MorningShot is a South African digital media outlet focused on news and political analysis from an African perspective. Founded in January 2020 by political commentator Roman Cabanac, it publishes weekday videos and live streams that dissect party politics, governance and civil liberties, with an audience of South Africans seeking independent viewpoints. The channel builds out its coverage with interviews, vlogs and short documentaries—featuring conversations with figures such as advocate Mark Oppenheimer and musician David Scott (The Kiffness), and episodes on subjects ranging from firearms policy to hostage accounts from Gaza. MorningShot also runs a podcast feed that has explored issues like Cape independence campaigns, municipal rates boycotts and nuclear energy on the continent. By October 2025, the YouTube channel had surpassed 150,000 subscribers, 36 million views and more than 900 uploads, reflecting steady engagement for a niche political publisher. The outlet positions itself as an alternative to mainstream broadcasters, with commentary that often skews right‑of‑center and libertarian. It is funded primarily through small‑business advertising, product placements, direct audience contributions and e‑commerce, including branded merchandise and a coffee line. Beyond daily news hits, MorningShot’s cadence and topic mix give it a distinct role in South Africa’s online media ecosystem: fast‑turn analysis paired with issue‑driven interviews aimed at keeping viewers informed and invested in the country’s future.

Source: Code for Africa

Last updated date: July 2026

Location:
Johannesburg, South Africa
Year the organization started publishing:
2010
Languages:
English
Type of coverage:
International
Countries of coverage:

Content

Editorial coverage:
Generalist, focused on multiple topics
Type of content produced by theme:
Politics
Journalism genres:
Interviews and reporting
Opinion
Journalism coverage types and techniques:
Explanatory journalism
Tech platforms and other mediums used:
Social media platforms
Podcast
YouTube
Twitter
Facebook
Tiktok

Audience and reach

Social media audience

Facebook number of followers:
4,100
Twitter number of followers:
11,400
YouTube number of followers:
156,000
Tiktok number of followers:
18,100

Management and team

Founders

Female:
0
Male:
1
Founders:
Byron Shepherd
Directors:
Byron Shepherd

Team

Full-time employees:
1
Part-time employees:
0
Freelancers or consultants:
0
Volunteers:
0

Business structure and revenue sources

Organization tax status:
Not yet incorporated / registered

Why is this profile included?

This media outlet is part of our directory because it meets SembraMedia’s inclusion criteria: it produces original content, serves the public interest, and works with independence and transparency. This profile was developed using information provided directly by the media outlet, through surveys or interviews. We aim to keep the information current, but SembraMedia does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness, and recommends verifying any key details with the media organization.

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