South African Lawmakers Push for Netflix-SABC Partnership

In a move reminiscent of regulators attempting to level the playing field between established businesses and disruptive newcomers, South African lawmakers are proposing a collaboration between the struggling state broadcaster SABC and streaming giant Netflix.

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies believes that Netflix’s success has come at the expense of the SABC, which has seen its advertising revenue decline while operating under different regulatory frameworks. The proposed partnership would involve joint content production and business model innovation.

The SABC is facing significant financial challenges, losing R253.3 million in 2025 alone—a 28% increase from the previous year. Lawmakers hope that a deal with Netflix could help reset the broadcaster on a more sustainable path.

This push follows similar regulatory interventions worldwide as governments seek to balance the interests of legacy media companies and digital disruptors. While some view such measures as necessary to support public interest broadcasting, others argue they stifle competition and innovation.