About
An African version of MTV, the world's premier youth entertainment brand, the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans, artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people.
AVAILABILITY
DStv: Channel 130
Bouquet: Premium, Compact, Extra, Family
PICTURE FORMAT
576i (SDTV, 16:9) - DStv
ABOUT
MTV (or MTV Europe) is a pan-European 24-hour entertainment cable and digital television network launched on 1 August 1987. Initially, the channel served all regions within Europe being one of the very few channels that targeted the entire European continent. Today, the channel only serves a selection of European countries as MTV Networks Europe began to regionalise its network in 1997.
MTV Europe was begun under a co-operative agreement between Viacom and BT, which lasted until 1991 when Viacom took over full ownership. MTV Europe is wholly owned and operated by MTV Networks Europe.
Since its premiere, MTV revolutionized the music industry. Slogans such as "I want my MTV" became embedded in the concept of the VJ was popularized, the idea of a dedicated video-based outlet for music was introduced, and both artists and fans found a central location for music events, news, and promotion. MTV has also been referenced countless times in popular culture by musicians, other TV channels and shows, films and books.
MTV has always aired in South Africa on DStv, but in 2013 Viacom International Media Networks (Africa) launched an opt-out feed of MTV Base Africa in South Africa. This opt-out feed is called MTV South Africa.
The channel broadcasts MTV Base Africa into the territory with unique programming, advertising and sponsorship opportunities for South African audiences. The channel increases localised South African content featuring artists and localised music programming with a South African theme, all other programming on MTV South Africa airs as simulcast of the existing MTV Base Africa channel.
Programming-wise, MTV introduced a host of brand new features, including localised music shows offering exposure to South African rock, pop and dance artists.
For the first time on MTV, South African talent featured alongside international artists via the Rock Chart; the Pop Chart; and the Dance Chart. South African artists also feature in daily music strands.
Originally exclusively available to DStv Premium customers, MTV was added to the Compact and Extra bouquets from 25 August, 2014.