African broadcasters seal deals with China, US
Rebecca Hawkes ©RapidTVNews | 15-12-2010
More international TV content is on the menu for African viewers in the new year, following new deals to broadcast the English language channel of China’s Xinhua News Agency and celebrity entertainment from the US courtesy of BlackTree TV.From 1 January, China’s 24-hour news channel CNC World will be distributed across Africa via MIH’s cable network, which reaches an estimated four million homes. Li Congjun, Xinhua President met Koos Bekker, founder of MIH Group, before the signing of the deal on 10 December. In a statement, both parties expressed their hope CNC will be a competitive and influential international media organisation.
Following another deal sealed last week with Eutelsat, Xinhua is also extending the reach of CNC World across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa from 1 January via Eutelsat’s Eurobird, Hotbird and W7 satellites. The English language news channel was launched in 2009, and is already broadcast via satellite to the Asia-Pacific region, North America, Europe and Africa.
The China-based TV network is also reportedly expanding its cable TV and new media services. It currently provides news programming for about 300 domestic and overseas TV broadcasters.
Meanwhile, web content provider BlackTree TV is providing red carpet and celebrity interview footage to South Africa’s national broadcaster SABC1, for its live interactive entertainment show Mzansi Insider - in what is the US company’s first international content distribution deal.
“Our partnership with BlackTree TV has been incredibly well received by Mzansi Insider viewers,” said Kobedi Pokane, the show’s executive producer. “Our ability to provide [viewers] with customised, current, A-list content has struck a cord and is definitely one of the differentiators between Mzansi Insider and other shows on South African television.”
Lusanda Ganda, marketing executive of SABC 1 added: “As the national broadcaster, it’s key for us to reflect the Black experience in multiple contexts. BlackTree TV gives us a look into the black media, fashion, and entertainment industries in the US, which complements our existing content offering well.”
