DStv Family, Access & Easyview from 15 December 2022
From Thursday, 15 December 2022, DStv viewers who have Family, Access & Easyview packages will be able to enjoy a variety of world-class entertainment on our DStv platforms.
The channel will home award-winning BBC catalogue shows across multiple genres, scheduled to match the viewing behaviour of the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about BBC UKTV:
- What is BBC UKTV?
BBC UKTV is a new channel available on DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus, DStv Compact, DStv Family, DStv Access and DStv Lite. The channel will home award-winning BBC catalogue shows across multiple genres, scheduled to match the viewing behaviour of the whole family. From British soaps, documentaries to children’s shows, BBC UKTV will inform, educate and entertain families in South Africa.
- Why is MultiChoice launching this new channel?
It is in line with our commitment to ongoing efforts to enhance our customers’ television experience and delight them with content that resonates with them and enrich their viewing with a vast selection of content to choose from.
- Why did BBC UKTV launch this channel if the content is the same on the existing channels on DStv?
Our suite of branded channels on DStv will continue to offer a fantastic mix of brand new premium British programming, and fresh local shows such as Come Dine with Me South Africa and Homegrown Tastes South Africa. BBC UKTV enables new audiences in South Africa to watch BBC’s rich catalogue of inspiring content, across multiple genres on one destination. The channel will home British soaps, Casualty and Doctors, which make their debut in Africa. Other genres will also be scheduled to match viewing habits of families in South Africa – including natural history, children’s shows and feel-good entertainment.
- When will BBC UKTV channel be live?
The channelwill be live on Channel 134 from 15 December 2022.
- Will there be new shows on this channel?
BBC’s award-winning catalogue content includes Top Gear, The Great British Bake Off and Wild Africa, BBC UKTV will premiere British soaps, Casualty, Doctors which are new to the market.
- What content will I find onBBC UKTV?
With around 1000 hours of content in its first year, BBC UKTV will give new audiences on DStv the opportunity to watch award-winning British content and discover new favourites.
Programming at launch includes:
- Long-running sitcom My Family (Season 1) can be enjoyed weekdays at 06:00 and 19:30.
- BBC’s incredible natural history collection will be available every day at 09:00 and weekdays from 15:00. Including Wild Africa and Africa with Ade Adepitan.
- Much-loved British hospital-based soap Doctors returns to DStv audiences with Season 22 weekdays at 19:00.
- Iconic factual entertainment such as classic Top Gear (Season 19) will air on BBC UKTV weekdays at 20:00 and Sundays from 18:30.
- Action-packed entertainment for children aged 0-12 will be available to watch between 06:30 and 09:00 every morning.
- When shows end on BBC’s existing DStv channels will they go onto BBC UKTV?
BBC UKTV will home award-winning BBC catalogue content, including new-to-market British soaps, Casualty and Doctors. BBC brand favourites including Top Gear, Come Dine with Me South Africa and Great British Bake Off will be available to enjoy on BBC UKTV. Existing BBC channels on DStv will continue to premiere the newest seasons of BBC shows.
- What will happen to BBC channels on DStv?
BBC Brit, BBC Earth, BBC Lifestyle, CBeebies and BBC World News will remain on DStv. BBC UKTV is a complimentary channel which is available to watch on DStv Family, DStv Access and DStv Lite.
- Why are some of my favourite BBC shows not available on BBC UKTV?
Unfortunately, we are not always able to acquire rights for every programme we broadcast. We are continually looking at ways to ensure a great viewing experience for you, so check back often to discover what is new on BBC UKTV.
- What makes this channel different to the existing BBC channels on DStv?
BBC UKTV has been specially created for new families in our markets to access BBC catalogue content across multiple genres on DStv Family, DStv Access and DStv Easyview. The variety of content will include British soaps – Casualty and Doctors – which are market firsts, plus, documentaries, entertainment and children’s content, scheduled to match the viewing habits of families in South Africa on one destination.
- Is this a long-term agreement with DStv?
BBC Studios and DStv have a long-standing relationship (since 1999) and we hope to continue for many years to come.
- On which DStv bouquets will the channel be available?
BBC UKTV will be available in South Africa on DStv Family, DStv Access and DStv Easyview.
- How many hours of content can I expect from this channel?
This new channel will run for 24-hours daily.
- Will BBC UKTV be available in all markets?
No, BBC UKTV will be available to DStv customers in the IS20 regions (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Eswatini, Malawi)
- Is BBC UKTV for the whole family?
Yes, BBC UKTV can be enjoyed by the entire family. From pre-school to parents/guardians, there is a show for everyone.
- What language will the content be in?
The content will be predominantly in English, please log on to www.dstv.com for more information.
- Will I be able to view the channel online via DStv App?
Yes, the channel will be available to watch via DStv App.
- Do I need to register to get access to this new channel?
No, the channel will automatically be available to on the relevant DStv packages.
- Do I need to pay an access fee?
No, this channel will be available at no extra cost.
- Where can I find more information on BBC UKTV?
Viewers can visit the www.dstv.com websites for more information, as well as our social media pages.They can find the schedule under TV Guide as well as on the EPG (Electronic Programming Guide) on your decoder.
