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I can exclusively first reveal that e.tv and kykNET (DStv 111) are in negotiations and discussions for eNews, e.tv's news division, to supply a daily news bulletin at 19:00 in Afrikaans to the Afrikaans satellite TV channel. The Afrikaans TV news bulletin would not be ''a mere translation'' according to a source of what is already on e.tv's eNews PrimeTime or the eNews Channel, but a brand-new, specifically tailor-made bulletin with news items structured for kykNET viewers.
Although nothing has been signed yet, sources on both sides has told me that both eNews as well as kykNET are very, very excited about this and about making a possible deal happen. eNews with the eNews Channel (DStv 403) is looking at expanding its reach and news service - also into other languages - while kykNET wants to beef up its schedule, which it can do by adding quality and independent Afrikaans TV news. I'm told that kykNET's plan is to put a brand-new Afrikaans TV news bulletin up SABC2's daily Afrikaans news bulletin at 19:00 where kykNET is getting hammered in the ratings.
I can tell you that both e.tv and eNews as well as kykNET has had several meetings about this the past few weeks. Although nothing has been signed, a possible deal is imminent according to my source and the pressure on for both sides to make this work which would yield numerous benefits to both. kykNET which launched with the plan to carry a full news service, quickly scrapped that idea, then started a short-lived attempt at news with a half hour news overview show that floundered and quickly disappeared.
I can exclusively tell you that the new Afrikaans TV news bulletin will not be a translation of what is already on the eNews Channel or e.tv but a brand-new customized daily half hour bulletin for kykNET. It will be similar to Britain's ITN which syndicates news in Britain to the world, but also produces specific tailor-made TV news bulletin's to other British TV channels.
