After two years of meticulous preparation, the eNews Channel launched its 24-hour news service on Sunday 1 June at 19h00, which is a first for South Africa.
"We are taking what is already a powerful brand on e.tv and expanding it into a 24-hour news channel," said Bronwyn Keene-Young, e.tv's Chief Operating Officer.
"Our research into what South Africans want from a multi-channel environment proves undoubtedly that news is at the top of the list.
"We are particularly proud that the eNews Channel is being established by the same team that was responsible for the success of eNews over the past four years.
"The set-up involved a multi-disciplinary team of highly committed professionals including news, IT, engineering, archives and operations specialists who have put in a tremendous amount of work to make this a reality."
The studios have the latest technologies like high-definition plasma touch-screens, robotic cameras and satellite newsgathering trucks.
Redi Direko and Jeremy Maggs officially launched the channel when they kicked off with their primetime News Night slot at 19h00.
They will anchor the weekday primetime 19h00-21h00 News Night slot and Maggs will present a new half-hour show, Maggs on Media, on Sunday mornings at 09h30.
Says Maggs: "To be part of 24-hour news has to be the biggest media happening in years. Some of my career highlights include interviewing Larry King and doing a better job than he would have; visiting Cuba for a week long outside broadcast and getting my first newspaper by-line on The Herald newspaper in PE. And this moment counts as one of them."
Redi Direko agrees that there are numerous opportunities waiting to be explored at eNews Channel. "Working with an experienced and great journalist like Jeremy is one," she says.
"Being on a 24-hour news platform means that we will be reaching more people who are informed and have the latitude to exercise their choice. It is important to deliver a world-class product. So, that is a huge challenge."
The channel is available on DStv Premium and Compact bouquets, on Channel 403.
eNews Channel Line-up
| MONDAY - FRIDAY |
| Time |
Programme |
Information |
| 06h00-09h00 |
Morning News Today |
The latest morning news headlines, weather, sport and business. Anchored by Mcfarlane Molele and Tshepang Motsekuoa. |
| 09h00-12h59 |
News |
Up-to-date news bulletins, sport and weather information. Anchored by Uveka Rangappa. |
| 13h00-16h00 |
News Day |
The latest afternoon news headlines, business news, sport and weather. Anchored by Andrew Barnes and Robyn Smith. |
| 16h00-19h00 |
News |
Up-to-date news bulletins, sport and weather information. Anchored by Iman Rappetti. |
| 19h00-21h00 |
News Night |
News Night with Redi Direko and Jeremy Maggs is two hours of all the day's primetime news, business headlines, sport and weather. Includes interviews with newsmakers of the day, special reports and breaking news. |
| 21h00-00h00 |
News |
Up-to-date news bulletins, sport and weather information. |
| 00h00-05h29 |
News |
Repeat of News Night. |
| SATURDAY – SUNDAY |
| Time |
Programme |
Information |
| 05h30-05h59 |
Early Weather |
Detailed weather forecast for South Africa for the next 24 hours displayed in graphic animation. |
| 06h00-17h00 |
News |
Up-to-date news bulletins, sport and weather information. |
| 17h00-20h00 |
News |
Today’s top news stories, business headlines, sport and weather. Includes interviews with newsmakers of the day, special reports and breaking news. Anchored by Lebogang Nthathe. |
| 20h00-20h30 |
Sports Night |
Wrap of weekend sports news and results. |
| 20h30-00h00 |
News |
Up-to-date news bulletins, sport and weather information. |
| 00h00-05h29 |
News |
Repeat of the top news stories over the past 24 hours. |
Current Affairs ShowsThe following current affair programmes are inserted into the daily line-up.
| Time |
Programme |
Information |
| Tuesdays, 21h00-21h30 |
3rd Degree |
3rd Degree is a hard-hitting investigative current affairs show hosted by Debora Patta. It aims to expose wrong-doings and incompetence and to interrogate the actions of those in positions of power and to put them on the spot.
Repeats
09h00 (Wednesday)
23h00 (Thursday)
12h00 (Friday)
12h00 & 23h00 (Saturday) |
| Tuesday, 21h30-22h00 |
3rd Degree Plus |
3rd Degree Plus is the viewers' opportunity to debate the issues tackled by 3rd Degree with Debora Patta.
Repeats
09h00 (Wednesday)
23h00 (Thursday)
12h00 (Friday)
12h00 & 23h00 (Saturday) |
| Saturday, 09h30-10h00 |
Inside Out |
Inside Out goes beyond the rhetoric, looking instead at the human being behind the headline. Hosted by Pat Pillai, Inside Out includes conversations, debates and panel discussions about society; success, leadership, business and lifestyle in a new global era. Inside Out is informative television for the intelligent, upwardly mobile, thinking viewer. Expect interviews with influential leaders in business, sport, politics, culture and social enterprises.
Repeats
11h00 (Saturday)
23h00 (Sunday)
10h30 & 23h30 (Monday)
12h30 (Tuesday)
15h30 (Wednesday) |
| 22h30 - 23h00 |
The Showbiz Report |
The Showbiz Report is South Africa’s only dedicated entertainment news show. Nicky Greenwall showcases local and international showbiz news with a focus on what’s making headlines now. Nicky travels the country and the globe to bring viewers up to the minute coverage on the stories the world is talking about.
Repeats
Repeated at 10h30 & 23h30 (Sunday)
11h30 (Monday)
15h30 (Tuesday) |
| 09h30-10h00, Sunday |
Maggs on Media |
Maggs on Media focuses on the full media mix – reporting on critical issues facing journalism, advertising and branding. Hosted by Jeremy Maggs the show talks to key players and reports from the field.
Repeats
17h30 (Monday)
10h30 (Tuesday)
23h30 (Wednesday) |