BBC Studios' multi-genre channel BBC UKTV (DStv channel 134), launched in December 2023 and, according to the channel, has proven to be a channel of choice with subscribers to the DStv Family, Access and EasyView packages.

According to the channel, its audience share has increased by 79% in its second quarter since launch.

BBC UKTV will now also be available in DStv's Compact package, providing around eight million families in South Africa access to a variety of the following from BBC Studios' catalogue:
  • entertainment
  • natural history series
  • soaps, and
  • children's shows.

Home to various premium local and entertainment programming, BBC Lifestyle (channel 174) will be available to DStv Family subscribers for the first time since its launch in 2015, in addition to its place in the DStv Compact package. 

BBC Studios' suite of channels will continue to offer DStv audiences premium programming, now with an increased catch-up window for BBC-owned content on DStv catch-up across the following from 30 days to 60 days:
  • BBC Brit
  • BBC Lifestyle
  • BBC Earth
  • BBC UKTV, and
  • CBeebies.

Pierre Cloete, commercial director at BBC Studios in Africa, says, "We have a long-standing relationship with Multichoice and are proud of our six incredible BBC channels on the DStv platform. Each channel offers something for everyone with a broad genre, trusted quality and international and local talent."

"I'm so excited to showcase our commitment to going further, broadening the reach of BBC Lifestyle and BBC UKTV and increasing the catch-up window for BBC-owned content across our portfolio. This will give even more South African people access to the best BBC content, and I can't wait for new audiences to find their new favourite shows," adds Cloete.

Arran Tindall, chief commercial officer EVP of EMEA key markets, says, "We are proud to extend the reach of our portfolio. Adding BBC Lifestyle to Family and BBC UKTV to Compact enables us to reach wider audiences utilising the richness of the BBC's content, providing more DStv subscribers access to award-winning shows."

"We continue to strengthen our content offering; therefore, we are excited about broadening the content scope for our customers," concludes Georginah Machiridza, executive head of general entertainment channels at MultiChoice Group.

For more information, visit www.multichoice.com. You can also follow the Multichoice Group on X.