Anele Mdoda set to play a major role in local TV production after acquiring Rapid Blue from the BBC

In the deal arrangements Rapid Blue, the biggest independent TV production company in South Africa, will continue to work closely with the BBC at a commercial level, including having access to its state of the arts studios.

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

Influential broadcaster Anele Mdoda is set to become a major player in the media industry, after she and her partners bought Rapid Blue from the BBC.

Anele has played a major role on the South African broadcasting industry, both on radio and TV, as well as in the film industry mainly in front of the mic, with limited access to opportunities behind the scenes, such as in film

However the acquisition of Rapid Blue, the biggest independent TV production company in the country, has positioned her as a major player in local TV production industry.

What makes this deal is especially appealing is that Rapid Blue under its new ownership, will continue to have a commercial relationship with the BBC, particularly its studios, suggesting continuity of its prime position in TV production in the country, leading the way in telling South African stories for TV audiences.

Mdoda, who these days also is known as Anele Mgudlwa, after marrying an attorney going by that surname, she and her business partners, bought the production company throughRose and Oaks Media, in which, Anele, Frankie du Toit and Paul Buys are shareholders.

The amount involved in the acquisition, has not been disclosed.

However, according to Business Explorer publication, the “BC Studios has confirmed it will maintain its commercial relationship with Rapid Blue.

This dealo is set to change the TV media ownership pattern in the country, a terrain that for the longest of time, was dominated by players such as M.Net.