Independent producers clamouring for publicity - SABC

"I have seen their statement and I wonder why they prefer going to the media instead of coming to the forum we have set up to discuss the issue," SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago told Bizcommunity.com today, Thursday, 24 June 2010.

Due to be released

In a statement titled "Local content crisis deepens at SABC as RFPs not released" released on 8 June, the independent producers 'expressed grave concern' over the Request for Proposals (RFPs), which were due to be released on 31 May, being delayed despite the public broadcaster getting a government 'bailout' of about R1.5-billion.

Perhaps sensing that the storm was brewing once again over the issue of local content, the SABC announced on 16 June that it has issued an interim book calling for local content proposals in specific TV content genres.

It is believed that the SABC, which was in deep financial trouble back in 2008 and 2009, did not commission any local content since 2008. The financial crisis was so severe that some insiders feared that the organisation was going to be 'liquidated'.

The TVIEC said the absence of fresh and new local content meant that the Auckland Park-based organisation was relying mostly on repeats.

"If we do it in a rush"

Asked why the SABC has defaulted on the due date of May 31 as promised, Kganyago said: "We cannot do it just because the date was 31 May, and if we do it in [a] rush, you guys [the media] and those independent producers will again come back to us and say why didn't you follow proper procedures. You know the issue of corporate governance is a major issue at the SABC.

"The approval procedure was not finalised by 31 May, so we were waiting for the process to be done, but now the RFP's book is right there on our website."

An incensed Kganyago added: "If they want to talk about these issues, they know where to go, why go to the media? This is clamouring for publicity, which is unnecessary."

The SABC also said in the statement released on 16 June that its board, led by Dr Ben Ngubane - a former cabinet minister - was busy reviewing outstanding payment issues and expects these to be resolved "shortly".

Categorically refused

Kganyago categorically refused to say how much the SABC still owes to the independent producers, let alone specify the exact date all the debts will be cleared. He said: "There is not even one instance that I will say we don't owe anybody. But, what I am prepared to say is that we have managed to clear most of the previous debts."

The TVIEC also urged the SABC to provide it with answers regarding questions on the amount of money it has put aside this financial year for local content purchasing.

"We are not prepared to answer that question to them through the media. I am not saying that they have no right whatsoever to know but what we are saying is that we have provided a forum where we can discuss those issues."

The TVIEC was not immediately available for comment by the time of going to press.

The TVIEC is an umbrella body that includes organisations such as the IPO (Independent Producers Organisation), SASFED (South African Screen Federation), TPA (The Producers Alliance), DFA (Documentary Filmmakers Association), WGSA (Writers Guild of South Africa) and the CWU (Creative Workers Union).