DStv subscribers will see the last of a number of channels this month as the network has announced a few cancellations, but promises exciting replacements are in store.
A reported shake up in the overseas film markets means the local industry is in for more representation on the popular broadcasting service.
A number of channel cancellations involve a merger of channels, as previously promised by DStv.
First on the agenda, two M-Net movies channels will be leaving the offers list as they merge with other existing channels. As of September 1, channels ‘Smile’ and ‘Action’ will make way for a new numbered system and M-Net movie channels will downsize from six channels to just four.
Subscribers can expect films, romance and entertainment for the little ones on M-Net Movies 1 with the action service moving to M-Net Movies 2. Comedy and adventure films, including superhero features will be offered on M-Net Movies 3 and M-Net Movies 4 will showcase franchise movies.
A positive side of the DStv changes that locals can look forward to are new sports channels as well as Afrikaans content. Four new channels will soon be introduced to the service, with some already live.
ESPN and ESPN2 have been available since July 29, and showcases a variety of sports content including soccer games from the Scottish and English leagues as well as African leagues and NFL and NBA games from the US.
SuperSport is dropping their numbering system and will replace them with a thematic offering around individual sports to ensure it is easier for viewers to find their favourite sports from September 1. The SuperSport Grandstand channel will also soon launch, which will host the best of any live curated sport available to Premium customers at any one time, including soccer, rugby, cricket, golf and tennis. There will be multiple themed channels, including a “Variety” channel offering.
“This is a landmark decision in SuperSport’s history and one we’re convinced will add a fresh and invigorating dimension to our broadcasts,” said Gideon Khobane, chief executive of SuperSport.
“The changes will mean that additional SuperSport channels of local and international sporting content will be added to the DStv package. Genre channelling will no doubt increase awareness of a broader range of content, which may have always been on the platform, but wasn’t necessarily easy to discover. This signals a radical change designed to make content discovery more seamless.
A KykNET pop-up TV channel will also launch. FliekNET will showcase local Afrikaans content. KIX Channel will also be introduced offering content solely dedicated to bringing subscribers martial arts and kung-fu films.
“It’s important for us to facilitate the best possible viewing experience for our DStv customers in our ever-evolving world of entertainment”, says MultiChoice SA CEO, Mark Rayner. “ While the proposition of the current six movie channels – M‑Net Movies Premiere, Action Plus, Action, Smile, Zone and All Stars – made perfect sense when they launched years ago, recent comments and requests from our movie-loving DStv audiences indicated that it was time for a reboot.”
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