Issued by: Independent Broadcasting Authority
INDEPENDENT BROADCASTING AUTHORITY PRESS STATEMENT September 20, 1996 IBA CONCLUDES SALE OF SABC REGIONAL STATIONS
The Independent Broadcasting Authority today concluded the process leading to the sale of the six regional SABC stations with the last station. The Authority decided to award the last license for East Coast Stereo in KwaZulu/Natal to the New Radio Consortium. This marks the completion of the first round of privatization of state assets in the New South Africa.
As stipulated in the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, the Authority concluded an inquiry into the Protection and Viability of the Public Broadcasting Service, in August last year. It was recommended that six of the SABC regional radio stations be sold.
To date the Authority has awarded licenses to:
The total capital sum generated from the sale of these stations is R521.1 Million.
The Authority will continue its private radio licensing drive in November (when it begins to hear applications for eight new licenses) in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
The revenue generated from the sale of these stations is R521,1 Million.
The Authority will continue its private radio licensing drive within the next few weeks when it begins to hear applications for the Greenfields Licenses (these are new frequencies that have been released in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban).
Chairpersons Dr Sebiletso Mokone-Matabane and Mr Peter De Klerk said: "We believe that we are on the way to establishing a strong, fair, diverse and competitive broadcasting industry. We encourage people interested in applying for new private radio licenses to contact our national or provincial offices."
Issued by: Independent Broadcasting Authority Communications Department, (011) 447 6180