SABC and Openview partner in a new distribution agreement
This agreement enables SABC to grow its channel offering and reach into the digital broadcasting space with three additional HD television channels, said SABC’s COO, Ian Plaatjes.
eMedia Investments, the company behind free-to-air satellite service, Openview, and the South African Broadcast Corporation (SABC), have announced a new distribution agreement that will enhance both companies in the free-to-air category of television broadcasting.
“With this agreement, the SABC ensures that its content, in all its formats, continues to resonate with the prescripts of its public mandate, and more so in providing universal access to credible content. The agreement also guarantees high definition broadcast quality and free access to the SABC’s television network wherever you are in South Africa.
For Openview, this agreement enhances its strength in the Direct To Home (DTH) space with additional content and a solid binding collaboration with the public broadcaster,” said the SABC and Openview in a joint statement. In addition to carrying SABC 1, 2 and 3, Openview will carry three additional television channels from the SABC and all its 19 radio channels including the biggest South African radio brands – Ukhozi FM, Metro FM, Lesedi and Umhlobo Wenene.
This enables previously geographically restricted FM radio channels to be received throughout the country via digital broadcasting on a free-to-air basis.
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Through this agreement, the SABC is officially entering the free-to-air satellite market which will supplement its channels on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and streaming platforms. First among the three new channels will be a standalone SABC Sports Channel that will launch on Openview soon. eMedia Investments COO Antonio Lee, said, “This is an exciting development for both the SABC and ourselves.
The agreement ushers in a new level of collaboration between a private free-to-air satellite platform and public free-to-air broadcast services. We hope this is the start of a stronger and more fruitful relationship between Openview and the SABC.” SABC COO Ian Plaatjes said, “This agreement enables the SABC to grow its channel offering and reach into the digital broadcasting space with three additional HD television channels.
The first channel to be launched will be the SABC Sports Channel and will be distributed simultaneously across Openview, DTT, Telkom One and other streaming platforms. “The agreement also enhances the distribution of SABC radio stations to create an increased value proposition for our radio advertising inventory.
The other two TV channels, to be announced within the next three months, will leverage extensive SABC content and archived material.”
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