5 April 2024, Myles Illidge, My Broad Band

Bird explained that Sentech is one of the biggest costs for broadcasters, including the SABC, and in the state broadcasters case, he believes the government should cover these costs.

“It should be something that is covered by the state frankly, and yet, the SABC is left to carry this enormous bill, and it’s one of the things that makes its model even less sustainable,” said Bird.

“The scenario is absolutely catastrophic. You have the SABC’s finances plummeting. You have government and parliament failing to do their job.”

“And then when the government doesn’t provide any kind of a bailout or a loan guarantee, you’re leaving the SABC in an impossible position. It’s not a stretch to think that we will be looking at a blackout,” he added.

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