The process whereby a programme partnership is arrived at begins with the producer submitting a programme proposal to the channel. This proposal is then evaluated according to the following criteria:

• The content is appropriate to Cape Town TV as a local channel serving the interests of the people of Cape Town. Cape Town TV’s editorial focus is on people, events, issues pertaining to Cape Town and its surrounding areas. No proposals dealing with matters pertaining to areas outside of Cape Town will be entertained; for example we would not accept a programme covering events in Johannesburg.
• The content is in line with Cape Town TV’s values as a community channel. These include human rights, freedom of expression, democracy, social justice, developing creativity and local talent. We would not consider programmes that reinforce negative stereotypes such as viewing women as sex objects, or which present social groups such as gay people or immigrants in a negative light.
• The capacity of the producer. Independent productions require producers with sufficient experience and ability to make the programme themselves and to source the necessary finance. It helps if a producer has access to relevant networks and in-depth knowledge of the field which they are covering. Business skills are essential for dealing with sponsorships where companies provide money for production in return for publicity/marketing exposure.
• If you’re new to the production field and want to develop your skills as a producer or presenter you can submit your idea to programming@capetowntv.org and we will consider developing your show as an in-house production (this applies to talk shows only).
• Duplication of programmes. Cape Town TV cannot air programmes which are similar to existing programmes even if such programmes are still in development. If another producer who has submitted a similar idea to yours fails to develop their concept into a programme after a specified period of time following approval, then their rights to the concept fall away and another producer will be given the opportunity to develop his/her concept.
• Please Note: We receive  many proposals, many of which are similar in nature, and we  cannot be bound by confidentiality agreements and the like.

Programming proposals can be sent to programming@capetowntv.org or they can be submitted to any senior staff member at Cape Town TV. 

Accepted Proposals

• When a proposal is accepted, the producer is provided with a Guarantee of Broadcast letter. This letter is valid for six months and commits Cape Town TV to broadcasting the programme once it is produced. The letter may be used by the producer to raise finance for the show.
• Cape Town TV will provide the necessary documentation required by prospective sponsors such as the channel’s viewership figures, audience demographics, broadcast signal footprint, etc.
• You may wish to meet with the Sales Department who will talk you through the sponsorship rights.
• From time to time Cape Town TV will run workshops for independent producer based on assessed needs to provide them with the information they require in order to build financially viable productions.
• When the necessary resources have been procured for production the producer may then enter into a Broadcast Agreement with the channel. This document sets out the terms of the agreement between the producer and the channel for airing the programme/series, the level of payment required, etc.
• Where commercial sponsors are given exposure within a show, the producer must follow Cape Town TV’s Sponsorship Guidelines. These set out what manner of exposure the sponsor is entitled to, including one free 30-second ad per half-hour, sponsor logos, break-bumpers, product placement etc. CTV is also willing to offer additional advertising outside of the programme to give sponsors a better return on investment.

CTV will ensure, through the selection of programming, that:

Programming reflects the widest diversity of people and interests in Cape Town, with a focus on mid-to-lower LSM audiences (although programmes targeting higher LSMs are also accepted).

No one particular interest group dominates the airwaves.

Programming is produced by a wide diversity of people across all ages, sexual orientation, disabilities, geographical area, class, race and gender.

Cape Town TV accepts proposals for programme series, documentaries, short films etc. for which producers wish to raise production finance and have aired on the channel.

If you have a programme which has already been made, you can have it aired on Cape Town TV – contact acquisitions@capetowntv.org for details.

Once a proposal has been approved, Cape Town TV may support partners by providing certain production services such as access to a TV studio at minimal cost.

Cape Town TV and its sales partner Viacom may assist partners to find funding or sponsorship.

The producer retains intellectual property rights to the show and may sell or distribute it elsewhere after a limited period. This pertains specifically to a) the physical material of the programme and b) any unique elements of the concept of the show.

Cape Town TV will have an exclusive broadcast window, after which it will retain non-exclusive broadcast rights for a contractual period.