Television: Angola to Zimbabwe

Aug. 29 - Sept. 5, 2005 issue

By Nick Summers

When the Africa Channel launches on Sept. 1, network executives hope viewers will notice what's not being broadcast: images of HIV, famine, civil war and the other crises Americans usually associate with the continent. "We're not the Discovery Channel, either," says CEO James Makawa. "We're not dealing with animals here. We're dealing with lifestyle, travel, music, entertainment, showcasing a side of Africa that the Western world never sees."

The network, with offices in Los Angeles and Johannesburg , plans to rebroadcast shows written and produced by Africans, re-edited to include commercials for American viewers. The fare includes "Carte Blanche Africa," universally described as the "60 Minutes" of the continent; South African soap operas like "Generations" and "Isidingo: The Need," and "Big Brother Africa"—just like the British forerunner, but with contestants from 12 countries, from Angola to Zimbabwe. The idea is to show a cosmopolitan Africa , ready for American tourist dollars. HIV and famine stories will appear only on some news programs. Makawa says he expects the Africa Channel to be in 15 million to 20 million homes by the end of 2006. The network still has to finalize deals with big cable providers Comcast and Time Warner.