Spreading HYPE in the UK
A DEAL between local cable channel HYPE TV and London’s CaribBe TV, will give Jamaicans in the United Kingdom easier access to programmes from home.
According to HYPE TV’s managing director, Johann Dawes, the alliance will expand his company’s brand.
“Despite the high number of first, second and third generation West Indians who call the UK home, there is still a distinct lack of quality TV programming from the Caribbean,” Dawes said. “Our strategic alignment with CaribBe TV will expand our distribution to over 20 million smart TV devices and will add another 30 million in the near future. There are also plans to add Android, iOS tablets and smartphones, and more connected TV devices.”
HYPE TV (How You Picture Entertainment) started 16 years ago. In 2005, the channel began broadcasting in the United States and the Caribbean via Direct TV. Last October, it launched in South Florida.
Dawes believes the deal with CaribBe TV shows Hype TV has come of age.
“HYPE TV revolutionised the perception of local cable and Jamaican pop culture being packaged as television content for the local and export market. We are the first 24/7 entertainment station in Jamaica, first Jamaican station to broadcast on Direct TV as a full channel, first Jamaican station to simulcast to the Caribbean region,”,Dawes explained.
Through the new link, the channel’s programmes, which include Up and Live, Pree Dis, the Entertainment Hub, VTX and The Release, will have a new audience in the UK.
“We have a reality series which showcases Jamaica in a positive non- stereotypical way that will begin airing shortly. We also have a travel and destination show, a live series as well as a local theatre series. There’s a lot from Jamaica that will be on show for the world to see,” Dawes said.
HYPE joins rival RE TV as the second Jamaican cable to be shown on CaribBe TV which has similar deals with CaribVision in Barbados and Tempo which operates out of New Jersey.
