SABC LAUNCHES 24-HOUR SPORTS CHANNEL
Following its soft launch in April, the public broadcaster officially launched its 24-hour sports channel on Thursday.
The channel is now available on SABC digital TV broadcasting, Openview channel 124, and the TelkomONE streaming service, reports My Broadband.
SABC Sport General Manager, Gary Rathbone, told the media that the channel's performance to date must be commended.
"Since the channel became operational in April this year, its audience figures have been positive, with the latest TAMS figures showing a total reach of over 2 million, a 5% share of the national television market."
The channel will feature a combination of popular and more niche sports. It will also have a balance between international and local cover. The SABC didn't reveal exactly which sports will be featured on the 24-hour channel.
The public broadcaster did elaborate on its plans to focus on women and school's sports in particular.
Rathbone confirmed that viewers would not have to pay a subscription for the channel.
During a recent battle to win the exclusive rights of broadcasting the British Lions rugby tour to South Africa, the channel lost to Multichoice's DStv.
A Competition Commission enquiry has been launched against DStv because it is alleged to dominate the industry.
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