adminTuesday met ZBC chief executive Happison Muchechetere in Harare where they discussed ways on how the two broadcasters could work together.
According to Matabane, the talks follow an outcry from viewers who used to watch SABC programmes via free-to-air satellite decoders.
“When the SABC changed its encryption software, it disabled illegal viewing on free-to-air decoders such as the Wiztech and there was an outcry from viewers across the Sadc region. So we now want to do things the legal way that is why I am here to explore ways that will enable viewers to continue watching their favourite films,” he said.
Muchechetere said the two companies will explore ways of legally enabling viewing of popular SABC programmes under the auspices of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe.
“There are South African films such as Generations, Muvhango and Isidingo which have became popular in the country and we are still considering the offer and ways of enabling it legally,” said Muchechetere.
The channel’s signal will be distributed by Sentech and can also be accessed throughout the Sadc region without the use of decoders.
Last week Sentech changed its encryption software from DVB-S to DVB S2 which cannot be accessed on free-to-air decoders.
Most viewers said their world would never be the same given that the national broadcaster was failing to broadcast some of their favourite programmes. Others said they would resort to buying pirated discs of their favourite programmes.
Online Reporter