Wits University's Faculty of Humanities will be holding a discussion this Tuesday, 12 January on what the SABC (and by implication public broadcasting in South Africa) can learn from New Zealand television.
The public lecture will be given by dr Ruth Zanker, head of research and senior lecturer at the New Zealand Broadcasting School. Anyone can attend.
Dr Ruth Zanker will talk about how independence, corporate governance, TV programming, public accountability and funding play a significant role in the survival of public service broadcasting, looking at it from the New Zealand perspective.
New Zealand television and especially their public service broadcasting TV industry has faced similar challenges, threats to its independence and viability as the SABC is currently experiencing, and has tried different models. When I visited there a few years ago, I was amazed at their TV structure and how well it all actually works. They don't try to do everything - yet they have and manage to broadcast everything. Ever since I came back after after that trip (I went for a set visit for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Yes, was filmed there like several other international TV series currently are.) and have to highlight a TV model/country where the TV industry works best from all the ones I've been to, I always cite New Zealand.
The discussion is on Tuesday, 12 January from 18:00 - 20:00 at the Graduates Studies Seminar Room, South South West Engineering Building, East Campus. (Free parking available in Senate House Basement off Jorissen Street.)
