by Thinus Ferreira
The South African TV news channel Newzroom Afrika (DStv 405) has signed
a content sharing and training agreement with the two community TV channels,
Mpuma Kapa TV (DStv 260) in the Eastern Cape, and 1KZN TV (DStv 261 / StarSat
486) in KwaZulu-Natal, with both channels that will provide Newzroom Afrika
with content and with the TV news channel that will give them training.
Newzroom Afrika says that its "national and continental positioning will
assist in providing both channels with a much greater audience reach".
Newzroom Afrika will give Mpuma Kapa TV and 1 KZN TV editorial training
and newsroom mentorship, after MultiChoice gave the community TV channels
money.
In exchange, Mpuma Kapa TV and 1KZN TV will produce exclusive content for
Newzroom Afrika and provide it with unspecified "news services".
1KZN TV and Mpuma Kapa TV will offer live coverage of breaking news from rural
areas, participate in interviews through studio-to-studio live feeds, and
package news inserts for broadcast on Newzroom Afrika.
MultiChoice has given both 1KZN TV and Mpuma Kapa TV money in the form of
grants to improve their news coverage capability and to establish news bureaus
in their respective provinces.
The MultiChoice money will be used to cover production equipment such as
cameras, lighting, sound and computers, as well as training and technical
support.
Thabile Ngwato, Newzroom Afrika CEO, in a statement says "Our vision to be
Africa’s leading, credible news and information service will continue to be
reflected in this new initiative. Supporting regional channels is a key portion
of our overall strategy, which sees us delivering world-class offerings at
every touchpoint".
Edwin Mncwango, 1KZN TV CEO, says "In its quest to provide an authentic
voice to the people of KwaZulu-Natal, 1KZN TV has been wanting to expand its
news coverage. This partnership – made possible by MultiChoice – will enable us
to do just that, whilst also building our capacity through professional
training and assistance".
Motse Mfuleni, Chairperson of the Board at Mpuma Kapa TV, says "Mpuma Kapa
TV is excited to be part of this new venture, as we open up the Eastern Cape to
the country and continent".
"As the leading broadcaster in the province, our news bureau can now open
opportunities to train and shape a new generation of journalists and news
reporters from the Eastern Cape."
Nyiko Shiburi, MultiChoice South Africa CEO, says "Regional TV stations
are the lifeline for news and stories in their communities".
"We are committed to supporting and enabling them to improve the quality of broadcasting at grassroots level. Their partnerships with Newzroom Afrika will elevate local news to a national stage. Our hyperlocal strategy is about growing and telling local stories and through this initiative, we are seeing it in action."
