Public broadcaster the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has this week launched an OTT platform, SABC +. The new streaming app will provide “the best the SABC has to offer including 19 radio stations and 3 free-to-air TV channels SABC 1, SABC 2, SABC 3, as well as the SABC Sports Channel and 24-hour news channel”.
In addition, the app will feature a variety of local and international content. “SABC+ signals a new digital era for the SABC and a key accomplishment in addressing universal access for all citizens,” said SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe. “SABC+ also presents a growth path to enhancing our value offering to clients and customers to build a strong foundation for future financial sustainability of the SABC.”
In partnership with Chinese consumer electronics firm Hisense, the Corporation will distribute the SABC+ app through Hisense VIDAA Smart TVs and mobile devices in time for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on 20 November 2022. Together, they will bring 28 live matches and the official FIFA World Cup show daily, for free.
The new streamer is not SABC’s first foray into the on-demand multiverse. Previously, it had an OTT partnership with telco Telkom which commenced in late 2020. That alliance was created to offer SABC’s programme library and linear channels via a streaming platform called TelkomOne. The partnership was originally intended to last five years, but now customers of the pre-existing service will be migrated to SABC+. Telkom said: “Telkom and the SABC have had a successful partnership since the launch of TelkomOne in late 2020. The platform has now matured and is ready to scale under the management of the SABC’s broadcasting expertise.”