Newman Street Television Programme

Newman Street weaves malaria and family planning messages in an "action-packed script that takes viewers from Newman Street to Highbrow, the posh home of John Atta. The plot boasts all the ingredients of irresistible television - tragedy, mayhem, laughter, love, deception and forgiveness - designed to attract millions of viewers". Newman Street is directed by "the award winning Bond Emeruwa and Fred Amata, and features Nollywood celebrities like Bimbo Akintola, Fred Amata, Bimbo Manuel, Sani Danja, Edmond Enaibe, and Sani Mu'azu". Newman Street is broadcast weekly on Sundays at 8:30 pm on digital TV, NTA StarTimes Channel 105, as well as on national network AIT every Monday at 7:00 pm.

The story's characters include Andy, who is a handsome barber who dreams of Afro hip-hop stardom. He is in love with the young and beautiful Funke but is torn when sexy Caroline lures him with promises of helping him get his big break. Mama Ejiro sews fashionable clothes in front of her family's home. She aspires to get training and improve her business. There is the upright Teacher Chongo who favours 1960s fashions and loves jazz and high-life music. John Atta is the heir to an oil company who seems to have a perfect life but lives at the mercy of his domineering mother.

Script development relied on current data from research on the thematic issues and writers were guided by a crop of content specialists. Before final production, to maximise impact and increase the appeal of Newman Street, all elements of the drama were pre-tested, and relevant suggestions from the audience were incorporated.

More information is available on the Newman Street website, and people can interact with the programme via the Newman Street Facebook page and Twitter @NewmanStreetTV.

Newman Street aims to translate EE to its social media platforms using non-traditional approaches. The "story mode" tells the stories of characters using pictures and conversation bubbles to drive messages home (e.g., "we never took malaria seriously and we paid a heavy price"). The picture quotes include direct messages, often featuring characters from the series (e.g., "the right family planning method is the one that suits you"). The "awoof puzzle" is an activity for audiences of the TV series, with mobile phone recharge cards up for grabs. On International Days, such as World Malaria Day, Newman Street social media channels take more direct approaches in delivering messages. Newman Street's social media platforms are evaluated monthly using analytics provided by each platform.

Family Planning, Malaria