Studio Universal on DStv tripled its audience in South Africa in the past year; now second most watched movie channel in the country, says UNI.

Since launching a year ago in October 2011 on MultiChoice's DStv pay-TV platform, the South African viewership of the Studio Universal (DStv 112) channel has more than tripled, making it the number two most watched movie channel in the country, says Universal Network International (UNI).

Studio Universal got upgraded to a high definition (HD) channel on DStv at the beginning of this month, as well as The Universal Channel (DStv 117) which is also run by UNI.

"The HD launches correlate to remarkable viewership growth for both channels across Africa and demonstrate UNI's ongoing committment to the African market," says UNI in a statement.

The Universal Channels' audience has grown consistently year-on-year for the past three years, increasing by 60% in January to September 2012, compared to 2010.

"The entire UNI portfolio - which includes Studio Universal, Universal Channel, the recently refreshed E! Entertainment (DStv 124) and Style (DStv 173) - has gone from strength to strengh, with strong year on year growth in audience share," says UNI.

"The [Studio Universal and Universal Channel in Africa] channels' high-quality international series and movies, tailored to the local market, have resonated with the African audience and we will continue our investment in the region to further enhance viewer experience," says Colin McLeod, the managing director for emerging markets at Universal Networks International.