VUZU LAUNCHES ON M-NET

M-Net breaks boundaries with new interactive youth Channel

M-Net - a leading content producer in the television industry - is launching a new youth channel to be broadcast to DStv audiences featuring a significant amount of local content.

Vuzu – which replaces the GO channel - officially launches on July 1, 2009, and this innovative channel is geared at increased interactivity through locally produced content which will also be available online with future plans to branch into the mobile space.

“Television remains a big part of this demographics’ lifestyle and ultimately this channel will provide a continental platform for young people to have access to the best and most relevant entertainment on their phones, PCs and television sets. This is an exciting new era in South Africa television and we are thrilled to be leading the charge,” says Yolisa Phahle Channel Director.

M-Net prides itself on providing premium international and local entertainment to its viewers and Vuzu is a reputable extension of this legacy. Supported by a social network that will be integrated to television, Vuzu taps into 21st century global youth trends featuring international, first and exclusive programming alongside locally produced gaming, entertainment and extreme sport.

“TV is reinventing itself and we are looking forward to working with all sectors of the local industry to create new and innovative ways to thrive in this fast evolving environment,” adds Phahle.

Aimed at 18 to 24 year olds, Vuzu’s viewer-centric programming mix includes international hit shows like Gossip Girl, Entourage, The Simpsons, Kyle XY, South Park as well as new locally produced shows like The Verge – a show devoted to all things high-tech and gaming; V Entertainment – a daily round up of the hottest local and international celeb gossip; Scar Tissue - which consists of various stunts performed by a professional crew across a wide spectrum of everyday situations; Street Cam – a show led by a female host with a “naughty” personality who patrols the streets, the beach and the mall, finding beautiful single women and asking them questions on-camera as well as a yet-to-be named locally produced reality show, to name a few.

Vuzu forms the second phase of M-Net’s new innovative youth programming. First to be launched on April 6 was the dedicated children’s channel Koowee which is aimed at preschoolers between the ages of one and six.

Further details of content on Vuzu will be released over the coming months.