Johannesburg - A new, local, 24-hour news channel will be launched on DSTV later this year, The New Age newspaper's CEO Nazeem Howa announced on Thursday.
“Television audiences will soon have further diversity in their news choices with the launch of a new, local, 24-hour news and current affairs channel in multiple languages focused on local, national and world events,” Howa said in a statement.
Work had started on the studios and ancillary facilities in Midrand.
Howa was the director of the project.
The channel was being launched by Infinity Media, which was a joint venture between Essel Media, Oakbay Investments and a broad-based black economic empowerment structure.
Oakbay is the majority shareholder in The New Age newspaper.
Essel Media managing director Laxmi Narain Goel said: “We believe that there is a clear need for a local 24/7 news channel which is totally dedicated to regions and communities in South Africa, and we are pleased to be a partner in this path-breaking venture.
“We believe that this initiative will change the news media space in South Africa.”
Howa said Essel Media's leadership of the project was critical to its overall success. Oakbay and the empowerment structure would provide the local market knowledge. - Sapa