M-Net will be introducing two custom-made programme schedules for their terrestrial and satellite viewers in April 2011, which they say is “in a quest to meet the viewing needs” of the two audiences.<\/p>\n
While all the channel’s viewers will still have access to the same local and international programming, the two offerings will vary in terms of sport and Afrikaans content.<\/p>\n
M-Net Channel Head, Pierre Cloete, said that the two schedules will be streamlined to prevent duplication of programming on M-Net’s satellite channels, without inconveniencing the channel’s many loyal terrestrial subscribers.<\/p>\n
“The decision to split the M-Net offering during certain time blocks is based on feedback from both our satellite and terrestrial viewers, whose viewing needs have evolved over the past few years. It is good news all round, and we trust that the changes will enable our viewers to enjoy even more of their favourite programming on M-Net,” said Cloete.<\/p>\n
From 1 April 2011 M-Net’s satellite viewers will be able to watch non-stop international and local series and movies on M-Net. There will be no more sport and Afrikaans programming on the M-Net satellite channel. All sport will be hosted on SuperSport and satellite viewers can enjoy Afrikaans programming on kykNET.<\/p>\n
“Until now Binneland, for example, was available on two satellite channels at the same time,” explains Cloete. “By consolidating Afrikaans content on kykNET and sport on the SuperSport channels, we win more available scheduling time on M-Net, which can be filled with unique shows aimed at our M-Net satellite audience.”<\/p>\n
As M-Net’s terrestrial viewers don’t have access to dedicated sports and language channels, the sport and Binneland will remain on their M-Net schedule. Courtesy of kykNET, however, there will be additional Afrikaans content in day-time slots on the M-Net terrestrial schedule.<\/p>\n
The current KTV block will fall away for both terrestrial and satellite viewers. “Our KTV audience has grown up. Research has indicated that young viewers prefer watching 24\/7 kids channels on DStv to blocks of kids’ programming, and the current slightly older terrestrial audience indicated that they would love to see more programming aimed at them.”<\/p>\n
Even though the two schedules will vary during day-time, as well as between 18:30 and 19:00, when terrestrial viewers will watch Binneland and satellite viewers international programming, everyone will be able to enjoy M-Net’s new soap, The Wild, at 18:00, as well as the channel’s prime-time programming.<\/p>\n
“Nobody will be losing out,” says Cloete. “On the contrary, we’ll be able to deliver more content to all our viewers.”<\/p>\n
M-Net’s prime-time will be extended until 22:30.<\/p>\n
The M-Net channel (channel 101) is available to satellite viewers on the DStv premium bouquet. Terrestrial viewers watch M-Net on their analogue decoders featuring M-Net and\/or CSN only. M-Net HD will continue to show “premium sporting events” in addition to “premium entertainment content” from M-Net 101.<\/p>\n