The SABC has published a 73-page request for proposals (RFP) from potential suppliers that could help it build and launch an online streaming platform. The upcoming service will be a key part of its future strategy, as it continues to struggle in the modern TV and content environment.
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The issued RFP comes about a year after the SABC issues a request for information (RFI), which it used to explore and identify what is available in the market and what technologies it could possibly deploy in building its own platform. The RFP requires bidders to submit their documents to the SABC by no later than noon on 18 January. Bidders must also attend a compulsory online briefing session on 8 December.
The SABC wants to retain ownership of the platform itself, often referred to as the OTT (over-the-top). Until now it has mainly been using other popular platforms in order to increase its reach among viewers, such as YouTube and social media. “These platforms are restrictive and do not allow the SABC to be competitive enough. The SABC cannot monetise content to its fullest marketing value,” the RFP says.
The public broadcaster’s troubles aren’t isolated to its financial woes. The SABC remains locked in a legal dispute with Sentech, the third-party supplier that carries its television and radio channels over legacy terrestrial broadcasts. It has complained to the communications regular Icasa over what it called Sentech’s “unfair and anticompetitive pricing”.
The list of features that the public broadcaster expects the streaming service to offer, though a streaming app and with website support, include:
- Live streaming
- A catch-up service
- Video on demand
- Audio on demand
- Pop-up channels
- Multiple user profiles
- Single sign-on
- Offline viewing of content
- Digital marketing tools and digital advertising
- An electronic programme guide
- Closed captioning
- Network personal video recorder functionality offering record, rewind, pause and fast-forward
