According to the national broadcaster’s responses to parliamentary questions, the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) technology renewal project is making significant progress.
The SABC said that it had issued a request for proposals to develop its own Over-the-Top (OTT) Platform, which would allow consumers to watch movies and TV shows directly over the Internet.
The SABC revealed its plans to create an OTT streaming platform in October 2020 via a Request for Information (RFI) document.
The public broadcaster plans for its streaming service, dubbed SABC iPlayer, to compete with Netflix and Spotify.
“The SABC is aiming to establish a footprint in the OTT space, and this RFI brings the SABC closer to that goal,” it said.
“An OTT streaming platform will be implemented as part of the digital strategy, allowing it to effectively enter the OTT market by giving multiple services to the public with ease of access, akin to Netflix, Amazon Prime [Video], and Spotify.”
The SABC released additional details on the development of its technological update in response to questions from members of the National Council of Provinces.
According to the national broadcaster, “there has been considerable progress with regards to the SABC’s technological renewal plans.”
“The workflow systems for TV, Sport and News Playout are being redesigned. In addition, the new Graphics and Branding Systems are being implemented.”
“The Newsroom Computer System contract has been granted, and implementation plans have been put in place,” the SABC noted.
Contracts for content digitalization, a new Scheduling and Advertising Management system, a renovated Enterprise Digital Library, and SABC’s own Over-the-Top (OTT) Platform have also been awarded.
The SABC also stated that it is updating all of its essential TV and radio infrastructure and introducing Internet Protocol (IP) Broadcasting.
The SABC’s ambitious technological renewal plans align with the national broadcaster’s digital migration strategy.
