The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) wants to tap into digital broadcasters' databases to hunt down people who are not paying their television licences, says spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.
Currently, only satellite TV broadcaster MultiChoice is broadcasting a signal and has a list of subscribers. However, Kganyago says this move would extend to all companies that will in future provide television on a paid basis, including On Digital Media and Walking on Water Television.
He says the SABC approached government and the Independent Communications Authority of SA to get permission to access lists of subscribers. The arrangement would be similar to the one that requires retailers to ensure consumers have a licence before selling them a television, Kganyago notes.
There is a perception that people who subscribe to pay-television do not need an SABC licence, he adds. This is incorrect. “They are watching SABC channels anyway on the DSTV bouquet.”
The SABC does not intend “spying” on pay-television subscribers, Kganyago claims. However, he could not elaborate on the possible invasion of privacy issues that accessing the databases may cause.
Kganyago denies the intention to seek details of subscribers who have not paid their licence fee has anything to do with the broadcaster's debt, but rather because these people are legally obliged to pay for a television licence.
The SABC has been in the news lately after it was disclosed that it needs a R2 billion cash injection from government and has failed to pay some of its bills, particularly to MultiChoice and media production houses. Kganyago would not comment on how much debt the broadcaster is in as its results are being audited.
No way
ITWeb could not reach MultiChoice for comment. However, MultiChoice COO Collins Khumalo told News24 the company would not give out client information.
“As a business, we don't sell our database to anyone. We also don't give our database information to anyone. Our clients come to us and trust us with their information. We will resist attempts if we are expected to make that information available,” Khumalo was quoted as saying.
“Yes, the SABC is facing challenges to generate more income, but we don't believe we are the solution to their problems. I believe they can come up with other, more creative ways to solve their problems and improve their income,” News24 quotes him as stating.
Dimitri Martinis, head of regulatory affairs at On Digital Media, says the company will not respond until there is a change in legislation or regulations that allows the SABC to access other company's databases. He says this is currently not the case.
Walking on Water did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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