BOMBSHELL. WildEarth Goes On A Rant And Exposes Lucrative Business Deal With MultiChoice's DStv

During the week, it was mentioned by WildEarth's CEO that they have made numerous attempts to in securing carriage fees for their channel on DStv. Following unsuccessful attempts, the company is looking to take their channel off DStv by the end of April.

The only way WildEarth can remain on the DStv platform would be for MultiChoice to pay for the channel and not vice versa.

Earlier the company had mentioned that MultiChoice would rather pay for National Geographic and National Geographic Wild. But through ongoing interaction with viewers some minor details had been revealed about their agreement with DStv.

Here’s a little David and Goliath story - although at this point, it is difficult to see how David is not going to get...

Posted by Wildearth on Tuesday, March 26, 2024

On top of their financial woes, WildEarth has been paying MultiChoice to keep the channel on air. For 4 straight years, WildEarth on top of generating some ad revenue had to split part of those earnings to keep their space on DStv and cover other expenses. 

Taking to account such deals are not unlawful but haven't proven to be favorable either. It's like running your own website where the publisher (DStv) offers ad platforms (WildEarth) a space to promote in exchange for money with ad platforms getting exposure.

Based on circumstances, it's "likely" WildEarth approached MultiChoice and only agreed to this as they were hoping to salvage more out of this. Not a lot of people were familiar with the brand as seen with flagship show SafariLIVE it seems like the only logical conclusion. 

Another would be that MultiChoice positioned WildEarth as a business type channel as seen with former channels VOOV and TV Mall.

MultiChoice had agreed to carry WildEarth as a pop-up channel initially under those terms. Based on figures opted to continue this agreement while WildEarth running on the platform was hoping to join the league of Warner Bros. Discovery and BBC Studios. 

Donate to WildEarth: click here 

Petition to keep WildEarth on DStv: click here 

Reminder: M-Net's Me And 1Magic Alongside Ginx eSports TV Will Close On DStv From 31 March 2024 (Schedule Attached)

MultiChoice will be axing M-Net's 1Magic and Me alongside Ginx eSports TV from the DStv platform by the end of March. This would bring the number of scrapped TV channels on the platform to nine joining B4U Movies and People's Weather which exited a month prior. 

Another brand looking to exit DStv soon is WildEarth as both parties failed to reach new agreement. Since then, a petition has been going around to keep it on DStv with the channel seeking donations as they've been going through financial woes.

1Magic

1Magic will end its run with the female led drama Lee Daniel's Star at 23:55 and from what we've seen most shows within that week would end to their climax. With a few exceptions such as Lockdown seeing as those are basically repeats.

According to the pay-tv company, further content from 1Magic would be available on the remaining M-Net channels. That would mean those currently watching 1Magic would have to revert their focus to Mzansi Magic for further content currently viewed on Showmax. 

Unlike most items on the list, MultiChoice had promised to supplement 1Magic with another TV channel known as Channel X. It has no relation to Elon Musk but will base their lineup and identity on Showmax as the revamped streamer also trademarks an X.

Me

Me will ends its run with reality based series The Real Housewives Of Atlanta based from The Real Housewives franchise at 23:10. Most shows within this week would reach their climax including M-Net originals Reyka and Recipe For Love And Murder.

According to the pay-tv company, further content from Me would be available on the remaining M-Net channels. That would mean those watching Me would need DStv Premium to watch the latest international and locally produced content on M-Net.

Although some of the entertainment like Chicago Med and The Equalizer is available on Universal TV with Young Sheldon on Comedy Central. These channels are lagging behind with one of two not having an estimated timeframe on new episodes. 

It's currently unknown whether Me will fold under Channel X or the pay-tv company will look find other means for compensation.

Ginx eSports TV 

Ginx eSports TV will end its run with The Games That Made Me at 23:00. Despite SuperSport handling distribution rights and other technical aspects of the brand, current seasons of programs won't be completed with other portions being repeats.

Unlike the other two, MultiChoice doesn't offer an alternative offering to Ginx eSports TV this leaves WWE as the only sports brand to be grouped under general entertainment section of their platforms. 

Channel Closure: WildEarth Will Stop Airing On DStv By The End Of April, Freeview And ROKU Might Follow Soon

WildEarth is an interactive wildlife channel which brings viewers closer to nature with live safaris within the hotspot of Africa. Founded in 2007 by Graham Wallington and Emily Wallington, WildEarth has developed a global community of viewers.

Since December, the channel's future in Africa came into question after WildEarth uploaded a survey which would help determine if the channel should remain aboard the DStv platform. At the time, the channel didn't share any of their findings on the matter.

This past weekend, WildEarth held a live event which was accessible on YouTube. It was there were more details about their survey had come forward. 

According to the surveys, WildEarth serves as one of the top 3 favourite channels by 76% of its viewers with 90% voting it as one of their favourite local channels. Despite the positive reception, the channel is not able to retain its position on DStv.

Andre Crawford, the current CEO of WildEarth had been engaging conversation with MultiChoice to try and recieve payment for the channel. Unfortunately, they couldn't come to an agreement with the channel looking to exit DStv by the end of April.

WildEarth has been struggling to sustain itself within the current economic climate where platforms like Netflix and TikTok reign supreme. With that in mind, they're look to restructure their business model in the coming months in order to stay afloat. 

If you're interested in donating: click here

Following news of its possible closure on DStv, a viewer had created an online petition which not only requires them to get compensated but keeps them on the air for the foreseeable future: click here for the petition. 

Should MultiChoice not come to a new agreement with WildEarth, this would be the 10th TV channel to have exited their platforms. It would join M-Net's Me and 1Magic alongside Ginx eSports TV channels which had exited a month prior. 

For the full interview

Could WildEarth Also Be Looking To Exit DStv As Broadcaster Hints At A Streamlined Portfolio?

WildEarth is a interactive wildlife channel which brings viewers to closer to nature with two daily live safari shows within the hotspots of Africa. Aside from DStv (Africa), the channel can also be viewed on Sling TV (USA), Freeview (UK and Ireland) and Samsung TV Plus (Global).

Viewers across Africa! We need your help with this hugely important survey. Link in the comments below.

Posted by Wildearth on Saturday, December 16, 2023

In December 2023, WildEarth held a survey for consumers across Africa in regard to its future within the DStv platform. In a statement to fans, they mentioned these questions will determine whether the channel would be removed from the pay-tv platform.

Consumers expressing worry and grief had requested that the channel remain onboard their platforms. Although WildEarth has yet to share it's findings on the matter the mere thought of it exiting/consolidating within DStv wouldn't seem far fetched.

In recent months, MultiChoice has been removing various local channels on their platforms: Maisha Magic Movies, HONEY, People's Weather, ROK GH and NWTV. As part of a streamline/cost cutting attempt, these closures were said to be building the lineup for their current offering.

Prior to People's Weather closure, they had forged a content deal with WildEarth extending the reach of the brand to free-to-air households. Other broadcasters to have offered programming from WildEarth include National Geographic and SABC 3.

Development Alert: WaterBear Network Extends It's Reach To WildEarth

WildEarth.tv and the WaterBear Network have announced a content partnership agreement that will see a selection of documentaries and short films from WaterBear screened on Freeview channel 91 in the UK, as well as on channel 183 on the DSTV platforms across the African continent.

This new partnership consolidates the relationship between WildEarth and WaterBear – the platform where impact meets entertainment – and enhances the shared goal of both organisations to increase awareness of conservation efforts around the world.

The WaterBear strands will premiere on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, in February and March, and will feature across the global distribution network of WildEarth.tv. The strands will additionally be repeated during prime time viewing slots on Sunday evenings.

WaterBear Network, the free streamer using storytelling to spark change in the world, produces original content, spanning biodiversity, social justice, climate action and more. Available in 194 countries, WaterBear Network connects viewers with critical global issues and the social impact campaigns of more than 150 NGOs such as Oxfam and Greenpeace.

“WildEarth is excited to partner with WaterBear. We look forward to introducing our viewer base to this high quality programming that has such a positive effect on our planet” said Emily Wallington, the Co-Founder of WildEarth.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with WildEarth.tv and expanding our reach across the UK and Africa. WildEarth shares our dedication to compelling storytelling and environmental stewardship. This collaboration not only serves to captivate audiences but also to deepen global awareness about the urgent challenges facing our planet. At WaterBear Network, we actively seek partners who share our vision of informing, educating, and inspiring action. WildEarth’s commitment to connecting people with nature aligns perfectly with our mission,” added Oliver Taprogge, VP of Distribution at WaterBear Network.

News Shorts: People's Weather Extends The Reach Of WildEarth To DStv Easyview And Openview Consumers With Dr. Mark And Siyaya Come Wild With Us Added To The Line-up And More Rebroadcasts Of Court Program Case Closed Surfaces On Telemundo Across Africa

WildEarth makes a landing on Openview

A few months ago, MultiChoice extended the reach of WildEarth to DStv Access after being made exclusive to Family consumers going up when it launched in 2020. It broadcasts live and interactive virtual safaris from some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations.

SafariLIVE serves as one of their flagship shows (or blocks) after being broadcast on National Geographic and SABC 3. It had reported earlier in the month that People's Weather will air a live broadcast from 5AM to 8AM daily thus extending its reach to the Openview platform.

People's Weather adds two kids shows to the line-up

Siyaya - Come Wild With Us follows fast-paced adventures to fascinating places in and around South Africa's national parks with a zany professor who always takes a group of children exploring through each destination. Currently viewed on Mindset Learn and SABC 2, It airs daily at 16:00.

Dr. Mark is Africa's first wildlife show for kids which follows a qualified wildlife vet, spend each episode educating kids about a different animal relevant to the African continent. It airs daily at 16:30 right after the above-mentioned program.

Telemundo hits a new low

During the week, it was learnt that the anthology series Decisions would make a comeback to Telemundo in the new year to viewer's dismay. Now, the channel is set to allocate more airtime to Case Closed which will come in place of 100 Days To Fall In Love.

Basically, Cennet: The Power Of Destiny will be the only primetime show for 15 days into the new year. That is until Game Of Lies debuts in the timeslot of Decisions and Lord Of The Skies and interesting enough Cennet ends in Valentine's Day almost as if this was planned.

Development Alert: WildEarth Now On DStv Access

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of our continent’s wilderness. WildEarth (DStv channel 183) is a popular wildlife channel joining the DStv Access package from 15 August 2023. Offering daily authentic LIVE and interactive wildlife experiences in your living room, viewers will be able to connect with nature like never before.

WildEarth stands as a trailblazer as a global brand that is available around the world on 27 different platforms. It transcends the traditional wildlife documentary format by recreating the thrilling experience of being on a safari vehicle in remote locations. Instead of relying on dramatic animal behaviour, it captures the serendipitous moments of unscripted magic that happen when you’re on a safari.

“With WildEarth, we’re adding even more value for the DStv Access viewer,” says Georginah Machiridza, Executive Head of General Entertainment Channels. “Going on safari is an amazing opportunity and the wildlife experiences on this channel allows viewers to ‘visit’ amazing destinations from the comfort of their couch. It’s about making African animals accessible to African people.”

Imagine yourself bouncing along the savannah all from the comfort of your home. You can even ask the guide a question and get it answered in real time.

The WildEarth channel offers a golden-hued line-up that includes:

• Safari LIVE: Sunrise: Join a real live safari at the break of dawn, where the stories of Africa’s most iconic animals unfold before your eyes.

• Safari LIVE: Sunrise repeat: Catch up on the sunrise safari if you missed the live show.

• Safari LIVE: Sunset: Witness the African wilderness come alive as the sun sets, and the wild cats embark on their nocturnal quests. All completely LIVE and unscripted.

• Safari LIVE: Sunset repeat: Relive the magic of the sunset safari at your convenience.

• LIVE at the Waterhole: Relax by the water’s edge and observe Africa’s creatures as they drink and play, while engaging with a safari expert in real time.

• LIVE at the Waterhole: Repeat: Enjoy the spectacle of animals coming for their daily drinks on replay.

Just Nature: Unwind to the soothing sights and sounds of nature accompanied by calming music and natural ambiance.

“WildEarth is excited to be launching on DStv Access,” says Emily Wallington, Executive Producer Non-Live Content.” WildEarth not only provides a window into Africa’s majestic wildlife but redefines the safari experience itself and we look forward to inviting DStv viewers onboard the largest safari vehicle in Africa.”

As the pioneer of authentic, immersive wildlife experiences, WildEarth’s debut on DStv Access is set to redefine the way we connect with the wild. Prepare to traverse vast savannahs, witness breath-taking sunsets, and witness the majesty of Africa’s creatures—all at the touch of a button.

Tune into DStv channel 183 starting 15 August 2023. WildEarth will be live streamed on DStv Stream. 

Graham Wallington, Co-Founder Of WildEarth Has Resigned

It is with great sadness that I announce my resignation as CEO of WildEarth.

Emily and I co-founded WildEarth 15 years ago at Djuma with the mission to connect people with nature. In spite of many ups and downs we remained true to that mission and I believe we achieved this goal.

The time has come for me to focus on my family and the next chapter of my story while creating space for new ideas at WildEarth. I remain as convinced today, as I was on the first day, of WildEarth’s worth and wish this incredible company, and all who work for her, nothing but the very best.

DStv Flex:
- The Heartless coming soon to TLNovelas
- What to expect this January on The Home Channel?
- Reyka renewed for season 2 on M-Net
- What to expect this January on Qwest TV?

I specifically want to thank Jurie and Pippa Moolman for their unfailing support over the many years. Without them there never could have been a WildEarth and I would not have been able to steer WE through some very dark nights were it not for the foundational friendship given Emily and I by this formidable couple. Thank you.

Another person that has been crucial to the survival of WildEarth over the past many years is Peter Braat. Without his unwavering loyalty, commitment and Vulcan like logic WE would certainly have floundered on the rocks many years ago.

Emily, my wife, life partner, co-founder and mother to my daughters is a true force of nature. Those that know her and us know that anything I have achieved I have only achieved because she supported me. Because she made it possible for me to achieve. Emily is my hero and I, and all of us, owe WildEarth to her.

Emily continues on at WE as I step aside and she is now going to need all the support in the world as she finds herself on this old journey in a new and scary way. I love you my darling. I’m sorry I had to make this decision, but you know that I had to do this. It was time. I will help and support you as much as I can but I know you will be fine. You are a truly amazing woman.

YouTube Premium:
- VH1 is making a comeback to international shores through BET
- DStv Streama bundles Disney+
- The Walt Disney Company to expand the reach of Star Channel
- Acorn TV shutting down in South Africa

Of course none of what has been achieved at WildEarth could have been achieved without you. The WE viewer community. It’s been your passion for the animals that has driven WE and me forward. Your willingness to try new things, always trusting that our mission to connect people to nature would not change.

WildEarth will carry on and grow from strength to strength. I will be watching from the sidelines like a proud father.

I will see you all again.

With love,

Graham Wallington

New Channel Alert: WildEarth To Launch In The UK Later In The Year

Two years ago, MultiChoice launched Wild Earth TV as a pop-up channel and had proven to be a success that MultiChoice now offers it full-time. Prior to that, the brand had made plans to expand outside of African soil.

As seen last year, they were made available in the United States and parts of Europe with the UK added to the lineup of regions to source Wild Earth as the brand geared up for its 2023 debut.

Test transmissions began on the Astra 2G satellite, paving the way for the channel to join Sky. It follows Wild Earth’s recent expansion via streaming platforms and apps, including Rakuten TV, LG Channels, Roku and Plex.

DStv Flex:
- What to expect this January on Curiosity Channel?
- What to expect this January on The Home Channel?
- Reyka renewed for season 2 on M-Net
- What to expect this January on Qwest TV?

Using a combination of live broadcasting, expert naturalists, interactivity, community and a point-of-view shooting style, WildEarth says it helps millions of viewers feel remotely present in nature without increasing their footprint.

Programmes on the channel include African Sunset Safari Live between 13:30 and 17:30 GMT and Penguin Beach, a live interactive show from the Cape Coast in South Africa between 12:30 and 13:30 GMT.

Wild Earth secured an Ofcom licence to broadcast on satellite in September 2022. It is operated by a company based in Dorset.

DStv:
- MultiChoice might be adding a second SABC News channel
- kykNET Lekker has made available to more DStv customers
- Could DMAX expand to Africa?
- Qwest TV coming soon to DStv

Namibia's Partnership With WildEarth A Boost For Wildlife Live Stream

Namibia's first live stream camera showcasing wildlife at the Okaukuejo waterhole in Etosha National Park, a national park in northwestern of the country, received a boost following a partnership with WildEarth, a 24/7 live television channel, an executive announced few days ago.

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) spokesperson Nelson Ashipala said the Okaukuejo waterhole live streaming camera is now available on WildEarth's DStv channel 183 and the initiative complements the already viral NWR Live YouTube channel launched in April, with viewership reaching as high as 1,000 wildlife enthusiasts per day.

"To enhance customer experience, NWR partnered with WildEarth to allow for the viewing of waterhole action footage as it unfolds at the most famous waterhole in Namibia, reaching an audience of about 5 million people globally per month," he said in a statement.

According to Ashipala, this initiative is a first for Namibia, whereby a live stream camera showcases the wildlife that Namibia offers, complemented with expert commentary from trained naturalists.

"Using a combination of live broadcasting, expert naturalists, interactivity, community, and a point-of-view shooting style, partnering up with WildEarth will help millions of viewers feel remotely present in nature without increasing their footprint," he added.

Ashipala meanwhile said this experience excites NWR as an organization as it will make wildlife enthusiasts curious to the point where they want to travel to Etosha National Park in particular and Namibia in general.

The Okaukuejo waterhole, which is located 17 km from the southern entrance of the Etosha National Park, one of the largest national parks in Africa, is a wildlife sanctuary watering hole for black rhinos and elephants, famously known for its floodlit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregation and interactions.

Roundups #104: Insidus Games Presents Panic Restaurant, Adom TV To Air The Silent Thief And A Look At November's Lineup For WildEarth

Panic Restaurant is now available to download on Insidus Games

Panic Restaurant is a platform game that stars a chef named Cookie who must navigate through his own restaurant, which has been cursed by a rival chef named Ohdove. Cookie has to battle evil food monsters with kitchen utensil weapons in six levels before taking on Ohdove in a final battle.

Download Now

The Silent Thief coming soon to Adom TV

Jessie’s perfect life becomes a nightmare when her only son, Ethan is kidnapped by unknown persons. No contact is made by the kidnappers, making the police conclude that the kidnapping was an act of revenge. Jessie has no clue as to who holds a grudge against her or her husband, Brylle, since they live a relatively quiet life. Brylle is a hard working doctor while Jessie is a devoted housewife. However, Brylle suspects Amado, the father of a patient he failed to save, and Reign, a lover he is keeping from Jessie.

Jessie spends her time searching for Ethan. She gains an ally in Larry, the lead investigator of the case who has hidden feelings for her. She meets Marie, who is actually Reign pretending to be a friend and who is plotting to ruin her marriage and steal Brylle.

In Jessie’s quest to find her son, she uncovers secrets that will point to unlikely suspects and will push her to the limit. Will she get back everything that was taken from her?

The series airs from 31 October on Adom TV.

What to expect on WildEarth in November 2022?

WILD Babies
10-13th November

WildEarth CAT GMT CET ET Wild Babies 3.30pm - 7.30pm 1.30pm - 5.30pm 2.30pm -6.30pm 8.30am - 12.30pm
Like humans, baby animals must all learn to thrive on this planet. Watching them develop their own characters as they face their first days, weeks and months in the wild is fascinating.
For four days WildEarth will be celebrating wild babies and finding as many as we can on SafariLIVE. November is the time when many of the herbivore babies are born at the same time so as to have safety in numbers form the predators. Also a plethora of baby chicks will hatch in our birds' nests. Prepare for many hours of cuteness overload.

On The Hunt
26-27th October 2022
WildEarth CAT GMT CET ET On the Hunt 5.30am - 7.30pm 3.30am - 5.30pm 4.30am -6.30pm 10.30am - 12.30pm

On the Hunt is a detailed look at the remarkable strategies employed by hunters to catch their prey and the hunted to escape. Rather than simply concentrating on 'the blood and guts' of predatory behaviours we will focus more upon the diverse strategies predators use to catch their food, and also the various evasive techniques prospective prey use to escape death by predator.

What To Expect On CBS Reality Africa And WildEarth In November 2022?

CBS Reality

MY WORST NIGHTMARE
Season 1.
Channel Premiere
Saturday and Sunday at 08:40, 19:45 and 01:50 from 19th November to 18th December.
We all dream every night for about 2 hours and nearly 6 years of our lives are spent dreaming. But for some people, drifting off to sleep transports them into a dark and nefarious world, where they come face to face with unimaginable horrors. Nightmares are not just figments of our imagination - they transport us to an unknown paranormal realm, where interaction with sinister spirits and demonic entities becomes very real, and very dangerous.
My Worst Nightmare is a documentary series that brings these harrowing nightmares to life in vivid detail, with cinematic dramatizations, captivating true accounts and skilled analysis from paranormal experts.

EXTREME SALVAGE SQUAD
Season 3.
Channel Premiere
Weekdays at 09.30 and 13:35, from 7th to 18th November.
Any job, any time... Enter the high-stakes world of marine recovery and rescue with Extreme Salvage Squad. Based in the Whitsunday region of North Queensland in Australia, the team tackle time-critical, dangerous salvage missions where one mistake could mean serious injury or financial disaster. They are faced with a region devastated by a recent category 4 cyclone that caused massive damage and left the area littered with broken vessels and vehicles. But filled with true Aussie grit and a determination to see the job done, the team meet every challenge head-on - and know how to have a little fun along the way. Stuffed with tension, excitement and camaraderie, this series is all about overcoming adversity to help keep one of the world's most beautiful coastlines in the best possible condition.

WildEarth

WILD Babies
10-13th November

WildEarth CAT GMT CET (ET)
Wild Babies 3.30pm - 7.30pm 1.30pm - 5.30pm 2.30pm -6.30pm (8.30am - 12.30pm)
Like humans, baby animals must all learn to thrive on this planet. Watching them develop their own characters as they face their first days, weeks and months in the wild is fascinating.
For four days WildEarth will be celebrating wild babies and finding as many as we can on SafariLIVE. November is the time when many of the herbivore babies are born at the same time so as to have safety in numbers form the predators. Also a plethora of baby chicks will hatch in our birds' nests. Prepare for many hours of cuteness overload.

On The Hunt
26-27th October 2022
WildEarth CAT GMT CET (ET) On the Hunt 5.30am - 7.30pm 3.30am - 5.30pm 4.30am - 6.30pm (10.30am - 12.30pm)

On the Hunt is a detailed look at the remarkable strategies employed by hunters to catch their prey and the hunted to escape. Rather than simply concentrating on 'the blood and guts' of predatory behaviours we will focus more upon the diverse strategies predators use to catch their food, and also the various evasive techniques prospective prey use to escape death by predator.

What To Expect On WildEarth In October 2022?

WildEarth CAT GMT CET (EST) /PT/

Sunrise Safari
5.30am - 8.30am
3.30am - 6.30am
5.30am - 8.30am
(11.30pm - 2.30am)
/8.30pm - 11.30pm/

Escape To Nature
8.30am - 2.30pm
6.30am - 12.30am
8.30am - 2.30pm
(2.30am - 8.30am)
/11.30pm - 5.30am/

Penguin Beach
2.30pm - 3.30pm
12.30-2.30pm
2.30pm -3.30pm
(8.30am - 9.30am)
/5.30am - 6.30am/

Sunset Safari
3.30pm-7.30pm
1.30-5.30pm
3.30pm -7.30pm
(9.30am-1.30pm)
/6.30am - 10.30am/

World Animal Day
Safari Bingo
1- 4th October

WildEarth CAT GMT CET (EST)
Safari Bingo 3.30pm - 7.30pm 1.30pm - 5.30pm 3.30pm -7.30pm (9.30am - 1.30am)

Video: click here

Everyone loves a good game of Bingo so we thought in aid of World Animal Day we would host our own animal bingo. Join the guides as they battle it out to see who can spot enough animals to make the first row on their bingo card. Bingo cards will be made up of animals chosen by our viewers. Join our guides at 1.30pm GMT every day for four days to see who will be crowned the King of Safari Bingo!

African Penguin Awareness Day
15th October 2022

WildEarth CAT GMT CET (EST)
Penguin Beach 2.30pm - 3.30pm 12.30pm - 1.30pm 2.30pm -3.30pm (8.30am - 9.30am)

Video: click here

While many people think of penguins as cold climate inhabitants, such as the ones in Antarctica, these delightful creatures can also be found off the southern coast of Africa in rather temperate climates.
International African Penguin Awareness Day is here to bring attention to these rare flightless birds! As climate change and other factors continue to threaten the livelihood of many animals throughout the globe, the African Penguin is no exception. In fact, the African Penguin was placed on the US Endangered Species list in 2010 as the populations continue to decline with the potential of completely vanishing in the near future if nothing is done to stop it.
Join WildEarth for a one hour LIVE and interactive show from a beach in South Africa. It is this beach near Cape Town where a wild colony of African Penguins live and call home.

What To Expect On WildEarth In September 2022?

CAT GMT CET (EST) PT
Sunrise Safari
6.30 - 9.30am
4.30 - 7.30am
6.30am -9.30am
(12.30am - 3.30am)
9.30pm - 12.30am

Escape To Nature
9.30am - 1.30pm
7.30am - 11.30am
9.30am - 1.30pm
(3.30am - 7.30am)
12.30am - 4.30am

Penguin Beach
1.30pm - 2.30pm
11.30 - 12.30pm
1.30pm - 2.30pm
(7.30am -8.30am)
4.30am - 5.30am

Sunset Safari
2.30pm - 6.30pm
12.30 - 4.30pm
2.30pm - 6.30pm
(8.30am - 12.30pm)
5.30am - 9.30am

Leopard Fest
1- 4th September

CAT, GMT, CET, EST
2.30 - 6.30am, 12.30 - 4.30am, 2.30am - 6.30am, 8.30am - 12.30am
WildEarth has been following a specific family of leopards for many generations. This is the royal family of leopards who live in Djuma Private Game Reserve in South Africa. All known by name and identified by specific spot patterns, WildEarth have watched countless generations of leopard cubs being born into this family and sadly many tragedies as well. From 1st to 4th September, WildEarth will be celebrating this leopard Dynasty with “Leopard Fest”. Four days of leopard celebrations culminating in the reveal of the new leopard cubs names as voted for by our viewers.

World Rhino Day
22nd September 2022

The total population of rhino left on earth is fewer than 30,000. Three of the five rhino species in the world are listed as critically endangered, facing extinction and, if we don’t take action now, we could lose them forever.
The ruthless pursuit by criminal networks for the high financial gains associated with the illegal trade in rhino horn is contributing to a catastrophic decline in rhino populations. In Africa, two rhinos are still being lost every day at the hands of poachers. The loss results, not just in the collapse of rhino populations, but as a keystone species and one of the environment’s resident eco-gardeners, other fauna and flora suffer too.
To coincide with World Rhino Day, we’d like to invite you to get to know more about this critically endangered species on WildEarth. We will spend the day going in search of rhinos on all of our LIVE shows and also answer as many questions as possible about rhinos from our viewers in real time.

Roundups #61: Explore The Island Of Huttsgalor On DreamWorks Channel Africa, Universal TV Africa's Upcoming Series Fantasy Island Gets Season 2 Renewal And WildEarth Celebrates Father's Day With A Trip To The Animal Kingdom

DreamWorks Jr. launching new series

Amidst the launch on DStv, DreamWorks Channel unveiled a bunch of content that wasn't part of the channel's lineup as seen during its run on StarTimes. It looks like part of this content is starting to resurface as DreamWorks Channel picked by the second prequel to DreamWorks Dragons titled Rescue Riders.

The series follows Dak and Leyla, human twins raised by dragons who have developed, as a result, a unique ability to directly communicate with them, helping and rescuing dragons and the people of the town Huttsgalor.

DreamWorks Dragons: Rescue Riders will likely debut by August which concides with the debut of another original series, George Of The Jungle.

 

Universal acquired rights to this FOX drama

Set in a luxury resort that aims to fulfil its guest's every fantasy. Elena Roarke (Roselyn Sanchez) who sets aside her ambitions and true love to run the family business. The series also stars Kiara Barnes and John Gabriel Rodriguez.

Last year, the series was renewed for a second season by American network FOX which is set for debut by fall 2022 which coincides with the launch of the first season on Universal TV.

WildEarth continues its exploration into the wilderness

 

Hyena Hullabaloo
“ A week long celebration of hyenas”
13th to 18th June 2022

Long misunderstood as dim-witted, gluttonous scavengers, the hyena, over the years has had a “serious PR crisis on its paws. Here at WildEarth, our beloved Djuma Clan have allowed us a chance to set the record straight. So now it's time to honor this critical animal and join our hyena Hullabaloo. Trishala Naidu, a naturalist and self confessed hyena lover, will be leading the celebrations culminating in a chance to name Ribbons new cubs and win some hyena merchandise.

 

Wild Dads
“A week-long celebration of fathers in the animal kingdom.”
19th to 24th June 2022

As we prepare to sing paternal praises this Father’s Day, let us not forget the Dads in the animal kingdom. Unfortunately, when it comes to paternal instincts, there are more than a couple of lousy dads in nature. Most are programmed to produce as many heirs as possible but their role as protectors are beyond important. In aid of fathers day this year, we are going to look at all males in the wild and the critical part that they play. Join us for a week of fun as we celebrate the wild men of the bush.

Roundups #41: WildEarth TV Now Available On Plex And Rad NFTV, Maya Erskine Joins Donald Glover In ‘Mr. And Mrs. Smith’ Series At Amazon And Botched Season 7B Launches On E! Africa

Plex, Rad NFTV to carry WildEarth FAST channel

Natural history-focused FAST channel WildEarth TV has launched on Plex, the AVoD and live-streaming service, and Rad NFTV, which claims to be the first streamer powered by non-fungible tokens.

WildEarth TV offers wildlife content 24/7, featuring eight hours of live programming a day, including twice-daily live safaris direct from locations including South Africa’s Djuma Game Reserve. Other live experiences include broadcasts studying the African penguin colonies on the Cape Coast and the wildebeest migrations in Kenya’s Maasai Mara reserve.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Smith TV series adaptation is in the works

Maya Erskine will star opposite Donald Glover in the upcoming “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” series at Amazon.

Erskine takes over the co-starring role from Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who had originally been set to star alongside Glover but departed the project last year due to creative differences. Glover revealed the new casting in an interview.

The series is based on Doug Liman’s feature of the same name starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The pair played rival spies that discover they have been contracted to assassinate each other. According to Glover, he is currently writing the finale for the series.

Erskine is best known for co-creating, starring in, executive producing and co-showrunning the Hulu comedy series “PEN15.” The show was nominated for multiple Emmys throughout its two-season run, including one for best comedy series and two for best writing for a comedy series for Erskine as well as Anna Konkle and Stacy Osei-Kuffour. Her other TV roles include “Man Seeking Woman” and “Casual,” with Erskine recently working on films such as “Scoob!” and “Wine Country.” She will next be seen in the “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series at Disney Plus.

 

Paul and Terry are back for more intensifying surgeries

In the quest for perfection, some people’s efforts to improve their appearance can leave them with surprising results. World-renowned plastic surgeons Terry Dubrow and Paul Nassif continue to fix the unfixable, as their seventh season of correcting plastic surgery nightmares continues this April on E!.

Season 7B premieres Sunday 24 April at 20:00

BBC Kids Is Currently Available In The United States With WildEarth Planning More International Expansions

BBC Kids is available in the United States

BBC Studios launched two ad-supported kids streaming platforms via Pluto TV in the US which saw the first-ever, child-focused ad-supported channels—BBC Kids and Spanish-language Ninos por BBC—stream more than 450 hours on Pluto TV.

Titles available include, Sarah & Duck, Andy’s Prehistoric Adventures, Andy’s Wild Adventures, Dinopaws, and Mr. Bloom’s Nursery.

Pluto TV has been stocking up on new content since its parent company ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) acquired a majority stake in Fox TeleColombia and Estudios TeleMéxico to grow the company’s Spanish-language content. VCNI has also been building Pluto’s distribution reach, teaming up and Nordic Entertainment Group to launch the platform across Sweden, Denmark and Norway this year.

Also read:
- Could Moonbug Kids replace Disney Junior on DStv and Baby TV on StarSat?
- Baby TV could be on the chopping block
- The last FOX Life available in the United States closes down in March
- National Geographic ending in the UK and several other markets
- Why VH1 Classic was terminated on DStv?
- tvN pushing to become a permanent linear channel in Africa
- As Africa await for their Disney Channels to close in 2024 Latin America starts with Star Life, National Geographic Wild, Disney XD and FX Movies
- Possible terminations and additions on DStv

WildEarth reaches new heights

WildEarth has been available in North America through XUMO from mid 2021 with key international territories rolling out in the future. The WildEarth channel will feature a variety of interactive, ‘front seat’ experiences from dozens of game reserves and parks, including a live safari from the comfort of the viewer’s living room, and more.

“WildEarth is all about sharing nature with everyone so we can all see why we must conserve our beautiful home. This partnership with a leading FAST operator in XUMO is a major step in achieving this as more people are relying on connected TVs and popular streaming devices as their primary sources of entertainment,” commented Graham Wallington, CEO and Co-Founder of WildEarth.

“WildEarth delivers compelling content that captures the beauty and appeal of nature in uniquely immersive ways,” noted Stefan Van Engen, SVP of programming and partnerships at XUMO. “XUMO audiences around the world will enjoy a variety of live and enthralling nature experiences as if they were actually there.”

Also read: 
- StarTimes added W-Sport to their app
- Cartoonito launches on Boomerang across Europe possibly as a trial run before scrapping the channel
- MultiChoice might launch an eLearning channel
- Lifetime could be on the chopping block on DStv
- Xtreme Football League founded by WWE's Vince McMahon returns in 2023, could SuperSport get it?
- A Pan-African tourism channel is currently available in Europe
- WWE Network might be getting discontinued globally
- TelkomOne reportedly adds two channels: Toonami and Boing
- Zee World becoming a Sony Channel could lead to a name change
- Discovery World revived for 6 seconds on DStv

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February 2022 On WildEarth | &Beyond Returns To safariLIVE | With Pouring Rain Coming Through Witness The Inhabitants Of Snakes

Search & ID
2.30-5.30am CAT
12.30-2.30am GMT
1.30-3.30am CET
7.30 to 10.30pm EST

Sunrise Safari
5.30 - 8.30am CAT
3.30 - 6.30am GMT
4.30-7.30am CET
10.30pm - 1.30am EST

Penguin Beach
2.30 - 3.30pm CAT
12.30-1.30pm GMT
1.30-2.30pm CET
7.30am-8.30am EST

Sunset Safari
3.30-7.30pm CAT
1.30-5.30pm GMT
2.30-6.30pm CET
8.30am-12.30pm EST

Meet Pepper The Penguin
Pepper the African penguin is a new character we have met on Penguin Beach. Dev, our penguin naturalist, met this young male at Stony Point Penguin Colony in South Africa a few weeks ago. He has been named Pepper by the viewers because of his distinct speckled or peppery markings on his belly.

andBeyond Ngala returns to safariLIVE
&Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve is a private concession inside the Kruger National Park and is back on our screens on safariLIVE.
&Beyond Ngala is a 14,700 hectare (36,500 acres) Big Five private game reserve that shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park and Timbavati Game Reserve. One of the most exciting things about broadcasting from Ngala Private Game Reserve to our viewers during this time is that they have two of the world’s only three white lions living in the wild.

Marula Season in the African Bush.
The fruit that comes from the Marula trees is highly appealing for elephants. February is Marula Season at Djuma Private Game Reserve here in South Africa where the trees are in fruit and it brings hundreds of elephants together to compete for them. Big elephants like to shake the trees to get the fruit and then pick them up off the ground.

Chicks and Babies
It is the time of year where many babies have been born and are now seeing the world for the first time. Eggs are hatching in nests and cubs and pups are coming out of dens.
The weaver birds who are nesting over the dam at Djuma have lots of chicks in their nests. Recently WildEarth caught a sad moment where a Goshawk took a chick from one of the nests.

Snakes Snakes Snakes
The rains have been long and much heavier than normal this year leaving the bush flourishing with life. As the rains start to subside and we move towards winter we will see many snakes popping up. During the heavy rains they tend to hide away but now with a plethora of food for them to eat they are on the move.

You can also find me through the other platforms by pressing this link in brackets (Lnk.Bio).

Read Also:
- Ajoche coming soon to Novela Magic
- Nurses replaces 100 Days To Fall In Love on Telemundo next month
- February on The Home Channel
- Super Dancer reportedly coming soon to Zee World
- Discovery World returns to DStv for 6 seconds
- Vishkanya: Blue Venom Girl and High Society: Scandal coming soon to eExtra
- Two series coming to Star Life
- A list of permanent and temporary channels coming to DStv in 2022
- Upcoming programming for Telemundo
- Upcoming programming for Star Life and Zee World
- January on CBS Reality and CBS Justice
- January on History Channel
- January on Ignition and The Home Channel
- January on Curiosity Channel

What's Coming Up In January 2022 On WildEarth?

(new features for desktop users)
SEARCH & ID LAUNCHES
A new daily show called “Search & ID” launches in January. It will be daily for three hours in the middle of the African night.

The premise of this show is that a team of naturalists will head out into the darkness searching for their favourite African characters using a thermal imaging drone and Infrared technology. The drone will look for hotspots in the bush and the ground team will be called in to identify them.

All completely LIVE, viewers will be drawn into this military style show which features cutting edge technology as well as wildlife in the African bush.

This show will feature on WildEarth everyday for three hours from 7.30pm to 10.30pm Eastern Time.

2.30-8.30am CAT
12.30-2.30am Britain
1.30-3.30am CET
7.30 to 10.30pm EST

PENGUIN BEACH CHANGES ITS TIME
As you can see from the table above, the time of Penguin beach has changed on the channel. This specifically affects the viewers watching in the United States and in South America as before it was impossible to catch this show LIVE due to it falling in the middle of your night.

Penguin Beach is a daily one hour LIVE experience with the penguins from Stony Point Nature Reserve in Cape Town, South Africa. Viewers can follow regular characters within this colony in real time and ask the experts questions via twitter.

2.30 - 3.30pm CAT
12.30-1.30pm Britain
1.30-2.30pm CET
7.30am-8.30am EST

A HYENA TAKES OVER

Ribbon has been the Matriarch of The Djuma Clan for many years. She has ruled with an iron fist but as a result she has remained in power and the Clan has been very successful, until now. Two interlopers have arrived from the West and are threatening Ribbon and the whole Clans well being. It seems that they want to overthrow Ribbon and take the Clan for themselves. Both female and younger than Ribbon, she is going to have to fight for her life. Already she has been chased into the nearby dam and had her ear ripped and her body cut as they have attacked her. Things are not looking great for Ribbon, in January there will be a new leader.

GREEN IS THE OVERWHELMING COLOUR ON SAFARI

January marks the middle of the wet season in the African bush. There are dramatic thunderstorms which lash the bush after some epically hot days. Green is the overwhelming colour dominating the landscape, the humidity making the air thick and delicious with the smells of the season.

Life is abundant and there is a vibrant green colour everywhere. The days are hot and humid and the evening is singing with a deafening chorus of insects, frogs, birds and beasts. Every living thing is busy, it is a time of incredible activity and biodiversity as time is short to secure the next generation.

Sunrise Safari
5.30 - 8.30am CAT
3.30 - 6.30am Britain
4.30-7.30am CET
10.30pm - 1.30am EST

Sunset Safari
3.30-7.30pm CAT
1.30-5.30pm Britain
2.30-6.30pm CET
8.30am-12.30pm EST

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Read Also:
- Cartoonito likely to kill off Boomerang in Africa
- January on CBS Reality and CBS Justice
- Upcoming programming for Zee World and Star Life
- January on History Channel
- Hillsong Channel rebranding to TBN Inspire
- Paramount+ now offers live TV, could HBO Max and Disney+ follow?
- FX returns to Africa after 14 years
- Travel Channel going off air on DStv???
- National Geographic Kids launches in Africa by the last quarter of 2022
- December on TNT
- Women Of Wrestling launching in 2022, could SuperSport pick it up?
- BVN returns to Africa
- Daystar TV is a covid conspirator
- Star Life rebranding to Life OK???
- More international entertainment for M-Net, Universal, Discovery Channel and more
- More Copycats of Where Is Elisa is coming to Telemundo
- tvN working on becoming permanent in Africa

September 2021 On WildEarth | Penguins On Safari | The Birmingham Pride In Pursuit Of Prey | Sea Forest

As spring arrives here in Africa the days are becomingmuch hotter. As a result from September 21st we will be moving our sunrise safari half an hour earlier and our sunset safari half an hour later. The times from 21st September are depicted in bold.

Sunrise Safari
Start: 6.00/5.30am CAT
End: 9.00/8.30am CAT
Start:4am/3.30am GMT
End: 7am/6.30am GMT
Start: 6.00/5.30am CET
End: 9.00/8.30am CET
Start:12am/11.30pm EST
End:3am/2.30am EST

Sunset Safari
Start: 2.30/3pm CAT
End: 6.30/6.30pm CAT
Start: 12.30/1pm GMT
End: 4.30/4.30pm GMT
Start: 2.30/3pm CET
End: 6.30/6.30pm CET
Start: 8.30/9am EST
End: 12.30/12.30pm EST

PENGUINS ON SAFARI

Cape Town definitely has no shortage of amazing beaches, but Boulders Beach in False Bay offers something extra special – a colony of African Penguins in their smart dresses, waddling glory, right under your nose. Infact, it’s the only place in the world where you can get close to African Penguins.
Often called the Jackass Penguin, these flightless birds create hours of entertainment for the tourists who travel to see them. WildEarth has expanded its LIVE locations to Cape Town and from September these penguins will feature daily in our LIVE shows.
This is the same group of penguins that recently featured in the netflix series Penguin Town and if that is anything to go by then this promises to be a fantastic new addition to the daily LIVE safaris.

THE BIRMINGHAM PRIDE IN PURSUIT OF PREY

The Birmingham Pride of Lion who reside on Ngala Private Game Reserve are well known for the fact that two of them are white. ThisPride has featured on WildEarth very regularly for the past year and we have watched as new cubs have arrived and various males have come and gone.
As we get to the end of winter here in South Africa the land is incredibly dry. With no rain since April, the animals are becoming increasingly desperate. Water sources are slowly depleting and animal movements are very much based on the availability of water.
The Birmingham Pride are dominating central Ngala. They are focussing their movements around the central waterholes in their pursuit for prey. Unfortunately for the herbivores, they have to drink daily which means they run the gauntlet of the Birmingham Pride who lie in wait.

SEA FOREST

WildEarth has launched a brand new LIVE show from the depths of the South African Kelp Forest from the same place that the award winning documentary My Octopus Teacher was filmed.
Freediving is an entirely different way to experience the underwater world. Gliding through the water silently allows you to reconnect with nature and explore the ocean with minimal impact. Freedivers explore the underwater forest LIVE from Cape Town daily while a land based expert explains what we are seeing.
Magical encounters with shy marine life, fish munching on coral and tide pulsing at the rocks bring a window of calm into an otherwise chaotic world.

Read Also:
- BVN stops airing on DStv
- FOX will no longer be available in Africa
- Loli's Luck coming soon to Telemundo
- Upcoming shows on Star Life
- September on CBS Reality and Justice
- September on The Home Channel
- A Shelter For Love coming soon to TLNovelas
- September on History
- September on Curiosity Channel
- My Sweet Curse coming soon to TLNovelas
- Star India channels rebranding into Utsav?
- Disney+ launching in South Africa
- September on Ignition
- Peacock and Paramount+ merge into one hub
- Discovery and WarnerMedia could launch a joint streaming service
- tvN working on becoming permanent in Africa
- New Portuguese entertainment channel on DStv
- Upcoming programming for National Geographic