Discovery To Launch 'Real Time' In South Africa

The New Channel is Set to Hit South African Screens from September Featuring the Best in Real-Life Entertainment for Women
 
Discovery, Inc. today announced the expansion of its African portfolio with the launch of Real Time, the brand-new general entertainment channel for female audiences.
 
Bringing the best of Discovery’s lifestyle and factual storytelling to a whole new fan base, Real Time will launch in South Africa on Monday, 3 September on DStv channel 155, tailored specifically for customers on DStv’s EasyView package.*
 
“We are incredibly excited to present Real Time to the market, and further expand and diversify our local portfolio offering,” said Amanda Turnbull, Vice President & General Manager for Discovery in Africa and the Middle East. “With an already successful suite of pay-TV brands, Real Time affords us the chance to bring our world-class content to even more audiences across South Africa, in the form of a channel designed to provide much-needed ‘me time’ to the modern African woman and her wider family.”
 
 
Real Time: Africa’s Newest Entertainment Channel for Women
From Real Lives and Real Nature, to Real Crime and Real Medical; Real Time’s cleverly curated schedule and dynamic mixture of lifestyle and factual content will ensure audiences get their daily fix of real reality and must-see entertainment, all in one channel.
 
Real Time’s impressive launch programming line-up includes:
 
Real Lives
OUR LITTLE FAMILY: Meet the Hamills! Parents Dan and Michelle are not raising the typical American family: the entire family of five has achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. Dan and Michelle use their own life experiences to help guide their kids to overcome physical obstacles and learn to adapt to the world around them.(Wednesday, 5 September at 21:00)
 
Real Weddings
MARRIED BY MOM & DAD: In this new social experiment, men and women who have been unlucky in love have agreed to put their love lives and their future in the hands of the people who know them best: their parents. (Tuesday, 4 September at 20:00)
 
Real Medical
MY EXTREME EXCESS SKIN: In each episode of My Extreme Excess Skin we follow two people who have lost massive amounts of weight and are about to undergo a full body transformation through skin removal surgery. The reveal will not only change each subject's self-image but will change their life. (Thursday, 6 September at 21:00)
 
Real Nature
PREDATORS UP CLOSE WITH JOEL LAMBERT: This landmark series reveals nature’s apex predators as you’ve never seen them before. Using a new, unique and bespoke polycarbonate and aluminium ‘pod’, the Predator team come face to face with lions, hyenas, polar bears and sharks – close enough to carry out a range of original scientific experiments, and to feel the true power (and terror) of the natural world’s most effective killing machines. (Sunday, 9 September at 20:00)
 
Real Headlines
IS OJ INNOCENT? THE MISSING EVIDENCE: Is O.J. Simpson innocent in the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman? In this six-episode series, investigators delve into one of history's most infamous unsolved cases, exploring an overlooked suspect and never-before-seen evidence. (Saturday, 8 September at 21:00)
 
Real Crime
PEOPLE MAGAZINE INVESTIGATES: America’s most popular weekly magazine, People, seeks to uncover the truth behind some of the country’s most infamous characters and iconic stories of crime. These are extraordinary tales of ordinary people who were thrust into the national spotlight. (Saturday, 8 September at 21:00) 
 
In addition to Real Time’s linear offering, from launch, a selection of the channel’s programming will also be available to stream and download via the DStv Now platform, ensuring all DStv customers can enjoy the best of Real Time, in their own time.
 
“With so much in store for our viewers and commercial partners, we look forward to establishing Real Time as Africa’s newest go-to destination for quality female-skewed programming,” continued Amanda.
 
Experience why fact is better than fiction, when Real Time launches on Monday, 3 September on DStv channel 155.
 
**Real Time will also be available to DStv customers on the Access, Family, Compact, Compact Plus and Premium packages. The channel will also launch later this year on the StarSat platform.

Experience A Beautiful World With Star Life This August On DStv, GOtv And Openview

Star Life, launching on DStv on 27 August, is an English language channel specially created with an African audience in mind.

With over two decades of award-winning and No 1 rated shows in its repertoire, Star Life will showcase only the very best family dramas (daily soaps, both short and long form), celebrity dance shows and blockbuster movies from its famed library of A-List Bollywood movies.

“Delighting our customers with exceptional content is key to our business. What makes Star Life a good addition is that the content is relatable, with shows that tell stories about human weaknesses, strengths, miracles and victories,” says Yolisa Phahle, General Entertainment CEO, MultiChoice.

A fully owned subsidiary of 21st Century Fox, Star is the undisputed global powerhouse in Indian programming and a market leader in most of the 100+ countries it operates in worldwide. Star Life brings to Africa extraordinary journeys of ordinary people, progressive storylines, inspirational characters and compelling dramas – produced to the highest international production standards.

Gaurav Jandwani, Senior Vice President & Business Head UK/Europe & South Africa, Star Network says “At Star, we believe in creating stories for the world, stimulating imagination and showcasing the limitless power of ordinary people. With Star Life, we are proud to bring to Africa, engaging programming, in English, which will leave our viewers inspired, rejuvenated, and moved. We are delighted to offer Star Life to DStv customers.”

Star Life will be to DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact and Family customers on DStv channel 167. It will also be available on GOtv channel 23 and Openview 110. The channel will be available in HD for viewers in south africa with the DStv and GOtv from the rest of Africa in SD.

Come celebrate a beautiful world with Star Life on DStv.

Fine Music Radio Available On DStv Audio

Fine Music Radio is delighted to announce that they will be available on DStv on channel 838 from 28 August 2018.
 
At the touch of a button, listeners from around Africa will be able to enjoy cool classics and smooth jazz. As the only classical and jazz music station in the Western Cape, Fine Music Radio is peerless. 
 
Station Manager at Fine Music Radio, Mark Jennings said: “We’re thrilled to be on DStv. It really opens up the airways for more people to experience the magic of music that brings calm in chaos and restores the human spirit.”
 
Fine Music Radio is committed to delivering the very best listening experience from outside broadcasts, compelling content and social initiatives. The classical music selection is melodic and non-raucous appealing to a wide audience without compromising on integrity. Fine Music Radio’s jazz is a mix between mainstream smooth and classic soul.
 
As a community radio station, Fine Music Radio is mindful that their mandate is to serve the community not only with music, but also upliftment. FMR listeners are motivated to make a difference. So far this year, Fine Music Radio has been involved in a number of community initiatives: 
MusicWorks: This is a non-profit organisation that offers music therapy to children in dire need. In celebration of Fine Music Radio’s 23rd birthday, 
listeners were asked to donate R200 for one music therapy session per child. In a month over R77 000 was raised.
Strictly Water: Fine Music Radio appealed to their listeners to help raise 
R30 000 for an alternative water system for Zama Dance school in Gugulethu. Although they reached target in just three days, listeners still insisted on giving donations which totalled R52 300.
Mandela Day 2018: In celebration of Nelson Mandela’s centenary, Artscape foyer was electrified with energy and passion as volunteers packed snack boxes for Peninsula School Feeding’s after school programme. It was a creative collective, organized by Fine Music Radio with employees from Artscape, musicians, ballet dancers, opera singers and Fine Music Radio listeners.
 
Fine Music Radio will be available to DStv Family, Compact, Compact Plus and Premium customers from 28 August.

SABC And Multichoice Enter Into New Contract

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and MultiChoice are pleased to announce that they have signed a new commercial channel supply agreement allowing the SABC News and SABC Encore channels to continue to be broadcast on DStv.
 
The agreement follows extensive discussions between the parties as the previous contract is set to expire.  SABC and MultiChoice believe that this agreement will give their relationship a new start.
 
DStv customers will continue to enjoy around the clock news coverage from SABC News on channel 404, while SABC Encore on channel 156 will allow viewers to indulge in nostalgia, airing old favourites and classics.  The SABC archives, which the SABC uses to produce SABC Encore, remains the wholly-owned property of the SABC.
 
SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe said: “The SABC welcomes the new agreement with MultiChoice which will bring certainty to our viewers and our staff.  The board and management of the SABC are satisfied that the agreement meets both the commercial and governance needs of the SABC.  The SABC looks forward to delivering high quality channels into the future.”
 
MultiChoice South Africa CEO Calvo Mawela said: “We are pleased to be able to continue to carry these channels on DStv.  We have a long standing relationship with SABC and are happy that we have reached a mutually beneficial agreement.  We look forward to continue working with SABC to deliver great entertainment to our customers.”

Labour Of Love Premieres On eBella

COMING SOON TO EBELLA :-) LABOUR OF LOVE
With TANTO AMOR Coming To A End On AUGUST 17,A new telenovela Will starts on AUGUST 20 at 5PM on ch109 #eBella call LABOUR OF LOVE. :-D
Labour of Love introduces Ignacia (Ana Layevska), a young engineer who works at a leading construction company owned by her boyfriend Tomas (Fabian Rios). Ignacia and Tomas are in love and are looking forward to getting married.
However, a few days before the wedding they have an argument and Ignacia leaves the city where she meets a seemingly wealthy man who makes her forget about her troubles. She spends a wonderful night with him.
The next day, feeling upset about what had happened, she returns home, where Tomas - who is looking for forgiveness - is waiting for her with a promise of a new position at his company.
She accepts it and to her surprise, when she arrives at the construction site as its new manager - she meets the mystery wealthy man again, who turns out to be Pedro (José Luis Resendez), a simple labourer who has neither money nor great aspirations.
Ignacia and Pedro find out that although they have so many reasons not to be together, they will love each other despite these differences,prejudice and rejection.
You Can Watch This For Free On OpenViewHD
Its Also Available On DStv

Disney Made Disney XD A 24-Hour Kids Channel On DStv Starting Wednesday 1 August As The Channel Is Aligned With The Wider Disney XD Channels In The Region.

Disney XD (DStv 304) is switched to a full 24-hour programming schedule from Wednesday 1 August on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform with the kids channel that will be offering through-the-night repeats of programs such as Counterfeit Cat, Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja, Boyster and many more as the channel adjusts to a new regional feed.

Since its addition, Disney XD, Disney's boy-focused by girl-inclusive channel, used to shutter at 22:45 nightly.

It means that Disney XD joins Disney Channel (DStv 303) and Disney Junior (DStv 309) as a 24-hour feed on DStv.

Disney XD was the only kids channel on MultiChoice that closed down until the addition of eMedia Investment's eToonz (DStv 311) in South Africa that also shutters at 22:00 and 00:00 in the weekends and school holidays.

Instead of starting at 6:00 in the morning, Disney XD will now be a 24-hour kids channel, similar to Viacom International Media Networks Africa's (VIMN Africa) Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Nicktoons, BBC Studios' CBeebies, Turner Broadcasting Africa's Cartoon Network and Boomerang, 'AMC International Africa' JimJam and its sister Disney channels that have all been running non-stop.

Disney Africa said in a response to a media enquiry that "we can confirm that Disney XD (DStv 304) will be extended to a 24 hour feed, this is in line with our feeds across the region. The feed is being aligned with the wider Disney XD channels in the region."

MultiChoice Adds PBS Kids Content To Its DStv Catch Up Service On DStv Now, Might Use It Elsewhere As Well

MultiChoice has added kids content from America's PBS Kids to its DStv Catch Up service as part of the pay-TV operator's DStv Now streaming service and might make it available more broadly if there's a demand for it.

PBS Kids is the children's programming brand of America's Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) that is broadcast as a kids programming block on PBS in the United States, but it is also a digital video channel streaming kids content as part of a video app that PBS launched in January 2017.

"We have added the PBS Kids content to Catch Up on DStv Now and if all goes well, we plan to use it elsewhere," MultiChoice tells TVwithThinus.

I Think Gupta-Linked Zee Edged Us Out, Says Glow TV Boss

On Saturday, 31 March 2018 Glow TV was still a glow on DStv channel 167 and by Sunday, 1 April at midnight, the channel was snuffed out and now it looks like this:

The channel itself hasn't shut down because it's still available on OpenView HD and StarSat so what's going on?

TVSA has been receiving a blitz of queries from Glow fans asking what's going on and why the channel's soapies are no longer airing on DStv so we've been trying to find out - which has been easier said than done!

When only one channel doesn't get renewed.

The story starts last month when DStv published a press release stating that Glow TV would stop airing on DStv, with no reason given. All the release said was that Glow's contract has come to an end and the rest was an extended plug for other channels that also feature Indian soapies. This from the release:

Glow TV’s contract with MultiChoice is coming to an end, which means the channel will stop airing on DStv from 31 March 2018.

Fans of Indian-specific content needn’t worry - DStv has ensured that there are plenty more telenovelas, talk shows, music and movies to watch on Zee World (DStv channel 166), Zee Bollywood Movies (DStv channel 114) and eBella (DStv channel 159 from 5 March 2018).

Three things happened after this:
1. Glow TV launched an urgent application in the Johannesburg High Court against DStv, disputing the shutdown of the channel. The court ruled that Glow and DStv should resolve the dispute through arbitration.
2. The Glow TV soapie teasers disappeared in the crisis. TVSA has tried to get them from the channel but they haven't been available.
3. TVSA sent this query to MultiChoice:

"Please can we get comment from MultiChoice on why Glow won’t be on DStv anymore? We‘ve carried the Glow soapie teasers for years so we’d like to find out why to give readers insight."
We received this one line response from the MultiChoice Corporate Communications department which didn't answer the question:

"The contract has come to an end."
D-Day looms

On Thursday, 29 March, Nazeer Noormohamed, CEO of Glow and Managing Director of Nis Media (the South African-owned company who own Glow) launched an urgent court application to try to keep Glow on air until the arbitration between DStv and Glow has been completed.

The arbitration hasn't happened yet so Glow applied to stay on DStv until this has been done. The court refused the application, stating that the channel is on air because of its availability on OpenView HD and StarSat.

On Thursday evening, TVSA spoke with Nazeer after the court judgment. He told us that Glow would still be proceeding with the arbitration but he was concerned about the amount of time it will take.

"We're still going to continue an arbitration," Nazeer told us, "but these guys could now delay, delay, delay and before you know it it's six months or a year that we've been switched off.

"If we were switched on and then there was a delay, we wouldn't mind but now we're switched off and you know, a court process, so we could go for two years and then say, 'Yes, you're right, they can't switch you off,'but is there any point to that?" W.H.Y.

We asked Nazeer what reason DStv gave to Glow management for the switch-off and this is what he said:
Nazeer: "They first told us that we're not performing well so we said, 'Show us our stats, show us how we're not performing,'but they refused to show us how we're not performing, where we were not performing".

We think they're promoting Zee TV. We came to find out that they're paying Zee TV to be on air and they're not paying us so Zee TV's got an advantage over us. Zee TV owns a share or owned a share with New Age, which is the Gupta family and there was a link between the two.

"We feel that that was done through those kind of schemes you understand, to say, 'Listen here, get this guy out,' because if you say we're not performing...if I say your kid is not performing in school, the first thing you're going to ask is, 'Show me the report,' You can't just say he's not performing..how much did he get out of 10, out of 100? How much did he get? They're not prepared to show us that.

"I think Zee was behind it."

"You know, MultiChoice didn't want encryption on the government set boxes, and the minister, who was the last minister, was the one who was supporting DStv, you know that, politically, although the ANC was against it".

"The ANC said they wanted encryption but the minister himself and the president was supporting MultiChoice/DStv and that's what we believe, it is our belief that the Guptas influenced whoever to say "Support DStv" and DStv in turn supported the Guptas with Zee TV and now all this has to come out and how and when - do we have the energy to take it on? I don't know.

We're going to go for the arbitration, even if it's just academic, it's fine. But wait, the plot thickens...This isn't the first time that Nazeer and the Guptas have made the headlines when it comes to matters of TV.

In September last year City Press reported that Nazeer and a consortium that he headed-up (Southern Star Mega Investors Group) offered the Guptas R600-million for their Infinity Media (which includes ANN7), which the Guptas sold to Mzwanele Manyi for R450-million instead...what about e?

Interesting to note is the shutdown of Glow comes in the same month that eBella launched on DStv, which, as DStv's press release emphasises, also has Indian soapies. The launch of eBella takes the e stable of channels on DStv to five.

No VAT Increase For DStv Customers

We have great news for our DStv customers!

MultiChoice will absorb the one% increase in VAT. We want to assist our customers by not increasing our prices further.

This means there will be no further change to our DStv fees that will come into effect on 1 April.

Customers can log on to their account on DStv.com or the DStv Now app to see what they will pay from 1 April 2018.

Glow TV Stops Airing On DStv

Glow TV’s contract with MultiChoice is coming to an end, which means the channel will stop airing on DStv from 31 March 2018.

Fans of Indian-specific content needn’t worry – DStv has ensured that there are plenty more telenovelas, talk shows, music and movies to watch on Zee World (DStv channel 166), Zee Bollywood Movies (DStv channel 114) and eBella (DStv channel 159 from 5 March 2018).

Customers can look forward to Baar Baar Dekho, Dangal, Kahaani 2 and London Dreams on Zee Bollywood Movies, Fire and Ice, Sacred Ties, Lies of the Heart on Zee World and Bin Kuch Kahe, Qubool Hai, India: A Love Story, Fatmagul and Tanto Amor on eBella. And on Telemundo Prisoners of Love (Telemundo, 1 March) and Lord of the Skies (Telemundo, 9 April).

Other channels on DStv that also offer Indian specific content include Zee World on DStv channel 166 – it’s available to customers from DStv Family upwards. All DStv customers also have access to some of the latest Bollywood blockbusters on BoxOffice.

DStv offers a DStv Indian package which is designed to cater for customers who would like to watch more Indian-specific content. This package includes popular channels like Star, Sony, Zee and Colours. It is available as a stand-alone package or can be added to an existing DStv package. More information here: https://campaign.dstv.com/indian/

DStv Brings Its Customers More Fresh Entertainment With The Launch Of eBella

The eFamily of channels on DStv is expanding, with an additional channel launching on 5 March 2018. eBella will launch on DStv channel 159, and offer DStv customers a mix of local and international content inspired by woman from across the world.

eBella is a female-centered channel reflecting the lives and stories of women around the world. Marlon Davids, MD of e.tv, says the new channel will bolster the¬¬offering the eFamily of channels has on DStv. “e.tv celebrates women through campaigns and programming and now we can extend this messaging into an entirely new channel,” he says. “eBella is a strong addition to DStv and we know that our viewers will enjoy the channel’s mix of speciality shows and telenovelas that empower and celebrate the female market,” said Davids.

eBella will feature much-loved telenovelas from around the world, including So Much Love aka Tanto Amor, Qubool Hai, and Fatmagul. There will also be a lifestyle and reality shows galore on the channel, with Secret Guide To Fabulous, Princess, The Dog Whisperer and Beverley’s Full House already available as the channel launches.

“Our focus is to offer our customers on all packages new and fresh entertainment – giving them access to the stories they want to hear. eBella is all about women and celebrating our influence on the global landscape as empowered and bold individuals,” commented Yolisa Phahle, CEO for General Entertainment, MultiChoice.

eBella will be available to DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access customers in South Africa.

MultiChoice And Discovery Networks Renew Contract To Carry Discovery's Portfolio Of Channels On DStv

MultiChoice and Discovery Networks are pleased to announce that DStv customers will continue to enjoy their favourite Discovery channels on DStv – world-class factual entertainment and documentaries on Discovery Channel; great fashion and. lifestyle tips on TLC; the best in family entertainment on Discovery Family; and suspense-filled, real-life crime stories on Investigation Discovery (ID).

To complement the linear channels, the new agreement includes extended video-on-demand and Catch Up hours for Discovery’s entire portfolio (including for the first time, TLC, ID and Discovery Family shows). All four of Discovery’s channels will be available to launch on DStv Now from early 2018, meaning DStv customers will be able to enjoy the best of Discovery, anywhere, any time. On top of this, from early next year DStv customers will be able to watch both ID and Discovery Family in HD, while TLC will also launch in HD.

“Our customers love the Discovery family of channels and we’re pleased that we could renew this agreement, including offering this world-class content to our customers wherever they are, to watch whenever they are ready,” said Yolisa Phahle, CEO: General Entertainment, MultiChoice.

Animal Planet is not included in the new agreement and will stop airing on DStv on 30 December 2017. However, customers will not miss out, as some of the much-loved shows will be available on the other Discovery channels, including shows such as Treehouse Masters, which will move to Discovery Channel, while shows such as Tanked and Insane Pools: Off The Deep End will move to Discovery Family. Some of Discovery’s other popular animal and wildlife content will also be made available on a new channel to launch mid-2018, details of which will be announced in the new year.

“Our channels and content have been providing hours of enjoyment for DStv customers for many years and we’re thrilled to continue this legacy, with an unbeatable slate of programming across our portfolio which, thanks to this renewed agreement, DStv customers will now be able to access whenever and however it suits them. We look forward to making more announcements about our content offering on DStv in the new year,” said Dilek Doyran, VP and Country Manager for Africa, Discovery Networks CEEMEA.

Discovery’s network of channels promise an exciting line-up of new entertainment for DStv customers over the next few months.

Discovery Channel will serve up new season of Fast n’ Loud and Street Outlaws, and help you discover brand new shows like Riaan Manser: Pacific Honeymoon, Finding Escobar’s Millions, and Mutiny: Survival on the Oceans.

TLC’s brand-new shows include Dr Miami, Judge Jenkins, The Healer and Thando Bares All, while new wedding shows Diva Brides and Curvy Brides Boutique join returning seasons of 90 days to Wed and Surrounded by Daughters.

Discovery Family will serve up NASA’s Unexplained Files, The Carbonaro Effect, Freaks of Nature, Don’t Blink, and a new season of Finding Bigfoot.

Meanwhile, on Investigation Discovery (ID) new seasons of I speak for the dead, Deadline: Crime with Tamron Hall, and People Magazine Investigates, will join brand new shows including Son of Sam: Hunt for a Killer, The Dating Game Killer, and Shattered, ensuring DStv customers remain glued to their seats as the drama unfolds.

More information and schedules are available on the DStv website

VUZU AMP Becomes 1Magic From Monday 29 January 2018 On DStv

It’s going to be a magical start to the new year when DStv Premium customers, say hello to 1Magic on 29 January 2018, DStv Channel 103! The channel will become the entertainment destination of choice for audiences who enjoy gripping local dramas, telenovelas, reality shows, movies and are also looking for the best in international reality, drama and movies.
Leading the charge will be the channel’s
flagship new telenovela, The River, which
boasts the crème de la crème of South African acting talent. Starting on 29 January 2018, it is spearheaded by a formidable cast made up of seasoned actors, Sindi Dlathu, Hlomhla Dandala, Moshidi Motshegwa, and newcomer, Larona Moagi. The River is about the deadly result that comes about when the greedy world of society’s upper crust collides with that of ordinary common folk. Driven by the themes of love across social classes, greed and a community fighting to survive, it’s a show that can’t be missed.
VUZU AMP audiences should not panic
because 1Magic will still be serving a mix of compelling, relevant and entertaining international programmes like The Fixer, How To Get Away with Murder, The Real Housewives, Power and later on in the year, latest seasons of Ballers, Queen Sugar and Insecure.

The eFamily Of Channels Is Now One Colour - Red

e.tv, eExtra, eMovies, eMovies Extra and eToonz are all now positioned in the world of the familiar red e, with each channel offering something different and unique for you, our audience. These channels are found on OpenView HD and DStv, with e.tv still being free to millions of households in South Africa.

Five Channels. One Colour. Unlimited Entertainment. This strong message is what the e family of channels stands for and we want our viewers to be part of, in creating the biggest entertainment destination in South Africa.

#OurWorldIsRed – Be a part of it.

WWE Has A New Home On Supersport, It Will No Longer Air On e.tv

WWE (NYSE: WWE) and SuperSport, Africa’s premier sports broadcaster announced a new, multi-year agreement to broadcast WWE programming live for the first time in more than 50 countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Starting Monday, August 28, SuperSport will air WWE’s flagship shows Raw® and SmackDown® as well as WWE specials, including WrestleMania® and SummerSlam®.

“WWE is a global phenomenon, so securing the broadcast rights for SuperSport is a terrific coup,” said Gideon Khobane, chief executive of SuperSport. “The athletes involved are larger than life figures who command huge followings. At long last our viewers will get to share in this entertainment spectacle in high definition. I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with WWE.”

“SuperSport is a best-in-class partner who shares our vision and passion for engaging with and entertaining our fans,” said Ed Wells, WWE Executive Vice President, International. “Televising WWE programming live in sub-Saharan Africa for the first time is an important milestone for us, and we look forward to working with SuperSport to cultivate new fans in the region.”

SuperSport channels S3, S4, S9 and SS10 will televise Raw on Tuesdays and SmackDown on Wednesdays, offering both live telecasts and same-day re-airs, and will broadcast all WWE specials live, including WrestleMania®, SummerSlam®, Survivor Series® and Royal Rumble®. All programs will be available with English commentary and on demand.

WWE programming will also be made available across some of DStv’s general entertainment channels.

To celebrate the new partnership, SuperSport will televise the prior week’s episodes of Raw and SmackDown on Monday, August 28.

7 Cartoons Have Tragically Been Banned From Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon And Disney XD Africa Due To Homosexual (Or Gay) Behaviour (And Violent Language)

The outrages reasons are now surfacing as to why Ezekiel Mutua, the censorship tsar of Kenya's censorship board, last week abruptly banned 7 cartoons on Nickelodeon (DStv 305), Disney XD (DStv 304) and Cartoon Network (DStv 301) for being homosexual (gay).

The bizarre reasons provided by Kenya's Film Classification Board (KFCB) it seemingly took straight from the internet without having actually watched and screened the various kids cartoons, are mind-bogglingly insane and shockingly unbelievable.

Ezekiel Mutua, KFCB CEO, told MultiChoice the 7 cartoons must be off the air on the DStv and GOtv satellite pay-TV platforms over seemingly foolish reasons, ranging from one character "who has a dick for a head", to two characters who go on an (unseen) "implied romantic vacation".

While on a superficial level Kenya's censorship and banning of kids cartoons might seem silly, it has systemic and operational real-world consequences for South African and African TV viewers far beyond the borders of the East African country.

Since channel distributors often only has one TV channel broadcast feed for Africa, a ban of content on a channel in one country, like Kenya or Nigeria - that a channel distributor then must agree to - means one of two things.

Either the whole channel must be completely blocked and be made unavailable in the affected country, or the content deemed offensive on the TV channel must be removed from the linear broadcast schedule.

Since we share one similar channel feed for more than one country, this means that the content is taken away not just from viewers in the country affected, but from millions of DStv subscribers right across several African countries, including South Africa.

The 7 cartoons are now abruptly banned, with the KFCB's shocking censorship that is creating problems for not just MultiChoice and DStv, but also the channel and content providers Walt Disney Africa, Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) and Turner Broadcasting EMEA that respectively run and programme the Disney XD, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network channels.

Some of the cartoons are not even airing anymore and ended years ago - for instance the now-banned The Legend of Korra that finished its run in 2014 (it would have aired on NickToons by now).

After responding to a media enquiry, the KFCB says the 7 cartoons - Loud House, The Legend of Korra, Hey Arnold, Clarence, Steven Universe, Adventure Time and Star vs the Forces of Evil are TV children programmes "with homosexual themes".

The KFCB says it doesn't matter that the shows don't include or show any overt on-screen "gayness".

If a show's creator said a character is gay - in the way that JR Rowling after the conclusion of the Harry Potter series said that Prof Dumbledore is gay - that is enough for Kenya's censors to order a ban on a kids cartoon on MultiChoice's DStv platform.

The KFCB says its "investigations focused on both current and previous programmes that are not suitable for children.

The KFCB - that said it banned the cartoons because it believes that the Nickelodeon, Disney XD and Cartoon Network shows "are intended to introduce children to deviant behaviour".

The KFCB says Kenya's constitution "only recognizes marriage between people of the opposite sex. From these references to the Kenya Constitution 2010, it is clear that homosexuality is not part of the culture, national values and the concept of a family."

"Further, it is important to note that South Africa is the only African country that recognizes same sex marriages. The Kenyan government has a responsibility to protect children against harmful exposure to negative media content and this is what the KFCB is doing as part of its mandate."

The KFCB provided the following reasons for why it banned each of the 7 cartoons on Nickelodeon, Disney XD and Cartoon Network:

The Loud House
The KFCB is so uninformed that it missed the announcement of self-censorship by VIMN Africa in mid-2016 when Viacom International "assured" DStv subscribers that it won't be broadcasting on television anywhere in Africa the "Overnight Success" episode on the Nickelodeon channel featuring the flash-appearance of two gay dads.

The KFCB has now banned the Loud House series over an episode that was never even broadcast in Kenya in the first place.

Star vs the Forces of Evil
KFCB would ban a cartoon that couldn't possibly have seen yet. Disney XD just started showing the second season of the show on the channel across Africa and is now at episode 8. It will be quite a while before episode 20, "Just Friends", makes it to actual TV screens that does contain a fleeting kiss - if you know where to pause and look closely in the background.

Legend of Korra
The KFCB decided to ban The Legend of Korra since the creator, after the conclusion of the show in 2014, said that two characters are lesbian. Yet nothing romantic during the duration of the show was ever shown on-screen.

Legend of Korra is banned although it isn't even showing on Nickelodeon currently.

Adventure Time
The KFCB decided to ban Adventure Time on fake reasons and alleges that "the creator said the two main characters are in a gay relationship".
Not only are Princess Bubblegum and Marceline not the main characters as the KFCB alleges, but the creator, Pendleton Ward, has never said anything to that effect ever.

The closest is actress Olivia Olsen voicing the character of Marceline, at a book signing, who said that in her personal opinion Marceline is likely lesbian but that the show will never venture into that territory since "in some countries where the show airs, it's sort of illegal".

Steven Universe
The KFCB found a correct quote from an interview with the website Movie Pilot with the show's creator. Ruby and Sapphire are indeed lesbians, according to the show's creator, but viewers will have to watch the show with that specific subtext to see that.

The KFCB however seems to read a lot of fanfiction. Is Pearl and Rose gay? The creator hasn't confirmed or mentioned anything.

Gravity Falls
Explaining why it banned this cartoon, the KFCB again lies and says a character calls someone "bitch". Nobody says this to another character and the word is never spoken.
What happens is that a character called Grunkle Stan once says "son of a ..." before the scene cuts away.

The KFCB lies when it says the characters watch porn. It's never happened. The show also finished in 2016 already. Like The Legend of Korra, the show's creator, after the conclusion of the series, said Sheriff Blubs and Deputy Durand are gay, although its never ever mentioned or explored in the show.

Hey Arnold
The KFCB says "Arnold is taught the wonders of sexual stamina and given stories about sex". Nowhere in the series does that ever happening.
As proof of these and other simply not there things, the KFCB seems to have found a website that tries to find so-called "dirty jokes" in the cartoon.

The KFCB says Arnold's grandpa "had a dick for a head – head is in the shape of a penis and somewhere in the scene there is a poster written 'try my sausage".

It's real, definitive proof according to the KFCB that Hey Arnold isn't meant for children.
Luckily Hey Arnold isn't even on Nickelodeon currently but was on NickToons until this whole thing happened, so the KFCB didn't have to bother.

Special thinks to TV with Thinus

New Supersport Channel Line Up Coming Soon On DStv With New Esports Channel

SuperSport has introduced a new channel line up to give sport lovers a better viewing experience and make it easy for fans to find their favourite sport. DStv customers can look forward to 14 SuperSport and one eSports channel, with less duplication of sports across channels and more predictable scheduling.

DStv customers on all packages can look forward to a rebranded SuperSport Select, now on SS10, and DStv Extra customers will get more sports channels – SS7 and SS8.

Fans of football can follow La Liga on SS7 exclusively, and SS11 (new channel) and SS12 will become permanent events channels to be the home for overflow sport.

“We believe that these changes will give our customers an even better viewing experience, making it easier to navigate our wide variety of sports in the back-to-back channels. As there will be less duplication and repeats of sport, and no impact on live events, the overall sport viewing will be enhanced,” said Gideon Khobane, CEO for SuperSport.

eSports is growing in popularity, so GINX eSports TV that is currently available on DStv Now, will find a home on DStv channel 240. DStv Premium, Extra and Compact customers will be able to enjoy the action on this unique channel.

And of course, most of the channels will be in glorious HD – SS Blitz, SS1-9 and SS11 will be in HD, as will GINX eSports TV. SS8 is currently in SD and will change to HD.

Gideon reassured fans “SuperSport is still the home of the best sporting action on the African continent.”

The new channel line up will take effect on 4 July. Sports fans will start their viewing on Channel 200 on SuperSport Blitz through to SuperSport 12.

DStv customers can go to DStv.com or SuperSport.com to see how the sports are allocated across the different SuperSport channels.

And remember to tune in – at home on your decoder, or through DStv Now online or via the DStv Now app on your tablet or smartphone. DStv Now is available to our Compact, Extra and Premium customers at no extra charge. You don't have to miss a second of the action.

Summary of changes

SS7 and SS8 will go to DStv Extra customers
SS7 will be home of La Liga Football
SS Select will no longer exist on DStv – replaced with SS10 for all customers who currently get it including DStv Select customers
SS11 and SS12 will become permanent events channels – no more overflow channels
GINX eSport, currently available on DStv Now, will be on DStv channel 240
12 HD channels available – SS Blitz (to all DStv customers), SS1-9, SS11 and Ginx eSports. SS8, currently in SD, will become HD.

SuperSport Channel Optimisation FAQ’s

What is happening to the SuperSport channels?
SS7 and SS8 will go to DStv Extra customers
SS7 will be home of La Liga Football
SS Select will no longer exist on DStv – replaced with SS10 for all customers who currently get it including DStv Select customers
SS11 and SS12 will become permanent events channels – no more overflow channels
GINX eSport, currently available on DStv Now, will be on DStv channel 240
12 HD channels available – SS Blitz (to all DStv customers), SS1-9, SS11 and Ginx eSports

What is the benefits of the optimization to customers?
Fewer repeats and less duplication of sports
Predictable events channels on SS11 and SS12
Know which channel you can find your sports – SS7 dedicated to La Liga

Which channel will be rebranded?
SuperSport Select will now be called SS10. All customers who received SuperSport Select, will get SS10.

Which new channels are being added?
SS11 is being added as an event channel for overflow sport for live events.
Also GINX eSport is added to DStv channel 240.

Are any channels being changed?
SuperSport 12 - currently a 24-hour La Liga (Spanish football) channel - will become an events channel like SS11. La Liga will find a permanent home on SS7.

When do the changes come into effect?
The new line-up will come into effect on Tuesday, July 4.

Do customers need to do anything?
No need to do anything as the changes will happen automatically on 4 July. We encourage customers to go to DStv.com and SuperSport.com to familiarize themselves with where they will find their favourite sport.

What will be the total number of channels available on SuperSport after July 4?
14

Which DStv package will carry which channel?
Blitz: On all packages, Premium, Extra, Compact, Select 1, Select 2, Family, Access and Easy View.
SS1: Premium only
SS2: Premium only
SS3: Premium, Extra and Compact
SS4: Premium, Extra and Compact
SS5: Premium only
SS6: Premium only
SS7: Premium and Extra
SS8: Premium and Extra
SS9: Premium, Extra and Compact
SS10: Premium, Extra, Compact, Select 1, Select 2 and Family, Access.
SS11: Premium only
SS12: Premium only
Maximo: Premium only
GINX eSports: Premium, Extra and Compact

This means our Extra customers get 3 more sports channels – SS7, SS8 and GINX
Our Premium customers get 2 more sports channels – SS11 and GINX
Our Compact customers get 1 more sport channel - GINX

In the repurposing, will there be any SD channels upgraded to HD?
Yes. SS8 will be upgraded to an HD channel, this will bring the total number of HD channels available to 12.

DStv Customers Get More Entertainment

On Wednesday, 17 May, DStv customers will get even more entertainment as we add four new e.tv channels to the DStv family. These channels are eMovies+ (Channel 138), eMovies Extra (Channel 140), eExtra (Channel 195) and eToonz+ (Channel 311). Three of thesre channels will be available in crystal clear HD: eMovies+, eMovies Extra and eExtra.

These channels offer a broad range of entertainment, which will give our customers a more expansive viewing experience. The shows will appeal to the entire family: eToonz+ offers a safe and sunny space for the kids; eMovies Extra packs a punch with robust action movies; eExtra gives mom a chance to tune into telenovelas and the rest of the family can enjoy sitcoms; while eMovies+ offers an escape with the stars.

“We’re always on the lookout for ways to add more value to each of our DStv packages – it’s about offering our customers the best entertainment in one place. These e.tv channels, of which three are in HD, will bring hours of viewing delight to the whole family,” commented Mark Rayner, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa.

eMovies+ (Channel 138) and eMovies Extra (Channel 140) will be available to DStv Access, Family, Compact, Extra and Premium customers. eExtra (Channel 195) and eToonz+ (Channel 311) will be available to DStv EasyView, Access, Family, Compact, Extra and Premium customers.

The addition of three more HD channels means that customers on the DStv EasyView package will now have access to three HD channels, DStv Access customers will have seven, DStv Family 12, DStv Compact 21, DStv Extra 26 and DStv Premium 41.

The schedule for these channels will be available From Wednesday, 17 May on DStv.com or the TV Guide on your decoder.
.

More about the channels

eExtra (in HD)  will offer viewers an enticing variety of premium entertainment in HD –  including sitcoms, drama series, reality, telenovelas, court shows, lifestyle and movies. While the channel is infused with a good measure of suspense, drama and action, a touch of comedy adds a light-hearted flavour to the line-up. eExtra can best be described as young, urban, modern and cosmopolitan.

eMovies Extra (in HD) is a premium movie channel playing big-name, high profile movies, with a skew towards ACTION in prime time. Loaded with enough shoot outs, shouts, kicks, punches, explosions and chases to delight even the most craven action junky, the channel also offers quieter quality moments along with family friendly fare in daytime. Find extra adventure, suspense, action and revenge on eMovies Extra.

With a movie to suit every taste eMovies+(in HD) is the go-to destination for wall to wall entertainment. Whether it’s romance, drama, action, a good fight, a good laugh or simply some family fun - eMovies+ offers it all in an easy to navigate package. Here the stars shine at all hours of the day and full-on escape is just a remote click away.

eToonz+ offers a safe and sunny space for kids aged 2 – 12 from which to explore the world. Programming is hand-picked to support the developmental needs of three age groups.

HIGHLIGHTS

eMovies+ May 2017 Highlights:

A Few Good Men - 17.05.17 at 19:30

Two Marines stand accused of murdering a member of their platoon during an unsanctioned disciplinary action. Hoping to obtain a quiet plea bargain, the Navy appoints young Lt. Daniel Kaffee to defend the accused Marines Starring Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise.

In Time - 22.05.17 at 19:50

In a future where time is literally money and aging stops at 25, Will Salas teams up with a beautiful young heiress to destroy the corrupt system. Starring Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - 23.05.17 at 19:30
British pensioners on a tight budget move to a retirement home in India, and their adventures there give them a new lease on life. Starring Dev Patel, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy.

Life Of PI - 30.05.17 at 19:40

After a shipwreck, a young man embarks on an epic journey of discovery as he shares his lifeboat with the ship's only other survivor - a fearsome Bengal tiger, with whom he shares an unexpected connection. Starring Irfan Khan, Suraj Sharma.

eMovies+ June 2017 Highlights:

Digging For Fire - Tuesday 06.06.17 at 20:00

The discovery of a bone and a gun send a husband and wife on separate adventures over the course of a weekend. Starring Jake Johnson, Rosemarie DeWitt, Sam Rockwell, Orlando Bloom.

The Kids Are All Right - Sunday 11:06.17 at 20:00

Two children conceived by artificial insemination bring their biological father into their non-traditional family life. Starring Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo.

Garden State - Tuesday 13.06.17 20:00

A quietly troubled young man returns home for his mother's funeral after being estranged from his family for a decade. Starring Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard.

Curse Of The Golden Flower - Wednesday 14:06.17 at 20:00

A dying love between two powerful people leads to deceit, infidelity, and conspiracy in this epic-scale historical drama. Starring Chow Yun Fat, Li Gong, Jay Chou.

Cleaner - Monday 19.06.17 at 20:00

A former cop who now earns a wage as a crime scene cleaner unknowingly participates in a cover-up at his latest job. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Ed Harris, Eva Mendez.

Knight And Day - Wednesday 28:06.17 at 20:00

A single girl en route to a family wedding gets swept up in a fight between a rogue government agent and the FBI in this globe-trotting action comedy. Starring Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard.

eMovies Extra May 2017 Highlights:

The Big Year - Friday 19.05.17 at 20:00
An elite fervent breed of birdwatchers face off in a secret competition that will become the biggest year of their lives. Starring Jack Black, Steve Martin, Owen Wilson.

Braveheart - Saturday 20.05.17 at 20:00
In the late 13th century, William Wallace returns to a Scotland ruled by the ruthless Edward the Longshanks and leads a ramshackle yet courageous army determined to vanquish the greater English forces. Starring Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau.

Enough Said - Sunday 21.05.17 at 20:00

To help distract her while her beloved daughter prepares to leave the nest for college, a divorced masseuse starts dating a sweet but somewhat clueless man with whom she shares a fun rapport, only to discover that he's her new friend's ex-husband. Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini, Catherine Keener

Spider-Man 3 - Tuesday 23.05.17 at 20:00

A strange black entity from another world bonds with Peter Parker and causes inner turmoil as he contends with new villains, temptations, and revenge. Starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Topher Grace

Independence Day - Tuesday 30.05.17 at 20:00

When extraterrestrials arrive on Earth and threaten to wipe out the human race, a handful of survivors armed only with inferior technology, wits and courage must stop them. Starring Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum.
               
eMovies Extra June 2017 Highlights:

Fantastic Four - Saturday 03.06.17 at 20:00
Based on Marvel's longest running comic book series, the film chronicles the superhero world’s most famous dysfunctional family. Starring Chris Evans, Jessica Alba, Ioan Gruffudd.

Gamer - Sunday 04.06.17 at 21:30

Set in a near future, as humans control each other in mass-scale, billionaire Ken Caste develops the shooter game, 'Slayers' which activates the humans' savage fantasies. Starring Gerard Butler, Ludacris, Michael C. Hall.

Poseidon - Monday 05.06.17 at 18:20

After luxury cruise ship is suddenly capsized by a huge wave, Dylan Johns and a small group are determined to fight their way to the surface as the Poseidon begins to sink. Starring Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, Emmy Rossum.

Walking Tall - Thursday 08.06.17 at 20:00

A retired soldier returns to his hometown and is elected as Sheriff, to fight against crime, drugs and violence. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Johnny Knoxville, Neal McDonough.

Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer - Saturday 10.06.17 at 20:00

The Fantastic Four meet their greatest challenge yet as the enigmatic, intergalactic herald, The Silver Surfer, comes to Earth to prepare it for destruction. Starring Ioan Gruffudd, Chris Evans, Jessica Alba

Prometheus - Saturday 24.06.17 at 20:00

A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, in the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race. Starring Michael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace, Guy Pearce

eExtra June 2017 Highlights:

Cape Town – Local crime drama on Thursdays at 20h30 starting 22 June

Synopsis: Cape Town. Police captain Mat Joubert used to be the best, revered by the force for solving every case. But that before his wife Lara was murdered while working undercover, and Mat’s been on a downward spiral ever since, haunted by a blurred past, uncertain of how he did not keep her alive. Mat is assigned a new partner, Sanctus Snook, a former member of the elite HAWKS unit. When a successful businessman is found killed wearing an Albert Einstein mask, the two unlikely partners have a high profile murder investigation on their hands. When a second body is found wearing yet another mask, they realize they are tracking a serial killer. Gradually, Mat Joubert begins to overcome the ghosts of his past, but as he uncovers each layer of the investigation he must re-live his wife’s murder in order to stop the violence.

Charly’s Cake Angels – Local lifestyle show on Saturdays at 17h00 starting 03 June

Synopsis: Charly’s Cake Angels is a reality series which will take viewers down the rabbit hole, deep into a world jammed with screaming “Eat me!” cakes.  Every week viewers will be treated to the Charly’s team tackling yet another impossible cake for a fabulous function.  Our fearsome cakery will literally rise to the challenge, and lead the viewers on a journey in to the heart of the bakery – the promise, the frustration, the passionate arguments, the tears and the laughter… These are all the same ingredients which go into making a good life, and they’re the same things that go into making magical cakes and an unforgettable series!

Room 9 – Local Sci-fi investigative drama on Sundays 20h00 starting 18 June

Synopsis: In an alternate, parallel world eerily familiar to our own, and in a city that could be Johannesburg or Kampala, Nairobi or Lagos, a war is being waged; a war between light and dark, between good and evil. This is the New Azania. The provinces as we once knew them in South Africa are no more. Instead this new world is divided into Sectors. Standing in the way of perpetual darkness is a ragtag team, a special, under-the-radar division of the NAPD the New Azanian Police Department who deal exclusively with the paranormal, the supernatural, the sacrilegious, the twisted, and the unexplainable.

LOCAL COMEDY MOVIES:
Mama Jack - Saturday 03 June 20h00

Synopsis: Complications arise when a fugitive (Leon Schuster), who's masquerading as a woman, falls in love with his pretty boss (Mary-Anne Barlow).

Mr Bones - Saturday 10 June 20h00

Synopsis: A medicine man is sent looking for the son of his tribal king, and brings back an American golfer and a host of goons intent on keeping him in the golf tournament.

Mr Bones 2: Back from the Past - Saturday 17 June 20h00

Synopsis: Follow the story of Hekule, the King of Kuvukiland who is given a cursed gemstone. It is up to Mr. Bones to get rid of this cursed stone by travelling 130 years into the future, to the city of Durban where the duo encounter a beautiful woman and an unexpected adventure.

The Millenium Menace - Saturday 24 June 20h00

Synopsis: Leon Schuster’s Millennium Menace caught even himself by surprise.  A series filmed as candid camera television inserts became an instant hit with viewers and created such an hysterically funny reaction at a viewing that it was the natural decision to release the film theatrically.  South African’s have been waiting for another Schuster movie for almost three years (since Panic Mechanic) and have been begging for some comic relief from the “King of Candid Camera.”

eExtra May 2017 Highlights:

Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce – International drama series on Tuesdays at 20:30 starting 16 May

Synopsis: "Bravo’s first original scripted series, ""Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce,"" follows Abby McCarthy (Lisa Edelstein, ""House""), a self-help book author and guru of all things family, who shocks the world when she reveals that her seemingly perfect life has all been a lie. After publicly admitting that she has separated from her husband, Jake (Paul Adelstein, ""Private Practice""), America’s once-favorite girlfriend finds her career and marriage in a free fall.  As she starts to navigate life as a single woman in her 40s, Abby turns to her new divorced friends, rather than her married ones, for advice. Embarking on startling adventures with friends Lyla (Janeane Garofalo, “"Reality Bites"") and Phoebe (Beau Garrett, ""Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior""), Abby finds herself on a journey of self-discovery as she attempts to salvage her career, get back in the dating game and figure out her new identity as a single woman.

COMEDY MOVIES:
Jack And Jill - Saturday 06 May at 20h00

Synopsis: Jack and Jill is a comedy focusing on Jack Sadelstein (Adam Sandler), a successful advertising executive in Los Angeles with a beautiful wife and kids, who dreads one event each year: the Thanksgiving visit of his identical twin sister Jill (also Adam Sandler). Jill's neediness and passive-aggressiveness is maddening to Jack, turning his normally tranquil life upside down. Katie Holmes plays Erin, Jack's wife.

The Perfect Catch aka Fever Pitch - Saturday 13 May at 20h00

Synopsis: It's a love triangle - but with a twist. Instead of revolving around three people, this story involves twenty-eight: a man, a woman, and a Major League baseball team. High-school teacher Ben Wrightman (Jimmy Fallon) is a good catch. He's charming, funny and great with kids. When he meets Lindsey Meeks (Drew Barrymore), an ambitious business consultant whose spirit is as luminous as her beauty, their attraction is immediate. Sure, they have their differences. She's a workaholic; he loves his summers off. He lives and breathes the Red Sox; she doesn't know Carl Yastrzemski from Johnny Damon. But true love overcomes all - at least until Red Sox spring training rolls around. As Ben's beloved Bosox launch one of the most incredible seasons in baseball history, Ben and Lindsey must decide if they, as a couple, will strike out or fight to keep love alive through extra innings.

The Ugly Truth - Saturday 20 May at 20h00

Synopsis: A romantically challenged morning show producer (Heigl) is reluctantly embroiled in a series of outrageous tests by her chauvinistic correspondent (Butler) to prove his theories on relationships and help her find love. His clever ploys, however, lead to an unexpected result.

Why Did I Get Married? - Saturday 27 May at 20h00

Synopsis: A group of married college friends go to Colorado for their annual week-long reunion. On the surface, it appears it will be like all the previous reunions they have had over the years, but the mood shifts when one couples infidelity comes to light.

eToonz+ May 2017 Highlights:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Wednesdays at 17h30 starting 31 May

Synopsis: The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series is funnier and "ninja-ier" than ever before, as Nickelodeon reintroduces the wildly popular band of reptile brothers to a whole new generation of fans. The action comedy explores the camaraderie of four teenage brothers learning to rely on one another as they unravel the mystery of their existence and train to become the heroes they're destined to be.

Tickety Toc - Thursdays at 14h15 starting 04 May

Synopsis: Inside an old clock shop is wall full of clocks. Big clocks, little clocks, silly clocks and sensible clocks. All of them ticking away to themselves and keeping perfect time. And right in the middle is one very special clock. This is the Tickety Toc Clock. As every hour passes, the Tic Toc Clock springs into life to chime in the time. It all happens as regular as clockwork! But chiming the time isn’t as easy as it seems! For behind the face of the Tickety Toc Clock lies an extraordinary wooden world where things definitely don’t always run so smoothly. This slapstick show centres on our inseparable heroes, Tommy and Tallulah, and their remarkable friends as they race against time to keep the clock ticking. In this beautifully crafted series, the pressure is always on and every madcap minute counts!

Little Spirou - Thursdays at 16h25

Synopsis: After "Spirou and Fantasio" series' amazing success, discover in « Little Spirou » the crafty 8 year-old kid he was.From how to deal with arriving at school in slippers to how to survive a trip to the swimming pool without one's bathing suit, Little Spirou always finds a witty alternative solution to save the day.Clever and full of mischief, he's always ready to get into trouble as long as he can work his way out make someone laugh!With Little Spirou, crafty kids always come out on top.

eToonz+ June 2017 Highlights:

Julius Jr - Mondays at 14h00 starting on 26 June

Synopsis: Julius Jr. is a funky monkey with a penchant for invention. Together with his best pals, Worry Bear, Sheree, Clancy and Ping, they build a playhouse out of a simple cardboard box. But when they walk inside, to their surprise and delight, they discover that ordinary objects magically come to life and amazing adventures are just a door away. 

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom - Mondays at 14h45 starting 12 June

Synopsis: Holly, a young Fairy Princess, is still learning how to fly and her magic doesn’t always go quite according to plan. Her best friend, Ben the Elf, doesn’t have wings and he doesn’t do magic. But elves are very good at making things - especially toys. They live in the Little Kingdom – a tiny land where flowers and grass rise above the tallest towers.

Johnny Test - Fridays at 18h00 starting 23 June

Synopsis: Johnny is the ultimate test pilot where no mission is too insane, no challenge is too great, no villain is too menacing - and no sister-created concoction is too wild. As long as his dog Dukey can come along, Johnny gives it a go!

Power Rangers: Dino Super Charge - Fridays at 16h30 starting 02 June

Synopsis: With new weapons, new allies, new zords, and the new T-Rex Super Charge mode, the Rangers are ready to settle the score against one of their most dangerous enemies.

Here's The Latest Update On E.tv's 4 Channels On Multichoice's DStv From Other Sources

Geoff D - here is your 4 new channels. Is e.tv's adding its additional TV channels on OpenView HD to DStv? Here is what happened and why it looks like a possibility.

Is e.tv's additional TV channels available on Platco Digital's OpenView HD free-to-air satellite being added soon to MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform?

A reader reported this and sources asked, after a reader showed how e.tv's website mentioned and added the additional channels packaged by e.tv, as suddenly now also being available on DStv.

Of course e.tv in high definition (HD) is
already available on DStv, and the addition of the other or more channels from e.tv's stable are not that far-fetched an idea.

On Digital Media (ODM) and StarTimes Media South Africa already added and carry the eKasi+ (now rebranded as eExtra) channel on the StarSat satellite pay-TV platform.

Looking up all of the individual e.tv channels with their own websites, they all suddenly listed their OpenView HD (OVHD) channel number, but now also a DStv channel number.

Surprise - the DStv channel numbers listed for the various channels were a perfect fit for open and unused DStv channels within the specific genre number sets:

eToonz+ DStv 311
eMovies+ DStv 138
eMovies Extra DStv 140
eExtra DStv 195

Following a media enquiry, this information has now been removed from the various e.tv channels' webpages on Wednesday.

e.tv gave a feedback stating it was a mistake. But what was the mistake?

Listing the DStv channel numbers, or listing the DStv channel numbers perhaps too early?

Both e.tv and MultiChoice - when asked if e.tv's additional channels packaged for OVHD is being added to DStv - responded by only saying negotiations are ongoing around the carriage agreement for the 24-hour TV news channel eNCA (DStv 403).

eNCA of course is also a channel produced and supplied by e.tv.

The question arises of how e.tv would know these virtually perfect channel numbers to choose and list on DStv without any input from MultiChoice. Is this just co-incidence?

Why would somebody take the time to do that if there was no reason to?

On Wednesday another reader noticed this eToonz+ on DStv in the 1-plate

It's not really that far-fetched a stretch to think that in the renegotiation of the eNCA channel, the other channels from eMedia Investments could be lumped together in a bigger, more comprehensive deal.

It was after all the plan with StarSat which would at one point have had eToonz+ and some of the other channels besides eKasi+ before negotiations between OVHD and StarSat didn't work out.

What Is Thought Of More New Shows, Less Repeats And Channel Arrangements On DStv With Recommendations

Since late 2014 till now DStv has found many alternatives of improving our viewing to offer the best entertainment with additional channels, extensions which results to minor losses.

2014-2015:
-Launch of Lifetime, BET International, NickToons and Nick Jr. in 2015 later in 2015 BET International became BET 2 for lower packages while BET was for premium packages which later converted back into one BET channel.
-Launching of two premium channels M-Net Edge and Vuzu AMP.
-Launch of Eva, Itv Choice, Zee World, M-Net City and M-Net Family for the first part of 2015.
-The second part of 2015 BBC Entertainment and Knowledge were dumped and replaced by BBC Brit and Earth with an additional channel BBC First later it was announced that BBC World News and Cbeebies may not continue which would be available to stream on an app then an ongoing protest commenced to save them both.
-The launch of an Afrikaans lifestyle channel Via.

2016-present:
-People's Weather moved to a new channel number as well as TLC Entertainment.
-M-Net Movies Family, Romance and Comedy were dumped and replaced with M-Net Movies Smile.
-Fashion TV, Rhema TV, KykNet Musiek, Discovery ID, Discovery World and FOX Crime and Trace Sports Stars were dumped for Fashion One, TBN, KykNet Nou, ID Xtra, Discovery Family, FOX Life and Trace Africa.
-CBS Action, CBS Drama, AMC and True Movies 1 were dumped due to the underperformance and deduction of repeats.
-Eva+ and ROK were launched everywhere in Africa excluding South Africa till December were we saw the launch of ROK, Soundcity and Spice TV in South Africa.
-In 2017, we had the launch of CGTN News, Zee Bollymovies and GOD TV.
-The termination of M-Net Edge, M-Net Family and M-Net Movies Showcase.
-Mentions about Ginx tv Esports Channel and its programming will also be generated with Supersport.

It maybe a way to spice up our offering but this is too much, theres nothing wrong with the new but as time goes by you lately miss the old, I understand that you're trying to enhance our viewing but we need a bit of old back, try to adding more repeats for example:

General Entertainment
-M-Net Movies Action and All Stars they should consider adding more present movies like etv.
-Pop up channels, they aren't a bad idea but you could try and add content that haven't been seen on premium packages and first time for local packages.
-FOX Life has more local and reality shows it more international series and you could air older seasons of The Simpsons.
-Universal Channel has a lack of series to air weekdays at 6am CAT.
-Sony Channel and Sony Max need a little more programs. It usually feel like a rerun channel at this point at time. Sony Channel needs movies. It is better if you replace it with Adult Swim.
-Telemundo needs more action-packed series like Lord of the Skies(El Senor De Los Cielos), Darling of the Centaur(La Querida Del Centauro) and El Chema so far only Woman of Steel(Senora Acero) managed to arrive as well as movies that are Latin American.
-Lack of fashion channels like the discontinued Style Network.
-Instead of having an Eva+ you could have a Telemundo+ which airs the the telenovelas from below 2010 with telenovelas from above 2010.
-Since you dumped CBS Action, CBS Drama and AMC couldn't you have just try to make a general entertainment channel which supplied itself with programs and movies from these channels as well as CBS Reality.
-Isn't there a way to get WWE female targeted series on E! if you can't add Diva Universal.

Kids:
-Cartoon Network needs to bring some of its old shows back from 2010 while Boomerang has to bring back the Flintstones, Yogi Bear and Animaniacs.
-Disney Channel when most of girl targeted series are finished can't you put them on Disney XD and Junior.
-Disney XD should be available 24/7 but it still not available 24/7 everywhere else.
-Most of the shows on NickToons are new (acquired) I can accept that but you could try and bring Sanjay and Craig,Breadwinners and Legend of Korra if you have the time because after all they haven't aired yet on the channel and not everyone with a Compact package has access to Nickelodeon.
-There is need for more kids channels especially with its programming because Teen Titans (Not GO!) didn't air on Cartoon Network thats why there is a need for Toonami even for Anime while Samurai Jack Season 5 and Robot Chicken is only available on Adult Swim. Boing is like Cartoon Network Too.
-TeenNick is needed not because we want it but because we have NickToons to watch all our animated Nick and other animated shows not live-action like True Jackson, Big Time Rush and All That.

Music:
-Lack of genres such as Pop, Rock and Electronic.
-Too much local music.
-Theres tracks that launched with music videos for certain artists and bands such as Keke Palmer, Skillet, Bridgit Mendler and Red that haven't shown on Trace Urban, MTV Base, Channel O and Soundcity.
-Most of the music channels air the same type of music.