MK (channel) explained

MK
Launch Date:Mid 2005
Closed Date:2013
Former Names:MK89
Picture Format:/ (576i, SDTV)
Owner:M-Net
Country:South Africa
Language:English, Afrikaans
Area:Southern Africa
Sister Channels:M-Net
KykNET
SuperSport
Koowee
Vuzu
Availability Note:(at time of closure)

MK was a mostly Afrikaans music channel, launched in mid-2005, as MK89, that is part of the DStv bouquet of satellite channels owned by MultiChoice/M-Net, based in South Africa. MK is an initialism for Musiek Kanaal (Music Channel) and 89 was the original channel number on DStv satellite decoders. When the channel number was changed to 324, the channel was renamed to MK. At the end of July 2013 DSTV cancelled the channel and opted to move it to its audio bouquet due to lack of viewers. MK maintained an active online presence on their YouTube channel, Facebook page and website.

Even though the channel does not feature exclusively Afrikaans music, it has seen a tremendous boost for the resurging Afrikaans music scene, especially independent music, or indie music. The coincidence of the channel's launch with a resurgence in South African filmmaking has helped stimulate the creation of high quality music videos, which has driven the look of the channel to a level that few could have anticipated at launch.

While the MTV influence in MK is apparent, it has managed to create an identity that is generally preferred compared to the international nature of the big music channels.

MK ceased to exist on the linear platform and is now trying to compete in a digital way on an international platform.

Shows on the channel

Previous shows

The Vuilhonne (Afrikaans slang for dirty dogs), as the group call themselves, have become celebrities, even featuring on national magazine covers. "AF" is by far the most popular programme on the channel, across gender and racial groups.