by Thinus Ferreira
M-Net's venerable Carte Blanche on Sunday nights will continue on DStv amidst retrenchments which are seeing the show do away with the last of the investigative magazine show's remaining internal producers, as well as a few other staff.
John Webb, Carte Blanche executive producer, in response to a media query from TVwithThinus, confirmed that Combined Artists, the production company responsible for the long-running Sunday night magazine show had taken "a very difficult decision to restructure".
TVwithThinus understands that Carte Blanche is doing away with its last three internal producers whose names are shown weekly on the end-credit roll, as well as cleaning staff and handling social media activities.
"As part of this process, it is considering making several roles redundant impacting the internal research/production and social media teams, as well as two positions among our support staff. In total, six members of our team will be affected," John Webb says.
"This decision was not arrived at lightly nor without due consideration of alternatives. Difficult as it is, we believe this process is both necessary and correct."
According to the show "Most of our inserts will continue to be produced by our external team of freelancers. We are encouraging the three affected members of our internal research/production team to pivot into freelance roles – a process we intend facilitating."
Nadine Moonsamy, M-Net spokesperson, says Carte Blanche will continue in its Sunday night timeslot as usual.
The iconic current affairs magazine show which made its debut in 1988 on M-Net will reach its 35th year on the air in September 2023.