SABC secures radio rights to broadcast select Rugby World Cup games
The agreement includes the broadcast of four matches featuring the Springboks, as well as the semi-finals and the final match on certain radio stations.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has announced that is has reached an agreement for the radio rights to broadcast select matches of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
The agreement includes the broadcast of four matches featuring the Springboks, as well as the semi-finals and the final match.
The deal does not, however, include broadcasting any games on terrestrial television.
ALSO READ: No Rugby World Cup on SABC TV or radio
SABC Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Yolande van Biljon told parliament's committee on Public Enterprises and Communication in August that the public broadcaster is technically bankrupt.
In light of its cash-flow woes, it was also facing a PSL balck-out, which was resolved at the 11th hour.
On Friday night, the SABC announced its radio stations RSG and Radio 2000 will carry live commentary of the Rugby World Cup matches it has secured rights for, whilst Umhlobo Wenene will provide reports during the match.
The SABC’s Acting Chief Operations Officer, Sylvia Tladi stated: “The public broadcaster is aware of the fact that Rugby is a loved sport in our country. We are pleased that we were able to negotiate and get to a point where, in the interest of the public and in fulfilling our mandate, the SABC would be able to provide the South African public, an opportunity to follow the Springboks on radio, as they fight to claim the title of being rugby world champions in Japan.
"Although there will be a loss, the organisation ensured that it was minimal, as the public broadcaster needed to find middle ground in fulfilling its public mandate, whilst looking at the financial sustainability of the corporation."