South Africa’s communications department and the National Treasury will finalise a public private partnership model for the funding of regional television services during the course of this year, says Communications Minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri.
Speaking in her Budget vote in Parliament on Monday, the minister said the regional services will broadcast ”in the official languages that do not find sufficient coverage in the present broadcasting system” as is required by ”our constitutional mandate”.
The minister also said the department will work together with Parliament, the community radio sector and the government communications and information service for the launch of the satellite communications network.
”This will make it possible for grassroot communities, through their community stations, to access the workings of Parliament, government information and services as well as news about other communities and general national developments, thus, further democratising access to information.”
Inkatha Freedom Party MP Suzanne Vos wondered whether a public broadcaster ”could be fish and foul” and be involved in news service while having a private sector partner. – I-Net Bridge