Over the past few months, DStv has made some big changes to its product offering as it continues to refine its service. On 1 September, Multichoice cut two M-Net Movie channels and previously cut the popular BBC First channel which it said is part of a “refresh of its British entertainment lineup”. Now, two more channels are getting the chop.
DStv confirms that Disney XD and Fox Life will cease broadcast at the end of the month. “The change is as a result of ongoing review of channels by content providers and platform partners,” MultiChoice said.
However, DStv will do its best to keep some of the most popular series on both channels by migrating them to other channels on the platform. “Favourite Disney XD content will migrate to the Disney Channel (channel 303). Retained programming will include live-action, animation and key franchise series, movies and stunts,” Multichoice said in a statement. “Current shows like Phineas and Ferb, DuckTales, Big City Greens, Supa Strikas, Disney 11, Lab Rats, Marvel’s Spider-Man, Gravity Falls and Big Hero 6 will continue, as well as a host of new series which will be announced in the coming months.”
The Walt Disney Company Africa, who represent both Disney XD and FOX Life channels in the country, adds that “As the television landscape and viewer consumption evolves, we continue to develop and review our products and services – including with our platform partners – to ensure we are offering the best possible experience for consumers.”
They add “Whilst Disney XD will no longer air, some of the channels most popular and iconic animated and live action series will be brought to Disney Channel, expanding the channel’s programming offer to viewers. Whilst Fox Life will no longer air, we are excited to continue to entertain DStv viewers with world-class series and programming from Fox Channel. We are excited to continue to bring our viewers popular and iconic programming from our extensive media networks channels.”
While DStv has been cutting some lifestyle channels from its offering, it has amped up it’s sports offering with the launch of the popular channel ESPN. Meanwhile, SuperSport has also dropped the numbering system it has used for its channels for the past two decades, replacing it with a thematic offering around individual sports.
