Insidus: March 2021

Friday, March 26, 2021

April 2021 On WarnerMedia Africa | New Movie Alert!: Daisy Quokka | New Series Alert: Monster Beach | Easter Specials | More

Please note that there's no info available for this month on Boomerang

TNT:

AND THE WINNER IS …
With 93 years in the bag, it isn’t hard to see why the Academy Awards, or the Oscars as the world has become to afectionately refer to them, are in a class of their own. This month, TNT celebrates these highly coveted awards in cinema history with a line-up of prestigious movies that have won at least one of these iconic statuettes. This month, the channel will dedicate each Sunday to remind you of the calibre of actors and actresses who have cracked a nomination or award at the Oscars. Starting with none other than Gladiator, with heartthrob Russell Crowe in the lead to Shrek, with its all-star cast starring Mike Myers as the uncouth ogre with a big heart. Don’t miss out on these, and many more award-winning titles on TNT this April!

Sunday, 11 April
16:35 – Shrek (2001)
18:05 – E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
20:00 – Back to the Future (1985)
21:55 – The Golden Compass (2007)

Sunday, 18 April
15:55 – Superman (1977)
18:15 – Big Hero 6 (2014)
20:00 – Death Becomes Her (1992)
21:45 – The Color of Money (1986)

Sunday, 25 April
15:20 – Pearl Harbor (2001)
18:20 – Wall-E (2008)
20:00 – Gladiator (2000)
22:35 – Dead Poets Society (1989)

FUN WITH THE FAM
Family: Whether it’s a bond created by blood, or friendship, nothing quite feels like being home and this Easter, TNT makes sure you get closer to your chosen few with some tender, sweet and funny movies. On the 1st of April, TNT brings you the exclusive premiere, Daisy Quokka. In this animated TNT Original Movie, an unbearably adorable Quokka, named Daisy (Angourie Rice), wants to achieve the impossible and enlists the guidance of a washed-up, grouchy Saltwater Crocodile (Sam Neill) to help her win the annual ‘World’s Scariest Animal’ championship. Other titles for the month include Life, starring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence, Race to Witch Mountain starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, The Waterboy starring Adam Sandler, and South Africa’s very own Charlize Theron taking the lead in Mighty Joe Young.

Thursday, 1 April
20:00 – Daisy Quokka (2021)
EXCLUSIVE CHANNEL PREMIERE

Saturday, 3 April
15:15 – Dreamer (2005)
17:00 – George of the Jungle (1997)
18:30 – Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992)
20:00 – The Waterboy (1998)

Sunday, 4 April
14:45 – Joe versus the Volcano (1990)
16:30 – Police Academy (1984)
18:05 – Mighty Joe Young (1998)
20:00 – Twins (1988)

Monday, 5 April
15:10 – What about Bob? (1991)
16:50 – Catch That Kid (2004)
18:20 – Race to Witch Mountain (2009)
20:00 – Life (1999) CHANNEL PREMIERE

WILD, WILD WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays are about to get really, really wild, and you can bet TNT will have its way in giving you a massive dose of things to keep the hairs on the back of your neck standing up! With April’s list of crazy action movies chosen for a combination of bloodthirsty animals, prehistoric mammals, and creepy monsters from distant planets, one will only be left trembling in your seat! The weekly premiere kicks of with titles such as the horror, Jeepers Creepers, the thriller Swamp Shark, the sci-f Tasmanian Devils and the terrorising Lake Placid Legacy. Tune in to TNT for these wild, wild Wednesdays this April at 20:00!

Wednesday, 7 April
20:00 – Jeepers Creepers (2001)
CHANNEL PREMIERE

Wednesday, 14 April
20:00 – Swamp Shark (2011) CHANNEL PREMIERE

Wednesday, 21 April
20:00 – Tasmanian Devils (2012)
CHANNEL PREMIERE

Wednesday, 28 April
20:00 – Lake Placid: Legacy (2018) CHANNEL PREMIERE

CARTOON NETWORK:

MONSTER BEACH
BRAND-NEW SHOW
Surf, Sun And Frightfully Fun Monsters!

Surf’s up with Cartoon Network’s brand-new series, Monster Beach. This brand-new Cartoon Network original, launching in Africa as one of the frst territories to début the show, follows the comedic adventures of inseparable siblings Jan and Dean when they stay with their uncle Woody for the summer holidays. On their surfng trip, the two fnd out that things aren’t quite what they seem when it turns out there are frightfully fun monsters trolling the island of Iki-Iki. Together with their new fendish friends, they cruise around in hopped- up hot-rods to unravel the mysteries of a local surf legend and prevent the bad guys from ruining their fun. Monster Beach is much more fun than your typical tropical getaway that will capture Cartoon Network’s 6-12-year-old audience with the themes of friendship, fun and sibling bonds!

Premiere: Monday, 12/04/2021
Tune-In: Monday To Friday @ 17:15 CAT

TEEN TITANS GO!
TEEN TITANS GO! GO BIG!
Cartoon Network is unwrapping an extraordinary Teen Titans Go! holiday package this month!

Kicking of with special episodes every morning of the Easter weekend, the Titans do some globetrotting of their own, starting with a mission to fnd the elusive Carl Sanpedro in the brand-new Where Exactly on the Globe is Carl Sanpedro special. From the 10th, you get to tune in to this season’s new episodes, where it’s all in a day’s work for the Titans. And then to wrap the month up, the Teens travel to Tokyo in the Teen Titans: Trouble in Japan movie and then the two Titans teams take each other on in Teen Titans Go! VS Teen Titans! The adventure never ends where the Teen Titans go!

Premiere: Saturday, 10/04/2021
Tune In: Weekends @ 08:55 CAT
Easter Weekend Specials: Friday To Monday
Teen Titans: Trouble In Tokyo 26/04 @ 08:30 CAT and 11H00 CAT
Teen Titans GO! Vs Teen Titans 27/04 @ 08:30 CAT

APPLE AND ONION
Like Peas In A Pod…

If you thought Apple and Onion have gone a bit stale, think again! Ever so fresh and full of the zest for life, the anthropomorphic food crew is back this April in brand-new episodes. Get ready to see this unlikely pair of bosom buddies in some pretty crazy situations: an interesting encounter on a yacht with their rapper friend, Lil Noodle; holding on for dear life over an active volcano; and in a jungle somewhere hanging with zebras. Rest assured, wherever they go, they go together - so, make sure you also stick closely to them by tuning in to Cartoon Network!

Tune In: Monday To Friday @ 18:25 CAT
Monday, 26/04/2021

WarnerMedia EMEA On The Rebranded Version Of Cartoonito: "We Are Looking Forward To An Even Bigger And Broader Range Of Incredible Content"

Not long ago, their U.S. counterpart had an interview followed by an upfront where they unveiled an expanded kids lineup which included families and girls with Cartoonito handling preschool.

Cartoonito was available in Europe, Middle East and Africa back in 2011 and ran for four years on Boomerang. After it was discontinued, the content remained on Boomerang for the time being.

It makes perfect sense for them to take an existing brand since other countries have it in a form of a programming block and a linear channel so they can just expand from that.

HBO Max (their streaming service)is included in this project which increases it's success rate. Perhaps streaming is another reason, WarnerMedia wants to create content for the whole family and they don't have a stable archive for preschoolers - that answers the 50 preschool series in 2 years goal. Older kids have plenty of content to binge on as opposed to preschoolers.

Getting back to other markets, Cartoonito returned to the Middle East and North African region not only that it was also launched in Turkey but why hasn't it returned to EMEA as yet that's simple, Boomerang.

After the channel's rebrand in 2018, there's been more preschool content added to the channel and less family. The last family based show is Scooby-Doo And Guess Who?

Last year, I did approach someone at WarnerMedia about Boomerang's introduction to the preschool market and they basically told me that it's pretty much a preschool channel at this point.

So if you look at it Cartoonito has more of an affect on Boomerang than it does with Cartoon Network. Boomerang's upcoming shows such as Lucas The Spider and Mush Mush And The Mushables are also confirmed shows for Cartoonito.

You have to wonder how WarnerMedia plans to keep Cartoonito afloat without affecting Boomerang. I can see some markets use Boomerang for reruns again while others which is likely EMEA replace it.

WarnerMedia International has other kids brands which dwell on repeats like Boing and Toonami perhaps those could be swapped for Boomerang.

From the longest I've followed Cartoon Network and Boomerang, they've never clashed with each other when it comes to entertainment and viewership.

After WarnerMedia USA announcement I emailed the EMEA office over the possibility of relaunching Cartoonito and whether it will replace a brand like Boomerang and this was their response:

We are truly excited about our expanded Kids and Family vision and the move into pre-school, girls and family content announced by our WarnerMedia colleagues in the US. In particular, we are looking forward to an even bigger and broader range of incredible content with which to inspire and delight kids and families across our EMEA channels and brands. We look forward to sharing more details further ahead – Vanessa Brookman, Head of Kids, WarnerMedia EMEA.

It seems there's more to be announced by them

April 2021 On Zee World | Season Finale: Zara's Nikah | New Season: Begusarai | Weekend Movies And Programming | Continuing Shows

Ring of Fire
Everyday @ 18h00 & 19h00
This month on Ring of Fire, Vikral Singh is marrying his daughter off. Anurag plans to kidnap the groom, with the help of his brother in-law they send the guards off to a deep sleep. The moment of truth has arrived and Ragani has some doubts. Baiju and Shirti gets into an accident. It is Rushi's baby ceremony and Shriti rubs the women up the wrong way. Ragini's fathers fear might have come to pass. Ragini is back home and her and Anurag are surprised at the many changes at the house. Shriti received an anonymous threatening message. Baiju gets punished by the police due to accusation of money theft in the Singh household. Dulari has some shocking news. The Singh family transfers a portion of the property shares to Baiju. Shriti pulls a fast one Baiju and his wicked mother. Ragini has disappeared and no one knows where she is. Baiju tries to force himself on Shriti. Anurag goes the extra mile to find out what Ragini is hiding. The doctor has news about Ragini and Anurag is slow to catch on. Shriti is dressed up and prepared to be auctioned off. Mr Nawab makes the highest bid for the damsel in distress. Baiju proves his trust to Shriti with the property deeds. Ragini tries to speak to Anurag about his mother. Shriti has a tattoo that makes Dulari curious. Baiju arranges a trip to Mumbai to have the tatoo removed with a laser treatment but could this be one of his cheap tricks again? Ragini overhears some disturbing news about his father, and she is quick to think on her feet. Anurag suggests his father-in-law comes and stay with them for his safety. Vishu comes back and of course the news is just overwhelming on everyone. Ragini sees the pain in Baiju's eyes and offers her comfort. Baiju has a self-introspection about his feelings for Shriti and what step he should take next. Report says Shriti is pregnant, and it breaks Baiju, he dumps Shriti and leaves the house. Vishu has set a date with Shriti which leave Ragini suspicious, she tries everything to stop Shriti from going but once again Vishu's plan succeeds. A doctor that could help Vikrant is reported dead, but Ragini thinks there is more to his death than what the reporters know. Vishu kills yet again and take the body inside the house to make it look like Baiju is behind the killing. Vishu kidnapps Ragini and her father.

Zarah’s Nikah (Ends 9th April)
Everyday @ 20h00
This month on Zarah’s Nikah, It is a year later, Zara and Kabeer are living in different cities. What happened to Zara and Kabeer's love story?

Jodha & Akbar (Starts 12th April)
This is the story of princess Jodha, a Muslim Princess, who is forcefully married to a hard-hearted king Akbar a Hindi King who conquered her father’s kingdom. She reluctantly goes to his palace only to find that she is one of many wives. She faces opposition from the word go and discovers that she will have to fight for her husband’s affection. Her intent shifts from hatred towards the king, to trying to soften him and change him from being a vicious ruler to a compassionate one.
Jodha, the fondled daughter of Bharmal, is kind at heart. Jalal under the guidance of Bairam Khan, Jodha goes to temple on her birthday. Moghul army attacks the temple to rob it. Suryabhan sends a marriage proposal for Jodha. Jalal enters the Amer's festival in a disguise,during the celebration Jodha sees Jalal and can't forget his face. Suryabhan refuse to marry Jodha. Jalal comes to meet Ruqaiya, his friend cum special wife, the head queen. Maham Anga tries to create rift between Jalal,Ruqaiya and Bairam. Mainavati tells Jodha about her future prediction and her concern. Maham Anga assures Adham, her son, to get the minister's position. A rift created between Bairam Khan and Jalal. Bairam Khan leaves for pilgrimage as Jalal declares him rebellious. Jodha's mararige preparations are on. Maham Anga successfully makes some moves to get the minister's position. Bairam Khan gets killed, as per Maham Anga and Adham's plan. Shariffudin and Sujamal attack Amer. Suryabhan comes to help Amer's king. Suryabhan gets killed while Jodha's brothers became captive. Jodha accepts to get married for the safety of Amer. Jodha is stunned to know Jalal as her husband to be. Maham Anga comes with a bridal dress for Jodha and she sets it to fire, Maham Anga leaves in rage.

Twist of Fate
Everyday @ 21h00
This month on Twist of Fate, Disha’s car breaks down, and she ends up taking a lift from Purab. Aliya sees them together and follows them. Disha regrets her words to Aliya. She feels lonely and meets up with Pragya for emotional support. She pours her heart out in front of Pragya and questions her how to get over the pain. Pragya, in turn, asks Disha about what transpired between her and Purab that led to their breakup. Rhea still wants Ranbir to make Prachi fall in love with him, but he blows it every chance he gets. Aliya calls Mehra and has a mouthful to say to her. Goons plan a drug smuggling attempt during the festival, but the police are on guard. For the first time Rhea stands up for Prachi but little does she know that she will meet the same man later.Rhea sees the goons entering the storeroom and locks them in there. Unbeknown to Rhea, the goons escape through the window. Disha comes to Mehra house with the CM. Aliya sees Disha and Purab together and gets upset. She decides to do something to keep Disha away from Purab. Mira escapes captivity and hides in her room. Purab finds Priyanka, a family friend’s granddaughter at the office and learns she has joined the company as an intern. Priyanka turns out to be a friend of Rishi.

Love…. Look What You Made Me Do
Everyday @ 22h00
Love is an intriguing and strange feeling. When cupid strikes, it brings with it the feeling of happiness, pain, envy, greed, lust and sin. We have all loved and lost, we have all been hurt, we have all moved on... There are some however, who do not believe in moving on, there are some who do not give up, there are some who will do anything for love... Our new show, Love…look what you made me do, deals with love and just how crazy things can get when a relationship doesn’t work out. Watch this intriguing new show and discover true stories of love, happy endings and just how quickly we can switch from loving to hating the same person.

Weekend Programming
Begusarai (Starts 10th April)
This is a drama series set in the district of Begusarai. It is the land of Phulan and his family, a land where bullets speak louder than words. Power, wealth, and respect are earned through bloodshed and gunfights in this town. Phulan has five grown sons that are being groomed to rule Begusarai in unity. Their weakness, the love of women, comes in between them to tear them apart. When they face troubling times, Phulan aims to unite the family to ensure peace prevails across the land. A beautiful and renowned dancer, Bhindiya, has evil intentions towards Phulan’s family and aims to manipulate her way into the trust of the close-knit family so she can divide and rule. Her goal is to take over the reins from the family and become the newest ruler of Begusarai herself. But this is not a simple task.
Priyom convinces Lakhan to allow Poonam to attend college. The younger brother, Rajkumar requests for a well-renowned dancer named Bindiya, perform at his birthday bash. Poonam feels college will allow her to have her own identity, but her first day may prove to do just the opposite. Bindiya wakes up to her captives offering her quite the proposition which she plans to take full advantage of. Bindiya has caused quite the stir with the Thakur family and its Priyom who feels he will steal her heart. Things get complicated for Poonam when more of the Thakur family starts to show up at her college.It’s Rajkumars birthday celebration, but what occurs during the evening is nothing to celebrate about. Phulan makes a decision that does not sit well with his family. Lakhan does something that catches Poonam off guard, and she feels the need to speak with Priyom about it, without knowing what Priyom had done. Rekha plans to have Lakhan, and Poonam married one month from now. Sayra Bano tells Bindiya to leave Begusarai, after experiencing the comforts of the Thakur family, will Bindiya really give it all up and leave? The time for Phulan to choose an heir has come, who will it be? Rekha and Lakhan work out a plan to take over Begusarai. Lakhan and Mithilesh have declared war against each other and according to Sayra Bano, only the future leader of Begusarai can stop the war. Bindiya joins forces with Chuna Yadav. Can the two of them take down the Thakurs?

It’s Complicated (Starts 10th April)
Jesse is a young bride who stays with her in laws while her husband Noranda is away on work. It has been 2 years of them being apart and Jesse and her brother-in-law, Verander, have spent a lot of time together. Noranda is pressurising Verander to get married to a young girl he does not know, and even though his not ready, he agrees to the arranged marriage. Jesse is almost found in a very compromising situation with Verander by her mother inlaw. Jesse finds out she’s pregnant and start panicking. Jesse and Verander make a difficult decision that leaves them disappointed. While Jesse is really depressed, Verander is acting like everything is ok. Noranda could be coming back to his family.

WEEKEND MOVIES
Dabangg 3
ASP Chulbul Pandey encounters a foe from his past after he arrests a pimp, Chinti Walia. However, he must face his demons and defeat his enemy before it is too late.
Actors: Salman Khan
Year: 2019

Satyameva Jayate
DCP Shivansh has been tasked to catch Vir, the man behind police killings in the city. Both are eventually against the same enemy but divided by a fine line, the law.
Actors: John Abraham, Manoj Bajpayee
Year: 2018

Good Newwz
Two married couples are unsuccessful in conceiving and seek medical treatment. However, they land in a complicated situation after a blunder on their doctor's part.
Actors: Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor

Commando 3
The commando, Karanveer Singh Dogra, is approached to chase and catch an Indian criminal gang, who pose a threat to India itself.
Actors: Vidhyut Jammwal, Adah Sharma
Director:
Year: 2019

Zero
Bauua, a person of short stature, falls in love with Aafia, a scientist suffering from cerebral palsy, but soon breaks up with her. Later, what he learns of Aafia changes his life forever.
Actors: Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma
Director:
Year: 2018

Simmba
A corrupt police officer works for Durva, an influential smuggler. However, his life takes an unusual turn when he decides to avenge a woman who was assaulted by Durva's brothers.
Actors: Ranveer Singh
Director:
Year: 2019

Zee World is on DStv and GOtv

April 2021 On Disney Africa | Miraculous Special | Continuing Episodes

DISNEY CHANNEL:
SYDNEY TO THE MAX
Season premiere episodes
Monday to Thursday from 19th April at 17:50

Sydney’s back! The girl who lives life to the max returns to the channel this month, with season two of her adventures in Sydney to the Max. Premiere episodes air from Monday to Thursday, starting on 19th April, at 17:50.

Set in the present day with flashbacks to the '90s, in this series life revolves around outgoing teenager Sydney Reynolds who lives with her single dad, Max, and her progressive grandma, Judy. In the season two premiere episode, How The Syd Stole Christmas, (Monday 19th April at 17:50), with the help of her late mum's memory and advice, Sydney rediscovers her love of Christmas for the first time since her mother passed away.

Premiere episodes of Sydney to the Max season two air from Monday to Thursday, starting on 19th April, at 17:50 on Disney Channel.

DISNEY CHANNEL FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIES
Programming event
Fridays throughout April at 17:00

Disney Channel’s Friday treat for film fans continues throughout April with great entertainment to celebrate the start of each weekend. There’s a marvellous movie every Friday at 17:00, repeated on Saturday at 10:40.

The fun starts with Miraculous New York: United Heroez on Friday 2nd April, followed by Teen Beach 2 (Friday 9thApril), Geek Charming (Friday 16th April), Invisible Sister (Friday 23rd April) and Wizards of Waverly Place – the Movie (Friday 30th April), all at 17:00.

In fun-filled musical sequel Teen Beach 2 (Friday 9th April at 17:00) months after they return from their 1960s beach movie adventure, Mack and Brady receive a surprise real-world visit from Lela, Tanner and their other Wet Side Story friends.

Viewers can see these great Disney movies on Fridays throughout April 2021 at 17:00, repeated on the following Saturday at 10:40, on Disney Channel.

MIRACULOUS NEW YORK: UNITED HEROEZ
Premiere special
Friday 2nd April at 17:00

It’s Easter! Here at Disney Channel we have an eggs-citing Easter treat in store for viewers - the premiere of a movie-length special featuring the heroes of Miraculous Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. Entitled Miraculous World: New York, United Heroez, it airs on Good Friday, 2nd April at 17:00.

In Miraculous World: New York, United Heroez, Marinette’s class is headed to New York, the city of superheroes, for French-American Friendship Week. The whole class is there...except Adrien, whose father refuses to let him go!

Premiere special Miraculous World: New York, United Heroez, airs on Friday 2nd April at 17:00.

DISNEY JUNIOR:
THE ROCKETEER
Premiere episodes
Weekdays from Monday 5th to Wednesday 14th April at 14:00
The Rocketeer blasts back onto our screens this month, with premiere episodes on weekdays from Monday 5th to Wednesday 14th April at 14:00.
Seven-year-old aspiring pilot, Kit Secord, learns she’s next in line to become The Rocketeer, a rocket-pack wearing superhero who can fly. In the first of these premiere episodes, Underground Doodlebug/Bruce Goose (Monday 5th April at 14:00) The Rocketeer goes underground to track down a mischievous kid inventor. Then, when a baby goose bonds with Butch, the Rocketeer teaches it to fly and reunites it with its family!
Premiere episodes of The Rocketeer air on weekdays from Monday 5th to Wednesday 14th April at 14:00, on Disney Junior.

T.O.T.S.
Season premiere episodes
Weekdays from Monday 19th to Friday 30th April at 09:30
Pip and Freddy, those intrepid Junior Flyers for T.O.T.S. (the Tiny Ones Transport Service), return in April with season two of their adventures. Premiere episodes air on weekdays from Monday 19th to Friday 30th April at 09:30.
Pip the Penguin and Freddy the Flamingo are the only non-stork delivery birds, and are back at T.O.T.S. HQ to deliver the cutest, cuddliest babies to their forever families. In the first of this month’s premiere episodes, Puppy Problems (Monday 19th April at 09:30) Pip and Freddy deliver a puppy who seems like a perfect angel, but turns out to be a mischievous rascal.

T.O.T.S. fans will be pleased to hear April also sees new episodes of our series of shorts featuring the Junior Flyers. Premiere episodes of Calling All T.O.T.S. air on weekdays from Monday 19th to Friday 30th April at 15:55.

Pip and Freddy love nothing more than delivering cute baby animals to their forever families – but what happens after they deliver them? In these shorts they call some of their favourite babies to see how they’ve been and sing a special song just for them! In the first of this month’s premiere episodes entitled Mia the Kitten (Monday 19th April at 15:55) the Rock-A-Tot-Tots sing a song for Mia about how much they love that she always lends a helping paw.

Premiere episodes of T.O.T.S. air on weekdays from Monday 19th April at 09:30. Premiere episodes of Calling All T.O.T.S. air on weekdays from Monday 19th to April at 15:55.

ELENA OF AVALOR
Premiere episodes
Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd April at 08:30
In March season three of Elena of Avalor returned to Disney Junior. Premiere episodes continue into April with two further episodes on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd April at 08:30.

Elena’s epic journey continues as she strives to protect her kingdom from a family of wicked wizards while learning how to control her new magic powers.

In Good Friday’s appropriately themed premiere episode, entitled Sugar Rush (Friday 2nd April at 08:30), when Elena is having trouble making time for family, Luisa convinces her to reopen the family chocolate shop.

Premiere episodes of Elena of Avalor season three air on weekdays from Monday 22nd March to Friday 2nd April at 08:30 on Disney Junior.

(Updated 25 June)Status: SABC Education On DStv And Starsat

SABC Education launched in May 2020 through YouTube and DTT decoders with digital streaming version accessible through the SABC Education portal and virtual academy.

At the time, SABC stated that more platforms will hopefully add the channel later. Through an interview they mentioned that they were in talks with the likes of MultiChoice and StarTimes in the hopes that they can open up space for the channel and that was a year ago.

Within that same year, SABC Education expanded to only 1 additional platform which is none other than Telkom's streaming service, TelkomOne while SABC Education appeared for several months on DStv's i-Plate section and StarSat's website.

From 2021, DStv scrubbed the channel's EPG from that area viewers only noticed it the channel's presence once MultiChoice had some system upgrades while Starsat removed all info about the channel through their website.

Through the info obtained from Starsat's website the channel would have occupied channel 313 on their Max, Special and Super package with DStv the suspected occupation was channel 316 (since it was the only available space last year) to all their DStv customers (including Easyview).

Through an enquiry regarding the channel's status on DStv and StarSat, it was stated that plans for their rollout are "still underway".

It's been over a year and they're still planning to launch them. Could it be possible that there's more to this deal that meets the eye I mean Telkom partnered up with SABC giving them SABC 1-3, Sports, Education and their 19 radio stations which can be found on DStv.

Updated section

In March 2021, SABC formed a partnership with eMedia Investments giving OpenView customers access to their sports channel and 19 radio stations alongside "two general entertainment channels".

Could these two entertainment channels be the reason for the delay. In an interview SABC COO mentioned that these two channels coming to OpenView are non-exclusive meaning they'll be transmitting them on other platforms as well.

Not much details have been unveiled about these two channels except for them supplying extensive and archived content with the goal of having 20% fresh content.

With that in mind, is it possible that SABC Education's fate lies on these one or two channels and that as long as SABC and eMedia Investments remain silent that viewers on DStv and StarSat should keep waiting. OpenView currently has the SD versions of SABC 1-3 could these channels switch to HD once these channels arrive.

4 years ago, e.tv launched their 4 channels (altogether) at the time on DStv. Could SABC be trying to do the same with SABC Sport, SABC Education and these two entertainment channels?

SABC And eMedia Investments Expand Partnership, Will MultiChoice And StarTimes Follow?

eMedia Investments, owners of free-to-air satellite service Openview, and the SABC have reached a business agreement that sees Openview continue to broadcast high-definition channels SABC 1, 2 and 3, as well as 3 additional television channels from the public broadcaster, as well as all 19 radio stations owned by the SABC.

The business agreement means that the SABC is officially entering the free-to-air satellite market, with SABC Sports Channel the first of the 3 additional SABC channels bring added to the Openview service.

SABC radio brands Ukhozi FM, Metro FM, Lesedi and Umhlobo Wenene are among the radio stations now also available on Openview, transmitted via digital broadcasting on a free-to-air basis.

Commenting on the new multi-year signal distribution and channel carriage agreement, eMedia Investments COO, Antonio Lee, says, "This is an exciting development for both the SABC and ourselves. The agreement ushers in a new level of collaboration between a private free-to-air satellite platform and public free-to-air broadcast services. There is no doubt it will boost the offering of Openview and will extend the SABC’s audience reach. We can now offer our Openview audience additional quality content and access to digital broadcast radio in the widest variety of languages possible in South Africa. We hope this is the start of a stronger and more fruitful relationship between Openview and the SABC".

SABC’s COO, Ian Plaatjes, adds, “This agreement enables the SABC to grow its channel offering and reach into the digital broadcasting space with three additional HD television channels. The first channel to be launched will be an SABC Sport Channel and will be distributed simultaneously across Openview, DTT, Telkom One and other streaming platforms. This collaboration will enable the SABC to optimally exploit its rich sport content rights and leverage the Openview reach to provide an improved integrated sport value proposition for our advertising clients across platforms. The agreement also enhances the distribution of SABC radio stations to create an increased value proposition for our radio advertising inventory. The other two TV channels, to be announced within the next 3 months, will leverage extensive SABC content and archived material.”

"The other two TV channels" "leverage extensive content and archived material" - SABC Education being the first with the other possibly being SABC Encore maybe it will launch under another new name perhaps or with an updated look. It would be shocking if it was SABC News.

Openview and the SABC believe that this agreement will expedite digital migration from analogue-only households to digital broadcasting platforms with more compelling free-to-air channels and content. Together with the DTT platform, Openview provides audiences with a free HD alternative to both analogue terrestrial and pay satellite options.

According to a source, this development was in talks with pay-tv platforms as well. SABC Education has been showing signs of launching and my guess was May which is the same time the channel launched.

Not long ago, even eMedia Investments entire set of channels were rumoured to be added onto DStv so far only 4 reside on that platform.

Britbox Video Streamer To Launch In South Africa Later In The Year With Content From ITV And BBC

Another video streaming service will be launching in South Africa in the second half of 2021 with BritBox, the joint 50/50 streaming venture between BBC Studios and ITV, that announced that it will become accessible to South African consumers later this year.

BritBox, an ad-free subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) streaming service will join the quickly getting crowded video streaming market in South Africa where Netflix SA fiercely compete with the likes of MultiChoice's Showmax, VIU, Vodacom Video Play, TelkomONE, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.

Meanwhile the South African public broadcaster is working on launching its own SABC streaming service, while Discovery+, Paramount+, HBO Max and Disney+ are still to launch in the territory and across the rest of Africa as well.

BritBox will serve as somewhat of a replacement for the ITV Choice channel and the BBC First channel that both shuttered on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform during 2020.

BritBox carries on-demand content in the form of British box sets, drama premieres and live events, as well as new and exclusive original commissions.

South Africa will be BritBox's 5th worldwide territory to launch in, following launches in the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.

"The launch of BritBox in South Africa is yet another step in the platform’s trajectory towards international expansion. We’re delighted to bring the service to a brand new territory and continue towards establishing BritBox as a premium VOD brand across the world," says Martin Goswami, ITV group strategic partnership and distribution director, in a statement.

Paul Dempsey, president of global distribution at BBC Studios, says "We know that South African audiences have a real connection to British television and we can’t wait to bring them even more great shows, on-demand, that we know they will love".

HBO Max To Rollout In 60 More Countries By The End Of 2021

Some consumers are no longer waiting for these streaming services to rollout in Africa as they've found several torrent sites to stream content like WandaVision, The Mandalorian and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.

Apparently, HBO Max will launch in 60 countries and territories by the end of 2021, 21 of those countries/territories will be Europe (the countries where content is available direct through HBO and not through a third-party local partner, the 21 countries are located in Nordics, Central Eastern Europe as well as Spain and Portugal).

Africa is likely not listed in those 60 countries for the same reason as Disney+, they want to put their focus on the major parts of Europe before anywhere else while Disney+ is estimated to be in Africa by 2022/3 with HBO Max it's likely to be 2025-7.

Reasons being they have existing contracts with other providers in those regions so they're likely to cancel some of those agreements and wait on others if possible launch when they have enough content despite those contracts.

Friday, March 19, 2021

New Series Alert!: The Red Room Coming Soon To SABC 3

It seems like eExtra won't be the only free-to-air station for Turkish telenovelas after all. Apparently, SABC 3 will reserve a space in their lineup for The Red Room (Kirmizi Oda).

Adapted from the book with the same name, the events of the series revolve around a psychological clinic, and the stories and attitudes of a group of psychiatric patients who frequent it, and who lived different events between pain and joy, narrated by one of the psychiatrists who own the clinic, supervising their follow-up and trying to treat them.

Besides local, SABC will also be competing on an international scale with telenovelas meaning they join the likes of e.tv (and eExtra), Telemundo, TLNovelas, tvN, Zee World and Star Life.

The Red Room airs Thursdays and Fridays at 18:30 from 8 April while the Brazilian telenovela, Orphan Of The Nation occupies Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5 April.

A new local drama, The Estate will also air on the channel likely from 19:30 which comes right after these two. This move will keep viewers occupied as SABC can source out more shows for their channels.

New Series Alert!: Stiletto Vendetta Coming Soon To eExtra

eExtra decided to pull the Turkish romcom Kamer 309 from its release schedule and a new air date is yet to be finalized. For now viewers can indulge in the crime mystery drama, Stiletto Vendetta (Ufak Tefek Cinayetler).

Four beautiful, successful women - childhood friends that are brought back together as adults - have old scores to settled, and new rivalries set to develop.

As teenagers, Arzu, Merve and Pelin played a cruel prank on their over-achieving best friend Oya, leaving her shamed, devastated and suicidal. Over the years the three remained close but didn’t hear again from Oya, never daring to make contact, fearing the worst - that they had driven her to take her own life. When fate brings the foursome back together, Oya is determined to get close to the women who threatened to ruin her life, and seek her final revenge.

The series have many star names; Gökçe Bahadır, Aslı Gürbüz, Bade İşçil, Tülin Özen, Mert Fırat and many others.

The series replaces Begeertes from Monday 6 April at 20:30 on eExtra with repeats at 10:30 on e.tv

WarnerMedia Kids Brands Remain Ahead Of The Curve In Africa

Cartoon Network and Boomerang have kicked off 2021 with new original shows and local productions.

WarnerMedia kids’ brands, Cartoon Network and Boomerang, continue to be firm favourites for African youth. Between 2019 and 2020, Cartoon Network’s reach increased by 10%, with more than 6m households tuning in. On the other hand, Boomerang also increased its reach by 31% – bringing the channel to over 5.5m households. With a combined share of 47% of the kids’ pay-TV channels viewing, the two brands account for almost half of the kids’ market.

Cartoon Network Africa’s and Boomerang Africa’s audience ratings have improved over the past year, with the channels now ranking first and second amongst all kids’ pay-TV channels. Boomerang’s performance has grown by 50% in its year-on-year performance between 2019 and 2020. South Africa’s Cartoon Network confirm its number one spot of all pay-TV kids’ channels with a gap of more than 143% over its next competitor.

With the increased consumption of content on digital platforms, Cartoon Network and Boomerang rank within the Top 10 YouTube channels in the Kids & Entertainment Category in South Africa at #2 and #5, respectively. Boomerang Africa’s YouTube channel came out as a strong contender with a more than 100% increase, boasting 1.8m subscribers. In comparison, Cartoon Network Africa upped its numbers by 55%, reaching 1.5m subscribers. Traffic to both webpages also showed impressive results, with visits on Cartoon Network Africa’s local website increasing by 180% and Boomerang Africa’s website climbing 171%.

Teen Titans Go!, DC Super Hero Girls, The Regular Show, South Africa’s very own pan-African association football-themed series, Supa Strikas, rank among Cartoon Network Africa’s top-performing shows.

Boomerang Africa’s top shows include Mr Bean: The Animated Series, Zig and Sharko, and Masha and the Bear. The channel’s films, including the Scooby-Doo Movies and Tom and Jerry Movies, continue to contribute to the audience numbers.

Both the channels have kicked off 2021 with brand new channel original shows and local productions. In March, Cartoon Network Africa has launched Elliott From Earth, with Africa being one of the first two countries to premiere the show as part of the global launch and Boomerang has launched Kikoumba, in the same month. WarnerMedia will continue to show its commitment to unravelling and working with local African talent to develop content that resonates with the audience by launching brand-new local productions throughout the coming year.

Guillaume Coffin, Head of Affiliates & Advertising France, Benelux, Middle East, Turkey, Africa & General Manager for Turkey, said: “WarnerMedia has been present in Africa for more than 20 years, operating six channels across the continent in 56 English, French and Portuguese speaking countries. It is encouraging to see that our kids’ multiplex brands are continuing to grow in popularity across the continent and that our fans rate our kids’ channels highly in the kid’s entertainment market. This once again confirms that our localisation strategy, as well as our dedicated line-up of original, local content, is meeting the growing demand of our fans across the region.”

StarTimes' Timeless Dizi Channel Is Getting An Upgrade, Will This Affect DStv?

Timeless Dizi Channel (TDC/Dizi) made its way to Africa in mid 2020 to StarTimes just like tvN on DStv which offers the content in their original language with English subtitles the same thing has been lurking with the one on this platform.

Eventually, a seperate version of the channel was made available on DStv with all the content dubbed in English. The odd thing here is the fact SPI International acknowledges the one on DStv even though the one on StarTimes is ahead with the programming.

Dizi Africa has a website and a social media handle dedicated to the one on DStv perhaps they're looking at the bigger investor which is what led to the decision in the first place.

Now StarTimes TDC will be adding an English audio to the channel very soon which is what DStv had from the very beginning. If the one on DStv included the original language with English subtitles is there a reason for these two cable providers to still provide alternate versions of the same channel.

There is a slight possibility that the feed on StarTimes will be discontinued or aligned/submerged with DStv depending on whether all the content there is available in English and the fact that DStv version is acknowledged as mentioned earlier. For some channels which have this feature only selected content will be excluded so we basically have to see what transpires from this point forward.

[Breaking News| RSA] Analogue Tv Hits Its Last Days In South Africa!

The Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies has announced that together with broadcasters, it has started with the phased switch-off of analogue television transmitters in the Free State.

This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during the State of the Nation Address last month that the phased switch-off of analogue TV transmitters would begin this month.

The department said it is anticipated that this process, which will be done on a province-by-province basis, will be completed by the end of March 2022.

On Monday the analogue signal was switched off in Boesmanskop and surrounding towns in the Xhariep District Municipality, the department said. This will be followed by Ladybrand and surrounding towns on Tuesday.

“The switch-off in each province will be systematic and in phases, moving from one analogue transmitter coverage area to the other, until all district municipalities within the province are completed,” the department said.

The department is working with provincial governments and district municipalities to recruit local installers of government-subsided digital decoders to accelerate the implementation of the broadcasting digital migration.

This will, in turn, free up previous high-demand spectrum for use by mobile operators, resulting in better networks and cheaper mobile data for South Africans.

Analogue TV switch-off dates
The analogue TV switch-off dates for each province is shown below.

Free State – March 2021
Northern Cape – April 2021
North West – May 2021
Mpumalanga – May 2021
Eastern Cape – May 2021
Kwa-Zulu Natal – July 2021
Western Cape – November 2021
Limpopo – December 2021
Gauteng – January 2022

Note that this timeline is an estimate and the department will provide further detail in future.

Installing and subsiding decoders
This switch-off of analogue television transmitters follows a reviewed implementation process initiated.

You can visit your local post office to apply for a STB or go to your other branches and purchase either a OpenView, Starsat, DStv and soon PremiumFree decoder.

Here Are The 44 Developments Coming To Paramount+

Paramount+ will include a library catalogue of 30 000 hours of shows and 50 exclusive and original new series that will debut over the next two years - including a Frasier and Rugrats series revivals and HALO - with 36 of these that will launch in 2021.

In a virtual investors' presentation done from inside a studio on Los Angeles' iconic Paramount lot, adopting the same style and format that Disney for Disney+ and Discovery Inc. used for Discovery+ the past few months, ViacomCBS executives unveiled its new Paramount+ - and with it the glut of content it plans to place on it.

"We know how to make hits. ViacomCBS has been and remains a consistent hitmaker, across genres, across demographics, across formats and across platforms," said Bob Bakish, ViacomCBS president and CEO.

As with HBO Max, Disney+ and Star, Discovery+, as well as peacock, ViacomCBS didn't announce or say anything about a rollout date or timeframe for South Africa - Africa's most developed TV market.

Paramount+ will launch in the United States, Canada and Latin America on 4 March, the Nordics on 25 March and in Australia later in 2021.

ViacomCBS executives did however say that the plan is to aggressively launch Paramount+ globally and wants to have between 65 and 75 million global subscribers by 2024.

That makes it highly likely that Paramount+ will eventually be made available in South Africa where it could also foreseeably be included as a tile on MultiChoice's latest DStv Explora Ultra decoder that already carries Netflix SA and Amazon Prime Video.

Paramount+ will cost $9.99 (R149.28), but a cheaper ad-supported version costing $4.99 (R74.56) will launch later this year.

ViacomCBS said that Paramount+ will cost considerably less outside of America - very likely in order to aggressively compete with Netflix and Disney+ as the two top global subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services.

"We're leveraging the massive global reach of ViacomCBS to distribute Paramount+. We have a deep history of relationships with multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) and telco partners in every major market around the world," the company said. Nicole Clemens, the head of Paramount Television Studios, said that ViacomCBS is harnessing "Paramount's incredible library to create shows that come with a built-in fanbase for Paramount+.

While we have no shortage of source material, we're being very selective and strategic in choosing what IP is best positioned for modern streaming consumers".

From a Grease prequel to a fatal attraction Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies will be a TV series with both classic and new songs and a diverse cast as serve as a prequel to Grease. It will tell the story of how Frenchy's older sister Jane founded the Pink Ladies.

The film Flashdance is becoming a new drama series and will pick up from where the story left off but will be set in the present day.

The film Love Story is also becoming a series from Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage who were responsible for Gossip Girl and The O.C.

Fans of The Italian Job and The Parallax View can also look forward to series based on these iconic films.

Fatal Attraction is also being turned into a TV series for Paramount+, described as "a deep-dive reimagining of the psychosexual thriller" that starred Glenn Close and Michael Douglas.

An intriguing series is The Offer as a fictional series, but based on real-life, detailing the mafia-filled drama behind the making of the film The Godfather.

The Star Trek universe is expanding with Strange New Worlds with Anson Mount as Enterprise Captain Pike, while the kids animation series, Star Trek: Prodigy has abruptly moved from Nickelodeon to Paramount+. There will also be a second season of Star Trek: Picard.

The crime procedural Criminal Minds is also revived as a TV drama series and bringing the gang back together with the same showrunner, same breaking down of the criminal psyche and catching the bad guy. "Instead of a new case each week, it will be a single, fascinating case-story told over 10 episodes each season," said Nicole Clemens.

The Real Criminal Minds will be a "true crime" documentary series where a real FBI profiler analyses real cases and real criminal behaviour, illustrated by clips that viewers will remember from the series.

Paramount+ will also do a follow-up to the miniseries Waco as part of an anthology series entitled American Tragedy. Each season of American Tragedy will tackle difficult and complicated conspiracy-riddled moments in history.

The dramedy Younger is also moving to Paramount+ for its 7th and final season. Paramount+ will also have 6666 (working title) as a spinoff from the Yellowstone drama series that will basically tell the story of how cattle ranches started and grew in America.

"Founded when Comanches still ruled West Texas, no ranch in America is more steeped in the history of the West than the 6666."

"The 6666 is where the rule of law and the laws of nature merge in a place where the most dangerous thing one does is the next thing. The 6666 is synonymous with the merciless endeavour to raise the finest horses and livestock in the world, and ultimately where world-class cowboys are born and made".

Yellowstone is also getting a prequel series, Y: 1883. It will follow the Dutton family as they embark on a journey "west through the Great Plains toward the last bastion of untamed America. It is a stark retelling of Western expansion, and an intense study of one family fleeing poverty to seek a better future in America’s promised land — Montana".

Mayor of Kingstown will follow the McLusky family in Kingstown "where the business of incarceration is the only thriving industry. Tackling themes of systemic racism, corruption and inequality, the series provides a stark look at their attempt to bring order and justice to a town that has neither".

Land Man, also set in West Texas is described as "a modern-day tale of fortune-seeking in the world of oil rigs. The series is an upstairs/downstairs story of roughnecks and wildcat billionaires fueling a boom so big, it’s reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics".

"One of the most successful comedy series of all time - Frasier - is coming back," Nicole Clemens said, exclusively to Paramount+." The new series will have everything you love about the original: Coziness, great writing, and of course a cast led by multi-Emmy winner, Kelsey Grammer. It's nostalgic and contemporary all at once."

In a statement released at the same time, Kelsey Grammer said "having spent over 20 years of my creative life on the Paramount lot both producing shows and performing in several, I'd like to congratulate Paramount+ on its streaming world entry. I gleefully anticipate sharing the next chapter in the continuing journey of Frasier Crane".

The science-fiction drama series HALO based on the hugely-popular video game that would have been on Showtime is abruptly shifting to Paramount+ as an exclusive where it will launch in early-2022.

HALO, filmed in Budapest where Netflix's The Witcher also shot, stars Pablo Schreiber in the role of the iconic Master Chief and Natascha McElhone playing both Dr Catherine Halsey, the creator of the Spartans soldiers, and Cortana, the most advanced AI in human history who could save the human race.

"The upcoming HALO series will weave intimate personal stories with incredible action and a lavishly imagined vision of the future," said David Nevins, Showtime Networks CEO.

"HALO has been in production in Hungary and I can tell you it's visually stunning, totally thrilling; and significantly it offers true 4-quadrant general.audience appeal. We all believe that HALO is going to be a defining show for our super-service. We see this as another example of us marshalling the finest resources of the company in service of Paramount+".

Paramount+ is also doing a The Man Who Fell to Earth series that will star Chiwetel Ejiofor based on the iconic science-fiction novel and film. "It tells the story of a man who arrives on Earth and reveals more about human nature than humans ever could," said Nicole Clemens.

Guilty Party is a dark comedy with Kate Beckinsale as a journalist who gets in over her head when she tries to salvage her career by investigating the story of a young woman in jail for murdering her husband.

BET's The Game is revived with a mix of original cast and new players. It will offer an examination of black culture through the prism of American pro-football.

Ray Donovan is returning, this time in a feature-length movie to wrap up the TV series, and possibly setting up a movie franchise.

Michael C Hall also made a brief appearance during the investors' presentation with the series Dexter that is being revived as a limited series about the serial killer. The revived Dexter will however stay on Showtime.

Tyler Perry is producing All The Queen's Men for the BET+ streaming service - a new drama series revolving around the female owner of a strip club in Atlanta and her group of male strippers.

Trevor Noah working daily - and now weekly South Africa's Trevor Noah hosting The Daily Show on Comedy Central (DStv 122) is expanding his workload and appeared at the investors' presentation to announce that he is doing The Weekly Show With Trevor Noah - an initial 6 episodes that will be available on Paramount+ and that he will also be producing.

In The Weekly Show with Trevor Noah he will talk to people "behind the headlines". Amy Schumer is returning to her original sketch comedy series and will be doing 5 Inside Amy Schumer TV specials for Paramount+. The comedy series Reno: 911! is revived with Reno: 911! The Hunt for QAnon based on the original series.

The MTV animation characters Beavis & Butt-head are coming to Paramount+ in a new and as-yet-untitled feature film, as will a film based on the Comedy Central series Workaholics.

The Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl is making a non-scripted series for Paramount+ based on his mother's book with the 6-episode programme that will tell the stories of the special relationship between successful musicians and their mothers.

Paramount+ will also roll out several new MTV Unplugged specials and is also reviving its music documentary series, Behind the Music.

Kids
Meanwhile the original voice cast of the kids animation series Rugrats is returning for a revival series on Paramount+.

"Rugrats is one of the most iconic cartoons recognized by fans around the globe, and this original version is one we are taking great care and pride in creating for a brand-new audience," said Ramsey Naito, president of Nickelodeon Animation.

ViacomCBS is creating Avatar Studios that will be entirely dedicated to creating content based on the animation series Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra with new series and films that will be created telling these stories further.

Get ready for a Dora the Explorer live-action series based on the iconic character and aimed at an older kids audience aged 6 to 11, as well as an iCarly revival series in which the original cast members Miranda Cosgrove, Nathan Kress and Jerry Trainor join new friends for a look at their characters' present-day lives, adventures and comedic mishaps.

Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years is the first-ever SpongeBob SquarePants spinoff series with the new series that will take viewers back to when the iconic characters of Bikini Bottom met for the very first time in a summer camp like no other.

The Fairly OddParents is a live-action revival of the long-running Nickelodeon animation series.

Reality
RuPaul’s Drag Race is getting a singing
competition spinoff at Paramount+ entitled Queen of the Universe in which drag queens from all around the world will compete to see who sings the best.

The Real World reality series is also being revived with the original cast and will now be entitled The Real World Homecoming: New York as a " multi-episode docuseries".

The reality series Road Rules is also being revived in which strangers are dropped in a far-flung location, have to live in motorhomes and complete challenges as they drive from location to location.

The Challenge: All Stars will see former contestants of the reality series Real World and Road Rules return to compete again.

The tattoo reality series Ink Master that was cancelled last year is also being revived and will now continue on Paramount+, with the reality dating series Dating Naked that was cancelled in 2017 that is also being brought back for new episodes for the streaming service.

Read Also:
- Will Magnolia Network rollout internationally?, perhaps to even replace Travel Channel
- Will Paramount+ lead to the shutdown of several linear channels?
- Utsav branding takes affect on Vijay TV, will StarPlus and Star Life follow in Africa?
- The history of Qubo
- R.I.P. FOX, long live Star, will other markets follow?
- Update on the 5 pop-up channels on DStv
- Could Court TV rollout across the rest of Europe?
- The History Of PBS Kids

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