Previously the sole domain of DStv’s Premium bouquet, Sony Pictures Television’s general entertainment channel, Sony Entertainment Television (SET), is now be available on DStv Compact, thus reaching more South African viewers.
As of May 6, SET also now spans Sub-Saharan Africa when it simultaneously launched on both DStv’s Premium and Compact bouquets, extending coverage into the continent and bringing the total number of subscriber households for SET in Africa to over two million.
DStv Compact was launched in February 2005 with just 13 channels and now carries over 35 channels.
Philipp Schmidt, general manager, Africa networks, Sony Pictures Television, describes the SET expansion as a key milestone in the growth of Sony’s network business. “In addition to achieving our key goal of extending SET’s exciting programming line-up – including first-run and award-winning series – we are excited that we can also offer advertisers a unique, fast-growing TV channel throughout the region.”
“We are pleased to add SET to our DStv Compact bouquet and we believe the addition will further contribute to the popularity and entertainment value of the bouquet,” said Aletta Alberts, MultiChoice’s General Manager – Content.
Having launched in South Africa exclusively on the Premium bouquet in November 2007, SET has established itself as a unique entertainment channel with a programming schedule that appeals to 18 to 49 year olds. Innovative and critically acclaimed first-run series include The Amazing Race, the recently debuted Leverage and the multi-award nominated Late Show with David Letterman. The channel also boasts a wide range of movies.
Also airing in South Africa is SPT’s Animax, which features Japanese animé as well as reality programming, appealing to a younger audience of 16 to 25 year olds. SPT’s third TV network in the region is AXN, the general entertainment, action and adventure channel which airs in Portuguese-speaking Africa.
Around the world, SET is now watched in more than 90 countries, reaching more than 90 million households.
