NTV executive director’s TV philosophy without make up

Network Television (NTV) executive director Dani Booysen stated that his career in the media industry evolved alongside the rapidly changing demands of journalism, which increasingly require professionals to be multi-skilled across platforms. He explained that he began at Republikein in 2002 as a proofreader but almost immediately also became a news reporter and an all-rounder covering all topics and beats. He later advanced to deputy news editor, news editor and in 2013, editor of the Afrikaans daily newspaper. He noted that video reporting was already becoming integral to newsroom operations and that the paper’s 40th anniversary in December 2017 marked its first broadcasts on YouTube.The Executive director stated that presenting the group’s first chat show, Kletskompas, from May 2019 was both daunting and exhilarating. He added that the show is heading for 1 500 episodes. He further explained that the debut on DStv and GOtv in Namibia on 8 February 2022 required raising the level of production. He said that being in front of the camera becomes second nature through constant repetition and by studying oneself critically with advice from experienced professionals. He noted that conceptualizing and presenting the show Uit & Tuis Namibië for two seasons was another fulfilling highlight. Booysen further added that medium television allows one to discover talents, such as sport commentating, that they might not think they have. He stated that his full-time transition to NTV in March 2025 coincided with the establishment of NTV, NTV Afrika and NTV Afrikaans under Emeraldsand Platforms.NTV’s mission and approachBooysen emphasised that NTV sets itself apart by telling the stories of all Namibians from all locations and covering endeavors across the country as well as Africa beyond its borders, including the Western Cape and Northern Cape. He stated that NTV produces the biggest variety and volume of local content in a cost-effective manner, giving voices to journalists, communities, individuals, organisations and businesses while also skilling young people in technical aspects of filming and broadcasting. “This is TV without make-up, telling our stories as we are and as it is”, he said. He carried on by explaining that apart from embracing social media and YouTube from the start, NTV streams content not only on satellite TV and YouTube but also on oneuptwo.com where all content is available at any time. He added that “primetime is any time”. He noted that very soon NTV will take the next steps into multi-channel availability of content and additional programming for a growing audience across the region and worldwide.Challenges He stated that being effective and generating revenue for new media channels requires monitoring productivity and costs, engaging with clients and communities, and expanding reach. He explained that media reflects society and communities, and local content plays a key role in shaping Namibia’s identity, culture, perceptions, needs, wants, strong points and weaknesses. He said that change comes through storytelling.Behind the scenes and creative balanceThe NTV executive director also noted that the public rarely sees how long proper planning takes, including scripting, gathering footage, bloopers, second and third takes in recorded television and detailed post-production work. He explained that balancing business pressures with journalistic integrity and creative freedom involves telling stories on multiple levels in a truthful and humble way while allowing for creativity. He stated: “Met die hoed in die hand kom mens deur die hele land and the world”.Future outlookBooysen furthermore said that NTV shares experience in broadcasting and videography in a structured way with interns at the Namibia Training Academy and provides individual feedback on creative work. He stated that his proudest moments include helping numerous shows expand their combined multi-platform reach. Looking ahead, he explained that NTV will further cement and complement the way it tells the stories of Namibia while focusing on growth of its African and Afrikaans audiences in Southern Africa and beyond.He concluded by inviting viewers to participate, stating, "Be part of the story.” - “Wees deel van die storie” in Afrikaans.

NTV executive director’s TV philosophy without make up

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-24

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NTV executive director’s TV philosophy without make up

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-24

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