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Lovers of home décor and do-it-yourself house renovators are in for a treat this month with MultiChoice and Discovery’s addition of the leading US home and lifestyle channel, HGTV, to their selection.
HGTV is Discovery’s eighth channel to be broadcast on DStv, joining others, such as TLC, ID and Food Network.
This is a partnership with Dulux, OUTsurance, CTM, HomeBid and SA Tourism.
The channel, which launched on Monday, is available to South African subscribers on DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus and DStv Compact.
Viewers are exposed to weeklong shows that illustrate how practical home décor and renovation can fit all wallet sizes. It includes tricks from renowned décor and renovation experts. The shows are recorded using real people’s experiences, such as those who have won the lottery and want to either renovate or buy a new home. Follow their journey on a show called My Lottery Dream Home.
Experiences of home buyers are documented in a show called House Hunters USA and House Hunters Renovations.
Those who live in small houses that need a little renovation to give new life to their space will be showcased in Flip or Flop.
On Thursday City Press attended a panel discussion at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town with Kathleen Finch, Discovery chief lifestyle brands officer; Amanda Turnbull, Discovery vice-president and general manager, Middle East and Africa; Tatiana Lagewaard, Discovery vice-president of lifestyle channels and pay TV production for Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Aletta Alberts, head of content at MultiChoice.
The discussion centred on the new channel and how viable it would be for the local market, given the economic reality of many South Africans.
The panellists agreed the channel was meant to cater for the haves and have-nots and was a great way for users to escape their realty or dream a little in case they hit the jackpot one day.
After less than a week of launching in South Africa, the HGTV SA Facebook page had more than 20 000 followers, assuring those involved that it was a move in the right direction.
Although the network is rolling out global content to South African audiences, based on highly successful programming that international audiences enjoy, it plans to look at opportunities that include local content, with South African homes and storytellers.
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