KAMPALA — StarTimes has launched a weekday television show on its most-watched channels and StarTimes ON Mobile app to air during the COVID-19 lockdown.
StarTimes CEO, Mr. Franklin Wang said the much anticipated daily report show will air in various languages including English, Swahili, French, Portuguese and local languages around Africa.
With information changing on a daily basis, the show will offer the audience verified content, at a time when everyone is looking for news they can trust.
Mr. Wang added that the daily report will also give valuable tips, latest updates on coronavirus but also dispel disinformation about COVID-19.
The program, according to the PayTV leaders in Africa, aims at making sure that people in urban and rural areas from the continent all be equipped with knowledge weapon against the virus.
Key among other channels include St. Guide, Sports Focus, St. Novela E, St. Novela EW, St. Kungfu and St. Zone
Mr. Wang noted that StarTimes Daily, COVID-19 Report will provide viewers with updates and data about the pandemic in Africa and in the world.
“It will also share prevention knowledge, countermeasures and experiences of various countries so people can protect themselves and their families more effectively,” he said adding that: “As the COVID-19 is spreading, people have many questions about the virus.”
“Many rumors are spreading on social media and official information is sometimes difficult to get,” Mr. Wanga said promising that the new initiative will make information more accessible to viewers.
At the same time, he said, “we want to give people hope. They need to know that they are not the only ones fighting the virus and that the fight can be won. We shall overcome.”
StarTimes last week opened free access to over 100 international and local channels on its streaming media app, the StarTimes ON during the coronavirus lockdown.
Officials said the company is contributing to making people safe during this tough time.
Several countries in Africa and beyond have enhanced stricter guidelines to stem the Coronavirus spread.
In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni announced a shutdown of government services, except for the army, police, health services and essential services.
The East African country had registered 33 cases by Monday, March 30 night.
Announcing the strict guidelines and a ban on private transport and people’s movements, Mr. Museveni said this has been done because some private car owners had turned their vehicles into public transport vehicles “without a license”, saying such and the general indiscipline among the population was dangerous.
