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New TV station to replace ANN7 on DSTV channel 405 revealed
Africa is to have a new 24 hour news channel. A 50 per cent female owned consortium calling itself Newzroom Afrika has won a bid to run the channel on Multichoice against 110 bidders. The bid was led by former gospel singer Thokozani Nkosi and SABC newsreader Thabile Ngwato. It will be backed by a team of news veterans led by former SABC editor-in-chief and South African National Editor’s Forum head Joe Thoele. The bid winners say that they will prioritize former employees from the defunct 24 hours news channel ANN7 that closed its doors this month. Forbes Africa Journalist Melitta Ngalonkulu was at the briefing and joins CNBC Africa for more.
Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:04:50 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- The consortium led by Thokozani Nkosi and Thabile Ngwato, backed by industry veterans like Joe Thoele, is set to revolutionize news reporting on the African continent.
- Newzroom Afrika's focus on diversity and youth empowerment reflects a strategic shift towards inclusivity and innovation in the news industry.
- Key promises such as prioritizing former ANN7 employees and ensuring fair treatment signal a commitment to setting new standards for ethical journalism and employee welfare.
In a groundbreaking announcement that has captured the nation's attention, Multichoice revealed that a new 24-hour news channel, Newzroom Afrika, will be taking over the coveted DSTV channel 405 spot, replacing the now-defunct ANN7. The bid was won by a 50 percent female-owned consortium led by former gospel singer Thokozani Nkosi and SABC newsreader Thabile Ngwato. Backed by a team of seasoned news veterans including former SABC editor-in-chief and South African National Editor’s Forum head Joe Thoele, the consortium is poised to revolutionize the news broadcasting landscape on the African continent. Forbes Africa journalist Melitta Ngalonkulu was present at the briefing to provide insights on this groundbreaking development.
Thokozani Nkosi, the owner of Eclipse TV and a veteran in the industry for over 20 years, brings a wealth of experience in investigative journalism to the table. Thabile Ngwato, with a background as a producer for SABC and a news anchor, along with a stint in radio, adds a dynamic and innovative approach to content creation through her company Rapid Innovation. The blend of experience and fresh perspectives promises to deliver a news channel that resonates with a new generation of media consumers.
The selection of Newzroom Afrika by Multichoice underscores a deliberate effort to embrace diversity and youth empowerment. The emphasis on a young team reflects a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among the youth, a sentiment echoed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. By including industry veterans like Joe Thoele in their lineup, the consortium aspires to merge experience with innovation to create a compelling news platform. The youthful energy combined with the wisdom of seasoned professionals is set to redefine the standards of news reporting in Africa.
Key promises made by Newzroom Afrika include a commitment to prioritize former employees of ANN7, ensuring fair treatment and timely payment of staff. The closure of ANN7, now rebranded as Afro-World, left many employees in limbo, making this a critical pledge by the consortium. As they gear up for their launch early next year, Newzroom Afrika faces the daunting task of competing with established global news giants like BBC and CNN. While details of their competitive strategy remain under wraps at this stage, the recruitment process is underway as they prepare to make their mark on the broadcast landscape.
The unveiling of Newzroom Afrika marks a pivotal moment in the history of African news broadcasting. With a diverse team, a commitment to excellence, and a vision for the future, the consortium is poised to set new standards in journalism. As the countdown begins to their launch next year, all eyes are on Newzroom Afrika to see how they will shape the narrative and captivate audiences across the continent.
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