SABC pleads for cash injection

[Skip]

SABC pleads for cash injection

THE SABC has joined a long line of state-owned enterprises pleading for an injection of cash from the state and wants the government to fund its three- year funding shortfall of R2bn.

The SABC, in a strategy document that was due to be have been presented by its group CEO Dali Mpofu to Parliament in April, is suggesting that VAT levied on TV licence revenues be scrapped, that TV operators be required to pay licence fees and that the government contribute 50% of the funding required for the planned international news channel.

Without this funding, the annual strategy document says, the broadcaster will not be able to undertake the key strategic initiatives imposed by the government such as the digitalisation of broadcasting, preparation for the 2010 World Cup and the launch of the international news channel.

The SABC needs to decide if it is a public broadcaster (like the BBC or PBS) and stop flighting advertisements, or if it is a commercial broadcaster and stop taking money from government. Does e-tv get a share of TV licenses and tax money?

 

[HavocXphere]

aka "We are too incompetent to manage the money that we have...please give us more."