In Focus

DA wants new Multichoice-Newzroom Afrika contract made public

The DA is calling for the agreement to be disclosed, in the interests of transparency and openness

The Democratic Alliance has submitted an application to Multichoice, requesting access to its contract with its new 24-hour news channel, Newzroom Afrika.

On 28 August 2018, the broadcasting giant announced the network as the winner of its bid for a news channel to replace Mzwanele Manyi’s Afro Worldview.

Multichoice opened up the bidding process earlier this year and invited black and female-owned companies to pitch for channel 405 on its bouquet, once it became vacant.

The DA has welcomed the announcement, but also expressed the need for transparency within the media space.

“It is for this reason the DA has requested that MultiChoice make public their agreement with Newzroom Afrika, the list of bidders considered for the DSTV Channel 405 contract, and the ranking of the shortlisted bidders and relevant documentation for the DSTV 405 contract”, said DA MP Phumzile Van Damme.

On 20 August 2018, Multichoice pulled the plug on Afro Worldview, which was recently rebranded from ANN7, in an attempt to distance itself from its scandal-ridden reputation. The channel, previously owned by the Guptas, has been accused of having been used to spread misinformation on former President Jacob Zuma’s critics.

“We set out to find a quality new, black-owned, independent news channel to expand the diversity of SA news and enrich our democracy – we’re excited by the outcome”, said Multichoice CEO Calvo Mawela at the announcement.

Thabo Baloyi
t.baloyi@politicalanalysis.co.za