Five years later Saffron TV - which hardly ever did any programming publicity to let viewers know what is being shown on the channel, is closing down as a loss-making venture. The channel attempted to be a platform for the South African Indian community to showcase it cultural events.
"We were not able to secure the necessary advertising support to make the channel economically viable," says Andrew Gill, the deputy managing director of media at Times Media in a statement.
Times Media is set to launch a new TV channel soon however.
Saffron TV was produced by Ochre Moving Pictures, a subsidiary of Times Media.
"The Times Media Group continued to support the channel despite ongoing losses," said Andrew Gill. "The decision to close the channel has been a difficult one and has been taken after much consideration."
"Saffron TV was a
good addition on the DStv Indian package and it's sad that the channel will
close," says Robyn Smith, MultiChoice South Africa content manager.
"We can assure our loyal customers in the Indian community that we will
continue to offer them great entertainment through our specialised Indian
packages."
