The SABC will not broadcast full coverage of South Africa's cricket tour of New Zealand due to failing to reach an agreement on contractual rights fees. Sports rights have become too costly, with many rights holders demanding a 100% increase in fees that the public broadcaster cannot afford. To still serve cricket fans, SABC Sport and Radio 2000 will provide live hourly updates on the team's performance for each match during the tour. The SABC will continue negotiating for better deals on future rights.

1. MEDIASTATEMENT
SABC WILL NOT BROADCAST CRICKET - NEW ZEALAND OUTBOUND TOUR
Johannesburg – Thursday 16 February 2017 – Today the South African Broadcasting
Corporation (SABC) has announced that it will not provide full coverage of the South Africa’s
New Zealand outbound tour starting from Friday the 17th
of February 2017 due to parties not
reaching a contractual agreement.
This is as the result of sports rights having become costly with many rights holders
demanding a 100% increase on fees which the Public Service Broadcaster cannot afford.
The Proteas’ tour to New Zealand consist of one T20, five ODI’s and three test matches.
In order to serve its audience of ardent cricket fans, SABC Sport and Radio 2000 will make
sure that all South Africans will be able to follow the progress of the team in New Zealand
through live hourly update as the performance of the team on each match day during the
New Zealand tour.
Tune into Radio 2000 starting this Friday 17th February till the end of the tour on the 29th of
March.
The SABC will continue to engage and negotiate for better deals and rights to broadcast
other tournaments in the near future for the benefit of the South African Public.
Ends
Issued By: SABC Sport
Media Enquiries: Mr Kaizer Kganyago (SABC Spokesperson)