BBC content growth for Africa

13 Apr 2018

Premium British television content is heading to Africa's shores courtesy of some of the leading broadcasters in the region.

BBC Studios announced at MIPTV this week that Africa has secured over 300 hours of programming from across its portfolio since the start of 2018, including a first time deal with TV-on-the-go service, DSTV NOW.

MultiChoice's pay TV platform DSTV NOW’s first package deal with BBC Studios includes an eclectic mix of music and arts programming. With over 100 hours acquired, key titles include: Last Night Of The Proms, Art of Scandinavia, Shakespeare Uncovered and Il Divo: A Musical Affair: Live in Japan.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s public service broadcaster SABC recently snapped up over 80 hours of programming across natural history, factual and children’s.

Some of the titles procured include the multi award-winning, global hits Blue Planet II and Planet Earth II, the world’s biggest motoring show Top Gear S24 and pre-schooler’s favourite Go Jetters, all of which will premiere for the first time in the territory on free-to-air television.

SVOD service Iflix, concluded a second package deal since it launched last year, with over 100 hours of drama and comedy programming for Sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa), with Citizen Khan S1 – S5, Hustle S1 – S8, Undercover, The Aliens, The Refugees and Undercover all included in the deal.

Joel Churcher, vice president and general manager for Africa, BBC Studios said, “Africa is a really exciting place to be in the television industry right now. We are seeing new and existing broadcasting platforms go from strength to strength. We are thrilled with the opportunities in the market that help us to bring the BBC’s award winning programming ranging from blockbuster natural history documentaries to educational children’s content, to a wider audience across the continent.”

Both linear and digital platforms continue to show an increased appetite for premium British content from BBC Studios, with both new and returning deals across all platforms reinforcing relationships in the territory.