since gone into with Telkom, the public broadcaster is hoping to inject some much needed financial flow.
@danielItai_zw
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