TVSA has learned from very reliable sources, that DStv is planning various channel additions and changes during this year to fend off the ever encroaching new networks and competition.
We can reveal that DStv is currently planning to add at least five new channels to the available premium bouquet.
The offshoot of National Geographic,
Nat Geo Wild will start broadcasting on Channel 261as from next Wednesday, 26 March, 2008.
The 24 hour e.news channel will launch on the 1st of June this year which rival e.Sat have decided to produce for the DStv platform. In this manoevre e.tv gets the chance to branch out with its first e.Sat offering, strengthen its e.news division immeasurably and will also be able to generate ad income from the beginning with a locked in audience.
DStv is also working on another kids channel - similar to the already existing Cartoon Network, Boomerang etc. which will be an Afrikaans kids channel. More Zet and Mina Moo anyone?
More sport channels are also in the pipeline. DStv will introduce another offshoot channel of the existing ESPN brand. ESPN Classic will be introduced later in the year and will feature rebroadcast classic sporting events (often with added commentary from the perspective of hindsight), sport documentaries, sport star biographies and sport themed movies.
SuperSport is working on providing viewers with several dedicated additional SuperSport channels in August to cover the Olympic Games in China.
MultiChoice is also planning to debut a special high definition channel in August to showcase new superior HD broadcast technology.
There is also news about the BBC channels including BBC Food and BBC Prime which will undergo dramatic changes. And by dramatic, we mean they will. . .disappear! But not really.
Channel restructuring will see these channels fall away - the content will still remain in a more stripped down format and the channels will be renamed. There are also rumours that the BBC is setting up a centre in South Africa to offer localised programming with a local flavour.
Let's hope they do something about the endless repeats of repeats of repeats and kill off Inspector Morse!