SABC 2

SABC 2
Country South Africa
Broadcast area South Africa
NetworkSABC
HeadquartersSABC Television Park, Uitsaaisentrum, Johannesburg, South Africa
Programming
Language(s)
Picture format1080i HDTV
Ownership
OwnerSABC
Sister channels
History
Launched5 May 1975 (test transmission)
6 January 1976 (start of regular broadcasts, as SABC TV/SAUK-TV)
31 December 1981 (as TV1)
4 February 1996 (as SABC 2)
ReplacedTV 2/3/4
Former namesCCV TV
Links
Websitewww.sabc2.co.za
Availability
Terrestrial
SentechSABC DTT Channel 2
DStvChannel 192
OpenViewChannel 102
Streaming media
SABC Plus OTTSABC Plus
DStv NowChannel 192

SABC 2 is a South African free-to-air television channel owned by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). The channel was createdin its current form on 4 February 1996, due to the restructuring of the three national SABC networks.

As of March 2024, SABC 2 broadcasts programming only in English, Venda, Tsonga, Sotho, Sepedi & Setswana.

In August 2018, the channel started broadcasting in high definition.

History

SABC TV

South Africa was already served by some closed-circuit systems in hotels before SABC-TV started.[2] SABC began airing test cards in early 1975 on its transmitters[3] and started trialling its first television service on 5 May 1975 in South Africa's largest cities, and officially launched its first television channel on 6 January 1976 under the name SABC Television/SAUK-Televisie. The launch of SABC-TV caused South Africa to become the last country in the industrialised world to introduce television and had a viewership base of one million. Around 222,000 television sets were tuned in to the inauguration.[4] As with other countries, the launch of television had negative effects in other sectors of the country's entertainment industry, especially cinemas. Within the corporation, SABC's regional radio stations would suffer from loss of listeners to the new television network, but Radio 5's playlists remained unchanged.[5]

The service opened at 6pm with a bilingual opening speech presented by Heinrich Maritz (Afrikaans) and Dorianne Berry (English), the culmination of a five-year project. The first programme seen was a special presentation from the Children's and Youth division, in Afrikaans, which presented Haas Kas and other characters produced by the unit. The English-language The Everywhere Express, which had been shown in the test service the previous year, was also introductory in nature.[6]

The official opening of the service was at 8pm with a speech from Prime Minister John Vorster.[6] One million viewers saw its opening night, while approximately 250,000 television sets were sold in the country in the second half of 1975 alone.[7]

As of 1977, the SABC-TV service was delivered over eighteen transmitters:

  • Alverstone-Durban-Pinetown: channel 4[8]
  • Bloemfontein: channel 9[8]
  • Cape Town: channel 8[8]
  • Davel-Bethal-Ermelo: channel 22 (UHF)[8]
  • East London: channel 9[8]
  • George Mosselbay: channel 5[8]
  • Glencoe-Dundee: channel 27 (UHF)[8]
  • Hartbeesfontein-Klerksdorp: channel 45 (UHF)[8]
  • Johannesburg: channel 13[8]
  • Kimberley: channel 4[8]
  • Kroonstad: channel 57 (UHF)[8]
  • Middelburg-Witbank: channel 41 (UHF)[8]
  • Port Elizabeth-Uitenhage: channel 7[8]
  • Port Shepstone-Margate: channel 8[8]
  • Pretoria: channel 5[8]
  • Theunissen: channel 5[8]
  • Villiersdorp: channel 7[8]
  • Welverdiend-Potchefstroom: channel 7[8]

Two years after launch, a South African Sunday newspaper called the service "prissy and pricey": "prissy" due to the strict moral standards of the SABC and "pricey" due to the high costs of both buying a television set and paying the licence fee. The introduction of television advertising would at the time threaten advertisers in newspapers. The schedule lasted for five hours (6pm to 11pm, earlier closing on Sunday nights) with a few hours of sports on Saturdays. On a technical level, the SABC claimed to have the highest standards, but not at programming level. The service was also touted as a propaganda vehicle for the then-ruling National Party.[9]

By 1979, the broadcasts were picked up by 80% of the white population and 42% of the black population.[6] Censorship was still recurring, a famous example included SABC TV skipping an episode of Dallas in August 1979 that featured a homosexual affair, which was deemed "too sensitive" for the conservative South African mindset of the time, infuriating fans of the series.[10]

TV1

On 1 January 1982, two television channels were introduced: TV2 broadcasting in Zulu and Xhosa and TV3 broadcasting in Sotho and Tswana, both targeted at a Black urban audience and broadcasting on the same television frequency.[11] The main network, now called TV1, divided its broadcasting languages evenly between English and Afrikaans, as before. The channel introduced its first non-white continuity announcer, Vivian Solomons, for its Afrikaans segments in July 1983, who was of mixed race. Because SABC did not have a separate channel for mixed race and Indian South Africans, the corporation would increase the amount of non-whites appearing on the channel, though this caused complaints from viewers due to his appearance, making up most of the nearly 40 callers who contacted the corporation upon his introduction.[12]

A sitcom comparable to All in the Family, People Like Us, had its 26 episodes taped throughout 1987, but only aired for the first time on 23 December 1989 at a late slot (10:25pm on Saturdays) in order not to offend its white audience, while the timeslot was also chosen on purpose as kids of any race were already asleep by then. One viewer accused the corporation of cowardice under the grounds that, in order to increase its white audience, the series should have been moved to a prime time slot on weekdays.[13] The series aired weeks before Nelson Mandela's speech on 11 February 1990, which was broadcast by the corporation, breaking its biases for the first time in fourteen years.[14]

The end of Apartheid caused a series of radical changes for the channel, distancing itself from its segregated past. Ethnic mixing was now possible; its morning show Good Morning South Africa now had a white man and a black woman side by side, impossible in Apartheid days.[15] In 1992, four non-whites were hired for current affairs programming and a further four for religious programmes.[16] An agreement was signed with Sky News on 21 September 1993, enabling TV1 to air the channel during off-air hours from 15 October that year, akin to sister channel CCV which already had a contract with CNN International.[17] In 1994, with post-Apartheid democratisation, it was suggested that TV1 should broadcast entirely in English,[18] by October that year, it was suggested that a model similar to the one adopted in 1996 would be suggested for two of the SABC channels, with the third channel being run for "profit and entertainment", entirely in English.[19] At this time, the channel's slogan was This one's for you! (Dié een is vir jou! in Afrikaans).[15]

From February 1996, per a November 1995 decision, TV1 (under its new guise as SABC 2) would increase its programming in English, following the results of a demographic survey. The three channels combined would provide 65% English programming during prime time hours.[20]

SABC 2

In 1996, the SABC reorganised its three TV networks with the aim of making them more representative of the various language groups.[21] These were renamed to SABC 3 (formerly TV1), SABC 1 (formerly CCV) and SABC 2 (formerly NNTV). The amount of time allocated to Afrikaans-language programming on the new channel (SABC 2) fell from 50% to 15% - a move that alienated Afrikaans speakers. A spokesman for the SABC said that such a reduction was "inevitable in the post apartheid era", and that the SABC had not abided to the IBA's recommendations.[21]

Under the new format, 40% of SABC 2's schedule was in English, with the remaining 60% given to the other languages.[21] The new service catered at Afrikaans and Sotho speakers during prime time, all-day language breakdown was as of the time of the change: 41% English, 15% Afrikaans, 8% Sepedi, 6% Sesotho, 8% Setswana and 1% each for Xitsonga and Tshivenda. 21% of its programming was multilingual.[21]

With the commercialisation of the SABC in July 1997, the channel decided to drop its loss-making breakfast show Good Morning South Africa that it had inherited from the Apartheid-era TV1.[22] In late 1997, the SABC announced that the channel would house more public service programming. On 1 December that year, SABC 2 adopted a new look.[23]

For 2002, the channel was committed to be "the voice, the heart and the mind of South Africans", owing to its broadcast footprint - the largest out of any SABC terrestrial network. Aiming at increasing its audiences in the Black and Afrikaans sectors, the channel sought to increase its local offering, reflecting individual South African cultures and communities. Three new projects were being developed, The Res, Dark City and Zero Tolerance. 7de Laan increased its number of weekly episodes to four, while Muvhango was planned to enter its third season in April that year.[24]

On 1 March 2013, SABC 2 adopted its current logo. Blue is the main colour of the channel, but red, yellow and green are also used. However, at the time of rebranding, its programming was still seen as "dated"[25]

SABC 2 was initially announced to begin HD broadcasts via DStv during July 2018,[26] broadcasts started on 8 August 2018.[27][28]

Programming

After the SABC restructured its television channels, SABC 2 took the place of the old TV1 channel. The reduced prominence of Afrikaans angered many speakers of the language, although the channel still features a significant amount of Afrikaans programming, including a news broadcast every week night at 19:00 and weekends at 18:00.

M-Net seeing the market need, launched the Afrikaans subscription channel KykNet in 1999 and followed in 2005 with the music channel MK (originally known as MK89.) In 2009, M-Net launched Koowee, a kids channel broadcasting in Afrikaans.

Soapies, dramas and telenovelas

The channel is popular for its two longest-running soapies 7de Laan and Muvhango, dramas such as Erfsondes, Geraamtes in die Kas, Roer Jou Voete and 90 Plein Street, and Telenovelas such as Keeping Score, Giyani: Land of Blood and Die Sentrum.

Series

SABC 2 has in the past, broadcast international series such as NCIS, Pretty Little Liars, Teen Wolf and The Vampire Diaries. However, the channel is currently focused on local reality and actuality series such as Speak Out, Relate, and Saving Our Marriage, comedies such as Ga Re Dumele and Ke Ba Bolleletse, and a few international series such as American Ninja Warrior.

Talk and magazine

The channel has a small number of talk, travel and magazine shows. Shows include Motswako, Vusaseki, Nhlalala ya Rixaka, 50/50, Voetspore and TalkAbility.

Music

SABC 2 plays local afro-soul and pop music interludes in between shows. It also has music shows such as Afro Cafè, Soul'd Out Sessions, Kliphard, Musiek Roulette and Noot vir Noot.

Religion

The channel has religious shows aimed at Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism. Local shows include longest running show It's Gospel Time, Gospel Classics, Psalted ["Simcha"], Derech Eretz, and Issues of Faith.

Sports

SABC 2 rarely broadcasts live sports due to funding issues, and instead focuses on sporting highlights. It is mostly focused on boxing, rugby, swimming and athletics. In the recent year, it has broadcast a few football matches due to a high load of football broadcasting. It broadcasts Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana and CAF Champions League matches

News and current affairs

The channel provides two primetime bulletins for the TshiVenda/xiTsonga, and Sotho/Setswana/Sepedi languages. In addition, it has current affairs programmes including Ngula Ya Vutivi, Zwa Maramani and Leihlo La Sechaba. It also airs the longest-running breakfast show Morning Live. It is known for national events such as presidential inaugurations, State of the Nation Address, Budget Speeches, and parliamentary events. On 4 March 2024, the Afrikaans bulletin has been moved to SABC 3 on Mondays to Fridays @ 20:30 and Weekends @ 18:15.

Movies

The channel is known for family-friendly and dramatic movies, autobiographies and animated movies.

Youth and education

Main article: List of children and youth programs produced by the SABC

SABC 2 has a roster of shows from its SABC Education slate, most notably Takalani Sesame, It's For Life, The Epic Hangout, among others, and also brings educational shows on how to manage money and a focus on senior citizens, as well as other children's shows from Disney Junior, either in their original English soundtrack or dubbed in South African languages, such as The Lion Guard in isiZulu, Ben 10 in Afrikaans and Doc McStuffins in Sotho. For teens and preteens it offers comedy series from Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, such as ICarly, True Jackson, VP, A.N.T. Farm, Sanjay and Craig, The Sparticle Mystery, Star Falls and Cookabout, as well as local series including Signal High, Snake Park and Hectic Nine-9. Content that is most watched among the youth is the 17:00 slot, for airing anime series from Toei Animation, Studio Pierrot and TV Tokyo, notably airing popular series that have a cult following such as Yu-Gi-Oh!, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's, Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V, Beyblade, Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Z Kai, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball SUPER, Naruto Shippuden, One Piece and Bleach.

List of Programmes

Imported Programmes

Current

Children's

Former

Children's
Comedy
Drama
Magazine
Soap Opera
Documentary
  • Story of a People
Talk Shows

See also

References

  1. ^ "The Media Development and Diversity Agency - a draft position paper". South African Government Information. November 2000. p. 68. Archived from the original on 2009-08-31. Retrieved 2008-11-30.
  2. ^ "World Communications" (PDF). UNESCO. 1975. p. 112. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  3. ^ "Television" (PDF). March 1975. p. 1121. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  4. ^ Botha, Koos (6 January 1976). "Gala-wegspring vir SAUK-TV!" [Gala launch for SABC-TV!]. Die Transvaler (in Afrikaans). Johannesburg, South Africa. p. 1. Retrieved 30 January 2025 – via East View Global Press Archive.
  5. ^ "Billboard" (PDF). 14 February 1976. p. 46. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  6. ^ a b c "TELEVISION COMES TO SOUTH AFRICA" (PDF). University of Pretoria. 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 March 2022. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  7. ^ South African TV Makes Debut; Vorster is Wary of Its Dangers. (1976, Jan 06). New York Times (1923-)
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Television Factbook" (PDF). 1977. p. 1121. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  9. ^ "The black and white TV show". New Nation. 8 January 1978. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  10. ^ Missing Dallas episode enrages South Africans. (1979, Sep 05). The Globe and Mail
  11. ^ Hachten, William A.; Giffard, C. Anthony (1984). The Press and Apartheid: Repression and Propaganda in South Africa. Springer. p. 222. ISBN 9781349076857.
  12. ^ INTERNATIONAL NEWS IN BRIEF. (1983, Jul 08). Philadelphia Inquirer
  13. ^ Wren, C. S. (1990, Jan 08). South African TV gets its own Archie Bunker. The Globe and Mail
  14. ^ February 11 1990: Mandela’s media conquest
  15. ^ a b McLairn, Kimberly J. (25 July 1995). "The Voice of Apartheid Goes Multicultural". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 26 May 2015.
  16. ^ Cohen, T. (1993, Feb 01). South African TV network now broadcasts in black and white: [1* edition].
  17. ^ "Murdoch enters African market". The Straits Times. 23 September 1993. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  18. ^ "SABC changes slowly in the new South Africa", Africa Film & TV Magazine, nº. 4, September 1994
  19. ^ AP. (1994, Nov 25). S. AFRICAN TV HOPES TO REFLECT NATION'S NEW FACE: [FIVE STAR EDITION]. St.Louis Post - Dispatch (Pre-1997 Fulltext)
  20. ^ DAVID BERESFORD, I. J. (1995, Dec 01). Afrikaans loses battle for air time on S african TV. The Guardian (Pre-1997 Fulltext)
  21. ^ a b c d "1, 2, 3, SABC!", Africa Film & TV Magazine, nº. 9, April-June 1996
  22. ^ Haffajee, Ferial (20 June 1997). "SABC's radical changes". Mail & Guardian.
  23. ^ Smith, Janet (5 December 1997). "New-look Simunye channel". Mail & Guardian.
  24. ^ "SABC 2 - plans for 2002", Africa Film & TV Magazine, nº. 32, February-April 2002
  25. ^ SABC2 relaunches brand: You belong
  26. ^ SABC TV finally going HD
  27. ^ SABC 2 SWITCHES TO FULL HD
  28. ^ SABC2: now also in HD
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