CBS Channels Gain African Carriage

LONDON/JOHANNESBURG: Chello Zone and MultiChoice have announced that four channels, among them CBS Drama and CBS Action, are being added to DStv across Africa.

CBS Drama and CBS Action will become available for the first time in Africa. The channels feature programming from the CBS Studios International catalogue, as well as select acquired programming from third-party suppliers. Also joining DStv are the children's channel JimJam and Hollywood movie service MGM. The four channels launch on November 12.

Louise Cottrell, VP of affiliate sales for Chello Zone, said: “Our growing presence in Africa is an important move, both for Chello Zone and our partnership channels with CBS. As the first major deal for the CBS channels since their successful rebrand it is a crucial time in their development, and we are thrilled to be working with the continent’s leading platform MultiChoice.

“Africa is a key territory for English-language content and is the perfect home for our broad range of channels which offer viewers a fantastic mix of programming—from glossy U.S. super-soaps and passionate series on CBS Drama and iconic swashbuckling and fantasy series on CBS Action to educational interactive kids’ series on JimJam and Hollywood greats on MGM.”

L. Reed Manville, the executive VP of international channels for CBS Studios International, said: “Our growing presence in Africa is an important move regionally, both for CBS Studios International and our partnership channels with Chello Zone. As the first major deal for the CBS channels since its successful rebrand, we are thrilled to be working with the country’s leading platform MultiChoice.”

Collins Khumalo, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa, commented: “We are delighted to add these four channels to DStv. Our customers will get even more great entertainment and be able to choose programmes that suit their viewing preferences. DStv is the home of the best digital entertainment.”