Studio Universal to Launch in Africa

LONDON: The Universal Networks International (UNI) movie channel Studio Universal is set to launch on the DStv platform, available in 47 African countries.

Beginning September 30, Studio Universal will be available on the DStv Premium and DStv Compact bouquets on DStv Channel 119. Studio Universal is available in Italy and across Latin America to more than 25 million cumulative subscribers. The launch will feature a lineup of blockbusters from the Universal Pictures catalogue such as The Fast and the Furious, Miami Vice and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.

Colin McLeod, the managing director of EMEA emerging markets at Universal Networks International, said, "Given Universal Networks International’s successful collaboration with DStv via Universal Channel, it is natural that we extend our relationship to encompass a movie channel dedicated to the best of recent Hollywood movies. The Studio Universal brand capitalizes on its strong heritage via Universal Pictures International (UPI), which has been producing movies for nearly a century. We are sure DStv subscribers will love this new channel that combines top films from UPI and other studios."

Aletta Alberts, the general manager of content at MultiChoice, added, “Movies are a key driver for pay-TV viewers. We are always looking to strengthen the DStv channel line-up by offering our subscribers more high value content. We believe that Studio Universal will enrich the DStv platform, giving our DStv Compact and DStv Premium viewers a dedicated blockbuster movie channel.”