#SABC quota pushes 90% local content

Increase in local content to affect both music and TV, to help SABC fulfill mandate to ”reflect the South African story”.

JOHANNESBURG- At least 90 percent of music played at the SA Broadcasting Corporation's (SABC) 18 radio stations will from Thursday comprise of local music in a bid to prioritise homegrown content, the public broadcaster said.

This came after consultations with local music producers, said SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago.

“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,” said Kganyago.

“The SABC will engage its audiences to evaluate whether they are satisfied with these changes. This process will pave the way for the corporation to make an informed decision going forward.”

Chief Operations Officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng said the decision would ensure that the public broadcaster reflected the various styles of local music on offer.

“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 fulfills this mandate.”

Regarding television, the corporation will use local music fillers between programmes.

Kganyago said the content overhaul would from July 1 see the SABC increase its local content offering on television with commissioning editors appointed in all provinces at SABC offices.

“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,” he said.

African News Agency (ANA)