Pay-TV operator, MultiChoice Africa announced on Tuesday 17 June, that it has signed a multi-year distribution deal with MTV Networks International to carry leading kids’ entertainment brand, Nickelodeon, in southern Africa. Starting 1 July 2008, Nickelodeon will launch as a 24-hour English language channel, broadcasting to more than one and a half million DStv subscribers in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Targeted at kids two to 14, Nickelodeon is the world’s only multi-platform entertainment brand dedicated exclusively to kids. According to Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa, the channel will carry Nickelodeon’s well known programming for preschool, primary school and tween-age kids, with a dedicated programming block, Nick Jr. where kids play to learn, and Nick at Nite, a primetime slot created for older kids.
The new 24-hour Nickelodeon channel will consist of a mix of Nickelodeon’s globally award-winning animation and live action programming, saysNolo Letele, CEO – MultiChoice South Africa Group. The channel’s schedule will boast a rich programming lineup including Nickelodeon’s beloved pre-school hit, Dora the Explorer and whimsical sea sponge SpongeBob SquarePants as well as anime-inspired action adventure Avatar – The Legend of Aang, and comedy/live action series, Unfabulous and Drake & Josh.
Nickelodeon’s new channel in Africa will complement the wide range of Nickelodeon programming that airs on K-All Day, broadcasting on DStv channel 300, and Nickelodeon’s regional consumer product business.
Distribution and marketing for Nickelodeon in sub-Saharan Africa will be managed by Johannesburg-based MTV Networks Africa, which is also responsible for MTV, MTV base, MTV France, MTV Portugal and VH1 in the region.
