AIRCO is concerned that much of the content played on radio and TV is international repertoire and a second area of focus for AIRCO’s broadcast committee is to improve local content usage by South African broadcasters.

To this end we’ve met with the SABC to discuss areas of concern, including the recovery of retrospective video licensing income, improved local content opportunities, transparency in play-listing procedures, reporting of airplay, top and tail announcements for local songs, free interview opportunities for local artists, payola and so on.

The public broadcaster has assured AIRCO of its commitment to listen to record companies’ and labels’ suggestions on ways to improve local content. Whilst recognizing that ICASA is the legitimate platform for negotiating improved content quotas, we aim to use our discussions with broadcasters to try and balance out an equation with sensitivity towards local content.

If necessary however, we will lobby ICASA to put pressure on broadcasters to increase flighting opportunities for local music videos and to improve conditions for the promotion of South African music on radio and TV. The DAC has assured us of its support, where possible, to petition the Department of Communication, ICASA and broadcasters for an improvement in the promotion and play listing of local content, which in turn will generate additional income for members.