You're reading it here first. The SABC hopes that some schedule changes on SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3 in 2010, as well as the World Cup Soccer tournament, and some cosmetic refreshment on several local TV shows will help the broadcaster's three TV channels to lure back some of the viewers and advertisers that it's lost in this difficult year.
''The easy days of 'appointment viewing' are over,'' says the SABC, and points to the global economic recession, but also ''increasing fragmentation of audiences, new platforms, new technologies, aternative ways to view television and digital terrestrial television (DTT)'' as things that's making it much harder for TV channels to retain and gain viewers.
''Africa's leading broadcaster needs to find new ways t reach its traditional audiences,'' says the SABC. ''More than ever audiences are informed about the broadcasting environment and it remains up to the SABC to stay one step ahead in terms of content that is relevant as well as cutting edge.''
SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3's channel head's gave their view, click through below on Read More to see what each one of them has to say about the past year and what lies ahead in 2010!
''This year has been a challenging one for us,'' says mr
Leo Manne, acting channel head for
SABC1. SABC1 will have the most soccer coverage for next year's World Cup Soccer tournament. ''SABC1 viewers can look forward to an interesting new year.'' New shows include
Harambe (replacing
Zola 7), a new series of
Khumbul'ekhaya,
Student Reel,
Centre Stage,
Alias V,
Friends Like These VIII and
Hopeville. ''SABC1 - the home of soccer - will showcase this historic soccer spectacle.''
SABC2 will also broadcast 8 of the World Cup Soccer games. In 2010 the channel has new shows like
The Mating Game,
Uwe Pottie Potgieter and a new travel show with Johnny Clegg lined up, titled
A Country Inagined. ''The 2010 World Cup will be a viewing experience worth staying home for,'' says
Bessie Tugwana, SABC2 channel head.
SABC3 says 2010 ''promises to be even more exciting.'' The channel says SABC3 will ''remain the home of premium international dramas.'' SABC3 will revamp some shows like
Isidingo and promises ''more exciting storylines and revamped sets''. Change is also coming to
3Talk with Noeleen, that will get a live studio audience, new set and greater interactivity with viewers through more video clips. Also coming is a new morning show and a programming block aimed at male viewers on Sundays. ''The channel will be introducing more themed environments,'' says
Mathe Mosito-Okaba, SABC3 channel head.
