MBC seal BBC TV deal

 

MBC Television and BBC have sealed a deal which gives Malawians access to the continental news bulletin Focus on Africa.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Thursday announced its first-ever dedicated daily TV news programme in English for African audiences which brings together the expertise of the BBC World Service’s African Service and BBC World News.

In an interview, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) director general Benson Tembo said the national TV was working on technical parameters to start beaming BBC Focus of Africa on Monday.

 “The programme will be on air 7.30pm every day. This agreement guarantees Malawians access to diverse information on topical issues on the continent,” said the MBC boss on Wednesday.

The initiative is the first in a range of new programming for Africa to be launched by the BBC this summer, including a major expansion of its TV offer.

“BBC Focus on Africa will be aired by the BBC’s broadcast partners in Africa and will be shown globally on BBC World News.  It forms just one part of an expansion of the BBC’s offer on TV, radio and online,” says BBC in a press statement, unveiling Komla Dumor and Sophie Ikenye as the main presenters.

The prime-time affair will pool BBC African talent on the continent and in London to report on Africa’s rising economies, entrepreneurs, innovators, culture, entertainment and sports.

According to BBC’s Africa editor Solomon Mugera, the continent is one of the fastest-developing news markets in the world.

Says Mugera: “While radio remains popular in Africa, TV is growing and our partnerships with leading African broadcasters play a key part in these future plans. It’s essential that the kind of independent journalism the BBC does – that isn’t slanted to one political or commercial viewpoint – remains central to the new media landscape.

The BBC also announced that six special episodes of current affairs interview Rendezvous, hosted by Zeinab Badawi, will be broadcast on BBC World News from mid-June with guests including President Kikwete of Tanzania.