The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has announced that two of the most popular television shows in South Africa, Uzalo and Skeem Saam will no longer have their episodes published by the station on YouTube, however, both programmes will continue being broadcast on television.
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The SABC has signed a new licence agreement with another live streaming service called Viu, which is operated by PCCW Media and Vuclip. The episodes of Uzalo and Skeem Saam will continue being published until the 28th February 2019 on YouTube, as Viu will now thereafter own exclusive rights to some of the shows from the SABC, ZAlebs reported.
“The SABC is proud to have partnered with Viu SA in this exciting new initiative,” says Madoda Mxakwe, SABC CEO.
“As a broadcaster, it is imperative that we continuously move with the times and ensure that our programmes are available through video-on-demand platforms”.
“With its experience in delivering and successfully monetising over-the-top (OTT) and VOD services across the globe, Viu SA will assist the SABC’s mandate of ensuring universal access for South Africa’s rich, home-grown content. This strongly aligns with our strategic objective to identify new revenue streams and in this particular case, increasing revenue through sub-licensing SABC-owned intellectual property, specifically in the video entertainment space.”
YouTube viewers of both Uzalo and Skeem Saam can still get programme playback that is available for free access.
Viu currently offers over 2000 hours of content. Users can watch free videos on Viu without having to register, but to access premium content users must register and log in. Viu however provides a 30-day free sampling period to watch premium content.
Besides Uzalo and Skeem Saam Viu also acquired the rights to 18 other shows from the SABC catalogue, including The Docket on SABC3, as well as Yizo-Yizo, Single Galz, Taryn and Sharon, Ngempela, The Sober Companion, When We Were Black and Emoyeni.
Image Courtesy: vocfm.co.za