A coalition of major television industry organizations has come together in response to the current SABC crisis. The Television Industry Coalition (TVIC) is driven by the IPO (Independent Producers Organisation), SASFED (South African Screen Federation), TPA (The Producers Alliance), non-aligned producers as well as equipment suppliers and facilities.
The TVIC has issued a letter to the SABC’s chief executives and board, which amongst other issues deals with a request for assurances that current financial obligations to independent service providers of the SABC will be honoured. The coalition has made a formal request to meet with the board and executive and to be consulted and involved in the turnaround strategy for the broadcaster.
The media release issued by the TVIC states: “The independent television production industry is the lifeblood of the public broadcaster and whilst the coalition realises that these are hard economic times, it seeks to collaborate with the SABC to avoid unnecessary insolvencies, job-losses, and avert any compromise in terms of local programming.”
To resolve the current funding and management crisis at the public broadcaster, the TVIC has offered to work with the SABC and relevant stakeholders, including government to ensure that the interests of independent suppliers are represented.
The coalition represents producers of many of South Africa’s most popular shows such as Nomzamo, Isidingo, Generations, A Place Called Home, Tsha Tsha, Khululeka, Zola 7, Encounters, Relate, Strictly come Dancing, The Lab, Takalani Sesame, Get Real, Home Affairs, Hopeville, Moferefere Lenyalong, Drawing the Line, Zone 14, Late Night with Kgomotso, Tshisa, Mtunzini, Erfsonders, uGugu no Andile, Stokvel, Unsung Heroes and The Big Idea.
