So that's it for
ITV Choice.
On Thursday, 4 June 2020 it moves into
TVSA's Defunct channel's listing when it goes dark on DStv.
The contract between MultiChoice and ITV hasn't been renewed, with no reasons given.
This is what MultiChoice has to say about it:
"MultiChoice Group remains firmly committed to providing the best fresh content for its DStv customers. In line with the strategy to continuously review international and local content line-ups and optimise the suite of channels on offer on DStv, the business has decided to bid farewell to the ITV Choice channel."
What are they
actually saying?
Our interpretation:
"We think the channel is stale and not as good as the BBC channels."
Why else would they use the words "best" and "fresh" in that context?
The MultiChoice release suggests they might have something else planned with ITV or it's just a way of letting them down nice:
“Further to discussions with DStv, it has agreed that ITV's International TV Channel, ITV Choice, will no longer be carried on the DStv platform in Africa from 4 June 2020. The ITV Choice brand will continue as a VOD service in other territories,” says an ITV spokesperson.
“We are proud and appreciative of our longstanding association with ITV and look forward to working with them in new ways in the future,” says Yolisa Phahle, CEO for General Entertainment at MultiChoice Group.
The channel's been on DStv for five years and featured a line-up that includes Dancing on Ice, The Voice UK, Poldark, Murdoch Mysteries and Vera.
Is it in your favourite channels listing or have you already canned it?
Is it a loss for you?