Hlaudi Motsoeneng’s decree that all SABC radio stations should play 90% local music and 10% foreign content has had a devastating impact for the traditional Indian radio station Lotus FM.
In the four months since the decree took effect, the Durban-based radio station has lost about a third of its listeners, with its average listener numbers falling by about 130,000, from 390,000 to 260,000.
Advertisers have followed the listeners, saying their research shows that their target market no longer listens to Lotus FM.
An inside source — who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals — says the 33-year-old Lotus FM has been adversely affected by the decree. Presenters now have to play kwaito, Afrikaans and other local music.
After the decree came into effect, listeners called Lotus FM shows to express their displeasure at the sudden change, but the source says SABC management told the station it should no longer entertain "complainers and whingers", and should switch them off.
The SABC and its spokesman, Kaizer Kganyago, did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
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