PSL matches on SABC

A picture taken on October 20, 2010 shows the SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) headquarters in Johannesburg. AFP PHOTO / STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN / AFP)

SABC plunges even deeper: No PSL on public broadcaster

Another SABC “blackout” is set to affect soccer fans with no DSTV access, with the national broadcaster failing to secure broadcast rights for the PSL.

PSL matches on SABC

A picture taken on October 20, 2010 shows the SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) headquarters in Johannesburg. AFP PHOTO / STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN / AFP)

Many fans of the beautiful game are in for a bit of a shocker, with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) unlikely to air any of the opening fixtures of the 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.

As of Saturday, the day in which the new season is set to kick off, there is no PSL action scheduled in neither the national broadcaster’s TV nor radio platforms.

According to the League, the SABC had failed to secure broadcast rights from pay TV channel Supersport after having their proposal rejected. 

No local soccer on national broadcaster

In a statement issued out on Saturday, the PSL reveals that it was only made aware of the issue on the eve of the season’s launch.

“Up until the beginning of this week we were made to believe the final bits were being ironed out towards yet another exciting season that the majority consume on free to air television provided by the SABC.

“In hindsight, we should have made more of the question by an SABC journalist after the Board of Governors meeting two days ago, on Thursday 1 August 2019, when he revealed that there was no scheduling of weekend matches to be broadcast by the SABC. Knowing what we know now, it is evident that the SABC had already prepared for a ‘blackout’.”

Premier Soccer League

PSL seek government intervention after SABC “blackout”

The PSL revealed that the public broadcaster had reached out to Supersport with a proposal that, had it been granted, would have had seen them pay only a fraction of the normal rate to air the matches.

As a result, the League’s chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has reached out to Minister of Sports Arts and Recreation Nathi Mthethwa, in an effort to address the long-standing issues facing the SABC.

“In addressing this matter, it is maybe time that the nation accept that the SABC is incapable of meeting its requirements since a “blackout” to the majority who consume their football through free to air television and radio is unacceptable going forward,” the statement continued.

“The PSL will provide regular updates to the public as a solution is sought to address this unfortunate situation.”

Premier Soccer League

The first fixtures of the PSL 2019/20 season kick off at 15:00 on Saturday.

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