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The Universal Channel (DStv 108) is expanding its programming into the reality TV genre with reality shows now being added to the entertainment channel's schedule - and the promise of more to come in the future.
I asked the Universal Channel's programming director Chrystele Fremaux about the reality genre addition, who says that the Universal Channel hopes ''that the introduction of it will be successful''. Although ''the heart of the channel is still and will remain drama,'' she says, the channel is looking into widening its appeal with this ''highly appealing'' genre addition.
Click on READ MORE below for the complete Q&A with Universal Channel's Chrystele Fremaux.
The Universal Channel (DStv 108) is expanding into the reality genre. What has prompted this genre addition to the channel and why specifically reality television?
As a general entertainment channel, Universal channel is aiming to focus on all genres, from suspense and action to comedy, and on all formats, from series and movies mainly to also reality - a format that was previously missing on the channel, and that is highly appealing in all main markets especially towards the female and younger audiences.
What are some of the upcoming reality properties that South African viewers will be able to see in the upcoming months on the channel?
Million Dollar Listing in October 2010 will be the next series to premiere on Universal channel. As for our scripted series, we focus on shows featuring strong characters and engaging personalities, as this is the trademark of the channel. The shows we are premiering have been originally produced for Bravo, the leading American pop culture channel.
Will the reality genre addition be a permanent addition or is it experimental for now to test audience reaction, or will it continue indefinitely from now on?
Reality is a limited portion of the schedule and we hope that the introduction of it will be successful. However, the heart of the channel is still and will remain drama.
What has been the motivation on where on the schedule reality is being placed? Will that become a dedicated reality timeslot or might it change from month to month or over time?
Timeslots can always change depending on competition. At the moment, the main slot is Tuesdays at 21:50, just after the iconic comedy Two and a Half Men, which is also a recent addition to our line-up. We believe these two shows will appeal to a new audience.
There is a noticeable increase in more action oriented programming as well, especially in made for TV movies in the ''action drama'' genre and more coming up towards the end of the year. Is that also a deliberate change in terms of what Universal Channel is filling the schedule with for viewers?
Absolutely, we aim to keep a good balance between all entertainment genres, investigation and suspense, comedy, and action. Depending on the time of the day, our audience will always find what they are looking for.
Besides reality, are there other genres that haven't been seen on Universal Channel before that the channel is considering or have decided to introduce or explore as well?
We monitor closely all television trends and keep our minds open to any new genres that could fit our promise of great entertainment.
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Universal Channel (DStv 108)
