...call for desperate measures, but the jury is probably still out over the TVIEC's rather theatrical protest action last week. Did it work? Did it have any effect? The short answer to both questions is, regrettably, probably no. Instead, the reaction of the SABC has been to slam the independent producers ('Death' of local content: SABC sets record straight). It reckons the demonstration had malicious intent and was designed to discredit the broadcaster; perhaps all it achieved was to annoy the powers-that-be at the SABC and put their collective back up. Many may say the broadcaster doesn't need any help when it comes to that, but as hard as it may be, now is the time for both sides to get together and explore ways to mitigate the impact of the cost-cutting. Necessity could well be the mother of invention. It appears that the arrival of true broadband to our shores is not only shaking up South Africa's Internet service providers but also our technology media. Former FM associate editor Duncan McLeod begins his journey of flying solo with the launch of his tech news site Techcentral.co.za tomorrow, Tuesday, 1 September 2009. Bizcommunity.com will watch with much interest to see what happens next... Homegrown blockbuster sci-fi film District 9 began showing nationwide on Friday, 28 August 2008 and we invite you to add your two cents to our poll which asks whether the film is good for Brand South Africa. Here's to all new ventures! Simone Puterman & Rod Baker PS In this week's Ornico Ad Showcase, we feature TV ads for Qatar Airways, Skip Intelligent, KFC Zinger Chicken, Castrol GTX and Dairy, and radio ads for DStv, SANRAL, Vox, iBurst and Oxy.
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