It seems The Guardian newspaper wants to give this online TV thing a go. Today, they are launching their online platform, Guardian TV which will feature exclusive video interviews and real time videos from across the world.
The website is www.tv.guardian.ng and the crew at Guardian TV will be getting help from other online news and video outlets such as Al Jazeera, Bloomberg, Omnisport, Reuters and AFP, on the international scene. Local collaborations will include partnerships with EbonyLife TV, Ovation TV and Channels TV.
Executive Director of The Guardian, Toke Alex Ibru is positive the online TV station will be a tool in transforming the video content scene not only in Nigeria, but in Africa. According to him, “Guardian TV will offer content providers a platform to reach out to larger audiences and demographics, both locally and internationally. I expect Guardian TV to in the not-too-distant-future become the number one source in Nigeria for quality short videos on news, entertainment and sports.”
Guardian TV is a joint effort of The Guardian and Ventra Media Group, a full-service digital marketing and rights agency. This is not the first time they are working together, as Ventra Media helped revamp Guardian’s website.
Ventra Media is based in Lagos and they help companies with building a strong online presence by building and engaging active communities across platforms. Speaking about this launch, CEO, Daryn Wober said, “We believe that Guardian TV represents the first of its kind in the market where a traditional newspaper business has stepped forward to provide a dedicated online video platform. The combination of Ventra’s product and technical expertise combined with the online reach of The Guardian will provide audiences with an unparalleled service.”
Well, I believe it’s a great idea for traditional newspaper companies to venture into new territory. The Guardian is one of the oldest newspapers in Nigeria and if anything, it shows they know how to keep up with the times.
There have been various forebodings regarding traditional media, what with the whole “print is dead” news that seems to be making rounds, and some people even think television news as we know it is dying. While all these seem like speculation, it’d be really smart for old media to take proactive measures.
The one thing to hope for now, is that Guardian TV doesn’t follow the footsteps of ThisDay’s ArIse TV, which shut down early this year. The Guardian and Ventra Media have already recorded success with the revamped Guardian website, so Guardian TV should, hopefully, follow suit.
Guardian TV is just one result of The Guardian’s investment into its digital operations and products. They have announced intentions to launch more products and services that compete at the international market. We’ll just have to keep our fingers crossed and wish them the best.
