by Thinus Ferreira
MultiChoice is removing Quincy Jones' Qwest TV channel from DStv from 14 May 2025 just over two years after it was added by the satellite pay-TV operator.
MultiChoice launched Quincy Jones' Qwest TV on 20 January 2023 on DStv on channel 330 and at the time Reza Ackbaraly, Qwest TV CEO, said the channel was "elated to be part of the MultiChoice family and to launch Qwest TV to the African market".
Qwest still claimed at launch that it planned to bring "genre-agnostic musical content to the African continent".
No reason has yet been given for the removal of Qwest from DStv and Reza Ackbaraly is now probably the opposite of "elated".
Qwest is the first TV channel in 2025 that is going dark on MultiChoice's DStv.
Interesting to note is that MultiChoice and Qwest over the past two years did absolutely zero - nothing - to promote the Qwest TV channel under the media and press.
Qwest simply launched and then there was absolutely no PR from MultiChoice and Qwest - with no schedules shared, or monthly highlights, interview offers with execs, talent or about content.
Qwest launched, nothing happened for it and it simply became another flailing, non-descript TV, wallpaper TV channel that is now gone after it was quickly forgotten.
An on-air TV schedule message in the Qwest programme guide grid now only says: "Dear viewer, please note that Qwest TV channel is closing on 14 May 2025. Thank you for watching."
MultiChoice was asked in a media query why Qwest is being removed from DStv.
The pay-TV company told TVwithThinus "MultiChoice regularly reviews its channel line-up to ensure we offer customers the best in local and international content. This is done to ensure we deliver unbeatable content and that our DStv services cater to the evolving needs and viewing requirements of our customers".
"As part of this ongoing process, QWEST (DStv channel 330) will no longer be available on DStv effective 21 May 2025 at 23:59 CAT."
