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Food fundi's . . . start frothing! I can be first to reveal that MultiChoice is set to imminently announce the addition of the brand-new TV channel, The Food Network that will debut on DStv tomorrow, 2 December at 12:00 on DStv channel 185. The Food Network will broadcast for 24 hours per day.
I have reliably learnt that final negotiations between MultiChoice on the one side, and the London-based Chello Zone and Scripps Networks Interactive that distributes the American food channel internationally, was concluded last night and that The Food Network will launch tomorrow in South Africa. The Food Network is already seen in some other parts of Africa.
The Food Network returns to South African viewers a dedicated food TV channel after the previous food channels - the Carlton Food Network and BBC Food - that MultiChoice had on the DStv bouquet, were discontinued. The Food Network will introduce South African viewers to a tasty plethora of foodcentric shows, from ''how to'' preparation shows, as well as more entertainment skewed food shows including some lifestyle and reality genre shows.
From tomorrow viewers would be able to see Iron Chef America, and the Food Network Challenge, Barefoot Contessa with Ina Garten, Throwdown with Bobby Flay and 30 Minute Meals with the American chef and talk show host Rachael Ray who got her start on this channel.
''We know South Africans and our subscribers love food and watching food channels. MultiChoice is very happy to reintroduce a 24-hour food channel on the DStv platform,'' says Aletta Alberts, MultiChoice's general manager for content. ''As we are heading into the festive season, we are especially delighted to give our subscribers this gift of a dedicated food channel to help them prepare their festive treats.''
