BREAKING. SOS reaction on SABC's decision to appoint SABC board member Clare O'Neil to oversee sales and marketing.

You're reading it here first.

I can be first to bring you the reaction from the Support Public Broadcasting (SOS) group on the news that the SABC has asked SABC board member Clare O'Neil to step in and oversee the SABC's sales and marketing division. (That news RIGHT HERE.)

''There has been a lot of concern from our members about this. It comes down to a sound governance issue - you do not want to have SABC board members playing a direct management role,'' says Kate Skinner, SOS coordinator.

''The issue is that as an interim measure, it's fine. Clare O'Neil does have a lot of experience. But it should just be an interim arrangement. Ideally what you want is a competent group executive for commercial enterprises who is put in place. Clare O'Neil has the expertise, the SABC needs to use it. The SABC urgently, urgently needs to deal with sales and marketing - it's been a problem area - but lets not have that as a long term solution.''

BREAKING. SABC confirms that board member Clare O'Neil will oversee sales and marketing at broadcaster.

You're reading it here first.

The SABC just issued a press release confirming the rumour I reported earlier this week as well as the news just now that Clare O'Neil, SABC board member has been asked to head up the sales and marketing division at the public broadcaster.

I also told you first that its happening because of the current group CEO at the SABC, Solly Mokoetle who wanted it that way. The SABC also confirmed that.

''As part of the programme of turning around and stabilising the SABC, the corporation's board asked one of its members, Clare O'Neil, to provide expanded oversight of the SABC's sales and marketing activities.''

''The board made the request at the recommendation of Solly Mokoetle and because of Clare O'Neil's  specialised knowledge and experience in the field of advertising and related activities. Clare O Neil  will contribute to strategic and operational planning on SABC revenues and exercise oversight over implementation of the turnaround programme. The board expects this arrangement to last for several months. She will remain a member of the board and will not serve directly in the SABC structures.''

The SABC said that it has taken note of ''various inaccurate claims'' and that Clare O'Neil's ''increased oversight is in line with the SABC's enabling legislation.''