TopTV's dark cloud has finally seen a silver lining, with the acquisition of rights to screen the global lifestyle channel Fashion One's new African extension.
Struggling pay-television operator TopTV has clinched a deal with global television network Fashion One - a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bigfoot Entertainment, which is privately-held by Hong Kong-based Bigfoot Ventures.
An international channel featuring fashion, entertainment and lifestyle viewing, Fashion One announced its African expansion with the launch of its Fashion One Africa feed on SA's second pay-TV operator. The new feed will be available on TopTV (channel 179) nationwide, as of March.
Fashion One CEO Ashley Jordan says the company is excited to be part of SA's "growing global importance".
Jordan says, in addition to bringing fashion, entertainment and lifestyle programmes from around the world to the audience in SA, Fashion One will also showcase African talent with increasing investment in local productions.
Ian Woodrow, vice-president of channels at TopTV, says Fashion One is the first international channel globally to cover major African fashion events and Afro-centric style. "From Morocco to Cape Town, including Johannesburg, more and more African fashion weeks and other relevant events will be covered and broadcast on the channel."
Troubled times
The global company's interest in On Digital Media-owned TopTV comes at a time when the pay-TV operator is struggling to keep its head above water, amid various challenges.
The only rival to satellite TV giant MultiChoice's DSTV, TopTV faces no mean feat if it wants to win over subscribers.
Following a failed attempt to launch a separate adult entertainment package last year and the loss of a number of third-party content providers, TopTV is currently embroiled in another backlash from certain political and religious entities after submitting a second application for pornographic channels in December.
In addition, TopTV announced at the end of last year that it had been placed under "business rescue" in terms of the Companies Act. At the time, TopTV CEO Eddie Mbalo said the step was based on a "proactive decision" that was taken by the board to protect the company while it sought an equity partner.
Preceded by a number of financial and reputational blows, the decision followed news that three Turner Broadcasting channels - Showtime, Silver and Star! - would be discontinued on TopTV's platform as of the first day of 2013.
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