Al Jazeera English has announced that they have enlisted South African Redi Tlhabi, well-known for her television and radio conversations, to front a new weekly talkshow on the channel.

Her Al Jazeera programme will be a mix of politics, culture, music, health and science.

A studio is being specially constructed for the show in Johannesburg. Guests will appear there, while Redi will also travel worldwide for interviews.

Al Jazeera said that the show being anchored in South Africa further demonstrated their commitment to truly global programming.

Paul Eedle, Al Jazeera English’s director of programmes said: “The show is based in South Africa, but is global in reach. Redi and the entire production team are from the region. We’re deliberately hosting the show outside of the ‘traditional centres’, further strengthening our global offering. Forty percent of Al Jazeera’s output is programming, and with our dedication to exposing viewers to cultures worldwide, this is an important addition to our lineup.

“Viewers will love Redi’s approach and style. It’s always great to attract talent and to put them on the global stage.”

Redi Thlabi said: “I’m passionate about conversation and hearing peoples’ stories. The show will be about people and for people all around the world. It is there to highlight extraordinary people, not only those who are famous, but those who live their lives out of the spotlight and have still achieved the impossible and have done the admirable.

“I’m on the record in the past as having said that if I went back to television that I’d want to do something trusted, and give a voice to the voiceless. I want this show to build understanding between people across the world, and there’s no better platform for this than Al Jazeera.”

Redi already has a strong talkshow pedigree, having interviewed figures like Nelson Mandela, Colin Powell and Bono.

The show will commence before the end of 2012. – TradeArabia News Service