Issued by: Ministry for Post Telecommunications and Broadcasting
Thursday 13 February
The government has allocated R177,4 million to fund the South African Broadcasting Corporation's public broadcasting mandate as outlined in the Independent Broadcasting Authority's Triple Inquiry Report, Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Broadcasting Jay Naidoo said on Thursday.
The funds will cover the costs for the extension of African languages broadcast and local content television programming, provincial split time on radio, and educational programming over the period October 1996 to the end of March 1997.
The IBA report had recommended that Government funding must be provided to enable the SABC to carry out its mandate as the national public broadcaster. The SABC has already implemented substantial changes in support of the new public service mandate.
"However, this mandate will have to implemented within the constraints of affordability given the competing demands for public funds," Mr Naidoo said.
Government is confident that it will finalise the medium to long term funding of the SABC's public broadcasting mandate by mid-year, which will be based on the current resource review and restructuring aimed at internal efficiencies and cost savings.
This will turn the SDABC into a balanced public broadcaster seeking mixed audience with commercially viable programming, while playing a critical nation building role by wielding together the diverse culture, language and religions of South Africans.
Government funding is earmarked for public interest broadcasting such as the extension of African language programming, Truth and Reconciliation hearings, educational programming.
CHANNEL AFRICA
During 1995 Cabinet decided that Channel Africa service, which was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, should be phased out and the establishment of an external service under the SABC be investigated.
Following widespread appeal from local and international sources that Channel Africa should not be phased out as it played a vital role in educating and informing about 15 million listeners throughout Africa, Cabinet reconsidered its decision.
Channel Africa was approved to be continued as an external service of the SABC with the support of state funding for a period of five years. An amount of R29,7 million was allocated for the 1996/97 financial year.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Connie Molusi (021) 462 1632 or 082 552 1939