Johannesburg – Pay television platform StarSat says it will continue broadcasting while it strives to resolve issues raised by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
In a recent legal development, the Gauteng High Court dismissed an urgent interdict application filed by On Digital Media (ODM), the licensing company behind StarSat.
ODM unsuccessfully sought an interdict to halt ICASA’s decision to terminate StarSat’s operations as of 18 September 2024.
A review application is pending to resolve the substantive legal issues between the two parties, which will be addressed once a court date is set.
ODM said it noted the statement issued by ICASA on Friday, (20 September 2024) in which the regulator expressed “surprise and concern” regarding StarSat’s potential exit from the South African subscription market.
StarSat acknowledged challenges, among others, the difficulty of securing new investments in a highly competitive market environment.
“The introduction of a new shareholder agreement, compounded by the economic pressures resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, led to a delay in the submission of ODM’s licence renewal application to ICASA,” explained StarSat.
“Despite several attempts to engage with ICASA officials and address these regulatory hurdles, ODM regrettably did not receive the necessary support.”
StarSat said it finds ICASA’s recent statement baffling, particularly as legal proceedings are underway.
“For the past 18 months, StarSat has maintained open and consistent communication with ICASA,” the company said.
“Any implication that the company has not engaged with the regulatory authority is inaccurate, as there is extensive documentation demonstrating StarSat’s commitment to constructive dialogue.
“The potential loss of jobs is a significant concern in light of ICASA’s role in promoting economic growth.
“The livelihoods of over 600 ODM employees and the wider network of more than 4 000 dealers and sales agents who depend on StarSat’s operations are at risk.
“This could have a far-reaching impact on the South African economy.”
StarSat said it also plays a crucial role in providing information, entertainment, and educational content to the public, serving over 500 000 subscribers with quality programming at affordable rates.
The company said it remains dedicated to supporting the informational and entertainment needs of South Africans through its diverse range of content offerings.
“Despite the challenges, StarSat remains committed to continuing its operations and providing uninterrupted service to its users and business partners,” the company said.
“The company will strive to resolve these issues and continue contributing to the South African media landscape.”
*This article first appeared in our sister publication techfinancials.co.za
