PR Hell: Multichoice's Clinton van der Berg

[Kheiron]

I don't know how many of you have been following this story on the DSTV forums but the Communications Manager for Supersport, Clinton van der Berg has been causing quite an uproar lately with his dismissive attitude and more recent sarcastic commentary regarding flaws in the Supersport HD format.

When asked why a cricket match was aired on the HD channel when it clearly was of a very low quality, he responded as follows:

The feed is produced by the SABC. I suggest you direct your query to them.

Clinton van der Berg
Communications Manager: SuperSport

This is not the first time he's given this exact answer. He gave a similar response to two previous questions posed as well.

When it was pointed out that firstly, the Supersport logo itself was also of a low quality during the match (proving it wasn't a problem with the source feed) and secondly, it's bad practice to ask YOUR clients to go to YOUR content providers for answers, he responded as follows:

Hello everyone,

Thank you for your postings. As you’re no doubt aware, SuperSport HD has been in a trial phase for less than a month now, with the official launch set for February 12. There have been a number of teething problems, but SuperSport believes most of the problems have been ironed out.
However, since some forum users are deeply dissatisfied with the HD offering – and clearly have expert knowledge on the technology – SuperSport would love you to come in and share your expertise. I have chatted to the head of production, who would welcome the opportunity to host any of you: perhaps you could teach SuperSport’s technicians a few things.
This is a sincere offer. You are welcome to contact me at [email protected]

Clinton van der Berg
Communications Manager: SuperSport

I've tried escalating this blatant lack of customer service etiquette to Multichoice but keep getting the cold shoulder.
I honestly cannot believe that this kind of behaviour is tolerated within Multichoice, especially since his job title is "Communications Manager".
He's shown a severe lack of skills in both 'communication' and 'management' and I feel we, as paying subscribers, are entitled to some form of action being taken against somebody who obviously only has his own pride at heart.

What say the rest of you?

 

[The_Unbeliever]

boycott

 

[Nerfherder]

Its in trial phase but they still charge you for it!

 

[I am Penguin]

I say he is tired of coach potato idiots lodging stupid questions and arguments at a fledgling industry trying to produce a new service in this country. He must be feeling he is married, not to one, but many whining bitches!

 

[Nod]

Maybe he was sincere when he said "perhaps you could teach SuperSport’s technicians a few things". Maybe they really do need some training.

But yeah, as far as "communications" goes, that should be removed from his title. He should at the very least be banned from speaking to the public.

 

[Mephisto_Helix]

^^ and that reply above, is a prime example of someone who loves getting shafted by companies he gives money to

 

[marine1]

I cancelled my dstv end of december + best move I ever made

 

[Nod]

^^ and that reply above, is a prime example of someone who loves getting shafted by companies he gives money to

My reply?

 

[Mephisto_Helix]

no man, hehe ^^ = 2 above

 

[Kheiron]

What's worse is that he mentions that it will only be "launched" in February and is still in a "trial phase".

According to the DSTV website, this is incorrect .... so one of them are blatantly lying.

With three great High Definition channels to choose from DStv’s premium bouquet can’t be beaten.

.....Recently launched SuperSport HD (channel 171) is the home of HD sport.

See the the official statement here: http://www.dstv.com/dstvsa/content/en/content

 

[Nod]

no man, hehe ^^ = 2 above

Ah, forum speak

 

[Kheiron]

@Penguin: If he doesn't like having to deal with complaints and queries, surely he should reconsider his position on the forums.
If he hates his job, surely that's HIS problem, not the problem of the customers or MC in general.

 

[kayvee]

I don't see what's so confusing. It can be launched and still in trial phase.

And to quote from your link

The channel will be full 24hour channel from early in 2010.

Included in the onscreen logo when not broadcasting it indicates 24hrs from Feb 12 (IIRC)

 

[Kheiron]

I don't see what's so confusing. It can be launched and still in trial phase.

And to quote from your link



Included in the onscreen logo when not broadcasting it indicates 24hrs from Feb 12 (IIRC)

Dude, broadcasting 24 hours does not mean it only gets officially launched then.
It's already being aired and charged for. It's as simple as that.

The fact is that he was so quick to point fingers initially and then just as quick to use direct sarcasm when it was proven that his finger-pointing was not justified.

 

[I am Penguin]

^^ and that reply above, is a prime example of someone who loves getting shafted by companies he gives money to

Cowardly post!.

If you are referring to me Sorry. No DSTV!

 

[Datura]

no man, hehe ^^ = 2 above

quote bb codes ftw

 

[martin]

Why would you expect anything else from DSTV? Who are you going to switch to if you you're dissatisfied with their service? The SABC?

Things won't change until decent competition enters the market. Until then, I wouldn't expect too much from them.

 

[Quantum Theory]

It's already being aired and charged for.

It is not being charged for...

 

[JustAsk]

It is not being charged for...

It is...they just give it to you now.

 

[Kheiron]

You pay for it as part of the hardware costs this much I'm sure of.