DStv has announced that the paycaster will be launching two new channels in mid-October: TLC and ID: Investigation Discovery - both by Discovery Networks. Interestingly, both channels are also available on
TopTV.
They launch on Friday, 14 October. TLC will be on channel 186 and ID: Investigation Discovery will be on channel 252. Both will be available on the Compact and Premium bouquets.
As you'll see from the line-up of titles, they're different from the other Discovery channels currently on DStv. Both have a feminine slant: TLC has a strong reality angle and ID focuses on crime, investigation and forensics.
Here's more from the release:
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 the first quarter of 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 in South Africa and across the African continent.
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 viewers 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.