No change for TopTV channel hunt
TopTV says it is still scouting for new channels to add to its pay-TV service, however it has made no reportable progress since late May.
The broadcaster’s stance regarding the planned adult-content channels has not changed since the controversy surrounding the channels came to a head in front of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) in March 2012.
“TopTV is still considering its options and is engaging with all its stakeholders on the issue,” On Digital Media (ODM) said, echoing statements made on 27 May.
ODM was awarded an ICASA Pay TV License on 12 September 2007 and issued the license on 9 July 2008.
TopTV had initally planned to launch three new channels focused on providing adult content to viewers who opted in for the service. The application to bring the channels to the broadcast services was met with strong resistance, which subsequently lead to TopTV’s submission being denied by the regulator.
Icasa denied ODM the channels on the basis that they impede the rights of women to equality and human dignity, and that those rights override TopTV’s right to freedom of expression, as well as the rights of viewers to receive pornography on television in the home.
Sport channels
Another area where ODM is trying to address viewers’ needs is in the broadcaster’s sports offering. Or rather, lack, thereof. Currently, TopTV offers no dedicated live sporting channel (though the pay-TV operator offers a sports news channel in the form of EuroSports News).
However, despite understanding the need for sports offerings, TopTV had no concrete news regarding its plans for such as yet.
“TopTV recognizes that its subscribers want a sports offering and we are working to deliver this. Various negotiations and planning activities are currently underway but there is nothing concrete that we wish to report at this stage,” ODM said.
Related articles
TopTV still considering Playboy TV options
Loading ...