Press Releases

Discovery bolsters South African portfolio

11 February 2010

With the launch of Discovery World, Discovery’s local offerings expands and their position as factual entertainment leader is strengthened.

From 1 March 2010, Discovery Channel will be available for the first time in the general entertainment section of the DStv Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and the Discovery portfolio will expand with the launch of Discovery World. The channel move and channel launch significantly strengthens Discovery Networks Europe, Middle East and Africa’s (EMEA) South African portfolio, capitalising on its position as the world’s leader in factual entertainment to now offer four distinct, leading Discovery brands in this highly competitive market.

“Discovery is now the biggest broadcaster in factual entertainment across Africa. The move into general entertainment section in the EPG is testament to the true power of Discovery Channel’s programming ability to entertain global audiences and transcend viewing genres. World class talent present our high-octane, adrenaline fuelled

programming that is the basis of Discovery’s success around the world.” says Caleb Weinstein, SVP and General Manager of Emerging Markets for Discovery Networks EMEA. “Further channel launches of Discovery World and Discovery HD Showcase have allowed us to enhance our local portfolio. This strengthens our position as the factual entertainment leader and our footprint across Africa.”

The addition of Discovery World to the Discovery portfolio gives viewers with a keen interest in the world they live in greater access to detailed and factual-rich content through immersive documentaries and series. Discovery World is being launched in 61 African countries, including South Africa, significantly expanding Discovery’s African audience and making Discovery World a leading factual TV brand in the region.

Aletta Alberts, Head of Content, MultiChoice said: “The launch of Discovery World and the relocation of Discovery Channel to the entertainment genre, forms part of our ongoing enhancements of the DStv service and will broaden the already wide selection of factual and entertainment content available to our subscribers. Discovery Channel will continue to provide viewers with factual entertainment whilst Discovery World will provide our subscribers with new, high-quality documentary content that they’ve come to expect from the Discovery brand.”

In December 2009 the historic launch of Discovery HD Showcase on the DStv HD platform in southern Africa, made Discovery the first international broadcaster to offer an entirely HD channel in the region. Southern African viewers are now enjoying their favourite Discovery shows from across a vast portfolio of networks, exclusively in HD.

The Discovery portfolio of family brands diversifies Discovery’s programming offerings and strengthens its position as the one network with the ability to reach every sector of the market. The Discovery portfolio of brands now includes Discovery Channel (general entertainment), Discovery World (leading factual zone) Discovery HD Showcase (tech savvy viewers) and Animal Planet (female audiences).

As of the 1 March Discovery Channel will be available on DStv EPG number 121 and new channel Discovery World will launch on channel number 250.

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