Early in December 2010, I gave all the biggest South African broadcasters, pay TV operators and platforms the opportunity to tell readers of TV with Thinus what they are planning for 2011 in general terms. Here is what the various TV executives are telling me, in their own words, as they look forward to the new year:
''In the year to come, may it be a great 2011 filled with health, prosperity and endless possibilities. As for our standing promise to you, SABC2 will continue to offer the best television ever, be it new dramas, documentaries and reality programmes. As we enter the New Year, we look at programmes like brand new seasons of SA's Got Talent and I want to sing Gospel, where the channel will be tapping into unknown territories, untapping hidden talents South Africa has to offer. Our viewers will be thrilled to know that one of our intriguing SA coastal stories will once again be documented in the second season of Shoreline aimed to broadcast mid-year 2011. With this and a whole lot more to offer, we welcome 2011 with more vigour, refreshed, and we promise more invigorating, cutting edge, and edu-taining shows. 2011 will be the year all our viewers, old and new, will ''Feel comfortably at home'' with us.''
Bessie Tugwana, SABC2 channel head
''Compelling programmes such as Top Chef and My Family will continue to air in 2011. Looking ahead SABC3 plans to launch a new Friday entertainment proposition in 2011 with reality programmes such as Cribs, The Hills and Run's House. A new local entertainment programme TV to the Power of 5 will also form part of this new proposition. With the success of 2010, SABC3 can only promise its viewers more compelling content in 2011.''
Mathe Mosito-Okaba, SABC3 channel head
''While the launch of digital terrestrial television (DTT) offers multi-channel growth opportunities for terrestrial television, it also comes with many challenges. We expect DTT to launch in 2011 and e.tv plans to provide a strong multi-channel offering on the DTT platform. 2011 will also see the extension of eNews Africa, the eNews pan-African news service and increased investment by the group in online offerings.''
Bronwyn Keene-Young, e.tv chief operating officer (COO)
''No matter what we do, our aim is always to entertain and to bring smiles and enchantment into our viewers' homes. We trust that our channels will do exactly that.''
Lani Lombard, M-Net corporate communications manager
''2011 will be a challenging but exciting year for us. Not only have we taken the opportunity to review our processes but we will use 2011 to implement new ones to ensure better product/content, customer care, technology, billing and overall service delivery. We are looking at new content deals which will bring fresher and even more relevant content. Our billing system is being upgraded to ensure our subscribers have accurate and up to date information with a self-service portal planned for our website. Our current decoder has proven to be successful in our market but we need to ensure that our technology remains cutting edge so our subscribers have even more choice. We remain aware that our sport offering must be increased and we are looking for suitable opportunities. All in all, 2011 is going to be an exciting year for us and for our subscribers. TopTV is here to stay and we look forward to the adventure.''
Elouise Kelly, On Digital Media chief marketing officer
SABC1, despite numerous promises, failed to respond with a general forward-looking statement.
MultiChoice declined a request for a general outlook on what it plans for 2011.
ALSO READ: Looking back: The biggest South African broadcasters and pay TV operators reflect on 2010.
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ALSO READ: What's waiting for South African television in 2011 in the year to come.
