MultiChoice Looking To Unbundle SuperSport In A Not So Distant Future If Not Launch A DStv Premium Competitior

A few years ago, MultiChoice was experimenting with the possibility of unbundling SuperSport and the trail had since gone quiet. Now it looks like the company may be revisiting this within the next financial period April 2026 and prior to this is it's pending takeover by Canal+.

Recently it was reported that they are no longer insolvent due to the sale of NMIS Insurance Services but DStv consumers to be a loss maker there. If anything, this unbundled offering seems like a more likeable approach especially under French management.

MultiChoice said the initiative was still in its early stages and that it was still assessing the offering’s commercial impact and customer value. 

But then again, Canal+ very much like Sky in the UK offers a standalone sports package which boasts about 9 sports channels for R720 a month. Some people may view this as a victory but in hindsight that is only for entertainment lovers.

DStv Flex which was earlier concept for this unbundled offering boasts over 60 channels ranging from general entertainment, news, cartoons and music. It comes with an option to bundle one of 3 sports packages alongside AddMovies.

This draft dates back to 2021 so rates are likely to be adjusted should this unbundled offering enter fruition. Of course, at the time MultiChoice was hesitant on offering sports as a standalone so if they do launch a sports package it will be expensive - cheaper with DStv Stream consumers.

The question MultiChoice has yet to address should this launch is whether this package will lead certain channels to close or if it will lead them to merging Compact+ and Premium. When or if it does launch, there's most likely going to be an uptake in the number of subscriptions from existing consumers.

Some would argue that even with this draft the rates are higher particularly those on Access and Easyview. It does lead you to wonder if the general entertainment package will have another price plan which prioritizes secondary brands like Mzansi Wethu.

If so then I'd imagine DStv Premium to Access undergoing a major overhaul with Easyview unscatched. 

Discovery Channel Turns 40 Celebrating Four Decades of Awe, Adventure and Authenticity

Discovery Channel is celebrating a landmark moment in television history: 40 years of inspiring awe, igniting curiosity, and taking viewers on unforgettable journeys around the globe.

 

Seven Days of the Very Best of Discovery

A week of unmissable themed programming starts Monday, 16 June on Discovery Channel Africa, marking 40 years since the first US broadcast. Each day spotlights a signature feature that has defined the channel over the decades; From the grit and glory of GOLD on Monday, to the daring feats featured in EXTREME JOBS on Tuesday, the raw endurance of SURVIVAL stories on Wednesday, and the ingenuity of being OFF GRID on Thursday. Friday revs into high gear with TURBO, Saturday plunges into HISTORY AND MYSTERY, and Sunday culminates in ICONIC DOCS, including the premiere of DISCOVERY CHANGED MY LIFE, a moving tribute to real people worldwide whose lives and careers were inspired by Discovery Channel.

Discovery Changed My Life Series

Discovery Changed My Life is a powerful special featuring personal stories from pioneers around the world whose lives were transformed by Discovery’s content. Among them is South Africa’s Darren Britz, a wildlife filmmaker who recalls watching Discovery almost daily as a child, a habit that sparked his passion for wildlife storytelling. Also featured is Joshua Adayemi from Lagos, Nigeria, now based in Scotland, who founded the Black Scottish Adventurists to promote diversity in the outdoors, inspired by Discovery shows he watched on a neighbour’s TV. Marine biologist Dr. Alison Towner, originally from the UK and now based in Gansbaai, South Africa, has spent more than a decade working on Shark Week and is a fierce advocate for ocean and shark conservation. These compelling stories reflect Discovery’s global impact, inspiring curiosity, shaping careers, and changing lives across continents.

 

Four Decades of Discovery: A Timeline of Impact

Since its first broadcast in 1985, Discovery has grown from a niche documentary channel into a global icon of factual entertainment. From icy frontiers to deep oceans, remote cultures to cutting-edge science, Discovery Channel has consistently brought the wonders of the world into living rooms with unmatched authenticity and visual brilliance.

 

1985: The Dawn of Discovery

On June 17, 1985, media visionary John Hendricks launched Discovery Channel with just 12 hours of daily broadcasting and a mission to explore science, nature, culture, and history; The seeds of a global movement were planted.

 

Late 1980s–1990s: Growth, Diversification & Global Expansion

By the early 1990s, Discovery had begun to redefine factual television, expanding into technology, history, and adventure content. In 1995, the network dropped “The” from its name and introduced a coloured globe logo, symbolising its growing global ambitions.

 

In 1988, the channel debuted Shark Week, an annual celebration of ocean predators that became a pop culture phenomenon, attracting over 25 million viewers by 2024. The momentum continued with the launch of spin-off brands like Animal Planet, Discovery Kids, and Science Channel, as well as international rollouts.

In 1996, Discovery Channel launched in South Africa, cementing its footprint on the continent. Today, the channel broadcasts in over 220 countries and territories in 33 languages, reaching more than 2 million households across Africa alone.

 

Early 2000s: Reality Frontiers and Global Phenomena

The turn of the millennium brought a new era of genre-defining reality programming. From the animated Walking with Dinosaurs (2000) to breakout hits like American Chopper (2003), MythBusters, Deadliest Catch (2005), Planet Earth (2007), and Gold Rush (2012), Discovery struck the perfect balance between education and entertainment, redefining what factual TV could be.

 

Mid-2000s Onwards: Technology, Transformation and Localised Excellence

Always at the forefront of media evolution, Discovery embraced high-definition (HD) broadcasting as early as 2002. In 2009, it launched the Discovery HD Showcase on DStv’s HD platform, becoming the first international broadcaster to offer a fully HD channel in Southern Africa. This was followed by the 2014 HD launch of Discovery Channel South Africa, raising the bar for immersive viewing experiences.

 

Looking Ahead with Purpose: Collaborations, Social Initiatives, and Diverse Programming

Discovery Channel continues to push boundaries, expanding its digital presence, embracing new formats, and reaching broader audiences, without ever losing sight of its founding mission: to satisfy curiosity and inspire awe.

 

Now, as part of its 40th Anniversary celebrations, Discovery is embarking on another impactful partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant over 40,000 trees worldwide, including in Kenya. This initiative not only supports biodiversity but also contributes to healthier communities around the world.

 

Forty years in, Discovery Channel is still discovering, evolving, exploring, and inspiring new generations of curious minds. And for viewers in Africa and around the world, the next great adventure is only just beginning.

 

Tune in to Discovery Channel on DStv Channel 121 and Catch Up to celebrate #Discovery40.

Celebrating African Stories On Cartoonito On Youth Day

This Youth Day, Cartoonito celebrates the power of African stories, from homegrown songs and local voices sharing their passions, to fan-favourite Grizzy & the Lemmings landing in the African Savannah. As part of Cartoonito’s Youth Day celebration is Akissi, the pan-African animated special that captures the joy, mischief, and magic of childhood, voiced by none other than Johannesburg’s own Phophi Muleya.

 

At just 19 years old, Phophi brings fearless energy to the title character, a spirited Ivorian girl full of courage and charm. For her, Youth Day is more than a calendar date, it’s a reminder of what’s possible. “Youth Day reminds me that my voice, and every young person’s voice, matters,” she says.

“I’m living proof that creativity can open doors you never knew existed. From recording lines between classes to seeing my name in the credits of an international show, it’s been magical.”

 

A Journey Powered by Creativity & Courage

From student to screen star, Johannesburg’s Phophi Muleya brings heart and humour to Akissi, the story of a bold Ivorian girl navigating childhood with courage and curiosity, a perfect reflection of what Youth Day stands for.

 

“As a young person in South Africa, Youth Day is a reminder that I can push beyond any societal boundaries set for me or the youth,” Phophi explains. “There’s a lot we can learn from the youth of 1976. They proved that when we stand together, we can tackle the challenges that matter most to us as young people.”

 

She adds, “Voicing Akissi and seeing young Black African children feel seen on screen has been the most rewarding part of this journey. We’re a creative generation — and our stories are powerful tools for connection and change.”

 

From local songs and African stories to fan favourites, it’s all about homegrown fun this Youth Day

Grizzy and the Lemmings even goes local with two brand-new episodes premiering on Youth Day and every weekday from 17:05. This season returns with its signature slapstick formula rooted in classic silent comedy and cartoon rivalry. Grizzy and the Lemmings land in the African Savannah, where they clash over everything from comfy naps to loud parties and mouth-watering treats. In true “frenemy” fashion, their wild disputes often lead to clever compromises. This batch of episodes sees the Lemmings throwing mega dance parties, playing video games, and stirring up chaos with games like hide-n-seek and racket sports, all while encountering exclusive new characters including elephants, warthogs, ostriches, termites, and grasshoppers.

The full day’s line-up is packed with joy, music, and imagination, a celebration of African childhood in all its creativity and colour:

• Akissi – Join Akissi, the fearless Ivorian girl with a cheeky monkey sidekick, Boubou, as they take on hilarious adventures in a vibrant African city. Voiced by local talent, Phophi Muleya

• Cartoonito Tunes – A catchy, colourful sing-along playlist filled with tunes sung in isiZulu, isiXhosa, English, Pidgin English, and Swahili. It is a joyful celebration of the continent’s sounds

• My African Stories – Children from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya share heartfelt slices of their daily lives, offering authentic glimpses into different African cultures

• CoComelon: It’s Cody Time – Join the gang on CoComelon Lane and sing and dance along to culturally relevant songs, including ‘Anansi Song’ and ‘African Melody Song’

• Grizzy & the Lemmings: Premiering at 17:05, the new season takes the hilarious rivalry to the African Savannah! Grizzy and the Lemmings discover new ways of turning situations to their advantage and continue fighting over yummy and loud parties. They also confront new dangers, exotic animals, experiment with unseen technologies, and don’t think twice about playing with magical items!

 

Tune In, Laugh Loud, Dream Big

“I hope every child watching Cartoonito on Youth Day feels proud of who they are and starts believing in what they can become. Our stories matter. Our voices matter,” concludes Phophi Muleya.

 

Join Cartoonito on Monday, 16 June from 08:00 for a magical Youth Day celebration bursting with local songs, local African stories and familiar characters reimagined in proudly African settings and discover just how far creativity can take Africa’s young dreamers.

 

‘Steven Universe: Lars Of The Stars’ In Development For Prime Video; ‘Teen Titans Go!’ Gets 10th Season On Cartoon Network

From the Studio Showcase presented by Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe at Annecy Festival today, two major announcements promised the return of fan-favorite toon titles to screens in the near future.

Cartoon Network Studios revealed it is currently developing Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars for Prime Video. The series is a follow-up to the Peabody Award-winning Cartoon Network series Steven Universe, created by Rebecca Sugar, who returns to this new project as executive producer, alongside Steven Universe writer/EP and creator of OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes, Ian Jones-Quartey.

Per the announcement: 

Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars explores the past, present and future of the Steven Universe universe. The sequel series follows Lars Barriga, eternal teenager and space outlaw, as he and his pirate crew smuggle contraband, evade the authorities, and uncover the darkest secrets of the fallen Gem Empire.

Additionally, it was announced that Teen Titans Go!, the longest running animated series in DC history, has been renewed for a 10th season on Cartoon Network. The show last Fall celebrated its epic 400th episode. Executive Producers are Luke Cormican, Peggy Regan and Sam Register.

Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy and Raven continue the fun with all-new comedic adventures, giving viewers a look at what life is really like as a teen super hero…once the cape comes off. Inspired by and featuring the principal voice cast of the original Teen Titans series, this character-driven comedy — based upon DC characters — focuses on the funny that happens in between saving the world and living together as teenagers without adult supervision.

NO LONGER INSOLVENT. MultiChoice Continues To Lose More DStv Subscribers From The Financial Year Ended 31 March 2025

MultiChoice, released its results for the year ended March 31, 2025, disclosed a loss of 2.8 million active linear subscribers in the past two financial years.

In the reporting period linear subscribers were down 1.2m, or 8%, to 14.5m active subscribers, with the loss evenly split between South African (0.6m) and Rest of Africa (0.6m). The group said although reflecting an improvement on 2024 trends, "this indicates ongoing broad-based pressure across the group’s entire customer base".

"The past two financial years have been a period of significant financial disruption for economies, corporates and consumers across sub-Saharan Africa due to challenging macro-economic factors. Combined with the impact of structural industry changes in video entertainment such as the rise of piracy, streaming services and social media, this has materially affected the overall performance of the MultiChoice Group," it said.

On a more positive note, active paying Showmax subscribers rose by 44% YoY, demonstrating strong growth and regional market share gains.

However, MultiChoice also faced financial headwinds in the form of a R10.2 billion impact from local currency depreciation against the US dollar. 

The company’s adjusted core headline earnings, which reflect underlying business performance, swung to a loss of R0.8 billion from a profit of R1.3bn in 2024. This was mainly driven by reduced trading profit and hedging losses in 2025, which were in contrast to gains reported in the previous year.

Group revenue for the period fell by 9% to R50.8bn, primarily driven by an 11% decline in subscription revenues, which was partially offset by price increases and new product offerings, including DStv Internet, DStv Stream, and Extra Stream.

Profit Declines Amid Operational Efficiencies

Trading profit saw a sharp decline of 49% to R4bn. This downturn was largely attributed to a R2.3bn organic increase in Showmax’s trading losses and R5.2bn in foreign currency revenue losses. However, these losses were mitigated by the significant cost-saving measures implemented by management.

Free cash flow also turned negative, with an outflow of R0.5bn in 2025, compared to an inflow of R0.6bn in 2024. The cash flow was negatively impacted by lower profitability and higher lease repayments, though it was partially offset by improved working capital management and a 29% year on year reduction in capital expenditure.

In the face of financial disruption the company said it kept a focus on inflationary pricing discipline. In South Africa, price increases were maintained at 5.7% for 2025 (up from 5.6% in 2024), while in the Rest of Africa, local currency price hikes averaged 31%, compared to 27% in the previous financial year. These price adjustments allowed the group to weather subscriber volume declines and achieve a modest 1% year-on-year organic revenue growth for the period.

Further operational efficiencies also helped offset financial pressures, with the group achieving R3.7bn in cost savings - substantially exceeding its initial target of R2bn, and nearly double the R1.9bn saved in 2024. Despite these savings, the group reported a 9% decline in organic trading profit, largely due to increased operating costs related to Showmax during its peak investment year.

"Importantly, the group returned to a positive equity position through a combination of cost savings, a stabilisation in currencies, and the accounting gain on the sale of 60% of the group’s shareholding in its insurance business (NMSIS) to Sanlam," it said.

No dividend was declared while the group is subject to takeover by French firm Canal+. The proposed transaction still needs the approval of the Competition Tribunal to go ahead.

Looking ahead, MultiChoice said it aims to stabilise the topline in the video businesses through focused retention initiatives, while supporting rapid topline growth in the group’s interactive entertainment, fintech and insurance investees. Secondly, management will continue to drive operating, cost and working capital efficiencies into the group to protect profitability and cash flows. Finally, the group will continue to work with Canal+ towards a successful close of their mandatory offer in order to unlock significant long-term benefits for the combined entities and the irrespective stakeholders.

Channel Closure: SuperSport Liyu Goes Dark On June 30th On DStv In Ethiopia

For those who haven't heard, SuperSport had opted not to distribute the Ethiopian Premier League after signing a 5 year deal in 2020. As a result, SuperSport Liyu will stop being distributed on the DStv platform by 30 June.

From what I recall, SuperSport Liyu was a football channel or the Amharic equivalent of SuperSport Football offering Premier League and La Liga. With the channel taking the plunge, it's not really known whether the latter will be distributed in Amharic on other SuperSport channels.

MultiChoice which serves as the holder of SuperSport has been dealing with financial constraints and are now relying on them to get of this stigma. Earlier in the year, Canal+ did close its pay-tv operations in the regions so whose to say what's going to happen now under the merged company.

Prior to Liyu's closure, MultiChoice had suddenly put up a test card for the channel onto its transponders in Southern Africa. So either plans were underway to do some open window (which I doubt) or MultiChoice is experimenting on another TV channel with its frequencies.

It's not known if this channel will be carried in other parts of Africa, what content may come out of this or if this channel will ever be launched as seen with Via's duplicate channel.

A statement from the general manager of EPN

Speaking on the matter, the league’s general manager Kifele Seyife said SuperSport have already ended its partnership. “DSTV had a rocky financial year at South Africa. They have ended the deal with us. They have already paid their last installment of the season.”

SuperSport has showcased few league games this season so far. Pan-Africa Football understands only sixty league games will be shown live on TV this season. The league and SuperSport failed to negotiate a new deal after DSTV owner Multichoice sold many of its shares to French company Canal Plus. 

The league has now shifted their focus on securing a new broadcaster. National broadcaster Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation has shown interest and the league is also weighing an option to stream live games on EthioTele’s Tele TV. 

Development Alert: Bloedspoor Rolls Out On eExtra With Doodloopstraat And Voelvry Moving To New Timeslots

In a not so surprising move, eMedia Investments will be reviving it's 10PM primetime slot on eExtra as the broadcaster allocates Bloedspoor. Following its rollout on eVOD, Bloedspoor (Yargi) will be launching on the channel from June 16th at 9PM with Doodloopstraat at 10PM.

This means reruns of Voëlvry will go head to with Ramo (which is on e.tv) at 23:00 leaving the Bollywood reruns to air at midnight.

Bloedspoor unfolds love stories among lawyers and judges, adding a layer of emotion to the intense courtroom drama. The series starts when Ilgaz (Kaan Urgancıoğlu), a respected public prosecutor, and Ceylin (Pınar Deniz), a young attorney, cross paths due to a murder case, and are forced to work together in order to uncover the real culprit behind the event that caused irreversible changes in both of their lives.

Kaan Urgancıoğlu has made appearances in other shows such as Bittersoet which had been broadcast on eExtra while Pinar Deniz had been seen in The Red Room which was picked up by SABC 3. Other stars to join the new series include Uğur Polat, Uğur Aslan, Hüseyin Avni Danyal and Mehmet Yılmaz Ak.

Named the Best Telenovela at the 51st International Emmy Awards in New York City in 2023 filming for Bloedspoor wrapped up earlier in the year after three seasons. Ay Yapım that served as the production company for Bloedspoor offered Fenix, Voëlvry and Impak the latter which was licensed by eMedia Investments.

Warner Bros. Discovery To Spin-Off Cartoon Network, TNT And Food Network Into A Separate Company, Retains HBO Max And Studios

Warner Bros. Discovery today announced plans to separate the company, in a tax-free transaction, into two publicly traded companies, enabling each to maximize its potential. The Streaming & Studios company will consist of Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, and HBO Max, as well as their legendary film and television libraries. Global Networks will include premier entertainment, sports and news television brands around the world including CNN, Cartoon Network, TNT, Food Network, Discovery Channel, and digital products such as the profitable Discovery+ streaming service and Bleacher Report (B/R). 

David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, will serve as President and CEO of Streaming & Studios. Gunnar Wiedenfels, CFO of Warner Bros. Discovery, will serve as President and CEO of Global Networks. Both will continue in their present roles at WBD until the separation.

"The cultural significance of this great company and the impactful stories it has brought to life for more than a century have touched countless people all over the world. It's a treasured legacy we will proudly continue in this next chapter of our celebrated history," said Zaslav. "By operating as two distinct and optimized companies in the future, we are empowering these iconic brands with the sharper focus and strategic flexibility they need to compete most effectively in today's evolving media landscape."

"This separation will invigorate each company by enabling them to leverage their strengths and specific financial profiles. This will also allow each company to pursue important investment opportunities and drive shareholder value," said Wiedenfels. "At Global Networks, we will focus on further identifying innovative ways to work with distribution partners to create value for both linear and streaming viewers globally while maximizing our network assets and driving free cash flow."

"We committed to shareholders to identify the best strategy to realize the full value of our exciting portfolio of assets, and the Board believes this transaction is a great outcome for WBD shareholders," added Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr., Chair of the Warner Bros. Discovery Board of Directors. "This announcement reflects the Board's ongoing efforts to evaluate and pursue opportunities that enhance shareholder value."

Streaming & Studios

With best-in-class creative capabilities and an unmatched library of beloved IP, Streaming & Studios will be one of the world's greatest storytelling companies. The company will be comprised of Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO and HBO Max (including its international sports offering), Warner Bros. Games, Tours, Retail and Experiences, as well as studio production facilities in Burbank and Leavesden. Streaming & Studios will have dynamic and sustainable revenue, profit and free cash flow growth. The company will focus on continuing to scale HBO Max, which is now in 77 markets with important new market launches planned for 2026, and build on its global momentum, investing in HBO's world-class programming which differentiates and drives the platform, and prioritizing the operating principles that have put the Studios on a path back to their target of at least $3 billion in annual adjusted EBITDA.

Global Networks

Global Networks will encompass a powerful and preeminent global portfolio of entertainment, sports and news television networks and brands as well as their digital products. Today, these assets reach 1.1 billion unique viewers in 68 languages across 200 countries and territories, while operating with industry-leading margins and robust free cash flow conversion. As a worldwide leader in live television, Global Networks will have the expertise, reach and ongoing financial profile to pursue opportunities such as investing in international growth opportunities, elevating its live content offerings in sports and news, and growing digital extensions of its strong network brands, such as Discovery+, B/R, and CNN's new streaming offering.

Transaction Details, Capital Structure and Timing

Warner Bros. Discovery intends to separate the businesses in a tax-free manner for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The companies plan to implement arm's length transition services and commercial agreements post-separation to facilitate the transition and maintain continued operational efficiencies.

Each company will have well-capitalized structures to support their businesses. In a separate press release today, Warner Bros. Discovery announced the commencement of tender offers and related consent solicitations across its existing capital structure to enhance its debt portfolio, which will be funded by a committed bridge facility of $17.5 billion provided by J.P. Morgan. The bridge facility is expected to be refinanced prior to the separation. Both companies will have a clear path to de-leveraging with significant cash flow and strong liquidity through cash and revolver availability. In addition, Global Networks will hold up to a 20% retained stake in Streaming & Studios that it will plan to monetize in a tax-efficient manner to enhance the de-leveraging of its balance sheet.

The separation is expected to be completed by mid-2026, subject to closing and other conditions, including final approval by the Warner Bros. Discovery Board, receipt of tax opinions and/or a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the tax-free nature of the transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and market conditions.

J.P. Morgan and Evercore are serving as financial advisors to Warner Bros. Discovery and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel.