![[South Africa] MultiChoice expands information, entertainment offering and reach](Images/2019/02/MultiChoice.jpg)
[South Africa] MultiChoice expands information, entertainment offering and reach
As most people are now required to spend more time at home to avoid the spreading of the COVID-19, Multichoice will provide broadened access to credible information at this time by making news channels more widely available across the continent.
News channels will be available for subscribers and non-subscribers on the DStv Now app. CNN has also been added to DStv Family and Access subscribers, and Africanews has been launched on DStv Channel 417.
“We have been in constant communication with health authorities such as the World Health Organisation, and we will be rolling out Africa-wide public service announcements on COVID-19. It is important that all of us take heed of the announcements and advice from trusted experts so that we can look after our own health and that of our loved ones,” says MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela.
MultiChoice is not only expanding its content offering for news, but there will also be more kids shows, movies and curated sports content. “In light of the disruptions to the school year in some markets, we are also working towards providing access to the best available educational content to help keep young minds stimulated and engaged,” continues Mawela.
Revision lessons from educational channel Mindset (Channel 319) will be available on Catch Up and educational channel Da Vinci (Channel 318) will be made available until the end of May. Nickelodeon (Channel 305) has also been opened up to DStv Compact, Family and Access subscribers until 14th April.
Live sports has suffered a notable impact globally as a result of sporting federations correctly prioritising the safety of players and fans alike, by adhering to accepted measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. MCG has acquired the best award-winning sport documentaries from around the globe, and produced thematic channels for sports fans to relive the greatest sporting moments of all time. In addition, SS1 has been opened to DStv Compact Plus and Compact, and SS7 will be opened to DStv Access customers.
10 additional movies have also been added to BoxOffice giving 40 of the latest blockbusters and increasing the line-up for kids and family viewing. This also comes at a reduced rental cost of R25 during this period.
It is important to note that due care has been taken to ensure that employees, customers, production houses and suppliers also have limited risk of exposure. A number of sports, film and production crews may not be able to continue working, but customers will be updated of any programme schedules and changes in the coming days and weeks.
“We are taking great care for our staff during this time and have encouraged those that are able to work from home to do so,” Mawela adds. “In light of this we have advised our customers that there may be a delay in our ability to attend to customer queries. However, we have a number of self service and online platforms available, and we will do our best to sort out any issues they may have, timeously.”
