One Africa may retrench STAFF REPORTEROne Africa Television will implement a restructuring programme in the coming weeks, which may lead to job losses.
The private television station’s CEO, Cyril Lowe, said the situation was caused by the competitive environment One Africa Television finds itself in.
“Changes in the media landscape and the economic climate are once again forcing the company to re-assess its situation and to find a more viable model for its broadcasting operation,” Lowe said.
“During the last three years the company has come under severe pressure, mainly due to escalating costs in an industry where supply of content and distribution of our signal is done in foreign currency. We are funded by advertising only.”
According to Lowe, One Africa is in the process of streamlining its operations.
“Our first priority now is to streamline our operations to cover our costs. The unfortunate situation is that this affects our staff complement. The cost of producing local news is of such a nature that we cannot grow or sustain a news service that would remain competitive and relevant in an environment where the public has access to an increasing number of alternative services via satellite and online,” Lowe added.
He did not provide a timeline but said that the process was ongoing.
“The restructuring process has begun and it will continue over the next weeks. One Africa Television currently employs 35 staff members. Up to 12 staff members may be affected by the process.
“We are currently in consultation with these staff members. We have a high regard for our staff members who have served One Africa Television diligently and with commitment over a number of years. We thank them for their contribution towards the company,” Lowe said in conclusion.