eMedia Investments that also runs the eNCA (DStv 403) TV news channel for MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service has decided to downsize Open News that is being folded into its existing eNews operations, with the separate Open News app that has been shut down and discontinued.
From Monday 5 August Open News changed to e.tv news, brand merging with e.tv's news operations under the new name of "e.tv news". e.tv's eNews bulletin at 20:00 is also name-changed to e.tv news from today, with the eNCA reporter Annika Larsen who will now join as a prime time anchor.
The anchor line-up on e.tv news on channel 120 on Openview will include Naledo Maleo and Koketso Sachane with Inge Isaacs who has been let go after her one-year contract with the news operation wasn't renewed.
On Openview, viewers will be able to watch e.tv news from 16:00 to 19:30 on weekdays on channel 120. e.tv viewers will be able to see e.tv news bulletins at 13:00 and 20:00 on weekdays.
"We are delighted about Open News becoming e.tv news," says e.tv in a statement. "The decision to refresh Open News comes from our desire to be more closely aligned to the e.tv brand."
About the addition of Annika Larsen as prime time anchor, e.tv says "good journalism and the desire to tell South Africa's story is at the heart of e.tv news and we are really excited to bring seasoned journalist Annika Larsen onboard. She is a trusted voice and a familiar face to the e.tv audience."
