TCM channel's viewership on MultiChoice's DStv up by 85% since its on-screen refresh; has exclusive Star Wars documentary for December.

TCM's (DStv 137) viewership is up by 85% in South Africa between April and June this year compared to the period between January and March, horror movies will be screened on Saturdays in October on TCM, and an exclusive Star Wars documentary about George Lucas is on the schedule for December for the channel.

Turner Broadcasting Africa didn't release the TCM channel information and press release to South Africa's media when it was handed out at the MultiChoice Content Showcase in Mauritius earlier this month and that South African press and TV critics were not invited to.

However the information is highly relevant and applicable for the TCM channel as seen on DStv in South Africa as well, and I now finally got it and can now share it.

Since introducing its new on-screen look earlier this year, TCM at the MultiChoice Content Showcase touted its South African viewership on DStv: up 85% according to AGB Nielsen's South African ratings data for April to June 2015, compared to January to March this year.

According to AGB Nielsen's ratings data, TCM now has a total monthly viewership of 2.3 million viewers in South Africa on MultiChoice's DStv.

The channel from Turner Broadcasting Systems (TBS) also climbed 4 places in the movie channels ranking on DStv in June compared to January 2015.

TBS says TCM is now "poised to be the go-to channel for entertaining American cinema" following Turner Broadcasting's overhauled TCM offering with a refreshed look and feel as well as an updated programming slate.

"By introducing this major change in the channel's tone, brand image and programming strategy, the TCM experience has initiated a whole new level of quality entertainment," says Guillermo Farre, the head of general entertainment channels for Africa at Turner Broadcasting.

"We are delighted with the growing success of the TCM brand as it delivers new and exciting programming to existing and new viewers."

"Prime time and weekend specials have also been rejuvenated to include explosive action-blocks, chilling thriller specials and frontier-pushing sci-fi events."

Turner Broadcasting in Africa will do more on social media in 2016 to try and further create awareness for the refreshed TCM brand.

In October DStv subscribers can look forward to the seasonal event of Halloween being celebrated on TCM when the channel will screen "some of the most terrifying movies of all time".

Horror will be served every Saturday at 21:00 and on the last Saturday, 31 October, viewers will  be able to enjoy a whole day horror marathon," says Guillermo Farre.

In December TCM will also be scheduling an exclusive in-house documentary about George Lucas to celebrate the release of Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens at cinemas.

American movie channel TCM on DStv rebranding with new on-screen look, more recent movies; changing to 'fast-paced' channel for movie lovers.

Like everything Hollywood, TCM (DStv 137) on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform is youngerating with a facelift and a programming update to start changing the brand and brand perception of the classic movie channel and to make it more attractive for viewers with more modern movies.

Long the face of Gone with the Wind and Casablanca, as part of the makeover TCM is now starting to position itself as a "fast-paced" channel for movie lovers, filled with "modern programming" - words not associated with the channel from Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) since it first became available on DStv.

As part of the rebranded TCM, the stodgy channel will stick with American movies but is introducing a major change in the channel's tone, brand image and programming strategy for African viewers.

The TCM changes range from a new on-screen look, documentaries about movies, and frankly my dear, the most pivotal change about which DStv subscribers give a damn: more original and recent movies spanning romantic comedies and dramas to action thrillers, blockbusters and science fiction films not starring Robbie the Robot.

TCM says the channel is changing to "a strong focus on contemporary productions". While Scarlett O'Hara might still pop up from time to time, the evolving TCM programming schedule is starting to look unrecognisable with titles like The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and The Big Lebowski.

TCM says it remains a channel "committed to American movie fans in Africa".

TCM isn't saying why the channel is changing its channel proposition, but with the rapid growth in the number of TV channels on DStv's platform all vying for the eyes and attention of the same DStv subscribers, TCM has come under increased pressure to justify its existence.

With a flurry of competitors ranging from Universal Networks International's Studio Universal (DStv 112) to MGM which changed to AMC (DStv 140 / StarSat 115) and M-Net's set of expansive M-Net Movies channels, TCM has to adapt or go the way of the wind.

"We are thrilled about the TCM relaunch as we're confident that viewers will benefit from the changes and the new and exciting programming that we will have on offer for them," says Guillermo Farre, the head of general entertainment channels for Africa at Turner Broadcasting.

"This new look and feel builds on our success to date with new titles to keep our audience entertained and improve their viewing experience," says Guillermo Farre.

TCM now wants to bring DStv subscribers "up-to-date qualitative American blockbusters that trigger viewers' emotions" and will include celebrity interviews in additional new programming.

"Change is a crucial part of any breakthrough," says TCM. "Turner Broadcasting is on the case and investing in its brand with powerful new films and a fresh new look and feel".