SABC, Multichoice sign deal to keep channels on DStv

Multichoice and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) have signed a new deal to keep the latter’s 24-hour news and classics channel on air.

As a result, the channels News and Encore — its classic shows channel — will now continue to be broadcast on DStv channels 404 and 156 respectively.

“The SABC welcomes the new agreement with Multichoice which will bring certainty to our viewers and our staff,” explained Madoda Mxakwe, SABC’s CEO.

“The Board and management of the SABC are satisfied that the agreement meets both the commercial and governance needs of the SABC.”

No financial details were disclosed by either party, but “insiders” suggest that it could be worth up to R900-million per annum for the South African broadcaster, Business Day writes.

The outgoing deal — the first bid to bring a 24-hour news channel to the satellite service — was signed in 2013.

Feature image: Andy Walker/Memeburn