THE South African Broadcasting Corporation board wants DSTV and other pay television broadcasters to pay for their channels.
According to the SABC board, ICASA must review the regulations that allow MultiChoice and other pay tv broadcasters to carry SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3 for free.
SABC Chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini, explained in a letter that the "Must Carry Regulations" have had a serious impact on the SABC from a potential revenue point of view.
Makhathini says the "Must Carry Regulations" in fact 'zero rate' the three SABC channels and have created a non-commercial negotiating environment.
The “Must Carry Regulations” regulations ensure that all subscription broadcasters with more than 30 channels "must carry" the SABC’s three free-to-air television channels.
"However, contrary to the enabling legislation which provides for "commercial negotiations" between the parties, the regulations state the SABC must offer its television programmes, at no cost to subscription broadcasters," Makhathini said.
The public broadcasters three channels, SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3 are reportedly among the most watched channels on DStv.
