SPI International’s Timeless Drama Channel (TDC) and Gametoon Now Available on StarTimes

SPI International and StarTimes have expanded their distribution agreement to include two more channels from SPI’s portfolio: Timeless Drama Channel (TDC) and Gametoon. The channels will be available to StarTimes subscribers starting in May.

SPI/FilmBox and StarTimes, one of Africa’s leading digital TV operators have brought the first global Turkish drama channel Timeless Drama Channel (TDC) and SPI’s gaming channel Gametoon to Africa. The agreement builds on the distribution of Filmbox Africa and Fashionbox on StarTimes and makes two of SPI’s most in-demand channels available to StarTimes subscribers from 1^st May. Gametoon and TDC will be broadcast in English and Turkish, respectively, while the latter will have English subtitles.

“Timeless Drama Channel (TDC) is one of our fastest growing channels due to a global affinity for Turkish dramas,” said Georgina Twiss, MD Western Europe & Africa at SPI International. “Providing audiences with a diverse collection of high-quality content is a shared mission with our partner StarTimes, and we can’t wait to introduce the world of TDC to African audiences. SPI has an eye for new trends in the market, as with TDC, Gametoon has also gained huge popularity within the community and I am sure that StarTimes subscribers will enjoy our exclusive content,” continued Twiss.  

Launched in April 2019 as SPI International’s premium Turkish drama channel, Timeless Drama Channel (TDC) has proven to be a massive global success. Currently reaching over 5 million homes in 15 countries, the channel features over 600 hours of popular and critically acclaimed dramas such as: Karadayi, Black Money Love, 20 Minutes, Kurt Seyit & Shura, Moms and Mothers, Red Scarf, Five Brothers, The End and The 8th Day. 

Gametoon is a revolutionary channel created by true gaming and esports enthusiasts and features game reviews, esports tournaments, and exclusive game walkthroughs and sessions from popular streamers with a large fan-base, such as Dan Gheesling, Bifuteki, Lothar and many more.  

“We are delighted to bring Timeless Drama Channel (TDC) and Gametoon to our viewers. It demonstrates our consistent commitment to provide access to premium content to our subscribers. They have been huge fans of telenovelas and I am sure they will love TDC’s Turkish dramas. And Esports have been booming in Africa so Gametoon has great potential in Africa,” commented Lily Meng, the Head of StarTimes Media Division. 

StarTimes currently carries two other versatile channels from SPI’s expansive portfolio: Movie channel FilmBox Africa offers over 300 premiere titles every year, and FashionBox provides highly entertaining content on fashion trends and all things style.  

About SPI International

SPI International is a global media company operating 40 television channels on six continents. FilmBox being its flagship channel, SPI is one of the biggest aggregators of native Ultra HD content in the world. Working with over 1,400 operators worldwide, SPI uses state of the art technology providing its 65 million subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on-demand content including live streaming of UHD programming and FilmBox channels on any Internet-connected device via major global streaming media players as well as local OTT providers.

SPI recently added to its portfolio Film1 premium movie services in the Netherlands, including four movie channels and digital services. For over 25 years, SPI International has been a leading distributor of theatrical films and television programming in the international market. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand. 

About StarTimes

StarTimes is the leading digital TV operator in Africa, serving 13 million DVB subscribers and 20 million OTT users with a signal covering the whole continent and a massive distribution network of 170+ brand halls and 30,000+ distributors in 30+ countries. StarTimes owns a featured content platform, with 600 authorized channels consisting of news, movies, series, sports, entertainment, children's programs, etc. The company's vision is "To ensure that every African family can access, afford, watch and share the beauty of digital TV".