First there was the SABC News channel (channel 404 on DStv), which got off to a rocky start. From day one, there were technical issues - from loss of signal to cameras showing us empty chairs instead of news presenters. The excuse that "they're just starting out" (as some people tweeted) would be fine if "they" were not the SABC.
The SABC has been broadcasting TV for years. It is meant to be the BBC of South Africa.
Taxpayers' money contributes to its running (and don't forget that government bailout). There is no reason to offer us more shoddy television, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
I don't understand how anybody can watch it without their eyes hurting.
The production looks cheap, and the picture quality is rubbish.
Even if it cost a whole lot of money, if there is one place this should be obvious, it's with the picture quality. Come on.
When I told a colleague my thoughts about the new SABC channel, he mock gasped: "But they have two co-anchors! That's revolutionary for the SABC!"
Ouch.
This week, a second news channel was launched, ANN7 (on DStv channel 405).
I haven't had a chance to watch it, but the name is hideous. It sounds like a parody of a news channel. It sounds like H1N1.
I will be watching it soon. While I don't have high hopes for it, I am open to being proven wrong. Let's hope it's better than the SABC.
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