South African public service broadcaster SABC has issued the following statement in response to recent media reports which suggest it has a policy that stipulates that it shall not broadcast any match that is not live.
The statement reads: The SABC has noted these reports with concern. This policy was cited as the reason why we did not enter into an agreement with SuperSport International regarding broadcasting rights.
May it be noted that there is no such policy at the SABC; however our stance on live broadcasting is part of our turnaround strategy. The strategy will help the SABC in generating profit thus helping to restore financial stability and credibility.
The SABC and SuperSport International (SuperSport) met earlier in the week to discuss the broadcasting rights to the England National Rugby teams’ current tour of South Africa.
The parties agreed that SABC radio stations will carry the live broadcast of the test matches, but our television platforms on the other hand will not broadcast these matches.
SABC acting COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng decided that as a principal for the events that the corporation has rights to (such as Bafana Bafana games) it will broadcast on a live basis.
In the case of rugby, the corporation does not hold rights and is therefore not able to broadcast these matches on a delayed live basis.
CEO of SuperSport International Happy Ntshingila said: “SuperSport offered to sub-license the television rights to the SABC of test matches, for broadcast on a delayed basis, as it has done in the past. However I am pleased that the SABC had acquired radio rights to the test matches.’
