In a positive move following the outcry from the SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition for not having mentioned the broadcasting review process in its Strategic Plan for 2011-14 on 11 March, South Africa’s Department of Communication (DoC) is to commission a study to look at the best possible funding model for beleaguered public service broadcaster SABC.
This would be an alternative to the controversial 1% tax proposed by former Communication Minister Siphiwe in the Draft Public Service Broadcasting Bill which was withdrawn by his successor Roy Padachie late last year. The bill was also criticised for placing too much power with the Minister and for conflicting with existing legislation.
Business Day reports that a review process with relevant stakeholders will be held before the results of the study are submitted to Parliament.
