Africa-Press – Eswatini. The appointment of Mlamuli Dlamini as the new Eswatini TV Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has received a resounding response from creatives, as he mentioned that he would adopt a youth-focused approach for the broadcasting station.
A few creatives (including actors, singers, producers) said they had faith in Dlamini in making the TV station a home for the youth and locally-produced shows that would put the station on the map.
The creatives shared on the changes they would like to see, content and how important youth-based television was to them.
Ncwiki, a young rapper and graphic designer, stated that he would love to see more local and creative content that was fun and interactive.
“Let’s have more content that is fresh and up to date, more call out to youth content creators to come up with exciting concepts. With the high ratio of youth in the kingdom, a youth based television station ought to give them content that will inspire them to create opportunities for themselves,” he said.
He added that the country had a lot of young creatives who lacked platforms that would offer them a steady income.
Brand Strategist at Thirty Five Entertainment Network and Podcast host, Sibonelo Mkhombe said he would like to see Eswatini TV compete with big streaming platforms.
“I would love to see Eswatini TV involved in developing local creatives and perhaps broadcast awards like ‘Viewers’ Choice Awards.’
Content
“The content has to be what the masses are looking for, something that can entertain a different demography. The quality of shows can influence us in important ways like shaping our thinking and affecting our cognitive ability. The influence we get now is mostly foreign,” he stated.
Actor Sithembiso Kunene stated that since they were in a digital space, it was important to work with other creators.
“First and foremost, I’d like to see more of local content being produced and aired on the channel. YouTube vloggers getting an opportunity to have cross content with the internet and television would be appreciated.
“We are in a more digital space now, so I believe it’s important to work hand in hand with content creators so they can bring in the numbers on the channel,” he said.
The channel funding upcoming creatives and film-makers, according to Kunene, would also be a great initiative.
The actor stated that he believed there were a lot of local stories to tell- especially those that include the youth.
Hosting auditions for the films created by the youth that will play on the channel, therefore, would be a great addition for him.
“Youth-based television is important to me because it sends out a message of what is expected of us as the youth that is passionate about bringing a change to the country. It also helps the youth to be able to showcase their talent and to fund themselves through content that gives them advice on how to do that,” he said.
Professor Shabangu, who is in the film industry, said the channel should now focus more on local content and paying for that content.
“We would like to see them playing Eswatini content and paying for that content than contracting South Africans who are bringing nothing different from what we produce. Let them respect local talent,” he commented.
Another change he was hoping would be implemented was seeing more local music videos being played, locally-produced shows such as youth empowerment shows, dramas and films, and support of private content producers.
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