The SABC plans to show the Rugby World Cup 2015 on SABC2 from 18 September.
Although the public broadcaster won't have a
dedicated Rugby World Cup 2015 channel from SuperSport on MultiChoice's DStv
satellite pay-TV platform and while its coverage pales in comparison to what
pay-TV subscribers will be getting, the broadcaster is trying to bring
free-to-air viewers as much access and coverage of the tournament as it can.
The SABC will broadcast 36 Rugby World Cup
2015 matches on SABC2 of which 29 will be live and 7 matches as delayed live
broadcasts. All matches in which the Springboks play will be shown live on
SABC2, including pre-match coverage, similar to what SABC1 does with the
soccer.
The SABC says that in the build-up to the
public broadcaster's Rugby World Cup 2015 coverage, SABC2 will broadcast a
series of documentaries about the highlights and significant moments of the
Rugby World Cup.
SABC2's breakfast show, Morning Live, will show 15 minute daily Rugby World Cup updates
from London at 07:15.
SABC2 schedule
disruption
In order to accommodate the 36 Rugby World
Cup 2015 matches schedule disruption is coming to SABC2 but the SABC says it
will retain Afrikaans shows like 7de Laan,
Pasella, Musiek Roulette, as well as the Venda soap Muvhango and the news bulletins on the channel.
"We have ensured that the effect on regular
programming is as minimal as possible," says Hlaudi Motsoeneng, the SABC's
controversial chief operating officer (COO).
"We will regularly update members
of the public of any schedule changes," says Hlaudi Motsoeneng.
"We are committed to delivering entertainment
for all viewers and South Africans will still be able to keep up with their
favourite shows,” says Hlaudi Motsoeneng.
The SABC's rugby commentators will be Udo
Carelse, Pieter Hendriks, Thando Manana, as well as former Springbok coach Peter
de Villiers and James Small.
Editor: The SABC press release from FleishmanHillard calls former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers "Pieter", and struggles to get the broadcaster's own shows right, like calling Musiek Roulette "Musiek Rolouette".
In addition the most bisarre photo was issued - which the SABC presumably wants the media to use: marketing and spokespeople framed against ... get this ... an empty black and white background - no SABC logo anywhere or image of the Rugby World Cup 2015.
You can click on the pic to see it bigger, and ask yourself if that's what you send out if your a broadcaster.
