mce_keep=”true”E.sat, which was set to establish its own pay-TV platform after being granted a subscription broadcasting licence by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa), announced in December it would become a content provider instead.
align=leftThe 24-hour news channel, to be called the eNews Channel, will be broadcast on DStv’s channel 403. It will be part of the platform’s premium and compact bouquets.
align=leftVasili Vass, e.tv’s head of publicity, says an exact date for the launch is not yet known as they are awaiting the arrival of equipment which could, if delayed, have an effect on this date.
align=leftDebora Patta, editor-in-chief of the eNews Channel and e.tv’s news, says in the statement the new channel will offer “South African, regional and international news including live reports, breaking news, sport, weather, entertainment (news) and financial information. Included in the line-up will be current affairs shows, which will look at issues in-depth”.
align=left”eNews Channel is going to offer viewers a chance to watch South African-based and interpreted independent news when they want to. It’s going to be prime time news, all the time.
align=left”The on-air team is going to be led by experienced journalists Redi Direko (known as presenter on Talk Radio 702) and Jeremy Maggs (previously from the SABC), who will host News Night, weekdays from 19:00 to 20:00.”
align=leftVass says resources will be shared and viewers might in some cases see the same reporters on both the eNews Channel and e.tv’s news, but the content will be distinct.
align=leftThe full line-up should be available towards the end of May.
align=leftHe says the channel has been on a “strong recruitment drive” since the end of last year.
align=leftVass confirmed earlier that two of the staff members mentioned in an SABC release about the departure of some of its staff members are joining eNews. Lebo Monnamologo is joining eNews as a content producer for the 24-hour news channel and Sumitra Nydoo is joining it as a business anchor.
align=leftHe also confirmed the resignation of Andy Duffy as assignments editor for eNews.
