The deal secures continued distribution of A+E Networks’ channel brands History and Crime + Investigation – alongside Lifetime® – on the DStv platform across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Yusuf Nabee, general manager Africa, says; “We are delighted to secure a long-term renewal for our channels with important platform partner Multichoice. The past two years have seen tremendous growth for A+E Networks’ business in Africa. Today’s announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to this market and we are excited about its future potential.”

A+E Networks has worked in partnership with Multichoice since 2003, when it launched History across Africa, followed by Crime + Investigation® in 2007. A+E Networks’ portfolio has seen an incredible growth in popularity among key audiences in South Africa, with its channels growing 55% since 2012.

A+E Networks has continued to invest in the African market, with the launch of leading entertainment channel brand Lifetime in 2014, the opening of its office in Johannesburg in 2015 and the appointment of its first Africa general manager, Yusuf Nabee, who joined this month. The global media company is also building on its local content commissioning strategy, following the success of its local versions of international hit formats Pawn Stars South Africa and Four Weddings South Africa: It has just announced a local version of Married at First Sight for the African market.

It also continues to invest in quality scripted content: A+E Studios’ highly-anticipated television event Roots made its African debut on History®, channel 186 on DStv on Wednesday, June 15.

Mark Rayner, CEO Multichoice South Africa, says; “We are pleased to continue our partnership with A+E Networks and to continue offering History and Crime + Investigation to our DStv customers. Through amazing shows such as Roots and Black Sails on History and the riveting investigations on Crime + Investigation, we continue to offer our customers a wide range of entertainment of some of the best content in the world.”

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