Springbok Radio was the first commercial radio service in South Africa. Some might argue that it was the best radio service available in South Africa from 1 May 1950 through 31 December 1985. However, it was certainly not the only radio service. Indeed, the revenues generated by Springbok Radio were used in part to operate at least two very popular alternative radio services...namely, The English Radio Service and The Afrikaans Radio Service. In addition, there were two other non-commercial radio services which simply must be mentioned in any fair representation of South African OTR, those two begin The All-Night Service, and Radio RSA, (also known as The External Radio Service). This group of webpages has been created to provide a place for information, photographs, and sound files pertaining to these four popular alternative South African radio services.
I must note that I am NOT an authority on the subject of South African Old-Time Radio productions, nor am I an authority on the subject of the various South African radio services which once broadcast the programs. As I have explained on other webpages throughout this website, my general knowledge of South African OTR only began recently, in 1999. Likewise, facts pertaining to the various radio services were unknown to me prior to that year. Admittedly, I am a student. However, the information which I will include here primarily as a source of reference shall be provided by those who may rightly be regarded as authorities on these subjects.
Frans Erasmus of Johannesburg has probably forgotten more about Springbok Radio than most people will ever know in their lifetime. He is equally gifted regarding the topic of The Afrikaans Radio Service, and he has an impressive understanding of South African OTR, in general. In the rare event that Frans does not already know the answer to a South African OTR related question, he knows where to find it. Thanks to his years of research and the added aid of his many radio contacts, Frans can easily provide all of the basic information for all of the webpages concerning the South African radio services which once were. Thus, I have begun the construction of this group of webpages with the information provided by Frans. Upon this solid foundation, I intend to build further, using more detailed essays as provided by various other individuals whose knowledge demands my respect, and for whose learned contributions I am sincerely grateful. (Their names and qualifications to give comment will be posted as their essays are received and included.) In this way, I hope to recognize and do equal justice to all of the major radio services which once comprised the South African Broadcasting Corporation, (SABC), during the golden bygone days of South African OTR production.
The Pumamouse
(MaryAnne)
May 2002 |
