You're reading it here first.
Well Ripley, believe it or not: I can reveal that the Syfy channel would love - let me emphasise that - simply love to be (back) in South Africa.
The only question is: will it be MultiChoice's DStv or On Digital Media (ODM)'s TopTV who will be first in the space race to show Syfy some love and snap up this niche, yet neutron star? DStv unceremoniously jettisoned the Sci Fi Channel in 2004 out the airlock just like Hal tried to do to Bowman in that other odyssey. Then, like a malfunctioning R2 unit, DStv cited low viewership for the Sci Fi Channel's untimely demise, saying that the Sci Fi Channel was just not popular enough, that science fiction as a genre wasn't watched enough in South Africa and that the channel was just too niche. Well. Sadly that Jedi mind trick worked but the last time I checked that movie with flying dragons and blue people (and I'm not talking the new Smurfs) is very popular. Perhaps its high time that DStv or TopTV reopen 'em pod bay doors, Hal!
I asked Universal Networks International that operates several channels - also Syfy (the Sci Fi Channel has since been renamed) - about their expansion plans in South Africa. The answer was quite revealing and interesting - indicating that Universal Networks International would love to bring Syfy back.
''We recently launched The Universal Channel with DStv,'' Colin McLeod, managing director CEE & BNA for Universal Networks International answered me. ''This was a resounding success and we're looking forward to launching more channels with DStv and in the region.'' Colin McLeod notes that Universal Networks International currently manage a portfolio of channels that's not yet available in South Africa, ''including Syfy, Studio Universal and 13th Street''. ''We'd welcome the opportunity to launch those channels,'' says Colin McLeod, adding: ''Africa has rapidly become a dynamic and exciting multi-channel market for Universal Networks International and we'll consider further local investment as our commitments to the region grow.''
For added perspective on this, keep in mind that MultiChoice also carried out a little known survey earlier the year to test how viewers would feel about a possible science fiction channel. With MultiChoice's new viewership measuring tool DStv-i even a channel such as Syfy with a small but dedicated and devoted audience and following would now be able to be measured and quantified for advertisers - something that wasn't possible even a year ago. Should Syfy make a return back to the future in South Africa, the channel - fondly remembered by viewers - will also garner new fans who would be, well, just over the moon.
