Cape Town TV boosts signal for more viewers

This stronger, more accessible transmission signal, which is lower in the frequency spectrum than the existing channel 67, will result in more people being able to tune into the channel.

Further growth in viewership

The station broadcasts from a single transmitter located on Tygerberg hill, which means that everyone living within line-of-sight of Tygerberg is able to pick up the signal. With a second, stronger transmission frequency, the station is poised for further growth in viewership, as more people will be able to tune in.

"The stronger signal means that people can tune in with any type of television aerial. We found that transmission on channel 67 required people to have wide-band, outdoor aerial installed to pick up the signal adequately. Transmission on channel 32 will enable many more people to tune in to CTV," says station manager, Karen Thorne.

"Viewers will experience a strong, clear signal which will enable them to enjoy the station's diverse range of programming. Its mission is to inform, engage and amaze its viewers and its programming is geared to this. It has become renowned for its thought-provoking documentaries and Cape Town focused content, which highlights the people, events and issues of our beautiful city."

Community participation

CTV is a non-profit organisation that has been established as a communications service for the people of Cape Town. Thorne characterises the station's programme offerings in terms of this social development mandate. "Our content is fresh, innovative and people-driven. It is often controversial and pushes boundaries in terms of form and content. Its programming promotes debate and creates a rare space for authentic voices to come through."

Community participation is a core part of its mandate and the channel encourages Capetonians to get involved in producing content that meets the needs of the community. The channel is open to programming contributions from the community and hosts a number of programmes made by and for Capetonians. This results in content that is locally relevant, fresh and innovative.

It trains over 100 young volunteers in video production every year, in addition to providing internships in various broadcast related fields. This training component is a core function of its operations and one way in which Capetonians can get involved with the station.

The station has more plans in the pipeline, which will see the growth of its footprint both locally and nationally in the near future.