What you need to know about the new direct marketing guidance note
Nadine Mather and Chloë Loubser
Youth channel GOing up in the world
As from 1 April 2007, not only is GO moving house from DStv channel 84 to channel 10, it will also begin broadcasting 24 hours per day. The rationale behind the move is a clustering of general entertainment channels on DStv.
Go’s home for the past four years has been on channel 84, shoulder to shoulder with MTV and VH, broadcasting between 5pm and 3am.
Says GM Helen Smit: “With the launch of GO in 2003, we felt it necessary to position the channel close to strong youth-oriented music channels on DStv. GO started out as an entertainment channel for youths between the ages of 13 and 17, but now the audience has grown significantly to include viewers up to the age of 24.”
Go’s young adult audience will now be spoilt for choice with programming and blockbuster shows from international territories. The channel’s rapid growth into a 24 hour schedule has been fuelled by audience demand. “GO has always been incredibly popular with its loyal viewers. It’s largely thanks to them that we are now able to expand and offer more exclusive first-view content,” comments Smit.
“Young adults in the GO target demographic are trendsetters and increasingly sophisticated. They know what they want and demand a wide variety to choose from. Hence the decision to beef up the schedule and get great shows.”
Not only has GO obtained licensing deals for shows such as Entourage, Kyle XY and What About Brian, but the channel has also commissioned several local productions such as Gozone.tv and The Loot – a new original reality show due to start filming in April.
For more information, go to www.gozone.tv.
