‘Death' of local content: SABC sets record straight

Kaizer Kganyago told Bizcommunity.com yesterday, Sunday, 30 August 2009, that he was frustrated by production houses' claims that the SABC had axed local programming - something he said is gravely untruthful.

“We have not axed any local content, but we have deferred some programmes for another time to balance our cash-flow problems, which everyone is aware of,” Kganyago said.

“We are in the process of paying all their debts but they told us to procure new work with them, which we refused because we don't want to accumulate more debts.”

Protest

Last week, scores of local content suppliers gathered outside the SABC headquarters in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, to protest against the decision to ‘axe' or ‘kill' local content, a move they claim will cost them R500 million in commissions and force thousands from work. Independent producer Michael Lee's fasting in support of local content entered its 22nd day yesterday.

However, Kganyago is appalled by the use of words ‘axing' or ‘killing', which some insiders believe makes the SABC look irresponsible in the eyes of the nation.

“It is not true. They want to push us to do want they want. Local content is regulated and we cannot go below its quota. But we are avoiding a situation whereby we cannot afford to pay them immediately after they have completed the work, as we are going through a dire financial situation,” Kganyago said.

Ample warning

A source close to the TVIEC (Television Industry Emergency Coalition) told Bizcommunity.com last night: “The over-emotional and melodramatic knee-jerk response of the independent production industry is reactionary. The independent production industry had ample warning and should have mitigated against this unfortunate situation.”

He said for the past three years the independent sector was forced into an adult-child relationship with the national broadcaster. “The indiscriminate appointments of unqualified content management personal in the content hub aggravated this scenario.

“At the end of the Peter Matlare era content was managed by 25-30 people and the responsibility was with the various television channel heads.”

“It is time to liberate the airwaves and more people should have a voice. The independent production sector should consolidate and be given the opportunity to put their money where there mouths are. Invest in relationships with consumers with new broadcast channels.”

Interim board remains silent

Lesley Cowling, senior lecturer at Wits University's School of Journalism, said: “The SABC cannot meet its mandate to produce local content while trying to resolve a financial crisis.

“Local programming is more expensive than international shows, and news and documentary are particularly expensive. But it is the role of the public broadcaster to develop SA culture, unlike commercial channels, which are free to run only international imports. It cannot do that without the funds to invest in such programming.”

The SABC interim board, which reached a multi-million rand deal with former CEO two weeks ago, has so far remained tight-lipped about the issue and could not be reached for comment last night.

Many were hoping that board chairperson Irene Charnley and her team would come up with an ‘executive decision' and a ‘plan B' to solve the matter.