Question NO520 to the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
21 September 2023 - NO520
Tambo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
What are the reasons that the SA Broadcasting Corporation constantly reverts to sub-licensing agreements with a certain company (name furnished) when it comes to broadcasting major sporting events that could generate revenue for the entity? NO3359
Reply:
As a public broadcaster, the SABC is expected to broadcast national sports events as provided for in the ICASA Sports broadcasting regulations. When right holders’ sell Free to Air (FTA) rights to a subscription / pay television broadcaster, the SABC is forced to sub-licence these rights from the broadcaster to fulfill its mandate. This, unfortunately, often comes with inflated pricing and with additional restrictive and possibly anti-competitive conditions.
Thank You.