SABC to scrap the eight o'clock news

The change is planned for April 7. It is the first time since 1976, when television was first introduced to South Africa, that the news bulletin has been moved from the 8pm slot.

Jimi Matthews, head of SABC's television news and former head of e.tv news, denied that the rescheduling was a reaction to the success of e.tv's 7pm news, which has been drawing more viewers, saying rather that it was prompted by a change in people's evening habits.

According to Matthews an analysis revealed a preference for an earlier bulletin. "If someone wants to watch a movie at 8pm," he said, "they can still watch the news at 7pm."

Anton Harber, Wits professor of journalism and media studies, said however that there is "definitely" a ratings war. He sees the move as a sign that the SABC is "waking up, albeit slowly, to the competition of e.tv" and "being more responsive" to viewer patterns.

"Quality is what is really critical," said Harber, ascribing the SABC's loss of news audience to a loss in quality in recent years. But he sees Matthews' changing of sides as significant: "He did a good job with limited resources at e.tv, as shown by the audiences they developed - he is bringing fresh impetus to SABC news. Clearly, the fact he has changed sides has sharpened that competitive edge."

Quraysh Patel, e.tv's channel director, seemed however unconcerned, saying, "They are not a threat to us, we are way ahead of them."