The Daily Sun has launched a television programme hosted by DStv channel, Mzansi Magic. The popular tabloid newspaper is taking its stories into a visual realm, hosted by comedian Kedibone Mulaudzi. TheMediaOnline caught up with Mzanzi Magic’s commissioning editor, Vuyo Sokupa, and the Daily Sun’s general manager, Minette Ferreira, to find out more.
What is the idea behind Daily Sun TV?
To take elements like celebrity, sports, gossip, political and social issues, as well as empowering ‘Sun Power’ stories – that have made Daily Sun and Sunday Sun a publishing phenomenon and breathe life into these stories by provide deeper, more in-depth coverage of news stories as they happen.
How long has it been in the planning stage?
Both the channel and the newspaper have engaged in lengthy discussions about making Daily Sun TV a reality.
Is it a programme, and if so, how long and at what frequency does it run?
The show is bi-weekly, Tuesdays and Fridays at 19:00, 24mins long. It will run from 16 October till 29 March 2013.
How does it tie in with the newspaper in terms of content?
Through the show, Daily Sun and Sunday Sun print stories will be complemented with actual interviews with the individuals concerned, and there will be a link between the newspaper content and the on-air show – with the Tuesday TV show favouring the Sunday edition, with more of a celebrity and gossip focus and the Friday show presenting a round-up of the past week’s best stories from the daily publication.
Are your journalists becoming skilled in multimedia journalism?
[Minette] The show does not require our journalist to engage with multi-media – it really is about a camera crew following them on their daily reporting.
How are you sourcing content?
There is a link between the newspaper content and the on-air show as the stories broadcast on air have been printed on the publication prior. Thus the show provides a deeper, more in-depth coverage of previously published Daily Sun and Sunday Sun news stories
Has the show got a sponsor, or will it rely on ad sales by Mzansi Magic channel?
The show currently does not have a sponsor.
How did the choice of comedian Kedibone Mulaudzi come about?
Kedibone has close to a decade of experience as an MC and comedian under his belt, we felt that he was the perfect host for a show that reflects the life experiences and aspirations of ordinary South Africans.
I note some comments on Facebook with people asking why on Dstv and ‘don’t you care about your readers’? Why the decision to go on Dstv?
[Minette] We have had talks over the years with numerous TV channels but in the end Mzansi offered us the best option in terms of telling our stories.
Is the launch of Daily Sun TV the start of something bigger in terms of producing video content?
Mzansi Magic is always looking at creative ways to promote local content and enhance the television production industry, Daily Sun TV is just an extension of this vision.
