In the fast-paced world of digital media, 2023 has proven to be a ground-breaking year for The Sandton Times.

• From the airwaves to digital platforms, the brand has reached new heights.
• The year saw expansion onto new digital audio platforms, a mobile app and even a brand awareness campaign.
• With sights set on 2024 and an array of expansion plans, 2023 has set the tone for what is to come for The Sandton Times.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

In 2023, The Sandton Times transcended the ordinary, establishing itself as a formidable force in the digital media and content creation space. From the airwaves of Mix 93.8 to the global reach on new digital platforms, The Sandton Times raised the bar on content creation and curation.

The Sandton Times Hour, a weekly podcast and radio show, has emerged as a powerful player in the industry. Broadcasting every Monday on Mix 93.8, DStv Channel 823, and streaming worldwide, the show has become a melting pot of creativity and diverse perspectives. What sets it apart is not just its unique content locations, from a cruise ship off the South African coast to the majestic Victoria Falls in Zambia, but also its impressive line-up of high-profile guests.

The show’s guest list reads like a who’s who of diverse talents, featuring Australian Survivor’s ‘King’ George Mladenov, Comedian Kevin Fraser, Chairman of Sotheby’s International Realty South Africa Lew Geffen, Global Whiskey Ambassador for Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey Kevin Pigott, Nelson Mandela’s personal chef Xoliswa Ndoyiya, Miss South Africa 2023 Natasha Joubert, LEGO Group Set Designer Ollie Gregory, and many more.

While it may not have clinched the title of the best new podcast of 2023, The Sandton Times Hour has achieved something arguably more sustainable. Listing on Amazon Music and Afripods, the show has broken through the borders of South Africa, finding a place in the international podcast scene.

The numbers speak volumes. The Sandton Times Hour has climbed the ranks on Apple Podcasts in various countries, including Mauritius, South Africa, New Zealand, and Namibia. The 2023 Spotify Wrapped data reveals an even more impressive picture. The show was streamed in 12 countries, with South Africa leading the charge at 76% of total streams. The United States, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Qatar, and Germany followed suit.

The demographic data further underscores the show’s broad appeal. With 49% of listeners being female and 64.8% falling in the 28-59 age bracket, The Sandton Times Hour caters to a diverse audience. Podcast enthusiasts are not only tuning in for entertainment but also exploring other genres like Business, Society & Culture, and True Crime.

What’s intriguing is the platform of choice for listeners. The majority opt to tune in through The Sandton Times website, showcasing the brand’s successful digital-first approach. With a 4.9 rating on Spotify and a 28% growth in listenership, the podcast is not just maintaining its momentum but accelerating into new territories.

The Sandton Times didn’t limit its expansion to the audio realm alone. In 2023, the brand launched on LiSTN, a new Apple and Android mobile app, making its content more accessible than ever. This strategic move aligns with the mobile-first trend in African markets, as highlighted by PwC’s latest report on Africa Entertainment & Media Outlook 2023 – 2027, where 5G smartphone penetration in South Africa reached 43.3% in 2022.

As the year progressed, The Sandton Times turned its attention to a sleek and minimalist brand awareness campaign. Digital billboards adorned key traffic arteries, ensuring that the brand’s presence was felt across greater Sandton. The 60-day campaign, strategically placed from St Stithians private school’s main entrance to Montecasino and the Design Quarter, reached an estimated 1-million contacts.

The brand’s journey from Mauritius to Miami, Germany to Botswana, Namibia, Dubai, and beyond speaks volumes about its commitment to delivering compelling content and first-hand insights, bringing the world to Sandton and Sandton to the world.

In the dynamic landscape of media, The Sandton Times has not just kept pace; it has set the bar high, proving that 2023 was not just a year in the calendar but a chapter in the brand’s remarkable growth story.

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