09 May 2021

YTV general manager has emphasised the need to grow the media, keep it alive and be independent in an effort to inform, educate and entertain the nation and ultimately promote democracy.

Rykie Wade said this at the opening of YTV new building and launch of a programme line-up recently.

Wade said they had signed many well-known personalities to join their line up and secured international content that would entertain the nation daily.

Over the last few weeks, she said YTV worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that local content was relevant and showcased exceptional talent in Botswana.

She explained that they have a wide range of programmes that cater for different age groups to elevate the station to the next level.

The programmes, she said included The Practice Live with Ndaba Nkomo, which focused more on Botswana leaders as well as Youth Plug, which dealt with young people and elevated young raw talent.

She said the Morning Show, The Spotlight, from 6am to 7am presented by Lawrence Seretse focused on issues of the day and would bring controversial discussions.

Again, she said every Thursday, Tulani Tau would host Sports Talk while on Fridays Apolo D would present the hip-hop show, The Foundation.

She added that their line-up also included a health show, Ask Dr Gure, where people would ask the questions, adding there would be a comedy hour on weekdays from 6-7pm.

She indicated that they had renewed their agreement with FIFA for European Premier League 2021/22 and revamped the news look.

Regarding local talent, Wade said they increased it to 34 per  cent in the past five months.

Further, she said the Zebra decoder, which includes 140 channels that they recently launched in Francistown, was in high demand.

Channels include five local channels, BTV 1, 2, Access TV and Khuduga TV. The content, she said included news, educational, religious as well as entertainment programmes, among others.

Wade indicated that they had entered into partnerships with other organisations to ensure that their vision was realised. Ends