TechCentral has agreed to publish the following right of reply from communications regulator Icasa to an opinion piece we ran earlier this week penned by former Icasa councillor Willie Currie and freelance writer
Browsing: Infinity Media
Speculation is swirling that the Guptas’ biggest asset in the ICT sector, Sahara Computers, is either up for sale or could even soon be closed down. Several industry sources, who say they have knowledge of the situation
Communications minister Faith Muthambi allegedly attempted to unduly influence Icasa councillor Nomvuyiso Batyi by offering her the position of chairwoman of the communications regulator in return for her giving a television
Communications regulator Icasa has rejected all five applicants, including the Gupta-controlled Infinity Media Networks, that were seeking new free-to-air television broadcasting licences in South Africa
Finance minister Pravin Gordhan has previously slapped down plans by the SABC for a 24-hour news channel, saying “this is not the time for vanity projects”, but that has not stopped the public broadcaster steaming ahead to the launch of its satellite project on 1 August
Two broadcasters, both perceived to be sympathetic to president Jacob Zuma and his government, are set to launch 24-hour news satellite channels on the same continent-wide MultiChoice DStv platform. Broadcasting sources confirmed to the Mail & Guardian this week that the SABC is back in discussions
The SABC has been left red-faced over the loss of its planned 24-hour news channel on DStv after the well-connected Gupta family seized the gap. Few at the SABC appear to have been aware that the Gupta channel was even in the offing, although the broadcaster must have been in regular contact