London/Johannesburg, 4th October 2011: Discovery Networks Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) today announced that TLC, its flagship female brand, and ID: Investigation Discovery, the fastest growing cable channel in the US, will launch on DStv in Africa on 14 October 2011.

TLC broadcasts the best in female skewed lifestyle, reality and factual entertainment programmes from around the world; whilst ID: Investigation Discovery (ID for short) offers viewers a line-up of world-class crime-related documentaries.

The launch of the channels takes Discovery Networks’ portfolio on DStv to six channels including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery World and Discovery HD Showcase. Both of the new channels will also have commercial airtime added in Q1 2012.

Phillip Luff, Country Manager, Emerging Business for Discovery Networks CEEMEA, says: “We have had an outstanding relationship with DStv over the last 15 years and are confident that with the addition of TLC and ID, this will go from strength to strength. TLC and ID have been hugely successful in markets all over the world and their addition to the DStv Compact bouquet forms part of our continued investment in Africa. We’re sure that DStv’s subscribers are going to love both channels.”

Discovery ID: Investigation Discovery and Discovery TLC will be available to DStv Premium and DStv Compact subscribers in South Africa and across the African continent.

Commenting of the launch of the two new Discovery channels, MultiChoice General Manager for Content Aletta Alberts said, “The Discovery brands are world-famous for engaging audiences with a mix of entertainment and information, presented with emotion, spirit and style. They continue to be global television leaders with innovative programming ideas and concepts that resonate with viewers, succeeding time and again in capturing the imagination. DStv understands that as our audience grows and their viewing needs become more diverse, we must evolve. To do so with a partner like Discovery, who really are dedicated to the needs of our audiences, is a significant step forward in building our products.”

TLC features non-scripted female targeted entertainment programmes focusing on everything from food, family, weddings, fashion, health and life events. The compelling programme line-up includes massive US hit series such as What not to Wear starring Randy Fenoli, Say Yes to the Dress, Rich Bride Poor Bride, Jon and Kate Plus 8 as well as popular Discovery Channel series, Cake Boss. These will be a joined by a selection of fascinating specials including Becoming Chaz, which takes you on the remarkable, personal journey of Cher’s daughter, Chastity Bono, as she undergoes gender reassignment surgery to become a man.

ID is the world’s leading fact-based channel focused on crime, forensics and investigative programming. The channel targets adults aged 25-54 with a strong female skew and gives viewers a compelling line-up of crime and investigative programming, focusing on the science of forensics and how it is used to unlock some of the world’s most fascinating criminal investigations. Popular series on the channel include Nightmare Next Door, Couples Who Kill, Disappeared, True Crimes with Aphrodite Jones and Who On Earth Did I Marry. The channel is also teaming up with legendary crime noir writer and author of LA Confidential, James Ellroy for a special new series called LA: City of Demons.

Why is DStv adding more channels from Discovery Networks?

Discovery Networks and DStv have teamed up to bring South African viewers more of Discovery’s channels that are already popular with viewers worldwide. The launch of these channels will fill a gap in the South African TV market.

TLC is one of the most widely distributed and top ranking networks in the US and has been successfully rolled out in a number of countries in Europe and Asia-Pacific, becoming a real hit with local audiences.

ID Investigation Discovery has been one of the fastest growing networks in the US over the past few years and has become a real authority in crime-based factual content.

TLC and ID Investigation Discovery will complement Discovery’s existing portfolio of channels in South Africa which consists of Discovery Channel, Discovery World, Animal Planet and Discovery HD Showcase. The bigger portfolio of six channels means viewers can now watch a Discovery network suited to their tastes and interests.

Discovery Channel (Channel 121 on DStv Premium): A channel that embraces life unlimited and celebrates the heroes and mavericks that open our eyes to worlds beyond reach. Discovery Channel offers the best in factual entertainment with global hit series including Ultimate Survival, Deadliest Catch, River Monsters, Mythbusters, Cake Boss and Border Security.

Animal Planet (Channel 264 on DStv Premium and Compact): the only animal entertainment brand that captures the drama and compelling characters of the animal kingdom and the dedicated and passionate people who interact with them. The most popular shows include Animal Cops, Escape to Chimp Eden, Big 5 Challenge, Beast Lands and Dogs 101.

Discovery World (Channel 250 on DStv Premium and Compact): a home to Discovery Networks’ high-end documentaries and immersive series that capture breath-taking landscapes, fascinating people and incredible stories from around the world, both past and present. The channel inspires viewers to know and experience more
of the world around them. Popular programmes include Walking the Amazon with Ed Stafford, South Africa Walks, Marley’s African Road Trip (premiering in November 2011) and Toughest Race on Earth with James Cracknell.

Discovery HD Showcase (Channel 172 on DStv Premium): This perfect broadcast of our content allows viewers to immerse themselves in another world with true HD in its purest form. An unparalleled viewing experience that brings together the very best factual entertainment, hand selected from Discovery Network’s brands, with the addition of unique content not seen anywhere. Key shows in superior HD quality include Discovery Atlas, Design DNA, World’s Most Expensive Rides or Way of Life.

What is TLC?

TLC is the new and exciting global entertainment channel from Discovery Networks that targets women. The channel features inspiring lifestyle and factual entertainment programming from around the world.

TLC aims to find extraordinary real life characters who share their life accounts through compelling storytelling. The channel includes a mix of new programmes alongside some of Discovery’s highest-rating international shows.

How can I watch TLC?

TLC is available on channel number 186 on the DStv Premium and DStv Compact bouquets.

How is TLC different to other lifestyle TV channels?

TLC reflects the busy lives and varied tastes of modern women and offers an exciting line-up of programmes that cover genres that interest them such as weddings, fashion, food, parenting, travel and lifestyle. Viewers can expect the high quality and values associated with other channels from Discovery portfolio, as well as real and inspiring characters and first class entertainment.

What programmes will TLC be airing?

Top new series on the channel at launch include Sister Wives, which documents the life of a polygamist family living in Utah, with patriarch Kody Brown, his four wives and their 16 children. What Not To Wear with Stacy London and Clinton Kelly is a series designed to help make all women stylish, regardless of their shape, height or age; and Extreme Couponing follows savvy shoppers plan and plot their way to unbelievable savings.

What is happening with Cake Boss series?

New seasons of Cake Boss will continue to air on Discovery Channel. But TLC will become the home for older episodes and series of Cake Boss, along with other cool new cake and culinary series such as The Ace of Cakes, Kitchen Boss or Ultimate Cake-Off.

What is ID Investigation Discovery?

ID Investigation Discovery is an investigative channel from Discovery Networks that looks deep into the world of crime, forensic and paranormal investigation. ID draws viewers into the investigative journey, by slowly revealing pieces to the mystery and bringing together all the details and intricacies of the case. The channel provides insider information into the complex and advanced science used in uncovering paranormal signs, forensic leads and criminal evidence.

What programmes will ID Investigation be airing?

ID boasts a line-up of in-depth and compelling original, crime-related factual programming, including On the Case with Paul Zahn, Disappeared, True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, I Almost Got Away With It, Couples Who Kill and Dr. G Medical Examiner.

How can I watch ID Investigation Discovery?

ID Investigation Discovery is available on channel number 252 on the DStv Premium and DStv Compact bouquets.

Will TLC or ID Investigation Discovery include local programmes?

The channels include programmes filmed all over the world, including on occasion in Africa. The majority of programmes will be filmed in the US though.

Where can I get more information about TLC or ID Investigation Discovery programmes?

Please refer to the channel EPG and local TV listings.