Here in their own words are the special festive season messages from South Africa's biggest TV players.
''We are very proud and highly encouraged by the continuing support received from our viewers and advertisers during 2011. The constantly evolving television landscape has become both exciting and challenging with all the envisaged changes around digitization of the airwaves that will result in the introduction of new channels in the near future.''
''Viewers can look forward to an interesting New Year with an exciting programming roll-out. The channel would like to take this opportunity to wish the people of Mzansi a Merry Christmas and a New Year full of blessings!''
- Leo Manne, SABC1 acting channel head
''2011 has been a year of pleasurable viewing on SABC2. It's been a year in which we were privileged to bring our viewers some of the big spectaculars for the year. It goes without saying that programmes require support and exposure to reach our target audience. To SABC2's viewers, thank you for taking the time to join us daily and celebrating our great nation in all its wonderful richness and diversity. We wish you a blessed and safe holiday break. We look forward to a 2012 with educational and entertaining experiences, filled with many prosperous opportunities.''
- Pulane Tshabalala, SABC2 acting channel head
''With shows like Top Billing, Dr Oz and Survivor in our portfolio, SABC3 remains associated with the pursuit of excellence, success and style for reflecting people who live life positively and passionately; people who have a real sense that they have arrived.''
''Our audiences have their roots firmly rooted in Africa but they are cosmopolitan with a global outlook. When they move, South Africa moves. Shaped by history, they are now defining the future. So, as wel look forward to 2012 may we wish you a blessed time over the festive period with family and loved ones, and every success in the year to come.''
- Ed Worster, SABC3 acting channel head
''2011 was a challenging year for the channel but once again, teamwork was a common strength throughout, and in true e.tv style all the various disciplines pulled together. You've all heard this before – content is king and the right content mix drives audiences. The demand for local content continues to drive our market.''
''e.tv has to stay on top of the ever changing trends, what our audience wants, viewership patterns and what they aspire to. In 2011 the channel launched new reality brands. The content strategy was focused on delivering fresh and entertaining content that is relevant and targeted. Step Up or Step Out was the first street dance reality show produced in South Africa. The dance reality genre delivered solid ratings, achieving crossover appeal throughout the country, and across all age groups and demographics.''
''e.tv also took a bold step to launch three different celebrity reality brands, Blame It On Fame with the Y-FM twins; Rolling with Zola and So What with the ''sushi king'', Kenny Kunene. Let’s also not forget our other local brands – eKasi, eNews, Rhythm City, 3rd Degree and Scandal which continue to shine.''
''Look out for the ''my e.tv'' campaign that kicks off in the New Year. On the international front, e.tv strives to be the movie channel of choice. We continue to improve our movie slate. Viewers can look out for shows like Fantasia, Modern Family, Love and Hip Hop, Mel B: It's a Scary World and many more new series in the New Year.''
''We continue to find opportunities for growth; together we can make e.tv the channel of choice across the African continent. We look forward to 2012 and wish our viewers a festive and safe holiday season, and a successful new year ahead.''
- Monde Twala, group head of the e.tv channels division
''2011 was a landmark year for pay-broadcaster, M-Net.''
''We celebrated 25 years of magical entertainment and now proudly have more than 30 channels across Africa.''
''Enjoy this magical time of year by celebrating the festive season with M-Net and M-Net HD. As thanks for sharing the best in entertainment during 2011, M-Net has planned a schedule full of family favourites and fun-filled premiere content to match the holiday spirit. M-Net is also happily planning to move into the New Year with some trusted humdingers such as American Idol XI, new epic adventures like Terra Nova, and the most dramatic original production we have ever seen ... MasterChef SA.''
''To the millions of viewers who enjoy our channels: you are the real stars, the people who are the core of our existence. Enjoy every minute of the festive season and thanks again for sharing the magic with us.''
- Lani Lombard, M-Net corporate communications manager
''What an amazing year this has been for Mzansi Magic. We would like to thank our viewers for their incredible support, the production companies for their continued contributions and all the people on camera and behind-the-scenes, who have turned our channel into such a big success story. May you have an awesome festive season and prosperous new year.''
''We look forward to providing Mzansi Magic viewers with even more local programming in 2012, including the launch of a series of exciting new shows, building on our promise to bring you proudly South African stories."
- Lebone Maema, Mzansi Magic channel head
''DStv is always looking for ways to add more value to its offering. During 2011, DStv introduced new channels and services such as DStv BoxOffice.''
''We also continued to offer innovative technology solutions such as the USB Drifta and the Walka to access our mobile TV service.''
''As a caring company, DStv continues to impact the lives of those who are less fortunate. We provided a range of assistance to various communities and charities through our various social responsibility projects.''
''DStv would like to wish all its loyal subscribers a safe, happy and joyful festive period. Thank you for making 2011 so much more – we look forward to the year 2012!''
''From everyone at TopTV we'd like to wish you and yours a safe and happy time over the festive season.''
''Also, to our subscribers, thank you for your support in 2011. We've gone from strength to strength and look forward to bringing you even more TVtainment in 2012.''
