MULTICHOICE LAUNCHES DEDICATED 24/7 MOONBUG KIDS CHANNEL FOR DStv AFRICA
New Moonbug Kids Channel promises fun-filled, wholesome entertainment to complement any family routine!
JOHANNESBURG, 20 OCTOBER 2022 – A specially curated Moonbug Kids Channel is now available to DStv subscribers across Africa. The YouTube-focused pre-school entertainment company Moonbug Entertainment confirmed plans to launch the channel on DStv in October. The channel will feature exclusive, linear, preschool content from the Moonbug portfolio of much-loved shows.
The agreement highlights DStv’s shift in mindset about digital-first content (content that was only available on digital platforms, like YouTube first). Other Moonbug linear Kids Channels have already launched in other territories across MENA and in APAC in The Philippines or Malaysia.
“Digital-first content is entering traditional channels and reaching new audiences. . The quality and appeal of these shows has vastly improved over the past few years. Platforms like ours recognize these shows’ benefits in adding value to our customers. .” Explained Georginah Machiridza, Executive Head of Content Strategy and Third-Party Channels at MultiChoice Group.
The Moonbug Kids channel will be available to 21.7 million DStv subscribers across 45 African countries and will air in English. All Moonbug shows will be featured on the channel including CoComelon, Blippi, Gecko’s Garage, Morphle, Arpo, and recent acquisitions such as Little Angel and Oddbods.
“This an incredibly significant deal for us and part of our wider strategy to roll out Moonbug Kids channels on pay-TV platforms across EMEA and APAC,” Moonbug EMEA and APAC managing director Nicolas Eglau said.
“Launching a premium, advertising-free, linear channel with DStv is one key advantage of our digital-first approach. It enables us to structure the channel by applying our in-depth knowledge of children’s viewing, including when and how they engage with content.” Eglau continued.
Moonbug Entertainment is creating the channel with a dedicated 24/7 programming schedule. It will feature engaging entertainment that not only pacifies but supports children’s development. The schedule will also support families with their daily routines such as mealtimes, playtime, bath time, bedtime, and more.
“MultiChoice are very selective about the kind of channel that gets on the platform, so for us being on MultiChoice is almost like a quality stamp of approval,” Eglau concluded.
Moonbug shows promote healthy values like compassion, empathy, and resilience to kids around the world.
“We’re all parents. Moonbug was started by parents for parents. And as such we want to create great entertainment for kids all around the world – which kids will love – and their parents will love that they love.” Ditte Lucas, Head of Brand at Moonbug added.
The ad-free, premium offering is available on MultiChoice Africa platforms (DStv and GOtv) from 20 October 2022.
About MultiChoice Group
MultiChoice Group (MCG), which listed in the Main Board of the JSE on 27 February 2019, is one of the fastest-growing video entertainment providers globally, delivering entertainment products and services to 21.8m households across 50 countries on the African continent. Its track record of more than 30 years is reflective of a commitment to provide audiences with only the best local, sport and international content.
MCG’s strong partnerships with distributors, installers and telecommunication companies, along with its well-established payment solutions, competitive pricing and choice of viewership packages continue to secure its place in the global market, while also providing solutions unique to the African market. Its direct-to-home (DTH), digital terrestrial television (DTT) and over-the-top (OTT) solutions enable the business to stay relevant and aligned to changing consumer habits while capturing new markets.
Content is at the very core of the business. MCG aims to deliver quality content anywhere, anytime and on any device through a comprehensive video entertainment offering at different price points. As pioneers in African video entertainment, MCG plays an important role in making information and entertainment easily accessible to Africans.
MCG aims to secure content rights in a manner that is cost-effective and reflective of the diversity of its audiences. Its substantial portfolio includes award-winning local content (a key differentiator in its service offering), a leading sport offering (including production capabilities) and access to international content, which is all shared on the group’s platforms: DStv, GOtv, Showmax, M-Net and SuperSport.
MCG has superior technology capability through the security solutions that Irdeto, its technology company, brings to the group. These solutions enable MultiChoice to protect its investment, create new offerings and combat cybercrime. With 50 years’ expertise in software security, Irdeto’s software security solutions and cyber services protect over 5bn devices and applications for some of the world’s best brands.