Telkom Media promises cheap TV
The hearings into satellite and cable subscription broadcasting kicked off in Sandton on Monday. Telkom Media has also applauded the transparency of the licensing process.
"Allowing new payTV licences will foster much-needed competition in the subscription broadcasting market," said CEO Mandla Ngcobo.
"Awarding new licences at a time when technology is changing the way we receive and use information indicates government’s appreciation of the importance of improving access to information.
"The digital divide is still very real. Accommodating additional forms of less expensive payTV, as well as IPTV and other mobile platforms to disseminate information, is vital for our young democracy," he said.
Shareholders in Telkom Media include Telkom, Anant Singh’s Videovision Entertainment, MSG Afrika Media and WDB Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd.
Ngcobo said Telkom Media’s offering, financial strength and commitment would also create a platform for other media participants, both local and international, and would bolster infrastructure.
He added that Telkom Media has an arms-length relationship with Telkom and would not receive any preferential treatment, and that access to infrastructure would be competitive and something all service providers could solicit.
Recent appointments to Telkom Media include Jimi Matthews as Head of News, Hannelie Bekker as Head of General Entertainment, Clare O’Neil as Head of Advertising Sales, and Setumo Mohapi as Chief Technical Officer.
Telkom Media Chief Strategy and Operations Officer, Rikus Matthyser, said the company plans to target the middle market with a low-price satellite payTV offering of approximately R100 per month excluding VAT.
"We believe we could penetrate some 25% of the total population currently underserved, which represents 40% of the country’s television-owning audience. Currently, payTV serves only 11% of the higher-income television-owning population, 9% of total TV owning households.
"This will boost the media economy linked to payTV and develop innovative forms of interactive content and services to benefit all participants," said Matthyser.
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