In the changes announced on Friday, March 20th, 2020, in order to provide broader access to credible information during this time, Multichoice is making more news channels widely available to their DSTV Access customers at no extra cost, so as to keep them informed on what is happening around the world and in their respective countries as well.
According to the changes, CNN International (channel 415) and Euronews (channel 414) have been added to DStv Access customers, in addition to BBC World News (channel 400), Aljazeera (channel 406). A brand new channel- Africanews (channel 417) has also been added to complement the many other local DStv news channels already available.
Under the changes, all DStv customers can now access the following local and international news stations, namely: BBC News, CNN, Euronews, Al Jazeera, Africa news, Newsroom Africa, CGTN, NTV Uganda, NBS TV, UBC TV, Bukedde TV, BBS Terefayina, Urban, and Baba TV.
GOtv customers will also get the brand-new channel, Africanews (channel 47) available on GOtv Max and Plus. While BBC News (channel 41) and CNN (channel 342) will be open to GOtv Max, Plus and Value customers.
Multichoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela said in a statement that over and above the changes in news programming, the Group would also air public service announcements on COVID-19.
“We have been in constant communication with health authorities such as the World Health Organisation, and we will be rolling out Africa-wide public service announcements on COVID-19. It is important that all of us take heed of the announcements and advice from trusted experts so that we can look after our own health and that of our loved ones,” said Mr. Mawela.
More kids edutainment, movies, and curated sports content
The video entertainment company is not only expanding its content offering for news, but is also offering more kids shows, movies and curated sports content.
For the kids, lessons from educational channel Mindset (DStv Channel 319) are now available on DStv Catch Up to help with revision. DStv Catch Up gives customers the ability to “catch up” on a selection of great content available from across their DStv channels, ranging from series to movies, kids’ shows, documentaries, and selected sporting highlights.
TRIBUTE | Miriam Ekirapa Musaali: A Testament of Faith, Courage, and Enduring Strength Against CancerThe content available to each customer is dependent on the package that they subscribe to.
Da Vinci (DStv 318 and GOtv 359) the educational channel has also been added until the end of May to help keep young minds stimulated and engaged. PBS Kids, another kids channel, packed with thrilling content has been opened up to DStv Access (DStv Channel 31) and GOtv Plus (GOtv Channel 358). Cartoon Network will also keep the little ones entertained catch it on DStv channel 310 and GOtv 365.
“In light of the disruptions to the school year in Uganda, we are also working to provide access to the best available educational content, to help keep young minds stimulated and engaged,” said Hassan Saleh, the MultiChoice Uganda Managing Director.
Saleh also said that given the global impact of COVID-19 on live sports events, with sporting federations correctly prioritising the safety of players and fans alike, MCG has acquired the best award-winning sports documentaries from around the globe and curated them into thematic channels for sports fans to relive the greatest sporting moments of all time.
Under what has been called SSRelive, the SS1 channel will now be opened to DStv Compact Plus and DStv Compact customers, unlocking episodes of thrilling past sports stories that have created some of sports’ most magical moments. DSTV Access customers will also now have access to the SS7 channel which showcases the best in motorsport as well as the SS4 channel which features past WWE content, that will also going forward, be opened to DStv Family customers.
Limiting exposure for employees, customers, production houses and suppliers
Saleh said that during this time, care has been taken to ensure that employees, customers, production houses and suppliers also have limited risk of exposure and as a result, a number of sports, film and production crews may not be able to continue working, but customers will be updated of any programme schedules and changes in the coming days and weeks.
“We are taking great care for our staff and have put in place all precautionary measures to ensure their safety,” Saleh said, adding: “In light of this we have advised our customers that there may be a delay in our ability to attend to customer queries. However, we have a number of self-service and online platforms available, and we will do our best to sort out any issues they may have, timeously.”
Ugandan customers, can access self-service through the MyDStv and MyGOtv apps, WhatsApp, and by using the USSD Code *206#. Customers can also pay for their DStv and GOtv accessories including dish kits, antennas, decoders, remotes and adapters through MTN Momo Codes now available for the Kololo (901,039), Garden City (901,038) and Mbarara (901040).
