Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
6 September 2023 | 12:51pm SAST
2-min read

Picture: News365

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has announced an extension of the comment period for its draft white paper on audio and audiovisual media services, along with online content safety. Initially slated to conclude this Friday, the deadline has now been extended to the end of October due to an overwhelming response from stakeholders.

In an interview on Radio Islam International, Uyanda Siyotula from Media Monitoring Africa and Save Our SABC (SOS), discussed the implications of this draft white paper. Siyotula clarified that the draft white paper aims to explore innovative ways to ensure the sustainability of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in the digital age and outlines its relevance in the current media landscape.

Siyotula explained that the draft white paper serves as a policy document that seeks to establish a viable funding model for the financially strained SABC. One of the main challenges addressed by the paper is the declining number of South Africans paying their TV licenses, which has contributed to the SABC’s financial crisis.

“The SABC has gone digital, with online platforms, and cannot be defined solely within the traditional linear parameters,” Siyotula noted. Therefore, the white paper explores strategies to ensure the SABC’s sustainability in the digital context.

During the interview, the importance of a state broadcaster like the SABC in the modern media landscape was also discussed. Siyotula emphasised that the public broadcaster serves the public interest and provides diverse cultural content that subscription television may not offer. She acknowledged that some people opt for subscription-based services due to content preferences but highlighted that the SABC plays a vital role in nation-building and promoting democratic values.

“Television paid services do not fulfil this important role,” Siyotula stated, emphasising the need for a public broadcaster in South Africa.

The Department’s decision to extend the comment period for the draft white paper was prompted by a flood of requests from various stakeholders. However, specific details regarding the nature of these responses remain undisclosed.

Siyotula mentioned that the SOS has noticed minimal changes from the previous draft submission in the extended version. Many of their suggestions and submissions have not been incorporated, and they plan to make a strong submission in the hopes that the Department will consider their input.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaiman Ravat.