SABC confirm that 5FM and Metro are not exempt from 90% quota

SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago has dismissed reports that two of its commercial radio stations, 5FM and Metro FM, had been exempted from a new policy requiring its radio stations to play 90 percent local music.

Speaking to TMG Entertainment on Thursday, Kganyago reaffirmed the broadcaster's commitment to local music and said that all of its radio stations will be required to adhere to the new policy.

"The SABC has 18 radio stations and all 18 will be required to keep to the new quota policy. No station will be exempt from it," he said.

Kganyago says that the new policy will not change any of the current formats at radio stations under the broadcaster, but will require music selectors to play local music where international music was once played.

"We are not asking them to do anything different or to play genres that they wouldn't normally play. Instead we are saying: 'Instead of playing an international pop song, play a local pop song. Instead of playing an international R&B song, play a local RnB song.'"

When questioned over concerns that there may not be  enough South African music to choose from, Kganyago expressed confidence in the local music industry and said that he did not believe it would be an issue for stations at the SABC.

Kaizer says that the broadcaster has not received push-back from any of its stations and it expects the policy to be welcomed by all, including the audiences the broadcaster caters to.

On Wednesday the SABC announced that all of its radio station would adopt a new quota of 90 percent local music. The decision was welcomed by the local music industry and by hundreds of fans who took to social media to share their excitement at the news.