Broadcast Battle

| M-Net CEO’s strategy is to increase Africa-made TV programmes in fight to retain viewers

SHOWTIME: M-Net CEO Yolisa Phahle, seen here at the broadcaster’s 30th birthday celebrations, wants local stories told South Africa has loved that, because it is local. Generally, the local industry is really good and we have incredible industry professionals.”

She counts the popular Isibaya, Rockville and Suidooster as examples. “I am incredibly proud of the telenovelas. Isibaya was a turning point. Our industry is maturing, we have become more efficient in producing with tight timelines and meeting expectations. I am more proud that we have been able to build relationships with talented people and employ them. We are world-class in that way.”

Phahle said broadcasters had the ability to shape the nation’s view of the world.

“The local shows have encouraged a better view of our country. Affluence, happiness. For example, Suidooster has seen such positive response from the Afrikaans-speaking population.

“A few of our people win positions in international films but my aim is to put more into development and scripting local stories.”

Phahle said it went back to basic education.

“The groundwork is in script development. We are willing to put in the time to get that going.

“We know that stories are told orally, that is a tradition. We need to pair people up with these amazing stories to document, and create content around it.”

The M-Net Magic in Motion Academy gives year-long internships to top film and TV graduates, who are taken in by producers to get on-the-job experience.

“They will be engaging with someone like Proverb, who went from presenter to producer, and Connie and Shona Ferguson on Rockville,” Phahle said.

“I do feel lucky to have such an incredible job. M-Net has achieved incredible things. I am in love with this country, and promoting the use of local language is hugely exciting for me as an African.

“The idea is that people must document our past, and produce and create our imagined future,” she said.

Applications for internships for the Magic in Motion Academy programme for 2017 are now open to aspiring young broadcasters