Pretoria - The SABC and the Association of the Independent Record Companies of South Africa (AIRCO) have signed a music video distribution agreement, it was announced on Thursday.
"The agreement's primary purpose is to enable AIRCO to avail its members and non-members' music products for broadcast on SABC platforms (TV and digital). In return, the SABC will pay AIRCO an appropriate amount for the benefit of our members and non-members and distribution to those whose products are used by the SABC at any given time in all their TV and digital platforms," said Chairperson of AIRCO Dodo Monamadi.
The long awaited agreement was signed on 13 December 2011.
"This SABC/AIRCO deal provides us with an opportunity to be an official collection and distribution agent for all Southern African Independent recording labels, sound recordings royalties as well as to play a crucial role in the music business to arm the Independent Recording Labels with music business knowledge," Monamodi added.
SABC Group Chief Executive Officer Lulama Mokhobo said the public broadcaster was committed to empowering the local music industry.
"This agreement means the corporation will have access to more local music videos and artists. In turn, it will create space for aspiring local musicians and provide them with the required exposure and also assist in advancing their fledgling careers," she added.