investment

The SABC's annual report and audited financial statements ending 31 March 2009, which were submitted to Parliament on 17 December, reflect a loss of R910m.

According to interim board chairperson Irene Charnley, the downturn in the economic situation did not play a major role in this recorded deficit. She also said that it would take time to fix the SABC’s problems as well as good leadership and commitment.

* Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki this week inspected the newly introduced digitalized broadcast operation in Dimtsi Hafash aimed at undertaking clear and efficient news work. In the course of the visit, the President received briefings on the work methodology and its significance in broadcasting clear and effective programs, and in providing an archiving system.

A new studio complex is underway in the tranquil and largely residential suburb of Fontainebleau, north of Johannesburg. The scope and determination which has been invested in this project is a welcome indicator of confidence in the local film and television industry in South Africa in these tough economic times.

The meeting, chaired by Secretary of State at Prime Minister for Communication Azzedine Mihoubi, is aimed at giving a visibility to the authorities by mapping out guidelines and the methodological framework for the execution of the digital terrestrial television (DTT) nationwide. It is also aimed at giving a concrete expression to one of the main recommendations of the national committee for digital strategy, set up this year, and which concerns the technical aspects and the content, hence the pertinence of this assessment for the launch of the DTT.

NASPERS , Africa's largest media company, has proved successful in growing its footprint, particularly in emerging markets where other South African companies have struggled or failed to have an effect .

The secret of Naspers's success appears to be its vision, strategy, ability to bounce back and learn from its failures, and, most important , its focus on the internet-orientated business in emerging markets.

Zain a leading global mobile telecommunications company across the African continent and the Middle East, has once again commissioned the services of the South African based TV production company, Diallo Entertainment to develop a concept for a branded entertainment television show in Niger.

- A group of aspiring Cape Town filmmakers who have struggled to get a start in the film business are finally getting a boost. Nine short films highlighting issues faced by South Africans daily have been produced by the group of 20 talented hopefuls from various townships after they were chosen to be part of a workshop run by the Runway Film Resource Centre formed in partnership with the government and the film industry in 2008. They hope to send the best of the short films to the Cannes Film Festival.

Executives from Cable Africa Network (CAN) who were present at Discop 2 Africa announced that it will be launched later this year.