New documentary channel launches in Africa

Natura, a documentary and nature channel owned by Chello Multicanal, has launched on South Africa’s StarSat, the DTH platform formerly known as TopTV, and will launch across sub-Saharan African in the near future.

Natura, which is distributed by 3Vision Distribution in the region, covers ecological issues and the environment, with each programme focusing on a unique habitat or type of animal, such as predators, insects, the Arctic, desert ecosystems, reptiles, tropical birds or the rainforest.

StarSat, backed by China’s StarTimes, offers about 100 channels.

“Natura’s unique and award-winning content struck an instant chord with operators across Africa and generated significant interest at DISCOP Africa 2013. The StarSat launch represents the start of the channels roll out across the region in 2014,” said 3Vision Distribution chief operating officer Jonathan Nickell.