24-hour eNews channel for DStv

25 Apr 2008

June 2008 will see the launch of South Africa's first 24-hour news service, the eNews Channel, to be broadcast on DStv's premium and compact bouquets. “This is an historic moment for the broadcasting industry in South Africa,” says Marcel Golding, CEO of e.sat (e.tv's sister business).

Golding adds, “In a developing country with so many challenges and issues, a 24-hour news channel will contribute to keeping society abreast of what is happening and can play a critical role in informed debate and discussion. We believe the eNews Channel will become an important voice in South Africa's democracy.”

The eNews Channel will be found on channel 403 on DSTV.

MultiChoice South Africa CEO Nolo Letele comments, “We are very excited to add the eNews channel to our DStv platform. We believe the channel will enhance our news offering by bringing high quality, insightful and independent reporting alongside our other successful news channels.”

According to editor-in-chief of eNews Debora Patta, “The eNews Channel will offer South African, regional and international news including live reports, breaking news, sport, weather, entertainment and financial information. Included in the lineup will be current affairs shows, which will look at issues in-depth.

“eNews Channel is going to offer viewers a chance to watch South African-based and -interpreted independent news when they want to. It's going to be prime time news, all the time.

“The on-air team is going to be lead by experienced journalists Redi Direko and Jeremy Maggs, who will host News Night, weekdays from 7 pm to 9 pm.”

Patta has been a broadcast journalist and editor for more than 15 years. She has headed up e.tv's news department for four years and has led a team that has reportedly made eNews the most watched English language television news bulletin in the country.