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The SABC’s dramatic decision to broadcast 90% local music on radio, 80% local TV programming and four new language-based TV channels is “70% good news”. But where exactly is all this quality local TV – and all the money – going to come from? Creating local content is more expensive than paying the licence to broadcast international shows.
The four new TV channels will be populated with local programming, from new and emerging producers at a cost of R500 million per channel.
SABC’s (only just) chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng says he will start the local content revamp on SABC3.
But while the shift to local is certainly lekker, cracks in the firmament in Auckland Park suggest the new quota is probably an unrealistic dream.
Bear in mind that the SABC that’s promising a jump from 3% to 4% royalty payments to musicians hasn’t paid royalties in years. Local artists – musicians as well as actors appearing in local TV repeats – are reportedly owed millions in back payments.
Also bear in mind that, according to its annual report, the SABC made a loss of R395 million last year.
Where is the minimum R2 billion for the new channels going to come from?
Is Mr Motsoeneng creating a fake good news story in this trying time of court and Public Protector rulings against him?
We’ve had zero explanation of where exactly the new quota percentages come from; no forthcoming research and market analysis to support the decree.
While starry-eyed emerging producers are dreaming of big money and becoming the next Mfundi Vundla and Duma Ndlovu, experienced producers know how hard it is to make quality local content on SABC’s budgets.
The SABC says producers can now bring their ideas and make shows internally. Questions about intellectual property rights, exactly how to make proposals, and what skills and experience are required have been overlooked. The SABC may end up doing a disservice to young producers instead of empowering them.
Research proves we love local content, but the powers that be run the risk of sacrificing quality for the sake of quantity. A gradual approach would have been better.
South Africa’s local content production capacity simply isn’t up to it yet, and the SABC willing it to be isn’t magically going to make it so.
The transformation and growth of our country’s local music and TV content platforms have indeed been too slow, but it has at least been making steady, positive strides for the past 15 years.
Local content creation – especially good local content – isn’t alchemy. Although it might look like it, great TV takes great skills, training and experience.
