KidsCo (DStv 308 / TopTV 255), the international children's channel available on both DStv and TopTV will be starting a dedicated science fiction programming block on KidsCo which will be known as Syfy Kids.
The Syfy channel belongs to NBCUniversal, and KidsCo is a joint venture owned by NBCUniversal and Corus Entertainment, which makes the start of Syfy Kids a synergistic brand extension.
MultiChoice dumped The Sci-Fi Channel in 2004 (which has since rebranded to simply Syfy) and never brought it back; TopTV never added it the past two years it has been in operation as South Africa's second satellite pay-TV service.
The Syfy Kids block which will be a unique programming block and the first of its kind from Syfy - will be geared towards children aged 6 to 10 and will launch in the second quarter of 2013 on KidsCo.
Programming on Syfy Kids will include "imagination-based content" from both NBCUniversal and Corus Entertainment, as well as original programming and third-party acquisitions, says KidsCo.
"We're thrilled to see a Syfy Kids block launching on KidsCo," says Dave Howe, the president of Syfy in a just released press statement. "This venture extends the Syfy brands to a whole new generation of younger viewers and establishes a strong global partner as we seek to develop an outlet for Syfy Kids content."
"Following KidsCo's refresh earlier this year, we are now able to innovate to harness the power of our partners and shareholders," says Hendrik McDermott, the managing director of KidsCo in the statement.
"Collaborating with NBCUniversal and Corus Entertainment to bring imagination-based content via the well-known and respected Syfy brand, really demonstrate our dedication to delivering the strongest channel to our affiliates, whilst differentiating ourselves from our competitors," says Hendrik McDermott.
