Broadcast, Film and Convergence in Africa - Issue no. 311 – 26 March 2019
Top Story
KNET’s Richard Hlomador on completing the DTT transition in Ghana and his wider ambitions to roll-out DTT and OTT platforms elsewhere in Africa
26 March 2019
The road to Sub-Saharan Africa’s DTT transition has never been straight but against all the odds Ghana is nearing completion. The transition has been completed by a Ghanaian company at considerably less than the original tenderer quoted. Russell Southwood spoke to Richard Hlomador, CEO, KNET about carrying out the transition and his future plans. In 2015 KNET got a contract from the Ghanaian Government to build a DVBT2 digital TV platform for Ghana. It was a Build-Operate-Transfer contract and that contract is almost over. It ends in Q1, 2020 and after that point the Government will then operate the platform.…
Broadcast
MTV Shuga Makes Its Return To TV In Nigeria
26 March 2019
The award-winning drama series MTV Shuga will be returning to Nigeria and is on the hunt for fresh talent to feature in the new season. This news comes just after…
Broadcast
Canal + Set To Launch Its Pay-TV Platform In Ethiopia
26 March 2019
Canal + has announced that it will soon be deploying its pay-TV offer in Ethiopia over the next few weeks. The company has received approval from the country’s government to…
Content - Film
Meet Ticky and Baboo – The Little Kings of Mulberry Street
26 March 2019
Once in a lifetime comes a story of true greatness such as the epic tale of Baboo and his best friend Ticky. That story is ‘Kings of Mulberry Street’, the…
Content - Film
Growing Pains in Ethiopia: Film Spotlights Hidden Cost of Urban Growth
26 March 2019
Living in a tool shed on the outskirts of Ethiopia's capital, 10-year-old Asalif Tewold straddles a unique space between modernity and tradition. In his short life, he has lived on…
Content - Film
Local film 'Deep End' showcases Durban in all its glory
26 March 2019
"Deep End" releases in cinema on 15 March. Picture: Supplied Known as one of South Africa’s favourite news anchor and bulletin producer on television, Mahendra Raghunath has flipped the script…
Content - Film
SA documentary selected to have its world premiere at Hot Docs in Canada
26 March 2019
The much-anticipated feature documentary, Buddha in Africa by South African filmmaker, Nicole Schafer, has been selected for its world premiere at the 2019 Hot Docs Canadian International Festival (25 April…
Content - Film
Local film puts Zimbabwe on global map
26 March 2019
Award-winning film-maker Joe Njagu said he was charmed by the international recognition that the film Cook Off continued to attract following an invitation to be screened at the 16th edition…
Content - Television
Not all YouTube Originals available to Premium users in South Africa
26 March 2019
Google launched YouTube Premium in South Africa on 12 March, offering subscribers the service for R71.99 per month, or a family plan for R109.99 per month. This is significantly cheaper…
Content - Television
Africa's Boomplay Announces Licensing Deal With Warner Music
26 March 2019
Boomplay, the largest music streaming and download service in Africa, has signed a direct licensing agreement with Warner Music to bring the record company's diverse global roster of music to…
Content - Television
BBC Lifestyle to bring local version of global dating hit First Dates to South Africa
26 March 2019
Dating here in South Africa is serious business with couples really pulling out all the stops, so I cannot wait to see how fun local personalities demonstrate how dating should…
Content - Television
Zambezi Magic to roll out Date My Family Botswana
26 March 2019
Local production houses have been invited to collaborate to produce Botswana’s version of DsTV’s popular dating show, Date My Family. The tv show aired on Zambezi Magic, or channel 160,…
Content - Television
In brief
26 March 2019
South Africa's E.tv announced that it is shutting down its unsuccessful eBella channel a year after its launch. The channel was carried on e.tv's own Openview satellite platform and also…
Distribution
Beautiful Kenyan love story - Rafiki – hits UK screens this Spring
26 March 2019
Celebrated Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu’s feature is set to hit UK screens this April. The film has received accolades from across the world and was the first Kenyan film to…
Distribution
Kwesé Free TV gets licence to fly in South Africa
26 March 2019
Econet Media and partners have been awarded a commercial free-to-air broadcasting licence for their South African network Kwesé Free TV. Kwese logo 24 March 2019The decision hands Kwesé the opportunity…
Distribution
Mauritius Telecom launches my.t 4K Smart box
26 March 2019
The my.t 4K smart box was launched by the CEO of Mauritius Telecom, Sherry Singh by focusing on the mission of the company which is to offer extraordinary television experience…
Distribution
YouTube, NBA partner to launch live games channel in Africa
26 March 2019
The National Basketball Association (NBA) and YouTube today announced the launch of the NBA’s first YouTube channel dedicated to fans in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to featuring two live…
Technology & Convergence
AfricaCom launches new event in 2019 – AfricaTech
26 March 2019
AfricaCom, one of Africa’s largest telecoms and technology events, has announced the launch of AfricaTech – a new event dedicated to propelling Africa towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Recent years…
Regulation & Policy
Kenyan authority reviewing programming code for pay-TV operators
26 March 2019
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) says its currently reviewing the programming code for pay television providers. The current Code was developed in 2015 and came to force in 2016…
Regulation & Policy
Nigeria’s NFVCB joins South Africa, others to harmonise African content
26 March 2019
NATIONAL Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB)-Nigeria, the South African Film and Publication Board (FPB), and similar industry regulators across Africa, are seeking a collaborative approach to harmonise regulation of…
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Opportunities
26 March 2019
The eighth annual Jozi Film Festival will take place from 3 to 6 October 2019 in venues around Johannesburg. The organisers are inviting submissions from filmmakers for consideration for this…
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People
26 March 2019
The National Film & Video Foundation appoints new CEO Makhosazana Khanyile has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF), effective 1 April 2019.…
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Events
26 March 2019
Join Broadcast And Media Leaders At Upcoming Forum To Explore SpectrumManagement In A Digital EnvironmentWednesday 10th – Thursday 11th April 2019.Broadcast Media Africa (BMA) is collaborating with the Southern Africa…
