THE SOUTH AFRICAN Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has committed itself to playing 90% local music across the 18 radio stations as from 12 May 2016. This follows extensive and successful engagements with some music representatives.
The SABC has, in a bid to ensure that the broadcaster prioritises more local content that reflects the diversity of South African cultures, met with various stakeholders to ensure that this is achieved.
The SABC will engage its audiences to evaluate whether the audiences are satisfied with these changes.
This process will pave the way for the corporation to make an informed decision going forward.
The music to be played will be across all genres, with a special focus on genres such as Kwaito, Jazz, Reggae and Gospel.
In addition, the SABC will play more music from legends in the industry as well as up and coming artists.
The SABC’s Chief Operations Officer (COO), Hlaudi Motsoeneng, has stated: “The SABC has taken a radical decision about its local content offering across all its radio, television and digital platforms. It is in this context that the decision on local music will ensure that the SABC fully reflects the various styles of local music on offer.”
He added: “Our respective radio stations will not be confined to playing local music which is language specific. We want to come to a point where any of our 18 radio stations can become a home for all South Africans. This cross-pollination of music is very important for the public service broadcaster, because part of our mandate is to reflect the South African story and music is an important part in ensuring that the SABC achieves this mandate.”
In television, the corporation will use local music fillers between programmes.
As from 01 July 2016, the SABC will increase its local content offering on television even more.
Recently, the SABC encouraged independent and emerging producers through a successful engagement, to approach the corporation with fresh proposals and content.
The SABC looks forward to receiving contributions from all over the country.
To support this initiative, Commissioning Editors will be appointed in all the provinces at the various SABC offices.
The SABC reiterates that a fair and transparent process will be followed through a more effective application of its policies.
The organisation has noted concerns raised around issues of bias and favouritism and shall deal with such matters firmly.
The SABC is committed to serving the South African public.
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