About
go is a defunct South African digital satellite channel which was part of the M-Net stable of genre channels on the DStv platform targeted at teenagers with a wide range of programming ranging from sitcoms and dramas to reality programmes, music shows and sophisticated animation series.
AVAILABILITY
DStv: Channel 84 (later 123)
PICTURE FORMAT
576i (SDTV, 16:9)
ABOUT
The M-Net channel KTV's annual Rainbow Research in 2002 indicated that there were 22-million South African teens aged 13-20, with an annual disposable income of between R4-billion and R6-billion. This lucrative target market was not being addressed by television, nor targeted by television advertisers.
The 13-20 age group was too old for so-called "kiddies programming" and too young for the often serious content of adult shows. Teens who participated in the Rainbow Research focus groups indicated their desire to be entertained with their own content and in their own language.
M-Net responded by launching the teen channel go on DStv. Placed strategically on Channel 84 (alongside MTV), go was first broadcast on 1 August 2003 and initially represented a potential audience of 409,000 teens.
The channel's positioning was unpredictable and off-the-wall and aimed to be one that teens could call their own. It offered a wide range of programming, ranging from sitcoms and dramas to reality programmes and sophisticated animation series.
go also launched with local programming in the form of a "what's happening and what's hot" programme called Vicious Delicious, as well as a locally-produced daily music show featuring both local and international artists.
International programming to air on go included Wildfire, The Assistant, Odd Job Jack, Out of the Blue, Nearly Famous, Rad Girls, The Dudesons, Bro' Town, Modern Toss, Making Menudo, Orange Roughies, Miss Guided, State of Mind, Kyle XY, Dirt, Ghost Whisperer, The Winner, Rock of Love, Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew, The O.C., Reaper, Friday Night Lights, Greek, Falcon Beach, My Boys, Gossip Girl, America's Best Dance Crew, Tori and Dean, One Tree Hill, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, The Simpsons, South Park and Entourage.
It also aired the first run of the South African teen drama series Angel's Song, about a feisty girl from Port Elizabeth who arrives in Johannesburg seeking fame and fortune. The series was produced by Clive Morris Productions for M-Net and it was the first original drama to air on go.
go was discontinued on Tuesday 23 June, 2009 and replaced with the new Vuzu channel, which launched on Wednesday 1 July, 2009. Much of the go programming was carried over to Vuzu, although several series were discontinued as a result of the brand repositioning.