DStv’s M-Net Channels get a refresh

An extended Prime Time slot on M-Net and a reduction of repeat programming

March 2017

Fresh new schedules on M-Net channels to improve DStv customers viewing will see the end of specialist channels including M-Net Edge, M-Net Family and M-Net Movies Showcase as content moves to other M-Net channels.

As part of putting our customers at the heart of the MultiChoice business we have listened to their feedback and are making changes to improve their viewing experience across the M-Net channels. From 1 April 2017, DStv Premium customers can look forward to a fresh new scheduling approach on the M-Net which will result in fewer repeats of movies and series.

The ever-popular content on M-Net Edge will be integrated into M-Net 101 West. This will give customers a supersized channel with bumper-to-bumper entertainment ranging from the latest shows to the edgier entertainment previously on M-Net Edge.  Extended prime time on M-Net 101 will be from 5pmto midnight every day. This means fewer repeats on M-Net, which will now be your one destination for the best and newest shows.

DStv customers can tune in to sitcom fun at 5pm, followed by the latest blockbuster international reality shows at 5:30pm and top-notch drama, crime, comedy or action series from 6:30pmonwards. Once the kids are safely in bed – between 8:30pm and midnight – customers can enjoy critically acclaimed edgier entertainment like Billions season 2, Magicians season 2; The Leftovers season 3, Bates Motel season 5, Broadchurch season 3, Mad Dogs season 1, Detour season 2 and more.

To top it off, M-Net will pull out all the stops to give DStv customers great entertainment on Saturdays. The reality show repeats will be dropped on Saturdays and Sundays, in favour of fresh sitcoms and dramas which will air on Saturdays from 5pm. Brand new series like cutting-edge medical drama Pure Genius (Augustus Prew, Dermot Mulroney, and Odette Annable), dark comedy Imposters (InbarLavi, Parker Young and Stephen Bishop) and the return of Wentworth Miller in firm favourite, Prison Break will start from 6:30pm.

“We value our customers, and their feedback on the entertainment that we provide for them is very important to us. The entertainment landscape is changing faster than ever so we’ve made these changes based on what our viewers have told us. We will keep reviewing our program offering and ensureing that we put our customers’ needs at the forefront of all our operations,”says Martin Mabutho, General Manager, MultiChoice Nigeria.

Our plan is to schedule fresh movies more often, so M-Net Movies Showcase (channel 107) will be dropped in favour of more themed pop-up channels which have been very well received.

Speaking further, Mabutho said, “Our pop-up channels are extremely popular. “Viewers love the fact that they can easily find a collection of their favourite movies packaged under a specific theme on one channel. They enjoyed the Star Wars and Harry Potter pop-up channels, with James Bond having launched the last Wednesday, 22February – and we’re planning several more throughout the year.”

The recently launched M-Net Movies Collection also adds to the breadth of M-Net’s movie offering. The M-Net Movies Collection comprise more than 1000 movies and is available on DStv Catch Up Plus, accessible to customers when they connect their DStvExplora to the internet. The collection is also accessible on the Catch Up section on DStv Now online and on the app. DStv Premium customers can choose what movie they would like to watch, when it suits them best.

Reset your recordings

We want to let our M-Net and M-Net Edge viewers know that as the schedules get combined, there will be two, three or four back-to-back episodes of your favourite shows in the next couple of weeks before M-Net Edge closes. Make sure to reset your recordings because Elementary, Major Crimes and Grimm, as well as Express from the US shows Crashing, Girls, Homeland, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and Lucifer will move to their new home in their brand new timeslot on M-Net.