ZANews finds new home with TopTV

Cape Town - ZANews is moving to TV.

The web-based satirical puppet show has finally been picked up by a broadcaster and will be aired on TopTV on its flagship channel, Top One (channel 150), from September 11.

The puppet show features South African politicians and well-known characters and no subject is out of bounds. The puppets are designed by renowned cartoonist Zapiro.

In a press release issued by TopTV, ZANews producer and director Thierry Cassuto said: "Our puppets are very happy to have a weekly slot on television at last. Laughter and satire are the best antidote to doom and gloom that may result from watching other well known Sunday night shows." 

Full media partner

Cassuto told Channel24 that they have finally found a full media partner in TopTV, something that has been hard to come by for the independent show.

A pilot episode was sent to the SABC in late 2008, but after many months of negotiations, no deal was reached.

South Africans not ready

Cassuto said: "The negotiations with the SABC [in 2008/2009] were never conclusive, and the top management said South Africans were not ready for this.

"We would never be able to make a deal with the SABC because of the nature of our content."

In March 2010 ZANews received a window on the DStv business news channel Summit TV, where short snippets of the show were aired each night. Cape Town TV also gave the show some airtime.

Cassuto said ZANews has managed to arrange funding from local and international donors, but they are still on the lookout for a sponsor.

The new season of ZANews premieres on Top One (channel 150) on TopTV on Sunday September 11 at 21:00 with repeats airing on the following Tuesday at 20:30 and 23:30.