Newzroom partners 1KZN, Mpuma Kapa
South Africa-based news network Newzroom Afrika has partnered with regional SA channels KwaZulu-Natal-based 1KZN TV and Mpuma Kapa TV to increase their audience reach and provide training and mentorship.
The initiative will enable Eastern Cape broadcasters 1KZN TV and Mpuma Kapa TV to offer live coverage of breaking news from rural areas, participate in interviews through studio-to-studio live feeds, produce exclusive content and news services, and package news inserts.
In addition, pay TV operator MultiChoice has give 1KZN TV and Mpuma Kapa TV a grant to improve their news coverage capabilities and establish news bureaus in their respective provinces. These grants will cover production equipment such as cameras, lighting, sound and computers, as well as training and technical support.
Newzroom Afrika CEO Thabile Ngwato said: “Our vision to be Africa’s leading credible news and information service will continue to be reflected in this new initiative. Supporting regional channels is a key portion of our overall strategy, which sees us delivering world-class offerings at every touchpoint.”
Edwin Mncwango, CEO of 1KZN TV, added: “In its quest to provide an authentic voice to the people of KwaZulu-Natal, 1KZN TV has been wanting to expand its news coverage. This partnership – made possible by MultiChoice – will enable us to do just that, while also building our capacity through professional training and assistance.”
Motse Mfuleni, chair of the board at Mpuma Kapa TV, said: “Mpuma Kapa TV is excited to be part of this new venture as we open up the Eastern Cape to the country and continent. As the leading broadcaster in the province, our news bureau can now open opportunities to train and shape a new generation of journalists and news reporters from the Eastern Cape.”
MultiChoice South Africa’s CEO Nyiko Shiburi added: “Regional TV stations are the lifeline for news and stories in their communities. We are committed to supporting and enabling them to improve the quality of broadcasting at grassroots level. Their partnerships with Newzroom Afrika will elevate local news to a national stage. Our hyperlocal strategy is about growing and telling local stories, and through this initiative we are seeing it in action.”
tagged in: 1KZN, Mpuma Kapa, MultiChoice, Newzroom Afrika