Jean-Luc Maertens has joined the EuroNews team in the newly created position of Distribution Manager for Africa. A journalist specialising in Africa and former manager of the Africa and Indian Ocean desk for Canal France International, 55-year old Jean-Luc will be in charge of boosting EuroNews presence in Sub-Saharan Africa through distribution on all broadcasting media.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, EuroNews is the only international news channel distributed via all satellite platforms. The channel currently reaches more than 3 million households. It is also the only international news channel broadcasting around the clock in Africa via direct terrestrial distribution (in Kinshasa since 2004).
Philippe Cayla, Chairman and CEO of EuroNews, explained that “EuroNews is the top international news channel in Europe and we want to become the leading international channel in Africa. I am convinced that Jean-Luc Maertens, thanks to his experience, knowledge and relations, will enable us to reach our strategic targets on this continent. I am confident that he will develop the presence and renown of the channel in Africa.
Jean-Luc Maertens, Head of Distribution for Africa, added: “I am delighted to join EuroNews, a channel which enjoys an excellent image in Africa. I have seen that the rigor of the channels editorial line, its independence and European perspective are considered important qualities by the television audience. Africans are genuinely interested in Europe, as they themselves work towards the construction of regional political and economic cooperation.”