Issue no 45 8 January 2009
Top Story
Ethiopia liberalises radio and television may follow, supports thriving local film culture
The Ethiopian Government is best known for the tight control it has exerted over the political process of the country. Therefore it comes of something of a surprise to learn that it has made the development of media a priority and with a certain amount of external prompting has liberalised the radio sector. Two new private radio stations have been launched (more will follow) and community radio stations have also started broadcasting. Well-informed sources say that there will be a new private free-to-air television channel within two years. Against this backdrop, the country is also sustaining a significant local film…
Content
New Angolan Series "Encontros E Desencontros" to debut in 2009
An Angolan Series titled "Encontros e Desencontros", produced by Oscar Gil Productions will be shown on TPA during the first half of 2009, according to its producer. Speaking to Angop…
Content
Nigeria: Break the Bank TV Game Show Hits Airwaves
Multi Links Telkom has launched a new television based game show, Break The Bank, through which the leading telecommunications and internet services provider will continue to empower its numerous subscribers.…
Content
South Africa: M-Net looking to commission drama series for 2010-2012
The M-Net Channel is seeking to commission drama series for broadcast in prime-time during 2010 - 2012. M-Net seeks to engage the services of experienced drama producers, directors, writers and…
Content
Nigeria: Daarsat Set to Hit Air Waves
Daarsat, the new satellite Direct-To-Home (DTH) Pay TV platform, is set to hit the airwaves soon as it intends to excite Nigerians with bouquet of broadcast content. It comes with…
Content
Content In Brief
- SABC 3’s lifestyle talk show, 3 Talk, has been moved to 4pm to make way for the more popular Oprah Winfrey Show that will be shown in prime time…
Content
Ghana: Viasat 1 TV Channel Begins Operation in Country
A new free-to-air TV channel, VIASAT 1, which will predominantly broadcast entertainment programmes has began operation in Ghana. Viasat Broadcasting G Ltd, is part of an international Entertainment Broadcasting Group,…
Content
Southern Sudan: New Radio Station to be Launched in Early 2009 and TV station to follow
A group of private investors with close links to the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) have invested in a new radio station that will have wider reach than the existing…
Content
South Africa: ICASA gets the mobile TV licensing processing under way
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is calling for interested individual electronic communications services, broadcasting services and electronic communications network services licensees to apply for frequencies to provide…
Content
Nigeria: NBC says pay your licence fees or have your licence revoked
Broadcasting organizations in Nigeria that still owe the mandatory license fee and the 2.5 percent remittance of their income may have their licenses revoked next year, the National Broadcasting Commission…
Content
Broadcast In Brief
- In Ghana, Suhum-based businessman, Frank Amponsah says that his plans to launch a community –based radio station are well-advanced. Speaking to the local press, he explained that the station,…
Distribution
BBC launches PSB partnership proposals
The BBC has launched a series of new partnerships with other public service broadcasters that could deliver more than £120 million per year by 2014. This development includes the production,…
Distribution
BET Networks Expands Its International Reach
BET Networks has announced that it is now offering BET (Black Entertainment Television) in 29 countries in sub-Saharan Africa on multiple platforms, expanding the channel's international reach that already includes…
Distribution
Distribution In Brief
- Telnet, a Tunisian ICT group is expanding its international operations. The group which has signed a partnership agreement with the American firm Patton Electronics, will conceive innovative products related…
Investment
Canal Plus in Talks to Buy GTV, according to Le Figaro
Vivendi SA’s pay-television unit Canal Plus is in talks to buy pay-TV operator GTV which is seeking as much as $100 million for the pay-TV company, Le Figaro said. GTV…
Investment
Nigeria: Exco Approves N1 Billion for State Radio, TV
Enugu State Government has approved more than N1 billion for the execution of infrastructural development projects in different parts of the state. The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Chuks Ugwoke…
Investment
Investment In Brief
- In the context of the current economic environment and to respond to the requests for information from our viewers, euronews has created a new programme called business agenda which…
Regulation & Policy
Nigeria: FG Tasks Broadcasting Firms on Positive Programmes
The Federal Government has charged all broadcasting media organisations in the country to ensure that all programmes that are broadcast to the viewing public are programmes that would help in…
Regulation & Policy
Somalia: Islamists in Kismayo Silence Radio Station for Playing Music
The Islamist faction that controls the southern Somali port of Kismayo shut down an independent radio station Sunday, Radio Garowe reported. A decree issued by the Islamist Al Shabaab information…
Regulation & Policy
Regulation & Policy In Brief
- Kenya’s ODM believes the contentious Kenya Communications Act is part of a hidden agenda by some PNU hardliners to retain power in 2012. Three senior ODM Ministers told the…
Technology & Convergence
Rwanda: Star Africa Media introduces Digital TV Receivers
Star Africa Media, a Chinese pay television service provider has introduced the first digital TV sets that receive digital signals before the Christmas break. According to Star Africa Chief Executive…
Technology & Convergence
African IPTV Energized by Backspace Communications' Power Plant System
Backspace Communications, LLC has delivered their IPTV Power Plant, a complete IPTV / Internet Television system, to Africa. The "IPTV Power Plant" is a complete IPTV solution-in-a-box. The system includes…
More
Technology & Convergence In Brief
- ICASA’s public hearings on digital migration have revealed concerns that the launching of multiple digital channels will see the market oversubscribed.With so much new air time to choose from,…
