Radio & TV
Feature: The Craziness of doing TV in Ghana
I am no prophet of doom, I am a realist. My predictions are based on current trends of television viewers, their viewing habits and their taste for fine quality programs. Like many in my generation and before, we all grew up knowing just one Television Station, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), as it was known then. […]
I am no prophet of doom, I am a realist. My predictions are based on current trends of television viewers, their viewing habits and their taste for fine quality programs. Like many in my generation and before, we all grew up knowing just one Television Station, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), as it was known then.
As children, we were overjoyed to watch some of our favourite programs then including Koliko, Avenue ‘A’, Villa Kakalika, Osofo Dadzie and others. GBC led the way with the development of authentic Ghanaian content. Later on, others such as Obra, Ultimate Paradise. Inspector Bediako became firm favourites.
The June 4, 1979 coup brought content development to a screeching halt. Many producers took a back seat, students went out in support of the revolution and others who didn’t have the heart to stay fled to neighbouring Nigeria in search of greener pastures. Those were difficult times for the National Broadcaster.
Soon, Dr, Hilla Limman was elected and many could breath again. The dormant Ghana Film Industry had just started to wake up from its slumber. GBC shrug its flight wings and taxied, ready to fly again. Both were rudely interrupted again on December 31, 1981. GBC’s flight was grounded. The film industry dragged itself to bed and producers and production houses went off to bed again. Cinema Houses closed and the entertainment industry found a graveyard somewhere to rest in peace. The exodus was massive. Every opportunity a person had to leave Ghana was taken.
GBC must be congratulated. It stood by Ghanaians. It performed its duty. The staff were under constant surveillance and the watchful eye of the military. GBC was a fortress. There were guns and tanks everywhere yet with dedication, love of the job and unbelievable grit and grind, Television viewers were kept glued to their seats.
Let me not bore you with History. Fast forward to 2019. There are many free to air television stations. There are over seventy licensed and unlicensed digital channels. It will interest you to know that Ghana has an estimated television viewing public of about eighteen million people. This is about 60% of Ghanaians. The proliferation of Television gives viewers a choice.
Now, let me be blunt. There is no doubt the potential GBC has. There is no doubt that the National Broadcaster has what it takes to create amazing Television. There is absolutely no doubt about the professional competencies of those who work at GBC. The reality is that no one can fault GBC for not providing the content we yearn for.
Past Governments failed to insulate GBC in the wake of opening up the air space for new Television Stations. We gave out licenses without assessing the implication it would have on the National Broadcaster. In the United Kingdom with a viewing public of almost 60 million people or 95% of the UK population, there are only five main stream TV Networks. Other regions also have their own regional networks.
All the other networks are cable networks. The BBC is protected both by law and by the issuing of licenses. Not so in Ghana. Like everything else when we open our doors, we allow everything including the junk to come through.
DTT is good but we should have allowed the existing free to air analogue channels to be fully compliant before we opened up to others. We could have given them the much-needed support to sort out their digital issues to ready them for the transition. I do not even want to go into this DTT matter for fear of opening a can of worms. Maybe I will do so another day.
Truth be told, why do we still have several unlicensed channels operating? Is the NCA blind to these unauthorized channels? Who is regulating these channels? Who is responsible for the content they put out? Who audits their books? Who watches over copyright issues? I have too many questions to ask.
Apart from being a dumping ground for cheap content brought in from certain places around the globe, we are ‘thieves’ too. Stealing content that belongs to others and showing them on our platforms as if they belong to us. Yet the NCA sits in its glittering tower offices in the plush Airport City without saying anything. We profess to build a better Ghana, we profess to want people to ‘See Ghana’, ‘Wear Ghana’, ‘Eat Ghana’ and so on yet we forget to ‘Think Ghana’ and‘Create Ghana’
What is the government’s policy on local content vis a vis foreign content? In Nigeria youCANNOT show those Telenovelas on TV…you dare not. You will be shut down. Here we are taking in everything foreign, everything western, everything overseas and forget our own. And we are a very happy bunch doing so.
I doff my hat to Kwame Despite for starting something we thought was not possible. A local TV platform. Even though the plot has been lost in my opinion by UTV, at least, he started a TV revolution and must be commended. Others have followed his lead and are also doing what he did.
Media Owners must understand that the business of Television is a serious one. It is not about you the owner, it is about the viewer. Viewers will hook on to your network if you give them what they yearn for. They will still watch you if you force feed them with junk. Be prepared however to die a slow death because the junk you feed them with will either kill your network or make it limp on one leg.
I love TV3 for one reason. They created a niche for themselves in reality programming and stuck to it. They do not profess to be the best but we know that when it come to reality programs in Ghana, they are the best. No one can beat GTV for authentic news. As old as she may be, with a little tweak here and there, GBC will overcome all odds. She still gives us the authentic Ghanaian content she creates.
Top Talk Shows, Drama in local languages and off course the News at 7. Metro was loved for Sports. They need to return to their first love. They have changed a great deal. The look and feel of the station is better, the visuals are clearer and they have some really good content. Two programs stand out for Metro TV, Good Morning Ghana and Good Evening Ghana.
So, what about all the others? TV Africa needs a wake-up call. Within three years many of the digital stations will fold up because they lack content. My advice to all Media Owners…stay off and allow professionals to help you run the show. Don’t expect returns within the first five years of operating. The pot from which all stations draw, the advertising pot is becoming smaller each day. Advertisers are looking for new ways, new thinking, new content. Not the rubbish we import and certainly not the pirated content we show.
The NCA needs to start biting. You are the regulator, not the dinner partner. Clean the system and allow for some decency to take hold of our screens. I cannot fathom why we all sit quietly and think all’s good. Some will say that foreign content is cheap and easily available, maybe that is true but if we do not empower local producers to provide good quality local content we risk losing out in the long run. Many countries developed on locally produced content. Nigeria is a classic example of how local content can transcend borders and sell the country to the world. We have to as a matter of urgency do same with TV Content production in Ghana.
Hmmmmm!
Written by J.O.T Agyeman
Radio & TV
MultiChoice Group scoops 45 top awards at SAFTAs 17
MultiChoice group marked a triumphant evening at this year’s South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs 17) held at the Gallagher Convention Centre. Echoing the group’s commitment to celebrating African stories and talent, MultiChoice Group dominated both evenings by scooping a total of 45 awards.
Among the highlights, Lavish was recognised as the Best TV Drama, and Gaia secured its spot with the Best Feature Film Award while Legacy took home the Best Telenovela Award. For her role in the popular Showmax comedy Tali’s Joburg Diary, Kate Normington won her second SAFTA, making the total of Showmax wins 10. James Bothwick took his third SAFTA as best actor in a comedy for the character Ferdie in Hotel,
Host for the night and the face of Big Brother Mzansi Lawrence Maleka exemplified his exceptional talent by winning Best Actor in a Telenovela for his role as Zolani in The River. The awards were broadcast live on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161).
Nomsa Philiso, CEO: General Entertainment for the MultiChoice Group, celebrated the victories and congratulated all the winners, saying, “Tonight, more than ever, the MultiChoice group and all our beloved titles and brands reaffirmed our position as the true home of entertainment, our commitment to providing a stage for African storytellers to shine has never been stronger. Their narratives, their passion, and their talent are what drive us to excel.”
In a poignant moment of the evening, Derek Watts, a stalwart in South African television and investigative journalism, was honoured with the Lifetime Achiever Award, posthumously. Watts’ impactful 35-year tenure on M-Net’s Carte Blancheexemplifies the profound influence of media on creating a more informed and just society.
All the big winners!
Wins across MultiChoice Group on the second night include:
- Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela: Thulani Mtsweni, Gomora
- Best Actor in a Telenovela: Lawrence Maleka, The River
- Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela: Deli Malinga – Redemption
- Best Supporting Actress in a TV comedy: Kate Normington, Tali’s Joburg Diary
- Best TV Drama: Lavish
- Best Supporting Actress in a TV Soap: Odelle De Wet, Binnelanders
- Best Supporting Actor in a TV Soap: Charlie Bouguenon, Binnelanders
- Best Actress in a TV Soap: Cindy Swanepoel, Binnelanders
- Best Actor in a TV Comedy: James Borthwick, Hotel Season 5
- Best Actor in a Feature Film: Jarrid Geduld, Indemnity
- Best Achievement in Directing – Feature Film: Gaia
- Best Feature Film: Gaia
- Best Actress in a Telenovela: Michelle Botes, Legacy
- Best Telenovela: Legacy
- Best TV Presenter – Tshegofatso Mosupye (Public Vote)
Additional wins at the SAFTAs Craft Awards on Friday 29 September includes Best Youth Programme for Trend Season 1, Best International Format for Survivor South Africa: Return of the Outcasts, and more.
By consistently shining the spotlight on local talent and narratives, the MultiChoice group solidifies its standing as the core of South African entertainment, connecting stories and audiences.
The full list of MultiChoice winners:
Craft Awards:
- Best Entertainment Programme: Miss South Africa 2022 Live Finale
- Best Variety Show: Sunday Sexy Love
- Best Achievement in Scriptwriting – Telenovela: DiepCity Season 2
- Best Achievement in Wardrobe – TV Drama: Lavish
- Best Youth Programme: Trend Season 1
- Best Achievement in Sound – TV Comedy: Hotel Season 5
- Best Achievement in Art Direction – TV Comedy: Hotel Season 5
- Best Achievement in Cinematography – TV Comedy: Hotel Season 5
- Best Achievement in Sound – TV Soap/Telenovela: Suidooster
- Best Achievement in Editing – TV/Soap or Telenovela: Diepe Waters
- Best Achievement in Directing – Soap: Erina Niemand, Shirley Ellis, Romano Gorlei & Richard September forSuidooster
- Best Achievement in Original Music/Score – Feature Film: Pierre-Henri Wicomb for Gaia
- Best Achievement in Cinematography – Feature Film: Jorrie van der Walt for Gaia
- Best Current Affairs Programme: Mining Takedown
- Best Natural History and Environmental: Crocodiles Revealed
- Best Children’s Programme: NickMusic Africa
- Best International Format: Survivor South Africa: Return of the Outcasts
- Best Educational Programme: MTVShuga: What Makes a Man
- Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hairstyling – TV Drama: Desert Rose
- Best Achievement in Art Direction – TV Soap/Telenovela: Legacy
- Best Lifestyle Programme: Homegrown tastes South Africa season 1
- Best Structured Soapie Reality Show: Life with Kelly Khumalo Season 3
- Best Structured Or Docu-Reality Show: Sex in Afrikaans
- Best Achievement in Wardrobe – TV Comedy: Tali’s Joburg Diary
- Best Achievement in Scriptwriting – TV Comedy: Julia Anastasopoulos, Ari Kruger, Gilli Apter, & Daniel Zimbler for Tali’s Joburg Diary
- Best Achievement in Directing – TV Comedy: Ari Kruger for Tali’s Joburg Diary
- Best Achievement in Sound – TV Drama: Jozua Loots for Donkerbos
- Best Achievement in Cinematography – TV Drama: Willie Nel for Blood Psalms
- Best Achievement in Directing – TV Drama: Nico Scheepers for Donkerbos
Radio & TV
Multichoice leads at South African Film and Television Awards 17 craft awards
The first of two glamorous evenings, where the South African film and television industry come together to honour the hard work and dedication to the craft of storytelling, commenced in Johannesburg on Friday evening.
Multichoice has once again showcased their exceptional commitment to quality and creativity by scooping a raft of awards at this year’s South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) 17 craft awards ceremony. The prestigious event took place on Friday, 29 September at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.
Leading the pack were productions from kykNET, M-Net, Mzansi Magic, and 1Magic. Notable shows such as the final season of the popular Hotel, Survivor South Africa: Return of the Outcasts, and DiepCity Season 2 were among the many that were recognised for their outstanding achievements.
Blood Psalms took home the award for Best Achievement in Cinematography, while The Wife Season 3 triumphed in the category of Best Achievement in Directing for Telenovela. Showmax also emerged victorious in key categories such as Best Achievement in Directing Telenovela (The Wife), Best Structured or Docu-Reality Show (Sex in Afrikaans), Best Structured Soapie Reality Show (Life With Kelly Khumalo Season 3).
Highlight of Wins Include:
- Best Entertainment Programme: Miss South Africa 2022 Live Finale
- Best Variety Show: Sunday Sexy Love
- Best Achievement in Scriptwriting – Telenovela: DiepCity Season 2
- Best Achievement in Wardrobe – TV Drama: Lavish
- Best Youth Programme: Trend Season 1
- Best Achievement in Sound – TV Comedy: Hotel Season 5
- Best Achievement in Art Direction – TV Comedy: Hotel Season 5
- Best Achievement in Cinematography – TV Comedy: Hotel Season 5
- Best Achievement in Sound – TV Soap/Telenovela: Suidooster
- Best Achievement in Editing – TV/Soap or Telenovela: Diepe Waters
- Best Achievement in Directing – Soap: Erina Niemand, Shirley Ellis, Romano Gorlei & Richard September forSuidooster
- Best Achievement in Original Music/Score – Feature Film: Pierre-Henri Wicomb for Gaia
- Best Achievement in Cinematography – Feature Film: Jorrie van der Walt for Gaia
- Best Current Affairs Programme: Mining Takedown
- Best International Format: Survivor South Africa: Return of the Outcasts
- Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hairstyling – TV Drama: Desert Rose
- Best Achievement in Art Direction – TV Soap/Telenovela: Legacy
- Best Achievement in Sound – TV drama (Donkerbos) Jozua loots
- Best Achievement in Directing – TV Drama (Donkerbos) Nico Scheepers
With the SAFTAs main awards on the horizon, audiences are invited to tune in and experience the grandeur of South African television and film. The red-carpet event begins Saturday 30 October at 19:30 on Channel O (DStv Channel 320), followed by the main show at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161).
Radio & TV
The Real Housewives of Lagos S2 is now streaming on Showmax
Radio & TV
Get a glimpse into the culture of South Africa’s Gen Z with the fascinating mini-docu series, Habits of Gen Z
M-Net invites families to engage in open conversations, challenge perceptions and celebrate connections as we get to know Gen Z’s perspectives, lifestyles, and motivations
Prepare yourself for an engaging adventure as we unravel the enigmatic world of Gen Z in this insightful mini-docu series,Habits of Gen Z. Premiering on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) on Thursday, 9 November 2023 at 21:00, this interesting exploration of Gen Z’s lives, influences, and aspirations fosters intergenerational dialogue and understanding.
Waldimar Pelser, M-Net’s Director for Premium Channels says: “This is a truly innovative and dynamic generation. Habits of Gen Z is a captivating docu-series that will challenge our perceptions and hopefully start a conversation that will foster understanding between different generations. It’s an eye-opening experience that will spark meaningful discourse within families. By bridging the gap through sharing this docu-series, as a channel we hope to encourage families to come together, learn from each other, and celebrate what connects us all.”
Throughout this riveting series, you can expect vibrant thought starters:
Episode 1: Raised By The Internet
Plunge headfirst into online culture, where Gen Z embraces the internet’s opportunities and challenges. This episode will unmask the digital realm and explore the intriguing topics of technology, cybercrime and how social media has shaped the way Gen Z sees the world and themselves.
Episode 2: Sex Exploration in the Digital Age
This episode is a thrilling journey into Gen Z’s ever-evolving exploration of relationships and sexuality in the digital realm. Witness the exhilarating highs and challenging lows as this generation navigates sex and intimacy complexities.
Episode 3: Substance Use & Abuse
Prepare to confront the realities of substance use and abuse as we delve into Gen Z’s encounters with drugs and alcohol. Peer into the hidden corners as Habits of Gen Z shines a light on the challenges faced by this generation, from illegal and prescription drugs to alcohol, smoking, and even psychedelic medicine.
Episode 4: Identity and Expression
Celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Gen Z’s diverse identities and expressions. Step into a world where LGBTQIA+ rights, ethnic and cultural identity, and the power of self-expression take centre stage. Marvel at the courage and resilience of this generation as they assert their individuality and challenge societal norms.
Episode 5: The End of the World… As We Know It
Discover Gen Z’s role in shaping the future. Examine the urgent issues of climate change, intersectional activism, and society’s evolving landscape. Witness firsthand how this generation is fearlessly taking a stand and leading the charge for a better world.
Directed by renowned South African filmmaker and former CNN journalist Jo Munnik, Habits of GenZ brings together a diverse group of voices and experts who share their insights and experiences. Engage with thought leaders such as Ronen Aires, founder and CEO of Student Village; Bronwyn Williams, Futurist and Business Trends Analyst; Dr. Eve, a leading Sexologist; Casey Delport, Gen Z Writer for Bubblegum Club magazine; Cassandra Roxburgh, Gen Z transgender freelance journalist; and Lindiwe Mngxitama, Editor of Bubblegum Club magazine.
Don’t miss the stimulating Habits of Gen Z premiere on Thursday, 9 November 2023 at 21:00 on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) – The Home of Entertainment. You can also live-stream on DStv Stream, and DStv Catch Up after broadcast. Visit the M-Net Website and join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
Radio & TV
Best international series on Showmax in October, from Yellowstone prequel 1923 to Chucky S3 to The Rookie: Feds S1
Radio & TV
Law & Order, The Undeclared War and Accused heat up M-Net’s Thursday prime time viewing
Viewers’ Thursday nights just got better with a new season of a TV fan favourite and two fresh shows airing one after the other. Starting 28 September, every Thursday will see six-time Emmy Award Winner Law & Order, topical crime anthologyAccused and tense political drama The Undeclared War air at 19:00, 20:00 and 21:00 on M-Net (DStv Channel 101).
Law & Order season 22
Kicking things off at 19:00 is Law & Order back for its 22nd season – a show that’s cemented in popular culture and the longest-running police procedural in television history.
This season will see the detectives of the NYPD’s Manhattan Homicide Squad investigate a deadly subway shooting, the murder of a young author, and the death of a politician’s daughter. Meanwhile, the lawyers of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office must balance their pursuit of justice with the demands of the legal system.
Here are some fast facts about Law & Order:
- As mentioned, Law & Order has been running for a long time. It ended its 20th season in 2010 and returned in 2022 – an 11-year hiatus!
- The show continues to influence pop culture. This year, a TikTok dance based on the Law & Order theme tune went viral.
- TV Guide ranked it among their “50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time;”
- The show has won six Emmys and was nominated for three Golden Globes, among dozens of other accolades.
- It’s spawned six spinoffs, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: Trial by Jury, Law & Order: Los Angeles, Law & Order True Crime, and Law & Order: Organized Crime as well as a television film Exiled: A Law & Order Movie.
Accused
At 20:00, viewers can catch Accused – based on BBC’s 2010 BAFTA-winning crime anthology of the same name. It was a big hit in the UK with viewers and critics. The show features a new case and cast every episode for viewers to unravel, so those into twists and turns should get ready to play detective. It stars talented actors including Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) and episodes are directed by Billy Porter (Pose) and Marlee Matlin (The L Word), among others.
Each episode opens in a courtroom on a defendant, with viewers knowing nothing about their crime or how circumstances led to their prosecution. Unlike most courtroom shows where the prosecutor takes the spotlight, this drama is told from the defendant’s point of view.
Viewers discover how ordinary people can find themselves in an extraordinary situation, ultimately revealing how one wrong turn leads to another until it’s too late to turn back.
The Undeclared War
Rounding out the night at 21:00 is The Undeclared War, a new series created by BAFTA-Award Winning creator Peter Kosminsky. This six-part drama is set in 2024 and tells the story of a group of British intelligence analysts who have the task of tracking and countering a series of Russian cyber-attacks in the run-up to the UK general election.
Saara Parvin (portrayed by Hannah Khalique-Brown) starts a work experience placement at GCHQ, the UK’s intelligence and security agency. On her first day, she witnesses a routine stress test of the country’s internet infrastructure go awry, taking down a significant portion of the internet. It’s revealed that a foreign power deliberately carried out the attack.
As Saara and her colleagues race to stop the attack, they face the challenges of fighting a war that’s taking place in the digital realm. The rules constantly change, and the enemy is always one step ahead. The stakes are high, as the attack could devastate the UK’s economy and infrastructure. But how do you win a war most of the public don’t know you’re fighting?
The series was developed through meticulous research over five years by Kosminsky and has been lauded for its realism and timely subject matter.
Viewers who liked Mr. Robot, Black Mirror, 24 and Homeland will enjoy this tightly wound political drama.
M-Net (DStv channel 101) is the home of the best in international entertainment. All shows will be live-streamed on DStv Stream and are available on DStv Catch Up. Visit the M-Net Website and join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
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