# SABC News

SABC News is the news division of the SABC, South Africa's public broadcaster. The division produces news content for the SABC's platforms, including bulletins for its television channels, radio stations, and digital properties, in English and other national languages.

## History

The News Service was established in June 1950, replacing the programmes of the BBC. Although this was because the BBC broadcasts were seen as giving a British viewpoint of current affairs, there were also concerns that the SABC service would become overly pro-government, or "Our Master's Voice". By 1968, it had over 100 full-time reporters in the main cities and local correspondents all over the country, with overseas news provided by Reuters, AFP, AP and UPI. There was a News Film Unit which, prior to television in 1976, produced films for news agencies and television organisations.
During the apartheid regime, SABC News was understood as "his Master's Voice", a mere propaganda tool.
In 1998, the SABC began to broadcast two TV channels to the rest of Africa: SABC Africa, a news service, and Africa 2 Africa, entertainment programming from South Africa and other African countries, via DStv. In 2003, Africa 2 Africa was merged with SABC Africa to create a hybrid service, drawing programming from both sources. SABC Africa closed in August 2008 after the SABC's contract with DStv was not renewed. In 2007, the SABC launched a 24-hour international news channel, SABC News International, but closed in 2010.
On 1 August 2013, SABC News launched a 24-hour news channel on DStv, as part of an agreement with MultiChoice that also saw the launch of SABC Encore. SABC News head Jimi Matthews stated that the channel was part of an effort by the SABC to account for changing viewing habits, explaining that "very few people are still satisfied waiting for bulletins in the evening. Previously, it was appointment viewing, where you rushed home to watch the 8 p.m. news. While we see continuous growth in radio news offerings, digital sites are exploding in growth. There is a decline in the television news service. If you are going to produce television news, you have to play in the 24-hour space." In 2018, MultiChoice renewed its agreement with the SABC. It also unveiled a new slogan, Independent. Impartial. which was seen as a way to distance itself from the fact that it was a state-owned corporation.
At the end of July 2024, SABC News cancelled Kids News Room after 20 years on air. Its permanent staff members moved to other programmes produced by the unit.

## Programming

* Morning Live With Leanne Manas And Sakina Kamwendo
Weekdays 06:00 - 09:00
* The Agenda With Ayanda Nyathi
Weekdays 09:00 - 12:00
* On Point
Weekdays 12:00 - 14:00
* SA Today With Unathi Batyashe
Weekdays 14:00 - 17:00
* The Full View With Bongiwe Zwane And Mfundo Mabalane
Weekdays 17:00 - 20:00/21:00
* Face The Nation With Clement Manyathela
Tuesdays And Thursdays 20:00 - 21:00
* Trendz Live
Fridays 20:00 - 21:00
* The Late Edition With Mpho Sithole
Daily 21:00 - 00:00
[Weekends]
* Morning Live Weekend With Simphiwe Nconcgwane And Liezle Wilson
Sat & Sun 06:00 - 09:00
* The Weekend Agenda
Sat & Sun 09:00 - 12:00
* Week In Review With Gustav Greyling
Saturdays 12:00 - 14:00
* Week Ahead With Gustav Greyling
Sunday 12:00 - 14:00
* SA Today With Alicia Jali
Saturdays And Sundays 14:00 - 17:00
* Full View With Oliver Dickson
Sat 17:00 - 20:00 Sun 17:00 - 19:00
* Sports Live
Saturdays 20:00 - 21:00
* It's Topical With Blain Herman
Sundays 19:00 - 20:00
* Democracy30 With Oliver Dickson
Sundays 20:00 - 21:00