PBS seminars at Wits

SOS: Supporting Public Broadcasting will run two seminars at Wits on the Public Service Broadcasting Bill from 6pm to 8pm on Wits East Campus, South West Engineering Building, ground floor seminar room on 28 April and 4 May 2010.

Professor Kupe has assisted Kate Skinner, co-ordinator, with crafting the questions for the seminars. The first seminar will be consolidating the views on finances and governance and the second seminar will be on programming issues.

Jayshree Pather is looking through all the member submissions on the PBS Bill and noting where the consensus is and where the differences lie. The purpose is to look at areas where all can get further consensus.

Topics

Governance and funding - 28 April
o Should the SABC become a state owned and operated enterprise?
o What should be done to ensure that the SABC is a genuine public broadcaster that enjoys editorial and programming independence?
o Should the appointment system be reformed?
o Should the board be made up of stakeholder representatives i.e. business, labour, youth, women, professionals, journalists and independent producers?
o Should the license fee be abolished and the SABC be 100% publicly funded?
o Should the current model continue i.e. predominantly advertising, license fees and some public/state funding?
o Should there be a dedicated broadcasting tax managed centrally?

Public service programming issues - 4 May
o What are the examples of excellent programming that meets audience needs and wants?
o Who produces such programming?
o What is the appropriate role for independent producers?
o What are the gaps in programming?

Contact Kate Skinner on +27 (0) 82 926-6404 for more information