MTG Launches New Free-to-Air Channel in Africa

STOCKHOLM: Modern Times Group (MTG) has launched its first-ever free-TV channel in Tanzania, under the TV1 brand.

The general entertainment channel is available through Tanzania's digital terrestrial network. It is available to up to 30 percent of the country's 48 million people. TV1 features a mix of locally produced news and entertainment, as well as international movies and TV series. The targeted audience is 15 to 49, with a slight female skew.

TV1 marks MTG's second African free-TV channel, following on the launch of Viasat1 in Ghana in 2008.

Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, the president and CEO of MTG, commented: “We are proud to launch our second African free-TV channel. We are committed to further expanding our presence not just in Tanzania but also in other fast growing African countries and economies. We will bring viewers a wide range of local and international shows that will provide top quality entertainment for the whole family.”

Joseph Hundah, the executive VP of the group’s African operations, added: “TV1 is our second free-TV channel launch in Africa, and we have benefitted both from our experience of launching a channel in Ghana, and from our presence in Tanzania through our pay channels over the past few years. We have built everything from the ground up to ensure that we have the best possible local facilities, to provide the platform for future growth and, most important of all, to ensure that we deliver the most exciting, relevant and engaging TV experience for our audience.”