Twenty four-hour news channels are a key source of information on the pandemic both in SA and globally, but it’s not always possible or practical to keep a TV running. DStv Now for web browsers has a solution in the form of picture-in-picture to keep a small news window running in the corner of a computer desktop.

This technology isn’t new, but there has been an important change to the DStv Now free service. Eight news channels have now been added to this service, meaning everyone can keep a news window running on their computer while they work, no DStv subscription needed.

The following news channels have been added to DStv Now’s free service:

BBC World
CNN
eNCA
SABC News
Newzroom Afrika
Euronews Now
Aljazeera
Sky News

In addition to these news channels, this free service also has the following channels available to watch: Channel O, PBS (for children), SuperSport Play, and TBN. It also has episodes of some of SA’s best-loved soapies also available free, including Igazi, The River, Isibaya, Binnelanders, Suidooster and Die Ware Naarheid. 

How to sign up for DStv Now’s free news service

1. Go to now.dstv.com and click on "Sign Up". 
2. Fill in your details and click "Create An Account". 
3. In the next step, you’ll be prompted to provide your ID, smart card or customer number. If you’re not subscribed to DStv, scroll to the bottom and choose Skip. 
4. Name your profile and set your profile pic, and start watching. 
5. If you’re planning on watching DStv on your phone or tablet, download the DStv Now app for Android or iOS. 

To activate the picture-in-picture function it’s as simple as picking a channel to watch and then hitting the button in the bottom right of the browser screen.