CBS channels debut in Africa

CBS Action and CBS Drama are set to launch in Africa for the first time as part of a new four-channel deal between broadcaster Chello Zone and Africa’s MultiChoice. 

Both channels will appear on MultiChoice-owned DTH platform DStv across Africa, along with Chello Zone children’s channel JimJam and Hollywood movie channel MGM.

Chello Zone has a joint partnership with CBS Studios International and the pair agreed at the end of last year to create new CBS-branded channels from Chello Zone’s existing bouquet of networks.

This rebrand saw the creation of new-look channels, including CBS Reality, CBS Drama, CBS Action and CBS Europa. Chellozone said that the MultiChoice deal for CBS Action and CBS Drama marked the first major deal for the CBS Chello Zone partnership since then.

“Our growing presence in Africa is an important move regionally, both for CBS Studios International and our partnership channels with Chello Zone,” said L. Reed Manville, executive vice president of international channels for CBS Studios International.

“As the first major deal for the CBS channels since their successful rebrand, we are thrilled to be working with the country’s leading platform MultiChoice.”

In August last year Chellomedia acquired Hollywood studio MGM’s international channels, taking on 13 MGM branded channel feeds and its pan-EMEA channel.

Chello Zone is a leading channel distributor for Europe, Middle East and Africa and claims to reach over 120 countries with 13 broadcast brands.  CBS Chello Zone Channels reach more than 80 countries, including Russia, the Netherlands and Poland.

Chello Zone is part of Chellomedia – Liberty Global’s content division that AMC Networks agreed to buy at the end of October for US$1 billion. The Chellomedia assets being sold as part of that deal include Chello Zone, Chello Multicanal, Chello Central Europe, Chello Latin America and Chello DMC.