Carte Blanche channel covers Pistorius trial from March opening

Experts will include senior legal minds, psychologists, forensic experts, social commentators, brand gurus, social media analysts, news and media heavyweights.

Featured experts

"The channel has secured exclusive access to international experts, who will feature as regular guests. These include criminal defence attorney, Robert Shapiro, famous for his defence of O J Simpson, American forensic experts and police consultants to hit TV shows such as Dexter, who provide fascinating insights," said George Mazarakis, executive editor of the channel.

The presenters are news journalists Derek Watts, John Webb, Bongani Bingwa and Devi Sankaree Govender, social media lawyer Emma Sadleir, radio talk show host Leigh Bennie, legal journalist and radio talk show host, David O'Sullivan and ex BBC presenter, Subniv Babuta.

First in SA

In a landmark judgment, Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo found in favour of MultiChoice's application to broadcast audio of the full trial and to televise parts of the trial, including opening arguments, state expert witnesses' testimony, police officers, any other state witnesses (unless they object), closing arguments, judgement and sentencing.

"We are thrilled that the SA judiciary has matured to this ground breaking decision. It is a seminal moment and will make South African television and legal history, as visual access of this nature has never before been granted in a South African court," said Mazarakis.