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The SABC and new satcaster OpenView HD are locked in a tit for tat spat that erupted within 24-hours after the new satellite service arrived on the scene.
On Wednesday (18th) Platco Digital, the company that owns OpenView HD, announced the line-up of channels on the new satellite, stating that SABC1, 2 and 3 will be on the platform as part of the 16 channel bouquet. For the details please see:
e.tv's new channels: what you need to know.
On Thursday (19th) the SABC responded, stating that the SABC channels won't be on the platform and that Platco Digital is confusing South Africans and needs to withdraw it's announcement. Shortly afterwards Platco Digital responded and didn't withdraw their previous statement but rather asserted it.
These are their statements:
SABC RESPONDS TO OPENVIEW HD ANNOUNCEMENT
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) categorically refutes a statement made by the newly launched satellite television service, OpenView HD where they claim that they will carry SABC television channels 1, 2 and 3 on their bouquet.
The SABC acknowledges the growing digital television broadcasting environment in the country, however the OpenView HD pronouncement that SABC television channels will form part of their bouquet is not true, as the public service broadcaster does not have any agreement with the newly launched satellite television service.
The public service broadcaster views this matter in a serious light, as the said satellite provider is misleading the public.
It is imperative to note that the SABC and signal distributer SENTECH have reached an agreement to have SABC channels on a free-to-air basis on the SENTECH Universal Access Direct To Home satellite (DTH-S) platform by the end of September 2013. The corporation therefore appeals to OpenView HD not to confuse the public, with false advertising of their services.
Mr. Hlaudi Motsoeneng, SABC Acting Chief Operations Officer (ACOO) said “As the SABC we are willing to give an ear to all possibilities that will see the public service broadcaster grow and change the lives of all South Africans, however we will not allow anyone to use the SABC’s name falsely to advance their business interest.”
The SABC appeals to OpenView HD to withdraw its statements and pronouncements immediately. The SABC reserves all its rights in this regard.
Platco Digital's response ...
Platco Digital notes SABC statement
Platco Digital notes with interest SABC’s statement of 19th of September, regarding their inclusion on the OpenView HD platform.
Platco is surprised by the statement issued by the SABC. Platco will be carrying SABC 1, 2 and 3 from the launch date. The SABC as the public broadcaster has various obligations and any attempts by the SABC to prevent Platco from carrying the SABC channels would be unlawful.