SABC2 preps dozen

World Brief

By CHRISTELLE DE JAGER

SABC2, the second most popular channel of pubcaster South African Broadcasting Corp., has put out commissioning briefs for 12 new productions worth $4 million.

SABC2 general manager Aletta Alberts said the move demonstrated its support for the local production industry and its commitment to fulfilling its public broadcasting mandate.

The briefs are for sitcoms, documentaries, dramas and a family gameshow. SABC2 markets itself as a family channel and broadcasts in many of South Africa's official languages, including English, Afrikaans, Sotho and Venda.

"With these briefs, we want the local industry to help us reflect our experiences of living in South Africa today," Alberts said.

Alberts said the commissioning briefs were in line with SABC2's public-service commitments to award 45% of commissions to black economic empowerment candidates and 10% to women in the industry.