Tag Archives: Craig Paterson

BET Africa gets ready for Redemption

News, , ,
Redemption

Multimedia entertainment channel BET Africa, part of the Paramount Global family of TV channels, is gearing up to launch a new local drama titled Redemption.

Redemption, set in a huge church, follows the lives of the family running the organisation. After the pastor goes missing, his daughter does all she can to save her family while battling secrets and dark truths.

The series is a coproduction by two production companies in Johannesburg, South Africa: Gomora prodco Seriti Films of Rosebank and Randburg’s Burnt Onion Productions, producer of cooking show Entangled.

The cast includes Yonda Thomas, Tina Jaxa, Themba Ndaba, Sthandiwe Kgoroge and Kwanele Mthethwa, and the show will air on BET Africa (DStv channel 129) from September 26.

“Our mission at BET Africa is to engage the black community and truly drive black excellence in our industry and through the stories we tell,” said Craig Paterson, senior VP and general manager at Paramount Africa.

“The team behind this BET Africa original is exceptional. This, together with the stellar cast of Redemption, guarantees an enthralling viewing experience for our audiences across the continent.”

tagged in: , , ,

ViacomCBS adds Zee World to line-up

News, , , ,

ViacomCBS Networks Africa (VCNA), the Johannesburg-based arm of the Hollywood studio, has expanded its offering by adding Indian broadcaster Zee World to its channel bouquet.

Strini Naicker

The move will take effect from March 1 and reinforces VCNA’s commitment to connecting brands to its audiences through platforms that offer authentic storytelling, exciting content and value for money.

According to VCNA, Zee World focuses on bringing people together, through culture, colour, fashion, dance, music, family values, tradition, spirituality, triumphs and lows, and this has contributed to the channel’s growth and success.

Strini Naicker, VP of commercial and content distribution at VCNA, said: “The environment in which VCNA operates necessitates a diverse, one-of-a-kind and adaptive approach to commercialisation, distribution, promotion and the incorporation of innovation in ensuring the success of our business. We are always open to new partnerships that will see us grow and continue to offer content that resonates with our audiences.

“Commercially, VCNA’s stakeholders and partners will now have an additional avenue and platform to promote their products and services. The programming contents on the Zee World channel are relatable and adapted to resonate with diversified consumers, which is what VCNA strives for on a daily basis.”

Craig Paterson, senior VP and general manager at VCNA, added: “Welcoming Zee World to our portfolio not only means a new audience, but it also delivers on some of our strategic objectives, to cater to a broader audience and live by our mantra of prioritising diversity and inclusion. This is an exciting partnership for the Africa business.”

Zee World claims to be the world’s first English-language dubbed Indian entertainment channel and the first in the world to customise fully by showcasing Bollywood movies and series as well as a variety of shows tailored for the African audience.

Its core audience are females and it reaches over 4.5 million households in South Africa.

tagged in: , , , ,

ViacomCBS rejigs senior team in Africa

News, , , , , , ,

ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) has rejigged its executive leadership team in Africa ahead of veteran exec Alex Okosi’s move to YouTube EMEA.

Craig Paterson

Craig Paterson, senior VP, business operations for VCN Africa, and Monde Twala, VP of VCN Africa’s BET and of youth and music at VCNI and Africa, have been elevated to lead VCN Africa as co-general managers.

They will take up the positions on March 1 after Okosi leaves his role as executive VP and MD of VCN Africa and BET International at the end of February to join YouTube as MD of the Google-owned platform’s EMEA emerging markets.

As senior VP and general manager at VCN Africa, Paterson will be responsible for all corporate functions, including business development and strategy.

He spent nearly five years at Viacom, beginning in 2011 as VP of operations and finance in Africa and returned to the company in 2018 as senior VP of business operations in Africa.

Monde Twala

As senior VP and general manager, editorial at VCN Africa, Twala will focus on content, creative, editorial and marketing for VCNI brands.

Twala joined the company in 2016 after nearly 20 years’ experience in the South African broadcasting and media industry.

“Since launching MTV Base in 2005, Alex has spearheaded the development of our business on the continent, which now delivers more channels to Africa than any other international network, reaching 100 million viewers in 48 territories across MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET,” said Raffaele Annecchino, president of ViacomCBS Networks EMEA and Asia.

“Craig and Monde are experts in their respective areas and in addition to incredible business acumen, have demonstrated leadership and collaborative excellence throughout each of their careers and tenures with the company,” added Annecchino.

tagged in: , , , , , , ,