DStv goes Disney

"We are delighted that Disney Channel continues to extend global reach and connect to children in this region. The launch in Africa represents a huge milestone in expanding Disney to this enormously important developing area," says John Hardie, executive vice president and managing director, Walt Disney Television, EMEA.

"With their expertise in African markets, our partners DStv offer us the opportunity to make Disney Channel the leading kids brand across the continent".

According to Multichoice, Disney Channel Worldwide represents the most successful portfolio of kids' channels in the world, and reaches more than 600 million viewers in over 100 countries in the US, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Latin America and soon in Africa. Disney Channel properties continue to expand rapidly into new markets across the world, playing a key role in introducing the Disney brand to new consumers.

Highlights of programming will be:

• Live action series: That's So Raven, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and the new Hannah Montana
• Disney Channel Original Movies, including High School Musical
• Contemporary animated series such as Kim Possible and American Dragon
• Entertaining and educational pre-school shows such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Disney's Little Einsteins and coming next year, the My Friends Tigger and Pooh
• Disney Feature films for the family such as Lady and the Tramp and The Heffalump Movie.

"We're delighted to bring to our subscribers the high quality, world-acclaimed and parent-endorsed Disney Channel. We expect the channel to be hugely popular with people of all ages and believe this exciting new addition to our DStv platform translates into more choice and deeper enjoyment for our subscribers," says Aletta Alberts, MultiChoice's general manager content.

Disney Channel will be broadcast on DStv channel 82, for 16 hours a day, seven days a week. All existing and new subscribers to the English speaking package will receive the channel from September.