Johannesburg – NHK announced at DISCOP Africa that its international distribution affiliate, NHK Enterprises (NEP), and South Africa’s public broadcaster, the SABC, have closed a deal to license the show Discover Science to be aired in South Africa. 

Discover Science (52 x 14′) is a science entertainment show that explains scientific principles by showing them in action in “ridiculously” massive experiments. The show reflects a goal of keeping children interested in science. It uses high-tech cameras and advanced shooting expertise to visualise a range of scientific phenomena in ways that are interesting and humorous. 

The first season of Discover Science was a co-production by NHK/ NHK Educational Corporation and Al Jazeera Children’s Channel. The second season was a co-production with SWR in Germany, EBS in South Korea, and SJRTV in Malaysia. 

Acting Programme Manager, Jacqui Hlongwane, of SABC 2 said: “SABC 2 is very proud to have acquired the ground breaking Discover Science series. NHK is well known the world over for their quality productions of educational programmes and Discover Science is an excellent example of the power and ability television has to educate young people in a fun and entertaining way. We hope that this show will assist in rekindling the interest of science amongst young people in South Africa and demystify the notion that science is difficult and only for the elite and the super intelligent.” 

NEP’s Senior Corporate Officer for International Sales, Fumio Narashima, said: “We’re thrilled that the SABC has bought the show and that the content will be reaching viewers in South Africa. NHK has lately been producing a string of edutainment programmes that are both educative and very enjoyable as entertainment. These programmes are being received well around the world, and Discover Science is definitely the front runner.” Around 4,600 NHK programmes were sold last year in 37 countries and regions.