I can exclusively break the news and reveal that MultiChoice and Discovery Networks CEEMEA will be adding and launching two new channels on DStv, TLC as well as ID: Investigation Discovery from Friday 14 October.
I can reveal that TLC will be added on DStv channel 186 and that ID: Investigation Discovery will be seen on DStv channel 252.
I've known for about a month about the coming addition of TLC and ID: Investigation Discovery, which will go live just two weeks after MultiChoice's just-added Studio Universal movie channel on the DStv platform. TLC and ID: Investigation Discovery are two of the three Discovery channels that's already been available on competitor pay TV platform On Digital Media's TopTV, but which will now be getting much wider availability within South Africa.
TLC, that just started in South Africa out of the retired Discovery Travel & Living brand is a female-skewed lifestyle, reality and factual entertainment channel, whilst ID: Investigation Discovery (ID for short) offers viewers a line-up of world-class crime-related documentaries.
This major addition of two Discovery channels bring Discovery Networks' portfolio on DStv to a massive 6 TV channels including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery World and Discovery HD Showcase. (Besides TLC and ID: Investigation Discovery, TopTV still has the great Discovery Science channel). Both TLC and ID: Investigation Discovery will start to run commercials and sell commercial airtime from the beginning of 2012 on DStv.
''We have had an outstanding relationship with DStv over the last 15 years and are confident that with the addition of TLC and ID, this will go from strength to strength,'' says Phillip Luff, the country manager for emerging business for Discovery networks CEEMEA.
''TLC and ID have been hugely successful in markets all over the world and their addition to DStv's Premium and Compact bouquet forms part of our continued investment in Africa. We're sure that DStv’s subscribers are going to love both channels,'' he says.
''The Discovery brands are world-famous for engaging audiences with a mix of entertainment and information, presented with emotion, spirit and style,'' says Aletta Alberts, MultiChoice's general manager for content.
''They continue to be global television leaders with innovative programming ideas and concepts that resonate with viewers, succeeding time and again in capturing the imagination. DStv understands that as our audience grows and their viewing needs become more diverse, we must evolve. To do so with a partner like Discovery, who really are dedicated to the needs of our audiences, is a significant step forward in building our products,'' she says.
