FROM HALLMARK TO UNIVERSAL

Africa becomes first territory to launch rebranded Universal Channel

In a successful period of growth and expansion, Universal Networks International is now also focusing on harmonising its TV channels under five revitalized core brands delivering new original, first-run content targeted at local audiences around the globe. Hallmark Channel Africa, the number 1 international channel in the region with subscribers approaching 3,7million in total (Africa and South Africa combined), will change its name to Universal Channel on March 24.

Africa is the first market to introduce the new look channel globally.

MultiChoice and Universal Networks International are confident that the iconic entertainment brand will enhance an already-popular channel and that loyal Hallmark viewers will appreciate the warm, contemporary look of the new channel brand. With more first-run series and movies, featuring characters and stories that connect to the viewer on an emotional level, Universal Channel is set to increase its popularity on the African continent.

François Roux, Managing Director, EMEA, Universal Networks International, said, “This is a natural evolution of the Hallmark Channel in Africa. Building on Universal’s entertainment heritage we will continue showing quality content in an engaging TV environment, now emphasized by a modern, colourful channel look and feel. We’re delighted to bring our viewers an even greater programming line-up, with the very latest seasons from a host of award winning programmes such as Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Monk”.

John Burnett, VP Commercial Operations and MD Africa , Universal Networks International said; “Universal Channel is more than television, it’s entertainment you feel, with compelling characters we know our viewers really relate to, from the psychics and neurotics to the compulsives and perfectionists, such as Dr Gregory House, Monk, Jack McCoy from Law & Order and Erica Strange from Being Erica”.

Aletta Alberts, Head of Content, MultiChoice said; “We are very positive about this development of Hallmark Channel. We have co-operated closely with Universal Networks International making sure our subscribers benefit from even stronger content delivered under the new Universal Channel name”

The change of name to Universal Channel will happen at 21h00 on March 24 kicking off with a double bill of the premiere of Law & Order Series 17 – the longest running crime series in the history of television. Other content premieres will include Monk, Psych, Being Erica season 2 and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 8.

Universal Networks International, the global channels division of NBC Universal, is one of the world’s premier entertainment networks, delivering quality content and compelling brands to over 150 million viewers in 130 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia. The portfolio is spearheaded by five core channels - Syfy Universal, Diva Universal, Studio Universal, Universal Channel and 13th Street Universal - which deliver a full range of entertainment experiences to local audiences across the globe. Universal Networks International also operates Movies 24, the (non-US) Hallmark Channel and an interest in the KidsCo joint venture.