American television is typically ahead of the curve when it comes to programming, except when it comes to the most extreme examples. (I'm thinking of those intense Asian game shows, one of which, Quiet Library, was converted into a less intense program on MTV). The way South Africa intends to cover the upcoming Oscar Pistorius murder trial, however, probably bests the United States in both outlandishness and innovation.

According to ESPN, the country's primary cable provider, MultiService, will be adding a new channel dedicated to 24 hour coverage of the trial, which will determine if the former Olympic Athlete (and para-Olympic athlete; he was born without legs) killed his girlfriend on Feb. 14 of last year. After the decision, the service will disappear, creating a category for a new type of channel, or the "pop up channel," as the South African network has termed it. I prefer to think of it as channel 9 ¾, in homage to Harry Potter's destination platform to Hogwarts. It will launch March. 2, the day before Pistorius' trial date.

This isn't the first time MultiService has created pop up channels, but the first for a major news event, according to ESPN. Under the title, "The Oscar Pistorius Trial: A Carte Blanche Channel," coverage is expected to offer "inside information on the most talked-about and controversial subject in recent South African history," and involve "a rich variety of content and social media integration," according to the program's head of content, Aletta Alberts. It will also mark the first in depth video coverage of Pistorius' court appearances (previous instances were restricted by the preceding judge).

Pistorius, who goes by the nickname of "Blade Runner" for the two artificial legs he uses to propel his body in his preferred event, the 400 meters, was at the peak of his national fame when he killed his girlfriend, reality TV star Reeva Steenkamp.

In the beginning, his was simply an inspiring story -- a man who competed with pros despite having artificial legs. Later, he became the center of a heated scientific debate. Many claimed his "blades" gave him an unfair advantage, and that he'd actually be slower if he had his natural legs. After being ruled ineligible for some time, he was finally cleared to participate in the 2012 London Olympics, where he helped South Africa's team qualify for the final in the 4 x 400 meter relay.

Pistorius admitted to killing Steenkamp, but only because he mistook her for an intruder in his home. (He shot her three times.) But his plea of innocence won't be helped by several graphic stories of his anger issues before the incident. Ultimately, the decision falls on judge Thokozile Masipa, for South Africa doesn't have a trial by jury system like the United States. The country also doesn't have the death penalty so the worst sentence Pistorious will face is life in jail.