SABC opens 2010 Broadcast Centre in Sandton

"We will be packaging everything in HD, but the distribution will done in SD (standard definition) because most of the people at home can only receive the content in SD due to the few number of people having HD TV," SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said.
The set was designed by Dewet Meyer, Kganyago told Bizcommunity.com.

"Headquarters of "excellent commentary"

The high-tech studio will be the headquarters of "excellent commentary", as the SABC put it, where international soccer analysts such as Luis Felipe Scolari, Bernard Lama, George Weah, Abedi Pele, Jay-Jay Okocha, Kevin Keegan, Paul Ince and Dwight Yorke will be doing action-by-action games' analysis. Local analysts include Chris Bongo, David Kekana, Clive Barker, John Moeti, Steve Komphela and Roger de Sa.

Asked whether the SABC has resolved the problem of its local soccer analysts, who apparently voiced their unhappiness over being paid low fees while their international counterparts were making a killing, he said: "Yes, we met with them. But I have to say that all that was said was malicious. What matters now is the world cup, during which we aim to achieve all our objectives.

"I also have to say it will be an exchange of expertise between our local analysts and international experts, so everyone will benefit."

Early this week there was speculation that SABC local analysts were going to strike to 'force' the SABC meet their demands.

Relying on international feed

Furthermore, the SABC said it will be taking its own cameras to the stadium during the Bafana Bafana games, but will be relying on international feed from the International Broadcast Centre for other games.

Asked why the 2010 official broadcaster would have to rely on international feed while it is supposed to have 'all the rights in the world' to do what pleases them, Kganyago said: "FIFA does not work like that. They can give you the rights but not everything as you say. They have their own company, HBS, which is in charge of broadcasting operations of certain sporting events."

The HBS feeds will include a mixed feed for broadcasting, a tactical camera feed, two isolated player feeds and a beauty shot of the stadium. These feeds will be enhanced by the SABC's own feeds for Fan Fests, and other roving facilities.

Renting the venue during the tournament, which Kganyago said was secured through a 'third party', cost the cash-stuttering public broadcaster a whopping R3.9 million.

Settling in Sandton

Asked about the reason for settling all the way from Auckland Park in Sandton, Kganyago said: "We were asked that question over and over again by people. You see, the FIFA Congress is taking place right here at the Convention [Centre] and most of the FIFA family are accommodated right across the street [Sandton Sun] and the beauty queen winners of the participating countries are here, so we can get anybody in the studio without any hassles."

All of the SABC's 18 radio stations are also allowed to operate at the centre during the tournament.