Gone are the days when we used to watch TV on…well, wait for it…yes, you guessed it right, on TV. The advent of platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram have revolutionised the visual broadcast environment. So much so that TV will soon be a thing of the past. However, before we get to that, there are pertinent issues that need to be addressed, i.e broadband/bandwidth.
Be that as it may, it has not stopped Shaleen Manhire from entering the online visual broadcast environment and upping her ante. Before we talk to her, let’s reflect a bit about her resume.
The 27-year old online star hails from the neighbouring Zimbabwe but moved to South Africa when she was 12. She holds an Accounting degree at the University of South Africa and is currently busy with her MBA.
Before my interview with her, those close to her inform me she is “bright-eyed, passionate and driven”. After having been a part of her father’s business ventures, she decided to find her own in the world of celebrities thorugh online TV.
Ms Shally, as she is affectionately known, was nominated business woman of the year in 2012 by Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce.
Her online TV channel, Conquered TV, launched late last year. Her show sees her get up-close-and-personal with South African celebrities including super-songstress Lira, DJ Euphonik, Donald, Sade Gilberti and the usual suspects that are SA celebs.
Ladies and gentlemen, without any further adieu, let’s tap into Ms Shally’s mind about the world of celebritries.
Makisto: Internet TV viewing is taking the world by storm and South Africa is slowly transitioning into that space. How do you see the future of South African TV especially in the era of Conquered TV?
Like you said South Africa is in the transition phase and what slows down the transition is data is just expensive in SA, regardless we have a lot of traffic on Conquered TV. Being online gives us a huge advantage with people visiting our site from over 25 countries. I have no doubt in my mind that Conquered TV will be one of the best not only in SA.
Makisto: How big is the online TV viewing market in South Africa?
When we launched in December South Africa was on number one with over 125 000 hits and in January shockingly the UK was on number one with 173 000 hits and so far this month South Africa is on number one with the US second. Don’t underestimate the reach of internet TV.
Makisto: In South Africa and across the African continent, we cannot speak of internet TV viewing and ignore the issue of digital divide. What are your views on digital divide and what can we do to address it?
Yes that’s really a huge issue and one of the many issues that hold us back as a continent. Unfortunately it’s not something one can address alone but requires serious infrastructure to make it possible for people to have access and not only that many don’t have the know-how. I can go on and on but I still wonder if this matter will ever be one that can be solved.
Makisto: Tell us about your online show? Which celebrities you have interviewed stand out for you and why?
On Conquered with Ms Shally you hear how the A-list celebrities made it to the top despite the challenges they faced and how they conquered. We recognise the hard work the A-listers have put in to be called A-listers, get to know them not just the through the glitz and glam. Who stood out? [laughs] I will never be able to answer that question because each story blows me away.
Makisto: Given the editorial direction of your show, what are your views on celebrity and how it is made…uhm you know, your online show tries to humanise them by engaging with them on pre-fame and challenges into the world of celebrity?
[Laughs] Yes the show humanises them. It’s all hard work and knowing your brand. They made it because they did not give up even when some did not believe in them they kept on pushing.
Makisto: What role should the media be playing in this day and age in the brand that is celebrity?
Humanise them instead of making it seem like they are forever getting things easy, or they are always having a good time. Instead they also have bad days, they have feelings, they sit and strategies, they have to think of the next step they don’t earn good money for doing nothing.
Makisto: Should the media (print, broadcast and yes, online) buy into celebrities’ carefully crafted PR tactics to sway editorial direction?
Well many buy into it, but is that not what create sales? I’m just thinking from a business point of view, a celebrity has to sell him/herself hence create an image that can make a positive change to your bank account. If the media can at least cover the good and the bad and not causing harm in the process that would be good for many.
Makisto: The word celebrity has been used in a colloquial fashion to describe divas and people we see on TV. In your opinion, what makes a true celebrity in this day and age and which “celebrities” would you say live up to your description of celebrity?
In my opinion a true celebrity is one who understands and puts out his/her own brand in the right way and who is aware that he/she has people who look up to them as a role model therefore, they think twice before doing or saying something.
Makisto: Where can people watch Conquered TV?
www.conqueredtv.co.za
Ms Shally on YouTube
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