Here is what the various TV executives said looking back at 2010, in their own words:
''SABC2 was one of the proud SABC channels that broadcasted 8 live matches to the world during this the unforgettable time of 2010. To us, the Soccer World Cup was a reminder to all South Africans and a showcase to the world that it was not only our tournament, but a continental showpiece. The past year was some kind of topsy turvey for SABC2. We managed to keep our viewers enthralled with the best television viewing. This year SABC2 saw the brand new talent, James Bhemgee brought into the showbiz limelight through SA's Got Talent II. A number of our properties received top accolades at the 2010 Saftas with our signature soapie, 7de Laan snatching the biggest award for the night - ''The Best Soapie of the Year'' award – as voted for by the public.''
Bessie Tugwana, SABC2 channel head
''The year 2010 has been an exciting year for all South Africans. Not only did we get the opportunity to showcase the world's most spectacular sport event but South Africans also got a chance to ''wake up to a new kind of morning'' with SABC3's lifestyle morning show Expresso. SABC3 believes that this property has introduced an exciting vibe as well as a different proposition to morning television viewing – it has also received great reception from SABC3 viewers. SABC3 also embarked on two talent searches, the Isidingo Talent Search as well as the Top Billing Presenter Search. These two projects allowed the channel to interact with their viewers by creating an exciting experience off and on screen – thus introducing untapped talent to our viewers. The year has had its challenges with the introduction of new competitors within the television landscape, however, SABC3 continued to hold its fort when it came to delivering premium content and entertainment. This was seen in the launch of the world's highly ranked motor show Top Gear and drama series CSI Miami. Our audiences were also kept captivated with compelling programmes such as Top Chef and My Family, which will continue to air in 2011.''
Mathe Mosito-Okaba, SABC3 channel head
''In 2010, e.tv has shown tremendous growth - from 12,5 million to 14,7 million viewers - thanks to the ongoing success of our local programming. Rhythm City, Scandal and eNews Prime Time have fuelled this success, as has the one-hour drama series, eKasi: Our Stories. With a viewership of 3,5 million eKasi made an impression on e.tv viewers by providing them with familiar stories in a uniquely South African urban context. The eNews Channel (DStv 403) remains the most watched news channel on the DStv bouquet providing outstanding coverage of key news events throughout the year. eNews expanded its brand with the launch of eNuus in Afrikaans on kykNET (DStv 111). The eNews Channel is now available on DVB-H handsets following the granting of a mobile TV licence to e.tv earlier this year. After the launch of e Africa in 2009, we have continued to grow our syndicated network across the continent and e Africa can now be seen in Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Guinea, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Ghana and Botswana. e Africa is also available in 49 countries across Africa on the DStv platform.''
Bronwyn Keene-Young, e.tv's chief operating officer
''2010 was a challenging, yet super-exciting year, during which we produced and broadcast several show-stopping TV series for our niche audiences - Idols, Big Brother Africa, Survivor SA and Boer soek 'n vrou, to name but a few. To take our offerings to a new level in the future, we also embraced the latest broadcast technology and added a variety of new channels to our bouquets. Among these are M-Net Movies 1 HD (DStv 175), and the talk of the town in terms of freshly produced shows, Mzansi Magic (DStv 107).''
Lani Lombard, M-Net corporate communications manager
''The launch of TopTV on 1 May 2010 was a historical moment and momentous achievement. For the first time in the history of broadcasting in South Africa, consumers were able to make a viable choice about their viewing needs. Although we launched amidst much fanfare it has also been a year of learnings for us, from relooking our call centre operations to getting new installers on board and also refining our messaging. We keep revaluating our schedule to ensure we are able to offer the best programming when it's convenient for our viewers. We're also very proud of the fact that we've been able to create meaningful conversations with both existing and potential subscribers by using the digital media platforms. People are still surprised when a TopTV personality responds to their Facebook comment. We believe that this will go a long way toward building brand affinity. Ultimately, besides all of these challenges, we feel comfortable with where we are at the moment and hope our subscribers feel the same way. To everyone who believed in us, subscribers, retailers, installers, media and suppliers, we salute you and thank you for your courage and loyalty. It would not have been possible without you.''
Elouise Kelley, On Digital Media chief marketing officer
SABC1 promised a summary of the broadcaster's year for this article but after multiple follow-ups never responded.
MultiChoice declined the opportunity for the pay TV platform to reflect on its big year, that included launching DStv on Demand, new channels, and DStv turning 15 years old.
ALSO READ: Christmas wishes from the various TV channels and pay TV operators for 2010.
