MUMBAI: Disney Channel announced that it would now transmit 24 hours a day on MultiChoice's DStv platform across South and sub-Saharan Africa.The channel first launched with a 16 hours per day schedule and has now expanded its programming schedule to 24 hours..

In a multiyear agreement with MultiChoice in September 2006, Disney Channel was made available to more than 1.3 million DStv subscribers across South and sub-Saharan Africa. At launch, Disney Channel aired daily from 6 am to 10 pm

It also follows a 2004 edict mandating that Chinese cartoons had to account for at least 60 per cent of a channel’s animation output.

The channel claims to enjoy the position of number one kids' channel in multichannel homes in South Africa with shows like That's So Raven, Zack & Cody and the new series Hannah Montana .

An official statement also mentions that with an average 16-percent audience share, the network ranks as one of the top three performing Disney Channels worldwide.

"From day one we have made a huge impact on the South African market, which demonstrates there is a real appetite for Disney Channel programming," said Disney Channel UK, Scandinavia and emerging markets managing director Rob Gilby.