Channel Closure: PBS Kids Will Stop Airing On DStv And GOtv Across Africa By 31 August 2024

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PBS KIDS is an educational brand for children aged 2 to 8 years offering shows like Arthur, Wild Kratts, Cyberchase and Dinosaur Train. Operated by the Public Broadcasting System (PBS), Africa was the only international market to offer the brand following its closure in Australia in 2023.

Through the electronic programme guide (EPG), it was revealed that the last international feed will stop airing on DStv by the end of August. This would be the 12th TV channel to go dark on the platform in the year alongside People's Weather, Africa Magic Urban and Ginx TV.

We are told that MultiChoice would be extending the reach of existing TV channel likely for their Easyview consumers.

In 2022, PBS KIDS unveiled a new on air look which was designed to build on the equity and strength of the brand for today's digitally focused viewers. The blue was incorporated to acknowledge the main PBS brand with the green from its previous logo targeting younger audiences.

Two years have passed since its introduction, the feed currently seen on MultiChoice's DStv still retained the former PBS KIDS logo and also content received little marketing from PBS Distribution and MultiChoice which led to speculation of its possible demise as seen in Australia. 

Similar to WildEarth, it's likely that PBS Distribution opted to remove their channel from DStv as part of some corporate restructure.

Brand & Rights 360 took over distribution of PBS KIDS with the aim of introducing its shows to broadcasters in new territories, ensuring more children and families worldwide can enjoy enriched content. This partnership comes amid growing demand for premium children’s content across global markets.

In short, PBS KIDS which had very little presence in other countries needed a partner to help it get more exposure in these regions. That's the same story we got with Paramount+ that at some point planned to rollout a standalone service in Africa before bundling with Showmax. 

Corporate at Paramount had mentioned that getting Paramount+ in all regions wasn't that much a priority as long as they had Mission Impossible and NCIS content that generates income. In PBS KIDS case that was very much lacking outside of Arthur hence the demise of the 24 hour feed in Africa.