The BBC is finally changing its set of BBC channels on MultiChoice’s DStv pay-TV platform to update it to the rest of the world from September.
At the beginning of the month BBC Worldwide
told TV with Thinus in response to a media enquiry there isn’t a date yet for when
the BBC channels will be changing, but is now saying the channels will change
at the end of this month.
BBC Entertainment and BBC Knowledge on
MultiChoice’s DStv in Africa is ending.
BBC Knowledge is being changed to BBC Earth
on channel 184. BBC Earth, still a documentary channel, will be upgraded to a
high definition (HD) channel. BBC Earth will become available on 1 September.
BBC First, will launch on DStv on 18 October
on channel 119 for DStv Premium subscribers. BBC First will show original
British drama series – a new version of BBC Entertainment.
BBC Lifestyle and CBeebies, the kids’ channel,
will remain unchanged.
BBC Brit which will launch on 1 September on
channel 120 on DStv, is a new channel targeting men, a factual entertainment
channel which will carry shows like Top Gear.
“BBC Brit, BBC Earth and BBC First bring
together some of the world’s biggest names and best programme-makers in three
brilliantly curated, high-quality channel brands,” says Paul Dempsey, the
president for global markets at BBC Worldwide.
“These channels capture what’s special about
British TV and our South African launch marks an important step in the
company’s global strategy as we continue to inspire audiences with distinctive,
premium programming."
"Our African viewers clearly have a deep
affection for BBC programming,and as a leading content distributor, we will
continue to deliver high-quality, premium content to our channels for many
years to come,” says Joel Churcher, the general manager and vice president for
Africa at BBC Worldwide.
