SABC wants to include computers and tablets in TV Licence
The SABC is once again grabbing at straws to try and find means to generate revenue.
We have been documenting their demise over the past few years and things seem to be ever-sliding down this slippery slope of broadcasting mishaps.
From what seems to be an unsuccessful 90% local content bill, to owing millions in royalty fees as well as the infamous Thank You concert flop, the SABC continues to dive ever-lower into dismal revenue takings.
They are clearly in a bad place and have now come up with a new effort to increase their revenue turnover.
The dawn of the tablet licence
With the innovation of technology, we have enjoyed a large array of viewing devices apart from the classic TV. From iPads and tablets, to laptops and even smartphone we can pretty much watch whatever we want, when we want.
SABC SEO James Aguma shocked parliament on Wednesday when he proposed to have the Broadcasting Act changed to include more viewing devices so that more people would need to buy a SABC TV licence.
He told the committee that the SABC is anticipating a lower revenue from TV licences this year and therefore would like to see changes made that will make it mandatory for people to buy a TV licence for these other devices in order promote a growth in TV licence revenue.
As it stands people are required to pay a TV licence for a device that can receive a TV signal. However, with the rise of video-on-demand (VOD), millions of South Africans are watching their favourite shows and TV content on other devices.
I’m not sure how they will implement something like this, but the SABC sure have their work cut out for them.
