In South Africa, the Support Public Broadcasting Coalition has raised concerns about the potential repercussions of shutting down the remaining analogue TV signals on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and other free-to-air broadcasters.
Uyanda Siyotula, the national coordinator of SOS Coalition, highlighted that the SABC experienced a significant audience loss of around 40% after the analogue TV signals were switched off in five provinces. Siyotula emphasised that the switch-off could lead to an even larger audience decline, potentially exceeding 60% in major regions. This audience reduction poses financial sustainability challenges for the SABC and places additional pressure on the public broadcaster.
Furthermore, Siyotula pointed out that the switch-off would also adversely affect the community and other free-to-air broadcasters, impacting the entire free-to-air industry. While supporting digital transformation in South Africa, the SOS Coalition expressed disagreement with the government’s approach to broadcast digital migration, citing concerns about leaving over four million people without access to television. Siyotula emphasised the importance of an inclusive digital transformation that ensures no one is left behind.
Khalik Sheriff, the CEO of eMedia, echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the necessity of eventually phasing out analogue TV signals but emphasising that over 4.3 million households still rely on them for information. Sheriff emphasised the need for a considerate approach, suggesting that some households might require state assistance to facilitate a successful digital migration.
Both Siyotula and Sheriff stressed the importance of ensuring a smooth household transition before switching off analogue signals. They highlighted the need for government support and assistance to minimise the impact on households and businesses reliant on analogue broadcasting.
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has set December 31, 2024, as the final analogue TV switch-off deadline. However, broadcasters like eMedia have raised concerns about the premature nature of this announcement and its potential to deny millions access to television.
In response to its financial challenges, the SABC anticipates reporting a substantial loss for the current financial year but remains confident in achieving profitability by March 2028. The public broadcaster has outlined a commercial strategy and corporate plan to facilitate its economic recovery.
The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has also supported changing the SABC’s funding model. SABC officials have proposed potential options, including a household levy collected by organisations such as the South African Revenue Service and DStv owner MultiChoice. However, MultiChoice has opposed the proposal, citing unprecedented and unworkable aspects.
