Local TV keeps content flowing

TELEVISION shows, movies, documentaries and other content have been a lifeline for scores of people around the globe who have all been urged to stay at home as the deadly coronavirus continues to spread.

Local broadcasters have ensured that new TV shows, movies and documentaries will not run low any time soon. The MultiChoice group, the SABC and Netflix have contingency measures in place to ensure sufficient content. This is despite production interruptions.

“The SABC is firmly committed to adhering to and delivering diligently on its mandate of providing an essential service of broadcasting to the millions of South Africans,” said spokesperson Vuyo Mthembu.

He added the state entity’s TV schedules were up to date regarding international content.

These sentiments were echoed by Netflix South Africa. “We have long lead times and most of our 2020 content from most parts of the world has finished filming, so we only expect minor changes”.

MultiChoice admitted it did foresee some challenges but that this had given them a chance to explore alternative avenues. “There is always a high level of content coming from the UK and US, so we have taken the opportunity to explore new suppliers in territories from which we have never bought content before.”

Many of MultiChoice’s acclaimed local telenovelas on their Mzansi Magic channel such as Gomora, The

River and Isibaya also returned to the small screen from the end of May while renowned Afrikaans kykNET shows including Binnelanders, Getroud Met Rugby, Suidooster and Arendsvlei resumed in the first week of May.

MultiChoice’s streaming service Showmax introduced new seasons and a steady flow of international series to its line-up.