SABC invests in Mark Gillman

2003-03-18 10:08

Jo Prins

Johannesburg - The SABC has defended a multi-million rand contract with 5fm DJ Mark Gillman and his breakfast show team, saying it compared favourably with commercial competitors' contracts.

This follows on an announcement by the station that it has secured the services of Gillman and his popular early morning team for a further 24 months.

John Langford 5fm's acting manager said the breakfast show is the "anchor of any radio station".

"The Mark Gillman Show is a funny, loud, irreverent and wicked way for South Africa to start the day - we love him in the morning," Langford added.

SABC corporate communication chief Victor Dlamini says the multi-million rand contract should be viewed in context.

"5fm is part of the public, commercial broadcaster portfolio and as such is an important source to increase SABC income."

Dlamini added that the commercial broadcasting environment was extremely competitive and that The Mark Gillman Show operates within that context.

"The new 5fm strategy is poised to grow the station's market position and all investments should reflect this. Similarly this contract is an investment," he said.

- Beeld