WHO KNEW? Brand de Villiers in as new MultiChoice Africa CEO and Tim Jacobs out as yet another 'pale male' heads up Naspers' Africa pay-TV division.

It wasn't publicly announced when it happened from January 2017, nor was there any stepping down, goodbye statement, but Brand de Villiers has taken over as new MultiChoice Africa CEO following the quiet exit of Tim Jacobs at the end of 2016 at Naspers' pay-TV division for Africa.

The replacement raises questions about MultiChoice Africa's top management transformation - or perceived lack of it - as yet another white male executive in a succession of "pale males" has taken over the number one executive position to look after MultiChoice's sprawling Africa pay-TV business division.

Eben Greyling was MultiChoice Africa CEO, followed by Collins Khumalo for a little bit who decided to "take a break". 

Nico Meyer who then started as MultiChoice Africa CEO in February 2012, left in April 2015 "for personal reasons". He was replaced in turn by Tim Jacobs who left just over a year and a half later in December 2016 "for family reasons".

In all that time - spanning almost a decade - MultiChoice Africa doesn't seem to have adequately nurtured, prepared and corporately laddered up internally, new executive management talent in whom it has enough confidence to fill the MultiChoice Africa CEO role within a black economic empowerment (BEE) perspective.

Now Brand de Villiers is the new boss of MultiChoice Africa since January 2017.

Brand de Villiers of course defected from the Premier League Soccer where he was PSL CEO in late 2015 to become MultiChoice's new general manager for strategy and special projects.

MultiChoice Africa says Tim Jacobs stepped down from the position as MultiChoice Africa CEO in January for family reasons as he decided to re-locate back to South Africa from Dubai.

Brand de Villiers has been running the operations of MultiChoice Africa for just over a year.

MultiChoice Africa in a statement says "MultiChoice Africa is delighted to announce the appointment of Brand de Villiers as CEO based in Dubai."

"He joined the business in November 2015 as strategy and special projects director and has been a driving force in enabling the business to respond to dynamic and complex environment in 49 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa."

"Brand de Villiers is a chartered accountant having held positions as CEO of the PSL and the Marc Group who own Sail, EXP as well as shareholdings in rugby teams such as the Blue Bulls and Western Province."

Tim Jacobs takes over as new CEO of MultiChoice Africa from April; replaces Nico Meyer who leaves the pay-TV group for personal reasons.

Tim Jacobs has taken over as CEO of MultiChoice Africa from 1 April and replaces Nico Meyer who has left due to what MultiChoice describes as personal reasons.

MultiChoice made no announcement of Tim Jacobs' appointment as the new CEO of MultiChoice Africa to the press, but yesterday confirmed to TV with Thinus in response to a media enquiry that Tim Jacobs has taken over in the position, effective 1 April 2015.

"Nico Meyer decided to leave the group on 31 March 2015 for personal reasons," says MultiChoice Africa.

Tim Jacobs' name suddenly showed up in a press statement from CNN International (DStv 401) and MultiChoice announcing the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2015, with the title of CEO MultiChoice CEO.

Tim Jacobs joined the MultiChoice group in 2013 as chief financial officer (CFO) of MultiChoice and was appointed the director of finance for MultiChoice South Africa and the MultiChoice SA board in April 2014.

In June 2014 Tim Jacobs was appointed as the pay-TV CFO.

DATELINE DAR ES SALAAM: Kenyan photo journalist Joseph Mathenge announced the winner of CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2014.

The Kenyan photo journalist Joseph Mathenge was announced the winner of the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2014 - the first time a photo journalist won this competition - for his work capturing arresting images published worldwide of the horrific terrorist attack on the Westgate Mall in Kenya in September 2013.

Joseph Mathenge was on his way to go photograph a wedding when his son urged him to make a U-turn and race to the mall where he captured the striking set of images as unknown gunmen opened fire on civilians.

This year's ceremony - Africa's most prestigious competition honouring excellence in journalism across the continent - took place on Saturday evening at the Mlimani City conference centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania with host and CNN presenter Soni Methu who stepped in for an absent Isha Sesay.

South Africans and South African media also won in some of the categories which received entries from 38 nations across the continent, culminating in the 28 finalists from 10 countries who attended Saturday's awards ceremony.

Sean Christie won the business award for his Landbouweekblad and The Mail & Guardian article about deforestation in Zimbabwe.

Joy Summers and Susan Cromrie won the infrastructure award for their corruption with solar geysers story for M-Net's Carte Blanche investigative magazine show.

The judging panel gave the Press Freedom award to the jailed editor Bheki Makhubu from Swaziland's The Nation newspaper, saying that Swaziland has a long history of abuse of civil rights and freedom of expression.

Bheki Makhubu and columnist Thulani Maseko were jailed after highlighting state corruption regarding the misuse of government vehicles.

"We believe the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards has had a profound effect on the African media landscape and as MultiChoice Africa we remain committed to recognising excellence in journalism throughout Africa," said Nico Meyer, CEO of MultiChoice Africa.

"As an African company we take the development of Africa and its people very seriously. Despite the challenges that journalist face on a daily basis you have continued to play a pivotal role in our everyday lives," said Nico Meyer.

"Your dedication and commitment to tell stories that reflect the reality of our world is very encouraging," said Imtiaz Patel, the group CEO of MultiChoice South Africa "Your work echoes a great future for the role of the journalists and serves to further strengthen the role of the media in Africa."

Deborah Rayner, the senior vice president for international news gathering for TV and digital at CNN International applauded the journalists for having "the determination, professionalism and courage to showcase Africa's stories to the world."

"Right now in countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea journalists are risking everything to bring the story of the Ebola crisis to the world. Stories such as these take enormous courage to tackle and serve as a reminder of the challenges that go beyond editorial and logistical issues," said Deborah Rayner.

DATELINE DAR ES SALAAM: Journalists reminded to be 'a voice for the voiceless' as they gather in Tanzania for CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2014.

With 2014 media buzz words from Africa which has spread globally like "Boko Haram" and "Ebola", journalists from across the African continent are gathering in Dar es Salaam for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2014 taking place in Tanzania for the first time on Saturday evening at the Mlimani conference centre in the city.

Journalists from various media outlets spanning television, radio, newspapers, magazines and online publications gathered since Thursday in "The harbour of peace" on the East African coast for various training and media forum sessions over the next few days.

Topics range from how to cover Ebola, journalism ethics like the scourge of the bribery of journalists, to whether social media and mainstream media coverage feed or fight international terror groups.

Nico Meyer, CEO of of MultiChoice Africa thanked reporters on Thursday evening ahead of Saturday's event for "giving a voice to the voiceless" across Africa.

The competition in its 19th year and sponsored by CNN International (DStv 401) and MultiChoice is Africa's most prestigious awards recognising excellence in journalism but has scaled back the number of categories from this year - especially in crucial categories like best TV news bulletin and best TV features award which have now been eliminated.

The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2014 this year received entries from 48 countries across the continent, including in French and Portuguese, with 28 finalists from 10 countries.

CNN International anchor Isha Sesay will be the host of the gala awards ceremony taking place on Saturday evening.

Several high profile media people especially from within the press from across the continent jetted into Tanzania for the pan-African event.

Ferial Haffajee, the editor-in-chief of the City Press newspaper in South Africa, is the chairperson of the judging panel and on Thursday told journalists to go further and to tell better stories than benefit society.

BREAKING. CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2014 set for Tanzania; 28 finalist from 10 African countries announced.

The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2014 is set for Tanzania, with the African continent's most prestigious competition honouring excellence in journalism set to take place on Saturday 18 October in Dar es Salaam.

Isha Sesay of CNN News Center on CNN International (DStv 401) and who has done absolutely stellar reporting and coverage this year on the plight of the missing Nigerian school girls, will again be the host of the awards ceremony as she has been over several previous years.

The names of 28 finalists from 10 countries in the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2014 were just announced, with only one South African television entry - M-Net's investigative magazine show Carte Blanche - making the cut as a contender.

Kenya and Kenyan journalists dominate the list of finalists in this year's CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2014 with seven entries (8 journalists) in the shortlist.

Besides Carte Blanche, a few other South African print journalists managed to make the list of finalists for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2014 competition.

With a dramatic cut-back in categories and a blending of former separate categories - the best TV features award and best TV news bulletin award has for instance been culled.

It's now harder than ever before for TV reporters, TV news producers and journalists working in African television - to make the list of finalist in the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards.

Making the list of finalists in television journalism are Joy Summers and Susan Cromrie for M-Net's Carte Blanche in South Africa.

Brito Simango from Televisao de Mocambique in Mozambique is also a finalist, together with Anne Mawethe and Rashid Ibrahim from Citizen TV in Kenya.

South African finalists on the list of 28 include Vinayak Bhardwaj and Tibelo Timse from the Mail&Guardian Centre for Investigative Journalism from the Mail&Guardian; freelancer Sean Christie for Landbouweekblad; and Paballo Thekiso from the Saturday Star.

The other finalists on this year's list who will be competing for top honours across Africa include:

Daniel Biaou Adje (ORTB, Benin); Safia Berkouk (El Watan, Algeria); Romao Brandao (Journal OPAIS, Angola), Obinna Emelike (Business Day, Nigeria), Ben Ezeamalu and Emmanuel Ogala (Premium Times, Nigeria); Bob Koigi (Farmbizafrica.com, Kenya), freelancer Joseph Mathenge (The Saturday Nation, Kenya); Patrick Mayoyo (Daily Nation, Kenya), Christine Muthee and Oliver Ochanda (MEDEVA, Kenya), Dickson Ng'hily (The Guardian, Tanzania), John Muchangi Njiru (The Star, Kenya), Olatunji Ololade (The Nation, Nigeria), Bayo Olupohunda (Punch, Nigeria); Ossene Ouattara (Infoduzanzan.com,Ivory Coast); freelancer Suy Kahofi (West Africa Democratic Radio, Senegal); Bento Venancio (Journal Domingo,Mozambique) and Evelyn Watta for Sportsnewsarena.com in Kenya.

Tony Maddox, the executive vice-president and managing director of CNN International says he is "proud that the competition "continues to maintain its place as the most prestigious pan-African journalist awards".

Nico Meyer, CEO of MultiChoice Africa says that the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards fg"demonstrates CNN's and MultiChoice's commitment to the development of media in Africa".

"This is a very special year as we celebrate our 10th year of our partnership".

"Thank you for telling the stories of Africa," says Imtiaz Patel, the group CEO of MultiChoice South Africa to the finalists. "We look forward to celebrating your journalistic excellence at the awards in October".

MultiChoice rules out billing DStv subscribers on a pay-for-what-you view basis; can't tell when a subscriber is using or not using the service.

MultiChoice is ruling out letting DStv subscribers pay only for what they watch and for the periods that they're watching subscriber television content.

MultiChoice Africa CEO Nico Meyer says that the pan-African satellite pay-TV operator buys TV content for a  monthly basis and that that is also how pay-TV subscribers have to pay for it.

Nico Meyer says MultiChoice, which operates DStv and GOtv across sub-Saharan Africa, is unable to determine - in the way that mobile cellular and electricity companies do - when consumers and subscribers are making use of the service or not.

Nico Meyer spoke and was in Mauritius last week at the six day MultiChoice Content Showcase with African artists, journalists, international content distributor executives and on-air talent, as well as guests who were flown to the Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa.

While MultiChoice runs the DStv BoxOffice service where DStv subscribers can rent specific movie titles, the company is ruling out an pay-for-what-you-view monthly bill for individual subscribers.

DStv subscribers in several African countries like Zimbabwe and elsewhere say they struggle due to power cuts and end up paying a monthly DStv subscriber fee although there's periods during the month when the service is not accessible due to a lack of electricity.

"We procure content on a monthly basis, we don't procure it based on the time the consumer will be using it, but on an entire month," said Nico Meyer according to reports, like DailyNews.

"If you buy airtime and you consume it they will deduct it because they can tell. But we cannot tell when someone is travelling or not using it," said Nico Meyer, comparing DStv and GOtv to cellular operators.

"All I know is that someone pays on a monthly basis and we make that service available but I cannot tell if you are consuming the service".

Nico Meyer, MultiChoice Africa CEO on DStv repeats: 'Repeats are a bit of a balancing act. It's to make the service affordable to consumers'.

Nico Meyer, MultiChoice Africa CEO says the pan-African satellite pay-TV operator which runs DStv in South Africa and across Sub-Saharan Africa broadcast repeats as part of a balancing act which is to make pay-TV affordable to subscribers and to give the opportunity to watch shows at different times.

Meyer is in Mauritius at the MultiChoice Content Showcase which kicked off this past Tuesday evening with African artists, journalists, international content distributor executives and on-air talent, as well as guests who were flown to the Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa.

The MultiChoice Content Showcase Extravaganza ends today, 28 June.

In an interview with Kenya's NTV programme The Trend and asked about subscribers complaining about repeats on DStv, Nico Meyer says "that's the nature of pay television".

"If we would bring just simply new content all the time it will simply make it far too expensive. And also people's viewing behaviour are very different. Some people want to see it in the early evening. Some people want to see it in the afternoon".

"So it is a bit of a balancing act. It is to make the service affordable to consumers, but also the ability to be able to view something which they might have missed in another opportunity," said Nico Meyer.

ALSO READ: MultiChoice launches new "Africa Rising" music video and campaign - although one of the six artists in the music video fails to show up.

Nico Meyer, MultiChoice Africa CEO in Mauritius at MultiChoice Content Showcase: 'We're committed to the digital migration process in Africa'.

Nico Meyer, MultiChoice Africa CEO says the pan-African satellite pay-TV operator which runs DStv and GOtv across sub-Saharan Africa is "committed to the digital migration process in Africa".

Nico Meyer is in Mauritius, speaking at the MultiChoice Content Showcase which kicked off on Tuesday evening with African artists, 80 journalists, international content distributor executives as well as guests flown to the Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa.

MultiChoice unveiled a new Africa Rising music video which will be part of a new campaign although one of the six African artists in the music video didn't pitch in time for the official unveiling.

The MultiChoice Content Showcase - billed as "Africa's biggest content showcase" - is to show the local and international content MultiChoice brings to viewers.

Content at the MultiChoice Content Showcase unveiled and screened to journalists come from BBC Worldwide providing the BBC channels; Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) providing CNN International, Cartoon Network and Boomerang; and NBCUniversal's Telemundo.

There's also Viacom International Media Networks International Africa's (VIMN Africa) providing MTV Base, Comedy Central Africa and Nickelodeon; A+E Networks International's History and Crime+Investigation Network; M-Net's AfricaMagic and Channel O; Ebony Life TV; and SuperSport.

"Our mission has always been to be at the cutting edge of new technology that enables our subscribers to enjoy the very best home television experience," says Nico Meyer.

MultiChoice believes that the people of Africa deserve "only the best dynamic technology platforms and a range of bouquets built around compelling news, premium movies and documentaries, as well as sports channels," he says.

Nico Meyer says the satellite pay-TV operator is aiming "to be part of the making of this unfolding critical time in Africa's history through various initiatives that promise to unearth Africa's potential. We aim to be part of creating a paradigm shift among Africans" and that there is "so much more to celebrate in and about our continent.

Speaking about digital terrestrial television (DTT), he says that MultiChoice uses the latest generation digital video broadcast standard for its GOtv product.

"It leapfrogs the outdated T1-systems which were utilised by first movers in the digital migration and puts Africa at the forefront of technology in the digital migration process".

"MultiChoice Africa remains committed to the digital migration process in Africa and will continue to work closely with governments and all stakeholders to ensure that this is a seamless platform, ensuring great family entertainment at affordable prices," says Nico Meyer.

"Over the years we have invested billions into brand new state-of-the-art SuperSport and M-Net studios to catapult the local film industry into showcasing local talent and programmes".

"We are committed to using every technology available to us to enhance that [viewing] experience and developments on the horizon hold the promise of exciting changes," says Nico Meyer.

Artist Diamond Platnumz in MultiChoice's new Africa Rising music video miss flight, fails to attend launch of content campaign in Mauritius.

The artist Diamond Platnumz didn't make it to event last night because he missed his flight, for the launch of the new music video Africa Rising from MultiChoice which is holding a MultiChoice Content Showcase at the Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa in Mauritius.

Diamond Platnumz missed his flight from Belgium where he was performing, and didn't join the other artists from across Africa at the launch of the music video like Davido Bongo from Nigeria, Ghana's Sarkodie, Tiwa Savage, Lola Rae and the South African band Mi Casa.

Journalists and guests from across Africa and Europe flew to Mauritius for MultiChoice's launch of the Africa Rising music video on Tuesday evening, part of a content extravaganza by MultiChoice.

The 5 minute long collaborative Africa Rising music video (complete with DStv Walka 7 product placement) is to celebrate what's positive in Africa.



MultiChoice on Monday announced record subscriber growth with the release of Naspers' financial year end results for the year until 2014.

Subscribers to DStv and GOtv are up by 1.3 million, taking MultiChoice's pay-TV subscriber base to over 8 million homes across 50 African countries.

"We believe that this campaign provides the ideal platform to showcase meaningful change amongst the people of Africa," says Nico Meyer, MultiChoice Africa CEO.

Big Brother Africa audition dates for the 14 African countries taking part in the 9th season starting in September.

The audition details of the upcoming brand-new 9th season of Big Brother Africa is now known.

The 9th season of Big Brother Africa will start on television on Sunday 7 September on DStv for 91 days and is once again produced in Johannesburg, South Africa by Endemol South Africa.

People need to be 21 and older and must have a valid passport.

People in 14 countries can enter, although Angola is dropped and has been replaced by Rwanda.

"The inclusion of Rwanda in this season is even more exciting as this displays that our reach and growth into the various sub-Saharan markets is going from strength to strength," says Nico Meyer, MultiChoice Africa CEO.

"We look forward to seeing further growth as well as the impressive social media presence that the show enjoys".

"We have been producing this series for M-Net for a number of seasons now and as partners, together we have seen this show grow to the phenomenon that it has become," says Sivan Pillay, managing director of Endemol.

"Audiences and fans can expect yet another high quality production".

South Africans who want to try for a chance to be in the reality show will only have one city in South Africa to audition in: Johannesburg on 30 June and 1 July at The Pyramid Venue and Conference Centre.


Here's the dates for the various countries for Big Brother Africa's 9th season:

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Capital Hotel and Spa)
30 June 2014

Lilongwe, Malawi (The Crossroads Hotel)
30 June, 1 July 2014

Lagos, Nigeria (Protea Hotel Leadway)
30 June, 1 July 2014

Nairobi, Kenya (The Hilton Nairobi)
3, 4 July 2014

Gaborone, Botswana (Cresta President Hotel)

4, 5 July 2014

Lusaka, Zambia (InterContinental Hotel)
4, 5 July 2014

Accra, Ghana (Holiday Inn Hotel Airport)
5, 6 July 2014

Kampala, Uganda (Sheraton Hotel)
7, 8 July 2014

Windhoek, Namibia (Hilton Hotel)
8, 9 July 2014

Kigali, Rwanda (The Lemigo Hotel)
9 July 2014

Free Town, Sierra Leone (The Country Lodge Complex)
9 July 2014

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania (New Africa Hotel)
11, 12 July 2014

Harare, Zimbabwe (The Meikles Hotel)
12, 13 July 2014

MultiChoice expands its digital terrestrial television (DTT) coverage in Sub-Saharan Africa on Intelsat.

MultiChoice is expanding its digital terrestrial television (DTT) coverage in Sub-Saharan Africa with more C-band capacity on the Intelsat 904 satellite.

That enables MultiChoice to enhance and broaden its GOtv branded DTT service in existing Sub-Saharan African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Namibia and Malawi, as well as countries such as South Africa where DTT has not yet been commercially switched on.

"We are able to broaden our reach in Sub-Saharan Africa and deliver more affordable and differentiated programming to the region," says Nico Meyer, the CEO of MultiChoice Africa in a statement about the Intelsat deal.

"DTT is an important growth area for MultiChoice, and the quality, reliability and reach of Intelsat's satellite network enable us to continue to expand our customer base and grow our GOtv product offering across the continent".

MultiChoice: 'We are aggressively attacking piracy,' says African pay-TV operator, calls growing piracy problem 'really bad'.

The South African satellite pay-TV operator MultiChoice calls the piracy of TV content on the African continent "really bad" and says that it is fundamental for MultiChoice to conquer piracy and the theft of content which people are not paying for.

Speaking to Nigeria's ThisDay newspaper Nico Meyer, MultiChoice Africa CEO - in an interview which touches upon topics such as growing Nollywood content and why subscriber fees don't go down with an increase in subscriber numbers - says that MultiChoice  is "aggressively attacking" piracy on the continent.

The growth in broadband access and internet speeds as well as advances in technology, and globalisation, are fuelling piracy across Africa in several countries where MultiChoice which operates the DStv service is doing business.

More people across the continent from South Africa to Nigeria are downloading more television they're not paying for and which even cuts out commercials.

Meanwhile pirate decoder boxes - largely illegal imports from China and elsewhere - constantly seek to circumvent and break through the encryption technology of MultiChoice's satellite signals and DStv decoders to give pirate viewers unfeted, free and stolen acess to what is paid-for television content.

"Piracy is really bad," says Nico Meyer in ThisDay noting that piracy of content in Africa has now evolved to mobile devices across Africa.

"If you have piracy in a particular market, it will completely destroy the broadcasting of content in the market. This is because producers will produce content, but will never be able to monitor the content because that content will easily find its way unto a pirate network."

"And if all the content is for free, it will completely destroy the industry that we actually want to grow. It is fundamental for us to conquer piracy."

"Piracy is almost like a game," says Nico Meyer in the ThisDay interview. "It flares up, we bring a counter-measure, and it dies down. But again, it flares up and it dies down. What is important is the counter-measures we adopt."

Several TV journalism winners in the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2013.

There were several TV reporters across Africa who won in the series of tightly contested categories in the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2013 which took place in Cape Town, South Africa on Saturday evening - with television stories ranging from public toilets in Ghana, to that of an orphaned Sierra Leone girl who is now a ballerina dancer in South Africa.

The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2013 was presented by Isha Sesay of CNN International (DStv 401) for her 5th consecutive time, as well as Macfarlane Moleli who left eNCA (DStv 403) earlier this year for Khaya FM.

Unlike eNCA and e.tv in the past, the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2013 will this year be broadcast on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) on 24 October at 21:30 (58 mins.) and on M-Net (DStv 101) on 29 October at 09:30 (24 mins.).

"The media is a central part of any nation," said Collins Khumalo, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa, who encouraged journalist across Africa to keep telling their stories.

Nico Meyer, the CEO of MultiChoice Africa told journalists that "without your hard work and perseverance, the development of the media across Africa would not be possible."

"One of my biggest concerns over the years has been the safety and security of our people," said Parisa Khosravi, who was appointed last month as senior vice president of global relations at CNN International and the 24-hour TV news channel's new global brand ambassador."

"I'm deeply in awe of those who risk their own safety to bring important news to their audiences by giving voice to the voiceless and shedding light on oppression and injustice."

"In my new expanded role as the first ever global ambassador for CNN I have further opportunity to uphold our founder Ted Turner's vision to ensure that our global village has a better understanding of itself," she said.

"We look forward to bringing our award-winning programming to your homes with the help of MultiChoice for many years to come. These awards are one of the ways we help promote the highest form of journalistic standards and press freedom around the world," said Parisa Khosravi.

South Africa's Nicola de Chaud won for her TV story for Carte Blanche on M-Net in the Culture Awards category about Michaela de Prince, a Sierra Leone war orphan who is now a ballerina dancer in South Africa.

Mauritius' Axcel Micael Chenney won for a French Teleplus story in the French general news category about a fallen hero involving drugs, politics, sports and money.

Mozambique's Selma Onocencia won in the Portuguese general news category for a TV story for Rede de Comunicacao Miramar about animal cruelty.

Kenya's Roseline Wangui Wanyiri won in the category for Best Television Feature. Her story which was broadcast on NTV was about "beads women", young women sexually exploited when they're taken by men as "temporary wives".

Ghana's Gifty Andoh Appiah won for her TV story in the Best Television News Bulletin category which was broadcast on Joy News Channel in Ghana over the shocking condition of public toilets in that country.

TV journalists commended for their work include Susan Comrie and Joy Summers for Carte Blanche in South Africa; Robyn Kriel and Orto Sori of eSat and eNCA in Kenya; Judy Jeptum Kosgei and Mauritius Odour of Citizen TV in Kenya; and Amon Ngabo of the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation in Uganda.


ALSO READ: Multi-faceted journalism needed from Africa's journalists who need to keep the bigger picture in mind, says the continent's media experts.

MultiChoice launches new Cape Verde TV channel on DStv elsewhere in Africa; boosting Portuguese TV content for the continent.

Cape Verde Television (TCV) has launched as a new Portuguese language TV channel on DStv, with MultiChoice making the new TV channel available to DStv subscribers in Angola and Mozambique on the Portuguese bouquets.

TVC is a free-to-air public service channel broadcasting from the archipelago of Cape Verde, but the Cape Verde Television seen on DStv is an international version distributed by the Paris-based Thema who helped TCV to put together a version to distribute outside of the archipelago.

"The channel is one more example of MultiChoice's commitment to offer its subscribers a large volume of content in Portuguese, but it also serves to help Cape Verdeans living abroad to remain in touch with their country's culture," says Nico Meyer, the CEO of MultiChoice Africa in a statement about the addition of the new channel to DStv.

Two trophies dropped from the upcoming AfricaMagic Viewers' Choice Awards since entries were not good enough.

Two trophies are getting dropped from the overall awards count of 28 and will not be handed out at the upcoming AfricaMagic Viewers' Choice Awards in March - the judges feel nobody was good enough to deserve the bronze and mahogany trophy in the categories for best documentary and best online video.

That means that the count of 28 trophies is down to 26.

According to a statement from M-Net which is holding the first AfricaMagic Viewers' Choice Awards on on 8 and 9 March in Lagos, Nigeria in conjunction with MultiChoice, organisers decided to "not name nominees in two categories, Best Documentary and Best Online Video".

The judges don't feel that any of the entries in these categories were up to scratch and want to ensure that the AfricaMagic Viewers' Choice Awards only recognise "outstanding achievement". Therefore the entrants in these two categories will only get "award certificates of encouragement" instead.

In total the first AfricaMagic Viewers' Choice Awards lured 110 nominees from 43 different African countries ranging from South Africa, Zmabia and Uganda to Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria.

"We are truly delighted with the list of nominees and we wish them all well," says Biola Alabi, the managing director of M-Net Africa in a statement.

"Well done to all the selected nominees," says Nico Meyer, MultiChoice Africa CEO in the statement. "The contribution you have made to the development of the African film and television industry is very significant."

Programming note: Nominees for the first AfricaMagic Viewers' Choice Awards to be announced on 53 Extra on 28 January at 21:30.

The names of the nominees of the first AfricaMagic Viewers' Choice Awards will be announced on Monday 28 January at 21:30  in a special edition of the show 53 Extra.

The special edition of 53 Extra which will be broadcast on 4 TV channel simultaneously: AfricaMagic Entertainment, AfricaMagic, AfricaMagic Movies, AfricaMagic Movies 1 and AfricaMagic World/Magic World in order to give subscribers on different DStv bouquets from MultiChoice the ability to see the nominee announcement.

Eku Edewor and Dolapo Oni of 53 Extra will read out the nominees list along with Jara presenters Uti Nwachukwu and Helen Paul. The nominees were chosen in Johannesburg earlier this month, led by head judge Femi Odugbemi.

M-Net, AfricaMagic and MultiChoice will be holding the first AfricaMagic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA's) as a two night ceremony on 8 and 9 March in Lagos, Nigeria.

In similar fashion to the South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) in South Africa which is also taking place in March, the AMVCA's will hand out technical awards on the first evening of 8 March, followed by on-air talent categories the second evening on 9 March.

There will be 26 categories and 28 awards in total. The award ceremony's two special prizes will be the Industry Merit Award and the TrailBlazer of the Year Award.

The AfricaMagic Viewers' Choice Awards received 350 entries.

"Whether you're named a nominee or not, we're very grateful for your participation," says Biola Alabi, M-net managing director for Africa. "In doing so you've made an impressive statement that the African film and TV industry is making significant strides forward."

"The investment made by MultiChoice is a show of commitment to the development of skills and talent in the continent," says Nico Meyer, MultiChoice Africa CEO.

BREAKING. DStv, M-Net and e.tv follows the SABC and also ban the Nando's 'Diversity' TV commercial with a message about xenophobia.

MultiChoice's DStv, M-Net, as well as e.tv have now all jumped on the bandwagon to ban the latest Nando's TV commercial which has a strong message to South Africans about xenophobia.

DStv, e.tv and M-Net which previously showed the new advert this weekend but which the SABC banned on Thursday, says they will no longer do so.

DStv said the advert "could be deemed offensive" and e.tv said that the commercial "trivialised" xenophobia.

"Whilst we understand that the commercial is a parody, we are not conviced that all our viewers will interpret it in the way intended," Chris Hitchings, CEO of DStv Media Sales tells me. DStv Media Sales is the commercial advertising arm which books TV commercials for MultiChoice's DStv channels and M-Net.

"We have a responsibility not to broadcast material that could be deemed offensive to our viewers and we have exercised our rights in this regard."

E.tv also stopped showing the Nando's ad from Tuesday in which basically all of South Africa's residents disappear, leaving a lone Khoisan who says he was in South Africa first. The ad which adds two new products to Nando's "diverse range" has a strong message against xenophobia and says the company celebrates diversity in all its forms.

"E.tv decided last night to suspend the airing of the Nando's xenophobia" advertisement," says Monde Twala, e.tv's head of channels. "e.tv respects creativity and the channel has previously flighted advertisements that have been rejected by other broadcasters."

"In evaluating the advertisement, e.tv came to the conclusion that it trivialised xenophobia which remains a sensitive and volatile issue in South Africa. e.tv reserves the right, at any time, to withdraw a commercial from the channel on grounds of taste or legality," he says.

I asked William Bird, the director of Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) on what he's making of this and his thoughts. "I really am quite surprised by the decision," says William Bird. "Obviously they are within their rights to say no, but the question is why?  It seems a rather unusual step to take, to avoid controversy, all the more so given that it has already gone viral on social media."

"Given the issues of xenophobia that we have, I think even if it is an advert that seems to raise a serious issue in its effort to sell us chicken we should err on the side of airing. If it is able to get people to talk about xenophobia even better," says William Bird.

"I find the suggestion that it withheld as it may offend some viewers simply ridiculous for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is clearly a spoof of xenophobic logic taken to extremes with people literally being "proofed" away. Sure it doesn't deal with the nuances of colonialism and land grabs and other questions of identity. But then it is an advert for chicken not a documentary on xenophobia and identity. Secondly to suggest it isn't being shown as it may offend, undermines the media's role - especially the public broadcaster to challenge their audiences."

"Thirdly however, and perhaps most obviously, there are far more adverts that actually do offend viewers that they allow to run - some so bad they offend your intellectual sensibilities, while others plainly reinforce racial and sexual stereotypes," says William Bird. "So the question remains as to why to avoid controversy? Is it perhaps a hangover of The Spear debate?  Either way, one thing which the broadcasters' decision to not broadcast the ad will do, will be to ensure even more people know about it and want to see it," he says.

Tashi Tagg, the noted South African TV critic and pop culture expert from TVSA.co.za tells me that the South African broadcasters' bru-ha-ha to yank Nando's off the air "gives Nando's an edge on the advertising scene".

"It's giving them loads of free advertising and buzz - everyone's talking about them. Their ad is doing well on the internet and they don't have to pay broadcasters to flight it. So its ultimately Nando's who is winning."

Tashi Tagg also says that it gives Nando's "loads of fodder for future campaigns. They can run with the copy: 'Nando's - so spicy ... the broadcasters are too chicken to air our ads," she says.

Below is the full Nando's diversity TV commercial on YouTube where it's gone viral and has amassed more than 220 000 views since Friday when the TV advert was posted.

MultiChoice gets some industry recognition in the fields of company management; gender empowerment.

MultiChoice is capping a great year of adding new high definition (HD) channels, new channels, its wonderful DStv on Demand service, venturing into true mobile handheld television (and don't forget the spiffy new DStv website) with some industry recognition.

MultiChoice was named the best managed company in the media category at the Top 500 Awards. MultiChoice was also nominated by Top Women in Business and Government as one of South Africa's leading gender empowerment organisations.

''We strive to the best in the market,'' says Nico Meyer, CEO of MultiChoice SA. ''It is thanks to the commitment and passion of our employees, that we are being honoured by this recognition.''

INTERVIEW. MultiChoice CEO, Nico Meyer: ''We want to be a true cross-platform operator. That is where we're rapidly moving to.''

In an exclusive interview I spoke to Nico Meyer, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa who operates the DStv pay TV platform in the country.

With new competition shaking up the pay TV market in South Africa, new innovations that's becoming possible with the slow but steady introduction of uncapped internet services and the (hopefully imminent) licencing (finally!) of mobile TV in South Africa, I asked Nico Meyer how MultiChoice is responding to all of these exciting new content distribution options, possibilities and competition.

Nico Meyer talks about where MultiChoice is moving towards and where the pay TV operator is shifting its focus. He addresses the new pay TV competition in South Africa and what it means for the pay TV market in South Africa as MultiChoice sees it, talks about the way MultiChoice wants to expand as it moves forward, and what MultiChoice's biggest challenges are.

For my full interview with Nico Meyer, click on READ MORE below.

BREAKING. MultiChoice will apply for a digital mobile TV licence in South Africa.

You're reading it here first.

I can confirm that MultiChoice will definitely be applying for a digital mobile television licence within the next three weeks from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa).

Icasa has just opened the long-delayed process of creating and allowing digital mobile TV in South Africa and just opened the application process for a three week period. It means that TV broadcasts over cellphones could finally become a reality in South Africa that's lagging far behind the rest of the world with this technology. The regulator has been dragging it's heels for years regarding the licencing of mobile TV players in South Africa, with companies like MultiChoice that has invested heavily in infrastructure, technology, handsets as well as testing, and have been in quiet roll-out anxiety because of Icasa's regulation limbo.

''MultiChoice welcomes Icasa's decision to implement mobile television,'' says Nico Meyer, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa. ''We continually look for opportunities to enhance our offering to customers. We intend to fully participate in the application process.''