MultiChoice-owned African pay TV operator DStv is set to launch a pan-African lifestyle channel called Honey next year.

The channel is operated by South African print media company Media24’s television unit, which is also responsible for Afrikaans lifestyle channel VIA. Launching on February 12, it will be available on DStv channel 173 for Compact, Compact Plus and Premium subscribers.

Unscripted channel Honey’s content will be focused on lifestyle, fashion, food, weddings, dating and reality.

The channel will be broadcast in all key African regions. Like MultiChoice, Media24 is backed by South African internet group Naspers.

Yolisa Phahle, MultiChoice CEO of general entertainment, said: “DStv is thrilled to launch Honey. The channel is part of our commitment to keep bringing fresh, authentic and local content to our African subscribers. For many years, we’ve seen lifestyle is a popular genre on the continent, and now our subscribers will see their own talent, food, celebrations and their families as the well-deserved hero.”

Aletta Alberts, head of content at MultiChoice, added: “Africa’s dynamism and way of life is the perfect ingredient for this exciting channel. Honey is going to add a sweet and sticky flavour to our subscriber offering. Lifestyle content is the ideal vehicle to reflect the continent’s diversity and sameness. Everyone curious about food, style and weddings is in for a treat.”

Izelle Venter, Honey’s channel head, said: “Media24 is delighted to collaborate with MultiChoice on this new adventure. The goal is to combine both companies’ best qualities, experience and knowledge to serve DStv subscribers with a new channel that is familiar, unique and entertaining.”

Zinzi Velelo, Honey’s head of content, added: “We are working with producers across the continent to ensure the lifestyle stories we tell are real and relevant. Our goal is to showcase the characters, talent and dynamics of everyday African life as never before.”

tagged in: DSTV, Honey, MultiChoice