Public Broadcasting Services is a network of independent, noncommercial television stations that operate with public and government funding instead of with revenues from advertising. Abbreviation: PBS.
Public Broadcasting Services In South Africa
Broadcasting in South Africa
1. OVERVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN BROADCASTING IN SOUTH AFRICA SINCE 1994
Gross advertising revenue for South Africa’s broadcasting industry is estimated to have increased in value from just over R2 billion to close to R8.5 billion between 1994 and 2006. This growth reflects massive transformation in the industry.
This is a huge departure from the Pre-1994 South African broadcasting environment which, in addition to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), offered only two commercial sound services, (Radio 702 and Capital Radio) and one private pay-TV service (M-Net).
a) An Independent Broadcast Regulator
Shortly after South Africa’s first elections, the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) came into being. It was tasked with regulating the country’s broadcasting industry, which previously was under the direct control of the government’s Department of Home Affairs. The introduction of a regulator, with constitutionally guaranteed independence, was a significant step forward for the industry.
June 2000 saw the merging of the IBA and the telecommunications regulator the South African Telecommunications Authority (SATRA) into the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). The merged regulator was governed by the ICASA Act. Mandla Langa, previously chairperson of the IBA was appointed as the first chairperson of ICASA (the regulator).
b) The formation of an authentic public broadcaster
With the unbanning of the African National Congress (ANC) and other political movements in 1990, the electronic media sector was recognized as a crucial negotiating point. The focus of both the opposition and the National Party government at this time centred on the state broadcaster, the SABC, which was recognized as an immensely powerful voice in the dissemination of news and information.
c) Community Radio
From 1994 the IBA processed hundreds of community radio licence applications from diverse groups and sectors of South African society. Over 100 Community sound services are now in existence and although the sector has struggled to access advertising and other forms of financing it is recognised as being a crucial part of the South African broadcasting landscape – in providing diversity for listeners and much-needed skills for the commercial radio sector.
d) Privatised SABC sound services
Having started the ball rolling with the establishment of the community radio sector in 1994, the regulator turned its attention to commercial radio in 1996 – privatising six lucrative SABC stations: Highveld Stereo (Gauteng), Radio Jacaranda (Gauteng), East Coast Radio (KwaZulu Natal), KFM (Western Cape), Radio Algoa (Eastern Cape) and OFM (Free State). Government raised over half a billion rand in cash as the stations were licensed to various black-controlled groups
e) Greenfields Sound broadcasting Services
In early 1997 the IBA held hearings for 8 new commercial radio licences in South Africa’s three biggest cities – Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Applicants targeting black audiences with new formats were generally favoured with two ‘smooth jazz’ licences (P4 – Cape Town and Durban), one kwaito station (Y-FM) and one urban contemporary station (Kaya FM). The remaining four licences went to an English language talk station (Cape Talk), two Afrikaans talk stations (Punt Cape Town and Durban) and a classical music station (Classic FM). The two Punt services were subsequently closed down in 2000, due to financial difficulties.
f) Free-to-air television broadcasting services
In 1998, South Africa’s first free-to-air television channel, etv, was licensed. This followed a competitive bidding process with 7 applicants. etv is licensed to broadcast nationally and from 2001 it was mandated to carry 45% South African content. etv is governed by the rules laid out in the Position Paper on the Licensing of South Africa’s first free-to-air television channel.
g) Subscription broadcasting services
Prior to the invitation to apply for Subscription broadcasting services that ICASA issued on 31 January 2006 the subscription broadcasting landscape in South Africa comprised a wide spectrum of players operating on permission to continue. These included the only licensed terrestrial subscription service, M-Net as well as the various subscription television and audio services, delivered mainly via satellite.
2. BROADCASTING LEGISLATION AND DEVELOPING BROADCASTING POLICY FOR POST-APARTHEID
a) IBA Act
b) The Triple Inquiry Report
c) Broadcasting Act
3. CONVERGENCE LEGISLATION AND DIGITAL MIGRATION
a) The Electronic Communications Act
b) National strategy for the migration of broadcasting systems from analogue to digital
Which channels are public service broadcasters In South Africa?
The public service broadcasters are those providing Channel 3 services, Channel 4, Channel 5, S4C and the BBC. While all BBC public service television channels are PSB channels, only the main channels of each of the other public service broadcasters have this status.
What is the difference between private and public broadcasting In South Africa?
A public broadcaster is owned and supported by the general public. A commercial broadcaster is privately owned and they finance themselves through advertisements.
Is advertising allowed on public broadcasting In South Africa?
Well firstly, the law is explicit that “no public broadcast stations will make its facilities available to any person for the purpose of broadcasting any advertisements.” And, unlike an ad you’d see on a commercial station, there can be no call to action.