[No Comment] Happy viewing for news junkies

For a news junkie like myself - most journos suffer from this affliction - the launch of e.tv’s 24-hour news channel was the highlight of the week. It’s sad I know, but for those of us who watch more news than entertainment on TV, getting a break from CNN’s overkill on the American presidential election, traffic congestion on London’s highways on the rather parochial SkyNews, the formality of EuroNews and the intensity of Al Jazeera; the prospect of in-depth, 24-hour coverage of our own backyard, is enticing. 702 Talk Radio has always been our constant news guru in times of crisis, and having our very own round-the-clock news station to access the visual impact of breaking news stories is long overdue. I’ve heard comments about the ‘too blue’ sets and the ‘eye candy’ that delivers the weather with an accent (maybe an attempt to introduce an international feel?), but overall, the impression is slick, professional and well done. It’s a real coup for e.tv to deliver such a strong news offering with a host of mostly homegrown talent poached from SABC and independent radio stations, names we all know and respect in news and talk show reporting/hosting. And after last night’s launch, I think Jeremy Maggs can ‘out-sauve’ Jeremy Thompson from Sky any day! Good luck to Debra Patta and her new team and catch it on DStv’s 403 channel to form your own opinion - let us know your comments by voting in our poll today.

Happy viewing!

Louise Marsland, editor@bizcommunity.com
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This column originally published 2 June 2008.