Two new Discovery channels for African viewers

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 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.