Fred Media, the Australian content distribution business owned by WTFN, has acquired more than 300 hours of new content after closing partnerships with US broadcaster, The Africa Channel, and global digital network Tastemade - and will be of benefit to other broadcasters looking for volume new content for their schedules during the current crisis.
Roger Vanderspikken, chief operating officer at Fred Media comments: “At a time when broadcasters are looking for fresh new content – and in volume, we are delighted to be in a position to help. Our partnerships with The Africa Channel and Tastemade provide us with a wealth of new international titles, most of which take viewers to fascinating places, share new experiences and recipes, and introduce them to vibrant and original cultural scenes."
“African content has come into the international spotlight recently, and titles such as ours will help further demonstrate the high quality, exciting programming being produced in, and about, this colourful continent. Tastemade has a reputation for showcasing new chefs, new foodie destinations and all the latest food trends – so we are proud to be able to bring its innovative programming to the attention of broadcasters worldwide," added.
FRESH NEW CONTENT
As the official distributor for The Africa Channel, Fred Media has the worldwide rights to five new series:
• "Africa on a Plate" (26x30’), featuring rising culinary stars Lentswe Bhengu and Zama Memla as they explore new food scenes and innovative cuisines across the continent.
• "May’s Kitchen" (13x30’), celebrating the recipes of the Middle East with chef May Yacoubi.
• "Minjiba Entertains" (6x30’), with Nigerian food blogger Minjiba Cookey mixing modern cooking with the lifestyles of the hip and fabulous.
• "World Wide Nate" (13x30’), following adventurer Nate as he travels the continent to discover everything from the most exciting food and traditional cultures to new art scenes and endangered animals.
• "Forgiveness: The Project Ubumwe Story" (1x30’), an inspirational documentary series following the stories of perpetrators and victims of Rwanda’s genocide as they come together for the first time.
In addition, Fred Media has acquired a further 65 titles, covering drama, comedy, feature films, music, reality, lifestyle, food, biography and documentary, that are available to broadcasters in all African territories.
With Tastemade, Fred Media has acquired worldwide rights for 20 food-centric programmes, totalling in excess of 80 hours. Key titles include:
• "Behind the Dish" (13x30’), examining the signature dishes of the world’s top chefs.
• "Sourced" (6x30’), following host Guy Turland eating his way around the globe.
• "Day of Gluttony" (10x30’), where two guys conquer 24 restaurants within 24 hours in food-centric cities across North America.
• "Origins" (8x30’), with French-Filipino chef ErwanHeussaffvisiting the remote islands of the Philippines to discover the people, places and ingredients that define his home country.