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The Hallmark channel (DStv 108) will be changing to the Universal Channel on 24 March at 21:00 but still remain on DStv 108 with the same programming. I wanted to know whether the channel's name change would affect the ''new'' channels' repeat programming strategy and whether this is something that The Universal Channel will be addressing. I've spoken with a lot of Hallmark channel viewers who have the perception that Hallmark has more repeats than most other niche TV channels, and Now I can give you the answer on this first.
I asked John Burnett, vice president of commercial operations and Universal Networks International's managing director for Africa whether there will be less repeats of shows on the new Universal Channel.
''This is a common question which we're used to hearing,'' said John Burnett. ''Viewers have to remember and keep in mind that repeats allow different audiences to find a show over a period of time. It's part of a channel that there will be repeats. But we are investing more in first-run content. Some of the shows like the Law & Order franchises we're now securing, will be first-run on The Universal Channel. There will still of course be repeats.''
