New programming director: music at MTV Networks Africa

Helen Smit Courtesy of: Robert Hamblin

Smit will take responsibility for driving the programming strategy across MTVNA's portfolio of music brands, including pan-African music channel MTV Base, MTV and VH1.In her new role, she will oversee content scheduling, programme acquisition, research and planning.

Smit joins MTV Networks Africa from the Baynounah Media Group in Abu Dhabi, where she was deputy director of programming for its English language service targeted at expatriates in the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region. Having started her television career at the SABC TV news desk in the 80's, Smit was quickly promoted to insert producer for Good Morning South Africa, and subsequently freelanced for a wide range of South African production companies. She joined M-Net as commissioning editor, in 2002 was promoted to the role of general manager: KTV/GO and was appointed to the management board.

In the decade she spent with M-Net, Smit developed an insight into youth media consumption. In 2008 she took on the post of general manager: local content development and production, making pivotal choices regarding local TV content on a myriad of M-Net channels during a time in which the broadcaster was producing more local programming than ever before in its history.

Commented Alex Okosi, senior vice president and managing director, MTV Networks Africa, "We are delighted to welcome Helen into the fold at MTV Networks Africa. Her insights into youth media consumption habits and expertise in scheduling across multiple platforms will be a valuable addition to the business as we continue to expand our African TV and content multiplex."