Tag Archives: History

DStv to drop A+E Networks channels

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MultiChoice Group’s pay TV platform DStv is set to lose three channels after carriage renewal talks with network operator A+E Networks broke down.

DStv subscribers in South Africa and across the continent will no longer have access to History, Crime+Investigation and Lifetime channels after the carriage contract was not renewed.

The channels carry programmes including Surviving R Kelly, Forged in Fire, American Pickers, Curse of Oak Island, Damien Lewis Spy Wars, The First 48, Homicide Hunter, Married at First Sight, Little Women, Lost Gold of World War 2, Watergate, Treasures Decoded, Crime Stories SA, Don’t Tell the Bride SA and Loved Like Crazy.

The agreement was last renewed in mid-2016 but this time the two companies have failed to negotiate a new deal over the channels, which have aired for 16, 11 and five years respectively.

In a statement, DStv said: “As part of our ongoing efforts to refresh our content line-up and optimise the suite of channels on offer, MultiChoice Group will be saying goodbye to the History, Crime+Investigation and Lifetime channels on its DStv platform at the end of the current contract term.

“The current contract expires on November 1. Viewers will, however, be able to continue enjoying some favourites such as the Housewives franchise, which is already available on 1 Magic.”

Meanwhile, MultiChoice has announced the introduction of two new channels that will show programmes similar to those that aired on the three networks that it will lose.

“We will soon be announcing the introduction of two new channels to DStv. The first is an established global brand and the other a new innovative brand. Both channels will bring exciting new titles and genres that viewers will enjoy, including others blue-chip documentaries, history and factual reality shows. In addition, we continue to increase our significant investment in local shows and content, which have great resonance with customers and are a key driver of engagement,” the statement adds.

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DStv retains A+E Networks channels

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MultiChoice Group’s pay TV operator DStv has announced it will no longer remove two A+E Networks EMEA channels from its platform.

Yolisa Phahle

The History and Lifetime channels will remain but Crime + Investigation has been cut off.

MultiChoice CEO Mark Rayner revealed the group has signed a new multi-year contract. “We’ve reached an agreement with A+E Networks for terms that we think are acceptable to our DStv subscribers for both History and Lifetime, but Crime + Investigation is still ending,” he said.

“Two further channels from another provider will be announced before the middle of November as a replacement for Crime + Investigation, as well as another factual documentary channel. We’re just finalising technical launch plans so that we can be clear on a launch date.”

Yolisa Phahle, MultiChoice Group CEO for general entertainment, added: “We are excited to have reached this agreement as it allows us to ensure we meet our commitment to get the best programming for our customers, based on commercial terms that make sense and provide a value for money offering to customers. We are pleased that Lifetime will also now be available to our Compact package customers.

“We appreciate our customers’ patience and feedback and have their best interests in mind as we continue to work hard to improve our entertainment offering.”

“We are pleased to have agreed a long-term renewal of our flagship brands, History and Lifetime, in Africa with our partner DStv. As part of this renewal, the new distribution of Lifetime in Compact presents an exciting opportunity to reach millions of new viewers with our unique programming offering”, said Dean Possenniskie, MD of A+E Networks EMEA.

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