SABC WANTS YOU TO PAY FOR A TV LICENCE EVEN IF YOU DON’T OWN A TV

The Department of Communications has proposed that people who make use of streaming platforms like Netflix and pay-TV services like Multichoice’s DStv, pay TV licence fees to the SABC – whether you’re able to or want to watch the Broadcaster’s channels or not.

This was a suggestion made by the Department during its proposal to the Communications Committee in Parliament on Tuesday, following the publication of a White Paper in the Government Gazette last week.

During her presentation, the deputy minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Pinky Kekana, suggested that those who use smartphones and tablets to stream content should also be asked to pay a fee. The SABC said that the expanded definition of a TV licence is outdated and needs to be adjusted to current realities.

Business Tech reports that the SABC deems the collection of money would be similar to municipalities collecting traffic fines and motor vehicle licence disks.

Another suggestion made by the Department was that the right to broadcast national sport events and matches should be sold to the SABC at a lower rate.

Kekana’s presentation also included the suggestion that pay service providers like Multichoice and subscription video-on-demand (VOD) providers like Netflix should collect TV licence fees on behalf of the SABC.

Watch the SABC News video below for an in-depth look into what the Department has proposed in its White Paper.

Image credit: IOL