Mail&Guardian reporter
THE third bidder for a private television licence comes under the spotlight today. Station for the Nation (SFTN) will be questioned on its bid which is led by Gladwin Marumo with the controlling consortium pulled together largely by the Thebe Investment Corporation, one of the country’s leading black investment holdings companies.
That gives SFTN strong financial muscle in a broadcasting race which many acknowledge will need deep pockets. Its international partners is Kerry Packer’s Nine Network Australia, while local shareholders include Thebe’s media arm, Moribo, and Kersaf.
Four bid companies must still make their pitches at the Independent Broadcasting Authority’s Johannesburg hearings in the next three weeks. In order of appearance, they are: Island TV, Midi, Community TV Network and New Channel.
IBA chair Felleng Sekha said “I think it [the hearing] is going very well,” adding that “we’re very well prepared this time.”