The partnership will allow The Africa Channel to support generated content and broadcast channels to be distributed to cable and streaming platforms.
The Africa Channel has partnered with Amagi, a provider of cloud-based technology for broadcast TV and streaming TV, to streamline its entire broadcast workflow across cable, satellite and digital OTT services.
The Africa Channel’s Amagi technology stack consists of Cloudport -the cloud-based channel playout platform; and Thunderstorm, Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI) platform.
Using a simple web UI, The Africa Channel moved all its content to Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud, generated playlists, schedules, added dynamic graphics and created broadcast-grade linear channels to be distributed to cable and streaming TV platforms.
The entire workflow can be managed from any remote location, including 24×7 monitoring of broadcast operations.
Launched in 2005, The Africa Channel showcases the African continent’s English language television series, specials, documentaries, feature films, music, soaps, biographies, current business analysis, cultural and historical programs.
A premium cable offering, The Africa Channel is made available in the United States through its principal partners Comcast/Xfinity and Charter/Spectrum.
“As we cater to both cable and streaming TV audiences, having two different broadcast operations impacted our ability to scale, and swiftly respond to rapidly changing viewer and platform preferences,” said Narendra Reddy, Vice President and General Manager, The Africa Channel. “Partnering with Amagi allows us to leverage their deep technical integration with leading video service platforms enabling The Africa Channel to reach the underserved African diaspora audience worldwide with premium African content.
“As traditional broadcast TV networks expand to OTT and on-demand formats, the ability to seamlessly unify both offerings is an important success factor. By leveraging the right cloud and automation tools, TV networks can accrue the benefits of integration such as a streamlined approach and lower costs. We’re happy to partner with The Africa Channel as it forges ahead in its mission to provide a window into modern African life to an ever-increasing audience,” said Srinivasan KA, Co-founder of Amagi.
Overall, Amagi manages 350+ channels, with deliveries in more than 40 countries. Amagi clients include A+E Networks UK, CuriosityStream, Discovery Networks, Fox Networks, NBCUniversal, People TV, Tastemade, VICE TV, Tegna, and Warner Media, among others.
