BBC Worldwide Channels runs the TV channels BBC Entertainment, BBC Lifestyle, BBC Knowledge and CBeebies on MultiChoice's DStv platform in South Africa.
Calling 2012 a "great year for the BBC channels portfolio in South Africa in an ever competitive market," Jon Farrar, the vice president for programming for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region for BBC Worldwide Channels says "a growing audience have enjoyed the diversity, quality and depth of programming which our BBC channels have to offer".
"Our viewers will have even more to look forward to in 2013 as we continue our commitment to bringing the very best of British television and on-screen talent, original and exclusive commissions and global TV viewing events to our South African audiences."
According to BBC Worldwide Channels, the BBC Lifestyle (DStv 174) channel consistently ranks as the number one lifestyle TV channel on DStv despite tough competition.
The channel's viewership was helped in 2012 by The Great British Bake Off which increased the timeslot average viewership by 62% on the channel compared to the previous 3 months and averaging 80 000 viewers for the semi-final as well as Big Fat Gypsy Weddings which reached 1,4 million viewers over the course of the series.
According to BBC Worldwide Channels, BBC Entertainment (DStv 120) rankeda s the number 2 international TV channel under DStv Premium subscribers in 2012 despite fierce competition thanks to shows such as Top Gear, Downton Abbey and Come Dine with Me South Africa.
Downton Abbey boosted BBC Entertainment viewership by a whopping 270% during its timeslot making BBC Entertainment the number 1 international general entertainment TV channel on DStv in South Africa.
Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee increased viewership by 216% on BBC Knowledge (DStv 184) compared to the channel's average viewership.
BBC Entertainment in 2013 will have more Top Gear for viewers (series 19), the next third series of Downton Abbey and the critically acclaimed new drama Call The Midwife.
BBC Lifestyle will continue to deliver exclusive access to some of the best British talent around with shows such as Ramsay’s Ultimate Cookery, the return of The Great British Bake Off for a second series, as well as original commissions including Food and Drink.
BBC Knowledge in 2013 will have new original commissions such as Stargazing and Dara O’Briain’s Science Club along with the beautifully shot wildlife documentary Africa narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
