[Submitted via press release]
kykNET spreads its wings to the UK
Expats get access to Afrikaans television on TV service TalkTalk
M-Net’s powerhouse Afrikaans brand kykNET is venturing into new territory. Afrikaans-speaking South Africans in the UK, who have been craving television programming in their mother-tongue, can now enjoy two kykNET channels on the television service TalkTalk.
These two channels - kykNET and kykNET Musiek - have been added to the range of language-specific channels from all over the world provided to TalkTalk by THEMA, a company that aggregates the best TV content for diaspora communities.
According to M-Net’s Director of Afrikaans channels, Karen Meiring, kykNET’s move into the UK is the next logical step for this hugely popular brand: “Over the years, we have received thousands of requests to expand kykNET’s footprint.
"Taking kykNET to the UK is testimony to the fact that we are sensitive to the needs of our audiences and potential audiences - no matter where they are. With the assistance of THEMA and TalkTalk, kykNET is turning into a citizen of the world – and this is just the beginning.”
The kykNET UK channel allows TalkTalk subscribers to experience the variety of programmes their South African friends and family are raving about, while kykNET Musiek showcases the biggest contemporary music stars, such as Laurika Rauch, Steve Hofmeyr, Juanita du Plessis, Coenie de Villiers, Kurt Darren and Snotkop.
Pay-television viewers in the UK can now start their day with Dagbreek, kykNET’s vibrant breakfast show; follow the drama and intrigue of the two soapies Binneland and Villa Rosa; get up to speed with news and actuality with Robinson Regstreeks, Beleggingsfokus and kykNET Nuus; enjoy the drama Donkerland , penned by Deon Opperman; or cook up a storm with the legendary Nataniël in Die Nataniël Tafel.
Other cooking shows include Ilse Kook!, presented by SA’s own Nigella, Ilse Fourie, and Roer!, with Tammy-Anne Fortuin visiting the kitchens of SA celebrities.
But Afrikaans programming without a ‘braai’ is inconceivable! In Jan Braai vir Erfenis a character named Jan Braai travels through the world to convert everyone to the quintessentially South African braai culture. And to bring some sunny times to the Northern hemisphere, the kykNET UK line-up also features the Willie Esterhuizen comedies, Vir beter of baie beter, and an old favourite, Hester en Ester Bester.
François Thiellet, CEO of THEMA, says THEMA is the ideal partner to bring all these amazing Afrikaans programming to expats. “On top of all this home-made programming, TalkTalk offers a wide range channels that South Africans in the UK are familiar with, as well as broadband. It is your one-stop for great entertainment and we are thrilled to be part of all of this."
To find out how to subscribe to TalkTalk, go to:
TalkTalk.