Etv has reportedly lambasted a deal between the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and MultiChoice that stops the SABC from offering its channels over a platform that is encrypted.
The Sunday Times this morning reported that etv was arguing this was in direct conflict with state policy. It reportedly argued that this gives M-Net, a MultiChoice unit, a free ride on digital television transmitted terrestrially.
The paper says that, under the deal, the SABC will provide MultiChoice with a 24-hour news channel and a 24-hour payment channel for five years for R553 million. Apparently, SABC has agreed not to carry any of its free-to-air channels over a terrestrial medium that is encrypted.
Etv argues this deal will allow M-Net to pick up and carry free-to-air channels, which will boost is subscriber base. A provider for conditional access is one of the main hurdles in launching digital television.
Although etv has moved forward, this issue is now in the SABC's hands as it needs to sign off on a provider. This process has lagged due to board ructions at the broadcaster and has also been affected by the Department of Communications' apparent dithering over whether conditional access is needed.
Digital television was meant to turn on almost a year ago, but was delayed by a court battle over conditional access. The DOC aims to launch digital television in the next few months as long as all outstanding issues are sorted out.
The set-top box control encryption system is meant to protect the local decoder market, and prevent theft of boxes.
Etv took former minister Dina Pule to court over her decision to appoint Sentech to handle the issue of conditional access. The free-to-air broadcaster won its bid and the department later dropped its appeal against the ruling.
As Pule had said conditional access may be reviewed, a round table will seek to sort out issues, recently-appointed minister Yunus Carrim has said. He noted various options will be found, and the consequences considered, with the aim to reach consensus.
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