New 24/7 Esports Channel, Coming This May On DStv

In a first for South Africa, DStv and the UK-based GINX.tv will be launching a full 24/7 Esports and Gaming network, to be available over DStv Now and SuperSport website from 1st May 2017, with SuperSport also set to simulcast games over their DStv channels. It was revealed that SuperSport and DStv, and new partners GINX.tv, were working on some sort of Esports channel.

Now there's further details of the channel as well as when it will be available to the nation. In a email conversation with Gideon Khobane, CEO of SuperSport, Khobane spoke of the benefits of the the new partnership saying: “The deal with GINX is a massive leap forward and signals our intention to embrace the newest sport out there. There is a real buzz around eSports and we want to be part of that.” With Esports continuing to grow at such a rapid rate worldwide, news of this kind of exposure on a local front is extremely exciting and should assist in further fueling the growth of the sector as the extra exposure will surely please potential sponsors, who will be more inclined to inject even more money into the industry, resulting in more tournaments, more incentive to grow talent pools and thus feeding back into the entire ecosystem.

Telkom Gaming reached out to GINX.tv CEO Michiel Bakker for more information on the channel, which is set to be available from 1 May 2017:

Telkom Gaming (TG): What titles and games do DStv and GINX (you) plan to broadcast?

Michiel Bakker: “One of our earliest mantras at GINX esports TV was “All the games, All the time”! It really is still at the heart of who we are and everything we do. We aim to be a broad church for our esports audience and we focus on the current games at the centre of the biggest esport events as well as those nibbling on the edges. Right now we are covering Activision’s Call Of Duty World League (CWL) as well as Blizzard’s APEX Overwatch tournament from Korea and gearing up for Valve’s DOTA 2 Kiev Major.

GINX esports TV has recently covered CS:GO, Overwatch, League of Legends,
World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, StarCraft II, FIFA and Street Fighter V as well as titles such as SMITE, Paladins, Rocket League, Smash Bros., Heroes of the Storm and Vainglory. So our collective mission is to continue to walk that talk.” An extremely impressive amount of titles to be covered, even if I am a predominantly CS:GO fan, and this is still a giant leap forward for our local gamers and fans. Being able to watch esports on TV will not only increase viewers, but will also promote growth in our own South African competitive scene.

TG: Are there any South African or African matches you are going to cover?

Bakker: “As a consequence of our launch in Africa, we’d love to get more involved in the local African esports world. We haven’t covered South African matches so far, but we’d love to consider the option if given appropriate access and opportunity. It is very much in our DNA to cover global as well as local events and showcase local events on our international feeds. We are just as interested in grassroots esports events as we are in covering the Majors.”

TG: What is the initial plan or schedule for broadcasting? Will it be game highlights or live services?

Bakker: “Our initial agreement with DStv involves the delivery of our channel as a linear 24/7 service. Our channel includes live tournament coverage and tournament highlight programming from events such as the Call of Duty World League, ELEAGUE and Dota 2 Majors for example. We also produce many hours of esports entertainment programming such as The First Hour twice weekly live studio show ‘The Bridge’. Our agreement also includes a provision for some of our content to be showcased on one of the Supersport channels.”This would not be the first time SuperSport has tried their hand at Esports, having broadcast highlights from last year’s IEM Katowice CS:GO event on the channel last year, though this only left true fans begging for more. This time, it seems, we will be getting the full coverage we hoped and dreamed about.

TG: Will there be a whole separate channel dedicated to esports?

Bakker: “Yes! GINX esports TV is a 7-day-a-week, 24-hour-a-day TV channel dedicated to esports, coming to DSTV! I don’t think we have been allocated an EPG number (Electronic Programing Guide) yet, but news on that will follow shortly. Right now we are making the necessary technical preparations to deliver the channel to DSTV’s uplink in SA.”

TG: Are you working with any other African brands to promote esports?

Bakker: “It is early days, but we are really keen to explore local collaborations. We’d love to work with African as well as with international brands to promote esports locally as well as around the world. On top of our new DSTV households in Africa, GINX esports TV reaches over 36 million homes worldwide, so we are hopeful there will be many opportunities to work with local partners to grow the esports ecosystem. We are open to explore cross-media partnerships with African online esports media, hopefully including your good selves. Being on TV brings a different, more mainstream, audience into esports, which should be complementary to existing media.”

GINX eSports TV will be available to DStv Access, Family, Compact, Extra and Premium customers, as well as to Compact, Extra and Premium customers on the DStv Now service online and on the application.

Reality And Kids Entertainment DStv Has To Offer

This is the golden age of television and as South Africa’s leading authority on on-screen entertainment, DStv brings you larger-than-life series…With everything from movies adapted for television to “guilty-pleasure” reality TV, there’s bound to be something for everyone in 2017.

Reality
MTV’s Real World in the 1990s, Survivor in the 2000s, and Big Brother in the same decade, are shows credited with changing the face of television and popularising the modern reality series format. Contestants’ spontaneous, unscripted interactions with one another and the world around them, mixed with drama, personal conflict and entertainment are the ingredients that make this genre so popular. A few years ago you would’ve never publicly admitted that you’re a reality series fan, but today the genre encompasses makeovers; celebrity exposes; dating shows; talent competitions; lifestyle changing shows and unscripted dramas that will keep you glued to your screens. A pop-culture phenomenon currently on DStv, E! Entertainment’s reality success story Keeping Up with the Kardashians has become one of the longest-running reality television series in the USA; celebrating its tenth year on the air with season 13 due to start later in March 2017. US hit show The Bachelorette returns to VUZU AMP for a 13 season in May; LA Hair season five in June; Real Housewives of New Jersey season seven is due to start in August and Tamar and Vince season five in November. On BBC Lifestyle catch Mary Berry Everyday Cooking as well as Jamie Oliver’s Super Food Family Classics in June. Food Network will be cooking with the kids in April with first seasons of both Chopped Junior and Kids BBQ Championships; Smollet Eats season one will air in June and Siba’s Table returns for a third season in July.
Lifetime’s Little Women Atlanta continues, as well as local reality hit, Married at First Sight SA ; while E! Entertainment’s E! Host Search concluded in a glamorous finale on 8 March.

Kids
Parents are eager to entertain their kids, but kids shape their own viewing habits – their preferred choice of content, as well as where, when and how they want to consume it. With ten kids’ channels and a dedicated section on the DStv Now App, the little ones will have countless hours entertainment in the company of DStv. These future customers see the world differently and for them the digital, multi-screen environment is already the norm. Encouraged by their parents, kids increasingly stream TV on mobile devices – binge watching and rewatching their favourite shows on any device, including tablets, computers and phones. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, adapted from the movie with the same title, will be coming to Boomerang in May, and Dorothy of Oz in September. Current Disney Channel favourites Jessie ; Lab Rats; Miles from Tomorrow ; Girl Meets World and Violetta will continue; with exciting new edition Mickey and the Roadster Racers starting on Disney Junior in April. Sofia the First as well as Doc McStuffins will be returning to the channel in June. New shows on Cartoon Network include: Yokai Watch in April, The Amazing World of Gumball in May, Lego Nexo Knights in June and Transformers: Robots in Disguise in July; while shows returning to the channel include The Powerpuff Girls in April; Ben 10 in May and We Bare Bears in August. Coming to Nickelodeon in April are Pig Goat Banana Cricket as well as Rufus 2 and NRDD ; with Game Shakers in May. Blaze and the Monster Machines will air on Nick Jr in May and Shimmer and Shine in June. Nicktoons’ My Life as a Teenage Robot is scheduled to air in June and My Little Pony in July.

Doccies And Supersized Entertainment DStv Has To Offer

Despite the rise of on-demand internet streaming services, television remains content king! In the pop-culture landscape, this is still the most popular way to watch content and in South Africa, DStv takes the lead in the content provider pack. Series have become the new movies with popular storytellers, directors and actors making their appearance on the small screen. TV shows are now filmed like movies, with great writing, creative storylines, talented actors, beautiful scenery, and complicated characters viewers can relate to.

Supersized Entertainment
DStv customers can now tune in to their favourite series when it suits them, thanks to DStv’s multi-platform viewing environment. Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced, adrenaline-fuelled action; emotionally-laden drama; a gritty crime saga; sword-fighting epics; or sidesplitting comedy, we’ve got you covered.

M-Net’s magical entertainment does not stop, with first seasons of brand new blockbuster series Taken (started 9 March), Training Day (starts 18 May), Powerless (starts 3 July), American Housewife (starts 14 June), Kevin Can Wait (starts 3 May), Man With a Plan (starts 31 May), Trial and Error (starts 10 April), and Vice Principal (starts 15 September). Twin Peaks: The Return season one will be broadcast in May. Returning series on M-Net include The Catch season two (starts 13 March), season 13 of Criminal Minds (starts in May), and Ray Donovan season six, Mr Robot and Better Call Saul – both season three. Watch out for The Magicians season two, The Blacklist: Redemption which replaces The Blacklist season four while it’s on a production break, Major Crimes season five, and My Kitchen Rules season seven. Catch Marlon and Battle of the Besties season one on VUZU AMP, as well as returning seasons of Ballers, The Flash , Supergirl, Quantico , Crazy Ex-girlfriend and SuperStore ; The Mick season one on Fox, as well as Outcast season two; Tina and Bobby season one on ITV Choice; Bosch season three on Universal Channel in April; and MTV Shuga: Down South on MTV in March. kykNET’s take on Our Perfect Wedding , Ons Sprokiesbruilof , as well as season two of crime drama, Die Boland Moorde, will continue to enthral viewers. BBC First will screen first seasons of The Collection and The A Word from April, with Ripper Street returning for a fifth season in June. ITV Choice’s Tennison season one will air in April; with Victoria season two airing from June, as well as Poldark season three, Grantchester season two, Cold Feet season two and Doc Martin season eight.

Doccies
What makes a documentary successful? Was it expertly crafted, influential, impactful, beloved, form-defining, a hit at the box office? The best documentaries leave viewers in
that Aha! moment, long after the credits have rolled – strangely fulfilled and armed with new knowledge. Audiences yearn for the truth; the facts; the real world documented in an educational way – and that’s exactly what they get from the conversation-starting, often controversial, award-winning documentary series on DStv.
Watch out for Royal Season on ITV Choice; Genius , the story of Albert Einstein on Fox in April; Origins as well as The Story of God season two on Nat Geo. Fans of the true crime genre can look forward to Casey Anthony: An American Murder Mystery, Murder Calls, and Scene of the Crime with Tony Harris – all on ID Xtra in April; 24 to Life season one and World’s Toughest Prisons on Crime+Investigation. Also in April, Discovery Channel brings you First in Humans and Cooper’s Treasure ; and Escobar’s Millions in July. The Lion Queen will return to Animal Planet in April for a second season and BBC Earth’s spectacular natural history show, Planet Earth II will continue, with Human Season coming to screens in May.

New Faith-Based Channel GOD TV Launches On DStv Channel 344 From 3 April 2017 To All DStv Customers Across All Packages

MultiChoice is to expand its variety of faith-based programming with the launch of global network, GOD TV on 3 April 2017. The new channel will be available on DStv channel 344 providing a unique blend of contemporary Christian content with a British edge and African flavour. GOD TV, which started in the UK in 1995, broadcasts worldwide from Israel and has been established in Africa for 15 years with offices in Cape Town. The channel will now be available to approximately 10 million DStv viewers in South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, and Mozambique.
Encounter God differently GOD TV Africa is led by Marcel Olivier and a dynamic team in Cape Town who are passionate about the people of Africa, Africa’s immense potential and vast resources. “We want to invite viewers to experience God in fresh ways, bringing a message of hope to people of all walks of life,” said the network’s regional director for Africa, Marcel Olivier.
While GOD TV broadcasts many leading Christian voices, it also offers new and emerging voices. A key feature of its schedule is an emphasis on premier events from across the globe, giving viewers front row seats to conferences, crusades and gatherings that bring the world to Africa.
GOD TV will be available to all DStv customers across all packages. GOD TV’s 24-hour schedule aims to be unconventional, with a focus on revival and reformation and with a mix of live and local programming.
It’s content is nondenominational presenting a wide range of Christian ministries. For more information about GOD TV visit the GOD TV website

DStv’s M-Net Channels Get A Refresh

Our customers have spoken… and
we’re listening. DStv Premium
customers can soon look forward to
more fresh series with fewer movies
and series repeats from M-Net.
MultiChoice and M-Net will be
making key changes to some of the
M-Net channels to improve DStv
customers’ viewing experience.
Supersized M-Net 101
The ever-popular M-Net Edge
(channel 102) will be integrated into
M-Net 101 from 1 April 2017. This will
give customers a supersized channel
with bumper-to-bumper
entertainment ranging from the latest
shows from M-Net 101 to the edgier
entertainment previously on M-Net
Edge. Customers can look forward to
an extended prime time on M-Net 101
from 18:00 to midnight every day.
This means fewer repeats on M-Net,
which will now be the one
destination for the best and newest
shows from the US, alongside some
great local shows.
Customers can tune in to sitcom fun
at 18:00, followed by the latest
blockbuster international reality
shows at 18:30 and top-notch drama,
crime, comedy or action series from
19:30 onwards. Once the kids are
safely in bed – between 21:30 and
midnight – customers can enjoy
critically acclaimed edgier
entertainment like Billions season 2,
Magicians season 2; The Leftovers
season 3, Bates Motel season 5,
Broadchurch season 3, Mad Dogs
season 1, Detour season 2 and more.
To top it off, M-Net will pull out all
the stops to give our customers great
entertainment on Saturdays. The
reality show repeats will be dropped
on Saturdays and Sundays, in favour
of fresh sitcoms and dramas which
will air on Saturdays from 18:00.
Brand new series like cutting-edge
medical drama Pure Genius (Augustus
Prew, Dermot Mulroney, and Odette
Annable), dark comedy Imposters
(Inbar Lavi, Parker Young and
Stephen Bishop) and the epic event
limited series When We Rise (Guy
Pearce, Mary-Louise Parker and
Rachel Griffiths) can be seen during
prime time on Saturdays.
“The entertainment landscape is
changing faster than ever - we’ve
made these changes based on what
our customers have told us. We know
they want to see the best new and
returning series, and that is exactly
what they will get,” says Group
General Manager for M-Net SA,
Nkateko Mabaso.
More fresh movies more often
M-Net want to show fewer older
movies and repeats so DStv
customers can enjoy more fresh and
newer movies more often. This is why
M-Net Movies Showcase (channel
107) will be dropped in favour of more
themed movie pop-up channels and
movie festivals on existing M-Net
movie channels.
“Our pop-up channels are extremely
popular,” says Mabaso. “Viewers love
the fact that they can easily find a
collection of their favourite movies
packaged under a specific theme on
one channel. They enjoyed the Star
Wars and Harry Potter pop-up
channels – and we’re planning
several more throughout the year.”
The recently launched M-Net Movies
Collection also adds to the breadth of
M-Net’s movie offering. The M-Net
Movies Collection comprise more
than 1000 movies and is available on
DStv Catch Up Plus, accessible to
customers when they connect their
DStv Explora to the internet. The
collection is also accessible on the
Catch Up section on DStv Now online
and on the app. DStv Premium
customers can choose what movie
they would like to watch, when it
suits them best.
DStv Family customers gets VUZU
There is also good news about fewer
repeats for DStv Family customers.
From April, VUZU (channel 116) will
move into their family of channels.
VUZU will replace M-Net Family
(channel 162) which has not
performed as well as expected. VUZU
carries many of the popular family
and celebrity reality shows that our
DStv Family customers enjoy.
Reset your recordings
Leading up to the integration of M-
Net Edge and M-Net 101, DStv
Premium customers can enjoy two,
three or four back-to-back episodes
of their favourite shows in the next
couple of weeks.
Customers with Exploras and PVRs
are reminded to reset their recordings
as their favourite shows find their
new home on M-Net 101. These
shows include Elementary, Major
Crimes and Grimm, as well as Express
from the US shows Crashing, Girls,
Homeland, Last Week Tonight with
John Oliver and Lucifer. Remember to
also keep an eye on the Catch Up
calendar available on DStv.com.
For the latest information regarding
these changes please consult your
on-screen TV guide, find the online
schedules at MNet.tv or DStv.com, or
the TV Guide on the DStv Now app.

Zee Bollymovies Set To Launch On DStv From 1 March 2017

Experience the pearl of Asia.

When it comes to passion, conceit,
desperate love or bitter betrayal, no
one does it quite like Bollywood.
Their tales of joy and sorrow
intermingled with spectacular
dancing, dazzling outfits and precise
choreography have been setting
screens alight for 117 years.

MultiChoice is proud to announce
that DStv Premium , DStv Extra and
DStv Compact customers will soon
get to experience the pearl of Asia as
never before. On Wednesday 1 March
2017, Zee Bollymovies (114) – a 24-
hour, English-dubbed Bollywood-
movies-only channel will launch!
Customers will be treated to epic,
award-winning tales of the fragile
human condition. Take Rustom for
example. Naval officer Rustom Pavri
(Akshay Kumar ) has just found out
that his wife, Cynthia Pavri (Ileana
D’Cruz ), has been having an affair
with his best friend, Vikram Makhija
(Arjan Bajwa ).

While this particular story dates back
to the late 1950s, Rustom was
penned by the hugely talented Vipul
K Rawal and directed by Tinu Suresh
Desai . Desai won Most Promising
Debut Director at the recent Star
Screen Awards held in India last year,
which speaks to the caliber of
movies you can expect to see. Be
sure to catch the undulating saga of
Rustom on channel 114 on 1 March
at 18:00.

DStv already carries Zee World on
channel 166, and its success – along
with a growing appetite for all things
Bollywood – has led to this launch.
Zee Bollymovies is a channel geared
specifically for South African tastes
and we’re sure it will keep you
entertained and enthralled.

[ED] No Longer Available On DStv

As from 1 December 2016, [ED] will no longer be available on DStv. The channel, which is currently on DStv Channel 190 and GOtv channel 65.

Station Manager for [ED], Roberto Carletti says, “Thanks to our loyal [ED] valued viewers and advertisers for their continued support over the years. Through our content, our viewers have remained curious and been inspired.”

[ED], which is managed and produced by Urban Brew Studios, will stop airing on both DStv and GOtv at midnight on Wednesday 30 November, 2016.

FAQs

Why is [ED] being discontinued?
The contract with the channel has come to an end and will not be renewed.

When will [ED] be removed from DStv?
On Wednesday, 30 November 2016 at midnight.

What will you be replacing the channel with?
At this stage there are no plans to replace [ED] with another channel.

Will you give me a discount now that I have fewer channels on my package?
We only review our DStv prices once a year at the end of our financial year – we don’t adjust prices mid-year for channels that have been added or taken away.

DStv Adds More Channels To Customers Expectations And Unfair Mishaps For Several Countries

DStv is adding a Harry Potter pop-up channel from M-Net to DStv from 4 November while its lowering DStv subscription prices in several African countries.

MultiChoice announced that it will be lowering monthly DStv subscription fees from 1 November in several African countries where the DStv prices were inaccurate with the average and will add a temporary Harry Potter pop-up channel from M-Net. DStv will also add several TV channels to lower-tiered bouquets in several countries and make more soccer viewing available on SuperSport channels given to its lower-tiered offerings, to boost the content offering for cheaper DStv packages and to add content value.Excluding South Africa and Nigeria it's two biggest markets in the country.

Subscribers will see a reduction in monthly DStv subscription fees from 1 November. The DStv price reduction comes as tough economic conditions facing consumers and greater competition in the pay-TV market have seen the pan-African pay-TV operator decide to lower prices to try and attract new and returning customers back on DStv and to avoid customers cancelling subscriptions due to monthly fees.

New channels added outside of South Africa are Eva+, a sister channel to the telenovela channel Eva, will be added to DStv, along with the Nigerian entertainment channel ROK from ROK Studios, with several channels that will be upgraded to high definition (HD) like South Africa.

While DStv Premium subscribers across the continent and including South Africa can watch the pop-up M-Net channel M-Net Movies BlockParty on DStv channel 109, DStv subscribers can look forward to more exciting pop-up channels in the coming months like the M-Net Movies Harry Potter pop-up channel which will run from 4 to 14 November and FliekNet and M-Net Inspire for the December holidays.

The Harry Potter pop-up channel will show all of the Harry Potter movies before the debut of the first movie in the new spin-off film series, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them that is scheduled for a worldwide release on 18 November.

The price of DStv in South Africa as well as some of the other markets including Nigeria compare favourably with the pricing in the countries where subscription prices are currently being reviewed downwards.

Multichoice spokesperson in Kenya said they realized that it increasing subscriptions all the time won't help the country grow sustainably because in future you can't pay R1800pm for the little you have on DStv Premium while DStv Compact pays R1325pm and the lowest package Easyview ends up paying R750pm. On the other hand, people will not afford our services if they continue this way.

MultiChoice Africa in a statement that was slightly adjusted for each African country where DStv price reductions are being introduced. These changes are not only a defining moment in MultiChoice story, but also a defining moment in the African entertainment landscape and pushing as hard as they can to delight every television entertainment fan in Africa.

No price reduction is expected in South Africa.

MultiChoice in South Africa says South African DStv subscribers won't see a price reduction and that the price of DStv Premium in South Africa compares favourably with the pricing in other African countries. Their prices for next year will be announced before 1 April 2017.

If you DStv knows what value for money the only way DStv can gain more subscribers and positive reviews is to give the audience what they want add more value to the packages especially South Africa like:

DStv Premium, Extra and Compact Plus remains the same

DStv Compact - Comedy Central, E!, Lifetime, Nick Jr and Cbeebies

DStv Family - Studio Universal, BET, Comedy Central, CBS Reality and Cbeebies

DStv Access - BET, Eva and CBS Reality

DStv Easyview - Telemundo/Eva, CBS Reality and Disney Junior

Bring back AMC and FOX Crime along with other recently dumped channels that the audience. The female channels are really slow on offering in lower bouquets

Try adding these new channels that I picked up as well as everyone else:

Diva Universal - NBC female channel airs programs such as Tia and Tamera, How Do I Look, Life In The Red Carpet and WWE Total Divas along with Telemundo telenovelas like Precious Rose and Aurora.

Syfy Universal - more male focused from NBC airs programs such as Haven, Dark Matter, The Librarians, WWE and reality shows such as Face Off.

TNT - owned by Turner Broadcasting System an TCM entertainment channel airs programming from CBS Studios and NBC.

FOX Movies - owned by FOX Network Group offers classic and modern movies from FOX.

Toonami - Superhero kids channel targets kids 8-12 years (boy focused) owned by Turner Broadcasting System. Programs such as Teen Titans (which didn't air on Cartoon Network Africa), Young Justice, Superman, Batman, Justice League as well as some Cartoon Network favourites Secret Saturday, Ben 10 (2005) and Thundercats and Japanese series such as Dragonball, Yu Gi Oh, Naruto and One Piece.

Boing - Resemblance to the underrated pop-up channel Hoole (From DStv) from Turner Broadcasting System. Programs from Cartoon Network Archives such as The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, Johnny Bravo, YoKai Watch, Ed Edd'n Eddy and expect Toonami series such as Green Lantern, Fantastic Four and more only Marvels.

Adult Swim - owned by Turner Broadcasting System. Targets an audience between the ages of 18-49 years. Programs such as ever popular Robot and Chicken, American Dad, Futurama, Mission Hill, Son Of Zorn and more.

MondoFOX - a FOX telenovela channel from FOX Network Group.

TeenNick owned by Viacom International Media Networks offers programs for the youth such as iCarly, Sam and Cat, Victorious, Big Time Rush and True Jackson along with classic favourites such as Drake and Josh, Unfabulous and The Amanda Show, All That and animated such as All Grown Up and Legend of Korra and acquired programming such as What I Like About You and How I Met Your Mother

Splat - Latest addition to Viacom International Media Networks portfolio offers classic animated and live-action programming such as CatDog, As Told By Ginger, The Mighty B!, Doug, Drake and Josh, Marvin Marvin and All That.

ToonCast - a family kids channel owned by Turner Broadcasting an older version of Boomerang with Cartoon Network classics programs such as Dexter Laboratory, The Jetsons, Johnny Bravo, The Flintstones, Time Squad, Sheep In The Big City and many more.

Cartoonito - Turner Broadcasting System preschool channel - not 24 hour channel and airs programs such as Ha Ha Hairies, Bananas in Pyjamas, Jelly Jam, Gerald McBoing Boing and Lazytown along with Cartoonito originals.

DStv Premium - Adult Swim, MondoFOX, Syfy Universal, Diva Universal, Toonami, TNT, ToonCast, Splat, FOX Movies, TeenNick and Cartoonito (replace JimJam)

DStv Extra/Compact Plus - Syfy Universal, Diva Universal, FOX Movies, Splat, TeenNick, Toonami, TNT, ToonCast and Cartoonito (replace JimJam)

DStv Compact - Syfy Universal, Diva Universal, FOX Movies, Toonami, Splat, TeenNick, TNT, ToonCast and Cartoonito (replace JimJam)

DStv Family - TNT, FOX Movies, TeenNick, ToonCast, Splat, Cartoonito (replace JimJam) and Boing

DStv Access - TNT, Splat, Cartoonito (replace JimJam) and ToonCast

DStv Easyview - TNT (replaces AMC), Cartoonito (replace JimJam) and ToonCast (retro programming)

Summary Of Channel Changes On DStv

New HD Channels

DStv Premium - BBC First
DStv Extra - History and Crime & Investigation Network
DStv Compact - Food Network, Vuzu and M-Net Movies All Stars
DStv Family - Kyknet & Kie and M-Net Family
DStv Access - Mzansi Wethu

Termination

CBS Action - 16 October 2016
CBS Drama - 16 October 2016
AMC - 11 November 2016
True Movies 1 - 12 November 2016

Existing channels added to lower DStv packages

Mzansi Music - DStv Access to DStv Easyview
Jim Jam - DStv Access to DStv Easyview
M-Net Movies All Stars - DStv Compact to DStv Family
Lifetime - DStv Premium to DStv Extra
ITV Choice - DStv Premium to DStv Extra

Multichoice Adds More HD Channels, Streamlines Channels And Launches New DStv Explora

MultiChoice is on a drive to offer their customers an ever-evolving and enhanced DStv experience. At a media briefing, held today at their Randburg offices, CEO Mark Rayner said, ‘We’re making additional channels available in HD, streamlining packages to deliver more fresh entertainment daily and extending our Catch Up Plus catalogue to over 1000 movies. We’re actively managing the DStv service to ensure our customers get the most value for money.’

Satellite launch

On 24 August, MultiChoice launched a new satellite, IS36, which will provide additional capacity. This means MultiChoice can start offering additional services. The new satellite will also act as a back-up to the existing IS20 satellite.

DStv channel changes

During the month of October and November, certain DStv packages will undergo changes and customers will get more channels in crystal clear HD. It’s all part of a process aimed at refining channel offerings based on customer feedback and viewing behaviour.

9 DStv channels will change to HD
These will include some of the best loved M-Net channels such as M-Net Movies All Stars, M-Net Family, VUZU, Mzansi Wethu and kykNET & Kie as well as certain international favourites such as BBC First, HISTORY, Crime & Investigation and Food Network.

More channels will be added to other DStv packages
Extra customers will get ITV Choice HD and Lifetime, Family customers will pick up M-Net Movies All-Stars HD, while EasyView customers will receive Jim Jam and Mzansi Music.
Extra customers will also be able to enjoy the specialist language channels: RAI, BVN, RTPI, TV5 Monde and Deutsche Welle.

The following channels will stop airing from end of October: CBS Action and Drama, AMC and True Movies.

General Manager for Content, Aletta Alberts, explained the rationale behind these changes. ‘Our focus is to bring our customers the best entertainment possible. We do research every month to understand what they’re watching and what they’d like to watch. This research helped us identify some channels that weren’t popular or that had the same content as other existing channels.

‘We also use this research to understand what we can do to improve the channels we have. This year alone, we’ve enhanced the offering on a number of channels - M-Net Movie Channels, M-Net City and M-Net Family, ITV Choice, FOX Entertainment, VIA, Discovery Family and Discovery IDx to name but a few. This means our customers will be seeing fresher content on a more regular basis.’

New DStv Explora launched

Our flagship Explora decoder has significantly enhanced the viewing experience for our customers. In a world where connected television services are becoming more commonplace, the Explora enables customers to connect their decoders and get access to an extended catalogue of content on Catch Up Plus and ShowMax.

We want to give more of our customers the Explora experience without having to worry about expensive data costs. So we created a decoder with the same features and services as our current Explora, with a streamlined hard drive to keep it affordable.

Nyiko Shiburi, Group General Manager for Broadcast Technology, said ‘Our new Explora uses the latest video compression technology, which means our customers will in future spend less on data when they connect their new Explora to the internet.’

The new Explora has the same extensive Catch Up service, the ability to rent up to 30 BoxOffice movies and internet connectivity for Catch Up Plus, Remote Recording and ShowMax. This extensive content catalogue means our customers are recording less on their Exploras, which is why we’ve made the hard drive smaller to keep the decoder affordable. Customers can record up to 80 hours of HD content on their personal playlist (current Explora has 150 hours of HD recordings).

‘We believe the sheer volume of content available on our Catch Up, Catch Up Plus and ShowMax services, offers our customers an unparalleled entertainment experience. And the streamlined version means we can continue to offer all our customers the chance to own an Explora at an affordable price, despite our weakened Rand,’ continued Nyiko.

The new Explora gets a new A7 remote control, which incorporates features that customers have asked for. These include backlit buttons, which enables users to see it in the dark, the ability to easily program it as a universal remote for your TV and music system, and a ShowMax button for one-touch access.

Nyiko confirmed, ‘The Explora is our flagship decoder and we’ll continue to enhance it with further developments for many years to come.’

The new DStv Explora will retail at R1499 and this price will be fixed until the end of 2017.

For more information about channel changes, the new DStv Explora, as well as DStv equipment lifecycle and installation recommendations, please visit DStv.com

FOX Life To Launch On DStv In October

FOX Life, a bold and entertaining Pan African channel will offer an eclectic and exciting mix of US dramas, comedies, unscripted programming along with fresh local content.
FOX Networks Group Europe and Africa (FNG) today announced the launch of a bold new Pan African channel, FOX Life on 3 October 2016. Considered one of the world’s leading destinations for scripted and unscripted entertainment, FOX Life will be tailored for African audiences, and be available on DStv 126 in South Africa.
As part of the new channel, an additional 954 hours of fresh new programming will be added to the schedule over the coming months, focused on localised storytelling, created specifically for African viewers. New hit US shows to debut on FOX Life include Pitch and Atlanta.
“FOX Life is core to our global entertainment portfolio and its entry into this market signals FNG’S continued investment in Africa,” says Gary Alfonso, GM, FNG Africa. “From hit U.S. programming, to 954 hours of brand new hours which will be a mixture of locally developed and produced content and international content. Our new channels portfolio reflects the best in entertainment, factual and sports.”

The new channel will sit alongside FOX on DStv (126) and will replace FOX Crime, which will no longer be available on DStv from 28 September 2016. Select programming from this channel will be folded into the FOX daytime schedules. This is a win for DStv customers as FOX Crime was limited to only DStv Premium and DStv Extra, FOX Life will be available to DStv Premium, Extra, Compact, Family and Access customers in South Africa.
FOX Life now joins the extensive FNG portfolio in Africa, which includes FOX, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Wild, National Geographic Gold, FOX Sports, FOX Sports 2 and Baby TV.

Brand New Music Channel, TRACE Africa, And Two New Radio Stations Launch On DStv

MultiChoice is set to boost its music and audio offering this September with the launch of a brand new music channel and the addition of two new radio stations.

TRACE Africa is set to hit DStv screens on 1 September 2016, as a localised music channel that’ll offer DStv customers exclusive music videos and documentaries from established and emerging Southern African artists. The channel will serve as the premier destination for Southern African music lovers, featuring the best contemporary hits from Kwaito, House, Coupé-Décalé, Afro-pop, Rumba to Ndombolo.

TRACE Africa (DStv channel 326) will sit along TRACE Urban (DStv channel 325) and replace TRACE Sport Stars (currently on DStv channel 188), which will no longer air on DStv from 30 August 2016. TRACE Africa will be available to DStv Premium, Extra, Compact and Family customers in South Africa.

The new radio stations being added to the DStv audio package are Channel 7 FM (DStv channel 825), a Namibian-based non-denominational Christian community radio station which will launch on 1 September 2016 and Radio Islam (DStv channel 826), an Islamic cultural, award-winning community radio station which will launch on 15 September 2016. The two radio stations will be available to DStv Premium, Extra, Compact, Family, Access and EasyView customers in South Africa.

For more information, visit DStv.com.

Will Multichoice's DStv Launch The Long Awaited Channel Toonami

Turner, a family entertainment channel provider, has launched a new animation channel to boost its current children’s entertainment offering. The introduction of Toonami reinforces the organisation’s portfolio of successful kids’ channels which includes Cartoon Network and Boomerang which are carried on Multichoice's DStv and Boing across various African markets.

Toonami has been described as the ‘ultimate home of the superhero’ and is targeted at kids between the ages of eight and 12.

The 24-hour programming line-up, jam-packed with top-rated adventure series, is the go to destination for action and animation enthusiasts of all ages,” comments Branco.

Programmes include such popular franchises as DC Comics
Batman

Superman

Green Lantern

Justice League

Teen Titans - Theory

Other animated superheroes loved by viewers

Ben 10 - Upcoming

Thundercats - Upcoming

The branded Toonami Movies block will screen a host of animated feature films that showcase even more of the popular superheroes’ heroic acts and deeds.

Toonami was launched successfully in France in February, and is currently being rolled-out to other select European markets and French-speaking African countries.

During March, the channel launched on the following pay-TV platforms:

Maroc Telecom in Morocco

Blueline in Madagascar

Parabole on the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius, Comores and Madagascar

The channel is also expected on Gabon Telecom once this new operator launches in the country.

Turner is currently in discussions with various pay-TV operators across the continent to bring the new channel to all English-speaking territories in Africa too.

Pierre Branco, vice president and general manager of Turner Southern Europe and Africa, says: “We are pleased with the addition of Toonami to the bouquet of channels aimed at our younger audiences, as it further diversifies our robust entertainment experience and programme offering across age groups. The channel promises to meet the growing demand for premium quality action-adventure and superhero content.“The channel’s launch reflects the value of pay-TV and its evolution. With its clear positioning and strong franchising connections, it is our job to select the best shows, to editorialise them and to share them with audiences of all ages across our markets.

Turner has achieved success with Cartoon Network and Boomerang, which ranked first and second respectively among kids’ TV brands across Africa. In addition the company was the recipient of the ‘coolest brand among kids’ accolade from the Generation Next 2015 survey.

The list of channels from Turners Broadcasting (it various with regions):

TCM (Turners Classic Movies) known for its classic films favourites which inspired viewers between the ages of 16-46. It been replaced with TNT (Its not on DStv) across various African regions. Rebranded last year and offered stellar line-up from The Mummy, Back To The Future, Carrie, The Shining and many more.

Boing launched in May 2015 across Africa and expanded to Nigeria later in the same year. Boing has a similar resemblance to Cartoon Network TOO, and Hoole (DStv 197 and unexpectedly 312 with no reason from DStv exactly) for the holidays which lasted until 31 January this year. The 24 hour programming line-up include DreamWorks Dragons, The Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy, Angelo Rules, Codename: Kids Next Door, Johnny Bravo, My Gym Partners A Monkey and many more.

Adult Swim is the perfect destination for viewers 18+ (not a kids channel) with jam packed premium programming from American Dad, Futurama (Available on FOX), Aqua Teen Hunger Force, American Dad, Mission Hill, Home Movies, Robot Chicken (popular long running series), Family Guy (Available on FOX) and many more. This channel is currently not available in Africa yet.

Cartoonito, starting out as a preschool programming block on Boomerang (DStv 302) and Cartoon Network outside of Africa became a tv channel and discontinued as a programming block on various countries. With much anticipated and loved programming such as Jelly Jam, Ha Ha Hairies, Lazytown, Banana In Pyjamas, Baby Looney Tunes, Gerald McBoing Boing, Krypto The Superdog and much more.

BONUS
ToonCast the ultimate home for most loved cartoon superstars like Dexter Laboratory, The Flintstones, Ed Edd'n Eddy, Garfield, Top Cat, The Jetsons and many more. Not available in Africa.

"As the uptake for the channel grows in the targeted markets, a slate of exciting new programmes will be added to the line-up as acquisition deals are confirmed and signed,” concludes Branco.

M-Net Streamlines And Sharpens Some Of Its Top-Notch Channel On DStv

How do you find the freshest and biggest international movies and series on DStv Premium? If you’re a Compact customer, would you prefer to watch more of M-Net’s channels in High Definition?
 
VUZU AMP finds a new home on DStv channel 103
 
It will now be as easy as 1-2-3 to flick to the freshest and best scripted series from Hollywood. The popular VUZU AMP channel is relocating to channel 103 on DStv Premium (from channel 114). This means that VUZU AMP will now be in the same neighbourhood as the ever-popular M-Net (channel 101) and M-Net Edge (channel 102). 
 
M-Net 101 will continue to bring the biggest and best family friendly blockbuster international series to our screens; M-Net Edge (channel 102) will still cater for connoisseurs with a taste for highly acclaimed and risqué content; and VUZU AMP (channel 103) will feature the international series like Power, Ballers and Basketball Wives for the forever young alongside its sizzling local productions.
 
“M-Net’s slate of up-to-date series from Hollywood has been spread across M-Net, M-Net Edge and VUZU AMP on DStv Premium for a while and it makes perfect sense to present these three channels to our viewers as a cluster in this new sequence,” says M-Net CEO Yolisa Phahle. “We will also work harder to make sure that viewers know which channel a series will be broadcast on - some of our viewers have indicated that they don’t always know whether a series will be on M-Net or VUZU AMP. We would like to fix that.”
 
Two more HD channels for DStv Compact viewers
 
The M-Net Channels also have great news for DStv Compact customers: M-Net City (DStv channel 115) and M-Net Movies Action (DStv channel 110) will now be in High Definition.
 
M-Net Movies channels streamlined
 
With VUZU AMP moving to channel 103, the M-Net Movies channels will now occupy channels 104 to 111. The number of channels will be reduced from nine to seven tightly curated channels – M-Net Movies has reduced the number of older library movies in the schedule, to keep the movie offering new and fresh.
 
Big news within the new M-Net Movies channel offering is the brand new, feel-good addition of M-Net Movies Smile, which will offer chuckles for the entire family as well as the revamp of M-Net Movies Showcase.
 
The addition of M-Net Movies Smile (DStv channel 104) and the revamp of M-Net Movies Showcase (DStv channel 108) means that three of the existing movie channels will no longer exist – M-Net Movies Comedy (currently on DStv channel 104), M-Net Movies Family (currently on DStv channel 105) and M-Net Movies Romance (currently on DStv channel 107). 
 
Viewers can also look forward to more seasonal pop-up channels, like the recent M-Net Movies Blackout channel and last year’s massively successful M-Net Movies Star Wars pop-up channel. 
 
A quick glance at the M-Net Movies channel cluster, as of Friday, 1 July:
·      M-Net Movies Premiere (which was on channel 103 until VUZU AMP’s arrival) - channel 104 on DStv Premium. M-Net Movies Premiere simply has a new address. It will continue to bring you the latest, biggest and best premiere movies from Hollywood – anything from Kevin Hart comedies to Oscar-winning dramas.
·      M-Net Movies Smile - channel 105 on DStv Premium.  As the name signals, this is the channel guaranteed to make you show your pearly whites. Everyone who’s young at heart can look forward to fantastic animated and family-friendly films. Then, once the kids have gone to bed, the grown-ups can enjoy sidesplitting comedy with the likes of Adam Sandler or Melissa McCarthy.
·      M-Net Movies Action + - channel 106 on DStv Premium. The biggest, most explosive action movies will still be on M-Net Movies Action+. Watch Vin Diesel, Keanu Reeves and all the action heroes save humanity from all kinds of evil.
·      M-Net Movies Showcase - channel 107 on DStv Premium. Apart from being able to indulge this channel’s usual host of lovely festivals, box sets and franchise specials and watch an A-list, blockbuster film that previously premiered on Sunday nights every night in prime time, this will now also be the go-to destination for all romantics that want to be swept away by love stories and enchanting storytelling.
·      M-Net Movies Action – channel 110 on DStv Compact and DStv Premium.  All the action that blows you away, but now in HD!
·      M-Net Movies Stars – channel 111 on DStv Compact and DStv Premium.  You can continue to enjoy the company of Hollywood’s A-list stars in exactly the same way as before.
·      M-Net Movies Zone – channel 139 on DStv Family, Access, Compact, Premium and GOtv. Movie Zone lovers across the different DStv packages will not be affected at all.
 
For detailed schedules for the M-Net channels, go to DStv.com.
 
ENDS
Channel name
Current channel no
New channel number
VUZU AMP
114
103
M-Net Movies Premiere
103
104
M-Net Movies Smile
brand new channel
105
M-Net Movies Action+
106
106 – no change
M-Net Movies Showcase
108
107
M-Net Movies Action
110
110 – now in HD
M-Net Movies Stars
111
111 – no change
M-Net City
115
115 – now in HD
 M-Net Movies Zone
139
139 – no change
M-Net Movies Comedy
104
Terminated (content now found on M-Net Movies Smile)
M-Net Movies Family
105
Terminated (content now found on M-Net Movies Smile)
M-Net Movies Romance
107
Terminated (content now found on M-Net Movies Showcase)
 

DStv Compact Customers Across Africa Will Now Get FOX

FOX Networks Group (FNG) and MultiChoice today announce that DStv Compact customers will be able to enjoy the global entertainment channel, FOX (DStv channel 125) from 1 June 2016. Emmy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Taraji P.
Henson is set to make her first visit to South Africa in a five-day trip to Johannesburg, where she’ll do media interviews and meet and greet sessions with super-fans of the smash-hit show Empire . FOX channel is a premier entertainment channel that prides itself with bringing ‘The Best, First’, with award winning, ground-breaking and critically acclaimed programming.
The move to DStv Compact will significantly increase FOX’s reach to a wider audience, creating new fans of its riveting entertainment in the African market.
DStv Compact customers will get to experience the thrilling and exclusive premieres of the best shows on FOX within hours of the United States broadcast – and in brilliant HD. The hot lineup includes the popular and powerful hit television drama, Empire in which Taraji P. Henson portrays the feisty ‘Cookie Lyon’ with flashy fashion sense and witty remarks, opposite her ex-husband and the ruthless head of the Lyon empire, ‘Lucious Lyon’ played by Academy Award® nominee, Terrence Howard.
To coincide with her visit and to ensure viewers are all caught up on the show, DStv and FOX are offering DStv Compact customers a rebroadcast of the second season of Empire with double bill episodes starting on the weekends of 4-5 June,
11-12 June and 18-19 June - three episodes will air per day at 19:20, 20:10 and 21:00.
The month of June will also see the premiere of the much anticipated second season of Wayward Pines on the 6 that 21:00, from executive producer M. Night Shyamalan ( The
Sixth Sense, The Visit), the 10- episode, psychological thriller picks up where it left off in the first season.
Starring Jason Patric (Rush, Narc), two-time Academy Award® nominee Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond, In America) and Emmy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee Hope Davis
(American Crime, The Newsroom), the residents of Wayward Pines are still battling against the iron-fisted rule of
the First Generation Dr. Theo Yedlin.
On the same night on 6 June at 21:50 Outcast, based on the Skybound/ Image comic title by creator Robert Kirkman ( The Walking Dead) and artist Paul Azaceta, follows Kyle Barnes (Patric Fugit ), a young man who has been plagued by demonic
possession all his life. Now, with the help of the Reverend Anderson, a preacher with personal demons of his own, Kyle embarks on a journey to find answers and regain the normal
life he lost. But what Kyle discovers could change his fate — and the fate of the world — forever.
“We are exceptionally thrilled at the opportunity to bring our content to even wider audiences in Africa so they get to experience the best content that is available on FOX,
within hours of U.S. broadcasts. Fans of Empire are definitely in for a treat - Taraji P. Henson has been a fan favourite with South African audiences from the first season.” says Khosi Khanyile, Fox Africa Head of Marketing.
Aletta Alberts, GM for Content for MultiChoice commented: “During the FOX two-week open window special earlier this year, we received an overwhelming response from our
Compact customers who enjoyed the FOX channel line-up. We believe that the fulltime addition of FOX with its excellent programming will enhance the entertainment experience of our
Compact customers.”
For more on this superb line-up and award winning programming tune into the home of The Walking Dead, The
Simpsons and more smash hit shows on FOX on DStv channel 125.
For more information please visit Foxafrica.com and DStv.com. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #CookieinJozi.

Isn't It About Time DStv Changes Its Channel Numbers

So many suscribers have asked to give a channel reshuffle but Multichoice hasn't given response to viewers questions. Here's all the channels which have gotten new channel numbers so far in the year:
People's Weather formerly channel 415 to 180
TLC Entertainment formerly channel 172 to 135

Replacement in a new channel number
Discovery World channel 187 to Discovery Family channel 136

Replacement in the same channel number
Investigation Discovery to ID Xtra channel 171
Fashion T.V. to Fashion One channel 178
Rhema TV to TBN channel 343

Here's some suscribers opinions

1.Move Telemundo to a new channel number closer to its rival Eva.

2.Move Cartoon Network/Nickelodeon to channel 300.

3.Sony Channel takes channel 118.

4.CBS Action & Drama occupies the 140's along with TCM.

5.MNet Family moves to a further channel number next to Mnet City.

6.Vuzu moves to the channel 120's again.

7.SABC 1,2 & 3 along with etv move next to the other free to air channels.

8.MNet Movies Zone moves closer to MNet Movies Action & Stars and Studio Universal moves to channel 113.

9.Trace Sports Stars moves to the channel 170's.

10.MTV moves to the channel 120's.

Thats all so far from what viewers mention.

Tons Of New Channels To Launch On DStv Now

DStv Now brings you all the shows you want to watch, when you want to watch them. And now we’ve made it even better - we’ve added 21 new channels, bringing the total number
of live channels to 45! Graeme Cumming, Head of DStv
Digital Media, is excited about this new development. ‘Since DStv Now launched, the number of channels available has been steadily expanding. Our customers expect to watch TV anywhere, anytime and by adding new channels, we’re definitely providing more value to our customers.’ DStv Now delivers access to live channels with sport, movies, series,
and also DStv Catch Up and DStv Kids to keep the whole family entertained. The new channels will bolster the already impressive catalogue and will include: Nick Junior, Zee World, BBC Brit, BBC First, BBC Lifestyle, BBC World News,
History, Lifetime, EVA, ITV Choice, Cbeebies, TRACE Urban, Nick Toons, Africa Magic Urban, Africa Magic Family, BBC Earth, Jim Jam, Africa Magic World, Telemundo, Studio
Universal, Universal.
DStv Now can be accessed online or through an app for tablets and smartphones. The app is free to download and is available to all DStv customers. Our live channels and
Catch Up content is only available to DStv Premium customers with an active PVR. (Data costs will apply when streaming content.)

Discovery Network Is Proud To Announce The Launch Of A Brand-New Channel, DISCOVERY FAMILY

The channel will launch on DStv channel 136 in South Africa on Thursday, 31 March 2016, replacing Discovery World (DStv channel 187) which will no longer air on DStv from 30 March 2016.

Discovery Networks and Multichoice announce the launch of Discovery Family while TLC moves to a new channel number 
 
Johannesburg, March 24 2016: Discovery Networks announced the launch of a brand-new channel exclusively on DStv; Discovery Family, the all-new channel showcasing the best in fun, edutainment programming for the whole family.  The channel will launch on DStv channel 136 in South Africa on Thursday 31 March 2016, replacing Discovery World (DStv channel 187) which will no longer air on DStv from 30 March 2016.
 
The launch of Discovery Family also coincides with the move of TLC Entertainment, Discovery’s flagship female brand and the number one international lifestyle/entertainment channel in South Africa, into DStv’s entertainment channel segment. From Thursday 31 March, TLC Entertainment, currently on DStv channel 172 will now be available on DStv channel 135 and will sit alongside Discovery Family (DStv channel 136). The move follows a period of tremendous success for TLC, which last year saw the launch of its first local series, Top 10 TLC featuring its first African presenter, Namibia’s David Mbeha.
 
“As a leader in global factual entertainment programming, it is fitting that our flagship female network TLC will make its new home in DStv’s entertainment segment, alongside our latest channel brand, Discovery Family,” said James Gibbons, EVP & Country Manager, Emerging Business, Discovery Networks CEEMEA. “Featuring quality programming that will inspire a new way of learning in a fun and accessible way, Discovery Family is the perfect addition to our DStv portfolio and a new destination channel for the entire family.”
 
Aletta Alberts, GM for Content for MultiChoice South Africa said: “Discovery Family and TLC will provide the perfect complement that’ll strengthen our DStv entertainment selection. Discovery Family is designed for family viewing, bringing great programming that entertains and educates. There’ll be something for every member of the family!”
Always engaging, always enriching and always entertaining, Discovery Family is the latest channel from Discovery Networks, showcasing entertaining and educational content for the whole family. From awesome space adventures and crazy experiments of popular science, to fascinating tales of animals in the wild, Discovery Family, is the channel that will spark curiosity and inspire conversation away from the TV box.
 
The must-see programmes set to premiere on Discovery Family throughout March and April include NASA’s Unexplained Files (Thursday 31 March, 20:10pm), which presents first-hand accounts from astronauts who have witnessed mysterious occurrences in space, from the impossible to the downright odd. The Willis Family (Tuesday 5 April at 20:10pm) follows Brenda and Toby Willis and their life at home and on the road following their appearance on America’s Got Talent. And making its debut on African screens as part of Discovery Family’s daily kids block, Doki (Monday 4 April at 6:00am/15:10) is the new animated series following seven year-old explorer Doki and his best friends Oto, Mundi, Fico, Anabella and Gabi as they travel the world in search of answers to their many questions. 
 
Discovery Family will be available to DStv Premium, Extra, Compact and Family customers in South Africa.

Bumper Easter Entertainment For DStv Compact Customers

DStv Compact customers will experience two weeks of non-stop thrilling entertainment this Easter when they get a taste of five channels from the DStv Premium package. From 18 March to 4 April 2016, E! Entertainment Television, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Lifetime and Nick Jr will be
made available to DStv Compact customers. Lifetime and Nick Jr will also be made available to DStv Extra customers, who already enjoy the other three channels.
DStv Compact customers will be part of the glitz and glamour as E! Entertainment Television (DStv channel
124) celebrates its first local E! red carpet coverage of the 2016 South African Film and Television Awards, Beyond the Red Carpet which will be screened on Tuesday, 22 March at 8pm. Pop culture enthusiasts can also look forward to the ever-popular Keeping Up with The Kardashians, Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry and I Am Cait Season 2. There’ll also be entertainment for the
whole family with side-splittingly funny new episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants, Breadwinners and Nicky,
Ricky, Dicky & Dawn on Nickelodeon (DStv channel 305). And look out for an exciting watch and win competition
with Thundermans for a chance to score a luxury family getaway. On Nick Jr (DStv channel 307) kids will learn about the fun-filled world around them with friends from Dora the Explorer, Team Umizoomi, Paw Patrol, Bubble Guppies and Blaze and the Monster Machines. Compact customers will get a chance to catch up on the ground-breaking fake news programme The Daily Show with Trevor Noah which airs every weekday on 24-hour comedy
entertainment channel, Comedy Central (DStv channel 122). Look out for another watch and win competition on
this channel with a grand prize of a luxury trip to Tau Lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve. Lifetime on DStv channel 131 will bring customers brand new quality dramas, factual entertainment and Lifetime Original Movies with the launch of the much-awaited series The Jacksons: Next Generation, the original movie Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart, Idris Elba: Mandela, My Dad and Me and the top-rated documentary Cosby: The
Women Speak. There won’t be a dull moment this Easter as every member of our DStv Compact and Extra families will have something to feast on. And if you’d like to keep watching these channels after the open window, simply upgrade to DStv Premium and experience all of this great entertainment and more – every day. For further updates on our superb DStv entertainment, point your web browser to DStv.com.

Fashion One Channel Launch

Fashion One’s trends and style coming to DStv! Fashion One launches 1 March across 48 countries in Africa, replacing Fashion TV.
On 1 March 2016, a wealth of ideas, trends and creativity will be coming to DStv customers with the launch of Fashion One on channel 178.
Brought to you by MultiChoice and Fashion One LLC, Fashion One is well known across the African continent and will now reach an estimated 10 million households. Fashion TV currently fills the slot on DStv channel 178 but will stop airing on Sunday, 28 February to make way for the much-awaited newcomer.
Fashion One caters to a fashionable and stylish audience with content covering the very latest in entertainment, international fashion, lifestyle news and events. Showcasing a strong portfolio of original programs from reality shows to documentaries, food to travelogues and beauty tips, the channel also covers African markets and captures the essence of local trends and styles.
The channel will debut in March with
Style Wars and new seasons of Eco Fashion and Fashion on a Plate. Style Wars is a six-episode long reality series where stylists compete to create original and inventive outfits for commercials and photo shoots. Designed to challenge each person’s versatility, the competition provides and exciting look into this colourful and performance-oriented world. Ngugi Vere, a Zimbabwean-born stylist and creative consultant, currently living in South Africa, will go up against other determined stylists from London, Los Angeles, Australia and New York. The show starts on 3 March and airs every weekend at 11pm.
When fashion and gastronomy meet, you’ll find Fashion On A Plate Season 2 which sees top chefs and restaurants from around the world using their ingenuity to interpret what ‘fashion on a plate’ means to them. From inception to presentation, we get to see how a simple ingredient is turned into a work of art in this this six-episode docu-series, starting on 21 March at 21:00 and airs every Monday.
Eco Fashion Season 3 carries on the fight against a world of waste as eco-friendly fashionistas use recycling, repurposing and other innovative techniques to create environmentally sustainable couture. This ground-breaking docu-series will take you on a mind-opening journey into the realm of environmentally sustainable fashion. It starts on 22 March and airs every Tuesday at 10:30pm.
“We are thrilled about the collaboration with MultiChoice which bring us to the position of number one fashion channel in Africa,” said Fashion One LLC.’s Head of Marketing, Mr. Gorden Li, says: “the channel will introduce African audiences to fashion like they’ve never seen it before, as well as great stories about local fashion and lifestyles. We look forward to collaborating with the local fashion and entertainment industry to bring these stories to your screens.”
Aletta Alberts, Head of Content for MultiChoice South Africa, added: “ Fashion One will give our DStv customers front row seats to the biggest international fashion shows and runways that they’ve become used to seeing. They’ll also be introduced to a rich blend of local fashion, entertainment and lifestyle shows. It’s fashion like you’ve never seen it before.”
Fashion One, the only dedicated fashion channel on DStv, will be available to DStv Premium, Extra, Compact, Family and Access customers in South Africa and Lesotho.