The television industry in South Africa is reeling due to the monetary and management crisis at the SABC.  Crew and cast are without work, production companies are facing closure, and viewers are being cheated out of quality programming.

The Television Industry Emergency Coalition (TVIEC) was formed in response to this crisis.  Together, the TVIEC represents more than 80% of the local content on air.

In a meeting of the Coalition held on 18 June 2009, it was decided to proceed with plans for a demonstration against the current management and administration of the SABC.

The protest was provoked by the public broadcaster’s non-payment of millions of rands to independent producers and the subsequent retrenchments that are occurring throughout the industry.  Estimates of up to R58 million owed have been made but it is not possible to confirm this amount, as the SABC has been unwilling to reveal the extent of the debt.  This amount does not take into account monies owed for royalties and repeat fees which artists, writers and producers have been struggling for years to elicit from the SABC.

The TVIEC is fighting for the SABC – for a transparent, fair and sustainable SABC that upholds the values of a credible and responsible public broadcaster, respectful of the South African public and its key partner in content supply – the local production sector.

The TVIEC is attempting to engage with the new Minister of Communications and other government stakeholders to facilitate urgent intervention and alleviation for the industry.

The TVIEC is driven by the IPO (Independent Producers’ Organisation), SASFED (South African Screen Federation), TPA (The Producers’ Alliance), SASWA (South African Screen Writer’s Association), AC (Actors’ Coaliton), S.A.G.E (South African Guild of Editors), CWUSA (Creative Workers Union of South Africa) and non-aligned contributors which include equipment suppliers and facilities representing 90% of local content on air.

Watch this space for regular updates on the SABC crisis.