FLOW & eMedia partnership delivers original local shows & a multi-media advertising solution

Top quality local programming has been a demand of Jamaican television viewers that dates back many years. The feeling has always been that they want to see shows that depict situations that are immediately relatable to them.  A new partnership between Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited, operators of Flow and eMedia Interactive, will introduce a slate of original, locally produced shows to Flow TV and iVuTV.com starting October 25. 

This partnership is a unique and compelling proposition for viewers and advertisers alike and could yet again change the local landscape for brand owners who seek to communicate with key target audiences to position their products and services. Flow and eMedia Interactive through its online platforms iVuTV.com and eZine, have created a very unusual mix of media properties that will provide a global platform to showcase locally produced, Jamaican television shows, and with that, provide the only true multi-media platform for local and regional advertisers.

eMedia Interactive has in (5) years established itself as one of Jamaica’s most dynamic online media and production outfits, transitioning a local magazine publication from the store shelves into the digital realm with the creation of a series of digital magazines, or eZines. The Company has since launched iVutv.com as the region’s first online television network through private financing of US$350,000 from Sagicor Investments (formerly Pan Caribbean Financial Services). 

“Our unwavering commitment to always go in search of the best quality content that is available for our dedicated cable television subscribers, will be on show yet again through this partnership with eMedia Interactive. Through their efforts, we will now begin to develop a consistent supply of original local shows, to fulfil the appetite of our subscribers,” said Donovan White, vice president, marketing &sales, Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited, commenting on the partnership recently.

Flow TV is the local broadcast channel of the Flow cable television (CTV) service, available on Channel 100 for Flow subscribers. Originally launched to provide information for Flow subscribers, channel 100 (Flow TV) has continued to evolve and (2) years ago was re-launched with a new and expanded programming line-up. Today, Flow TV is one of Jamaica’s leading broadcasters of original and syndicated shows, that is almost 100% locally produced. In fact, Flow TV has brought innovation to television programming in Jamaica by being the first to syndicate local shows, giving producers and content developers significantly more earning opportunities for their work which would not have existed (10) years ago.

The partnership between the two entities will deliver a number of new, high quality local productions into its revamped programming line up, to entertain the discerning Jamaican consumer, and providing a vehicle for advertisers to make that all important connection with an audience of immense variety and volume.

“We will invest over J$30M over the next eighteen months to deliver more than (15) original programmes to fill Flow TV’s WEEKEND PRIME segment,” said Tyrone Wilson, CEO - eMedia Interactive. “These programmes fall into different genres; drama, comedy, documentary, and talk shows. The first five will premiere on Flow TV starting October 25^th, with more to follow in early 2014.”

“Our subscribers are assured of the best opportunity to view and enjoy the shows, because we have created a special timeslot called ‘Weekend Prime’, where we will premier new local shows. The weekend prime slot runs from Friday – Sunday between 6pm and 9pm on Flow TV (Channel 100),” White continued.

“We believe viewers and advertisers will be the ultimate winners in the end, as this partnership provides great leverage for them to get more value for their brand dollars, since it can be positioned across all three properties; Flow TV, iVuTv and eZine. ” said Michael Look-Tong - director, Columbus Communications Jamaica operators of Flow.

The shows that will premiere on Flow TV’s ‘Weekend Prime’ on October 25, 2013 are:

·         Squaddy – a comedy drama following the exploits of 2 young men from the inner city who are recent recruits to the police force; 

·         my wknd – a reality series that gives the viewers a sneak peak into the life of a popular celebrity as they enjoy their weekend;

·         Your Money: on the Edge – a series about young entrepreneurs & their efforts to grow their businesses;

·         The Plus (+) Side – a talk show that focuses on what’s good about Jamaica as a stark contrast to the daily negative news;

·         50 Years of Entrepreneurship - a 4 part Documentary – which explores the roots of indigenous Jamaican business development from 1962 to 2012.