Cablevision Systems has added an African category to its iO international channel roster.
The New York metro area's predominant provider has paired Noire TV Africa on channel 1100 and Afrotainment Plus on channel 1101, lifting iO's lineup of in-language packages to 18. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Customers who subscribe to the MSO's broadcast basic level of service and above can receive the new African iO International package for an additional $6.95 per month. Customers must have a digital cable set-top box. In some areas a CableCARD may also be used. These channels are also available in the Optimum App for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch in all areas.
Noire TV Africa and Afrotainment Plus can also be purchased on an a la carte basis for an additional $4.95 per month.
"iO International is rapidly adding unique, high-quality programming that keeps all of our customers connected to the countries they love with news and entertainment," said Cablevision vice president, video product management Bradley Feldman in announcing the rollouts. "We now proudly offer 18 different global packages, and we are pleased to bring viewers the best movies and TV shows from Africa in the newest programming package - iO Africa,"
Noire TV Africa delivers the latest in high-quality "Nollywood" movies, as well as news, music, lifestyle shows and sports programming from across the continent.
"We are excited to embark on this partnership with Cablevision, by making Noire TV Africa available to Cablevision's subscribers" said Emeka Iwukemjika and Dokun Adewole, co-founders of Noire TV Africa, in a statement.
For its part, Afrotainment Plus proffers African movies, music videos and sports, including African soccer games from the Confederation of African Football and other major African premier leagues. Moreover, the channel broadcasts a wide range of African TV series, including dramas, reality shows and sitcoms.
Noted Yves Bollanga, general manager of the Afrotainment Family of Channels: "As the premier in African home entertainment in North America, we are excited to bring original African programming to the Cablevision footprint. With Afrotainment Plus, Cablevision customers will now have the opportunity to watch the best African movies, music videos, soccer, realities and diverse content from various parts of Africa."
