SABC rejects MultiChoice, will not broadcast the Cricket World Cup
The SABC will not be broadcasting the Cricket World Cup 2023 due to non-affordable sub-licensing fees imposed by MultiChoice.
Due to the non-affordable sub-licensing fees imposed by MultiChoice, the SABC (South African Broadcasting Commission) was unsuccessful in securing the free-to-air broadcasting rights to broadcast the Cricket World Cup 2023 on television screens in South Africa.
ALSO READ: Cricket World Cup ‘blackout’ for SABC
SABC WILL NOT BROADCAST THE CRICKET WORLD CUP 2023
On Tuesday, 3 October, in an official statement by the SABC, it was announced that the corporation will unfortunately not be broadcasting the Cricket World Cup 2023.
“Following the extensive negotiations with Multichoice (SuperSport) for the sub-licensing of the Cricket World Cup 2023 free-to-air broadcasting rights, the SABC regrets to announce that the Corporation was not successful in securing these rights for South African audiences,” the statement read.
ALSO READ: Proteas: Cricket World Cup kit, first game THIS weekend
The SABC once again revealed that it had been disadvantaged “due to non-affordable licensing fees” as it did in a previous statement regarding the Rugby World Cup 2023.
“The SABC has once again been disadvantaged in securing the broadcasting rights of one of the sporting codes classified as [a] sport of national interest by ICASA due to the non-affordable sub-licensing fees and restrictive conditions imposed by Multichoice. This development is regrettable, and the Corporation would like to apologise to all Cricket fans and all South Africans,” the statement read.
“The SABC remains committed to broadcasting sports of national interest as mandated, conversely, this commitment will not be carried out in a manner that is detrimental to the organisation but provide a positive return on investment,” the statement concluded.
ALSO READ: Proteas shutting out the noise at Cricket World Cup
THE SOUTH AFRICAN BROADCASTING COMMISSION REJECTS MULTICHOICE’S PROPOSAL FOR BROADCASTING RIGHTS
In another statement, MultiChoice revealed that the broadcaster had rejected their proposal for the sub-license of broadcast rights to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
“After prolonged negotiations, the SABC last night rejected MultiChoice’s latest proposal for a possible sub-license of broadcast rights to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on the basis of the proposed license fee,” the statement read.
ALSO READ: Halt payments! MultiChoice withdraws its DStv services in Malawi
“This is notwithstanding MultiChoice offering the rights to the SABC on significantly reduced commercial terms, given its current circumstances. MultiChoice is disappointed at the rejection of its various proposals,” the statement read.
ALSO READ: Salary of MultiChoice’s CEO Calvo Mawela REVEALED