MultiChoice has lost several channels over the years with more closures expected in the near future. The pay-tv company has been exploring other means of entertainment by strengthening the bond with third parties and increasing local investment.
They've also experienced a decline in consumers particularly on top tier packages. Point being made even if there's a growth in the lower masses the costs won't be able to cover the premium entertainment on M-Net and SuperSport.
Evidently, I can see them lose consumers in that smaller area which kind of brings the new channels into the mix.
As some have noticed, there hasn't been much international on DStv as most of their suppliers like Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, NBCUniversal and Disney+ are saving them for their streaming service which they plan to introduce in the market.
MultiChoice is trying to build their programming slate with local content and sports. They're trying to be niche Disney+ is family and Discovery+ is factual so their only options are the reasons anyone would stay onboard at this point which brings us to the new channels.
Pop-Up Channels:
1. Woordfees
Unlike Afrocinema, the theatrical pop-up repeats the same content for the third time but to more DStv customers. The brand is expected to host some live event later in the year with the pop-up possibly fortunate to get the content in 2023.
2. Afrocinema
The channel gained massive success for its local movies when it was introduced last year in Africa Day so the brand is expected to make a return with a new movie titled Dark September.
Terminations:
1. Lifetime
As seen in other parts of Europe, Lifetime will cease transmission on DStv across Africa leaving A+E Networks to operate History for the time being. The channel closes by the end of May which coincides with the possible fate of the e.tv channels.
2. Discovery Family (rumour)
Its counterpart in France closed down earlier in the year as part of a decision made by the newly formed Warner Bros. Discovery and although not much reasons were shared with the sudden closure the feed on DStv has been on autopilot.
3. Boomerang (rumour)
Cartoonito launched as a programming block on the channel with plans to get content under this new branding and Cartoon Network shifting their focus to families and girls there's not much purpose for Boomerang.
4. eMedia channels - eExtra, eMovies, eMovies Extra and eToonz (pending)
eMedia Investments and MultiChoice are currently battling out the potential outcome for these channels which were scheduled to close in March only for it to be extended through June.
New Channels:
1. Upcoming movie channel
Interpreted as a replacement to eMovies, MultiChoice plans to add another movie channel later in the year not only to South Africans but the rest of Africa. The channel is speculated to be a mashup of the two eMovies kind of like how DreamWorks became eToonz+.
2. Untitled Via duplicate
The norm for most local channels or at least the ones on top tier brands. The channel will exist to rehash programs seen on the main channel and will likely be exclusive to Access customers as the content is currently available on the main channel.
3. Existing channels (partially rumoured)
MultiChoice was set to add KIX as a replacement to eMovies on Access as they prep another movie channel with PBS Kids added to Easyview as a suitor for eToonz all of which are pending due to the e.tv channels. On another rumoured note, Access customers are said to get the African lifestyle channel, HONEY.
4. tvN (rumour)
The #1 Korean entertainment channel offering drama series and reality shows ran as a pop-up on DStv. After its closure, its social platforms remain active as they seek a platform to continue their operations.
5. SABC Education
Launched in 2020, the channel was created amidst a pandemic and negotiations were underway for the past two years to package it on DStv. The reason for the long wait may have to do with the other 2 channels.
6. Two untitled SABC channels
The channels were said to replace the 4 e.tv channels currently seen on DStv. Not much details were mentioned about the two but SABC did register 3 channels 2 of which might be the same ones eMedia Investments and the SABC failed to launch on Openview in 2021.
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