In March, MultiChoice planned to eliminate the 4 e.tv channels and leave each customer with 1 replacement (DreamWorks - Compact, KIX - Access and PBS Kids - Easyview). The news recieved major backlash with others opting for Openview when the channels go off air as they weren't satisfied with the offering on DStv.
eMedia Investments which serves as the parent company for these brands filed a court application to determine whether these channels are worth saving with MultiChoice carrying the channels for another 2 months due to this legal battle.
A lot of punches were thrown on both ends with eMedia accusing MultiChoice of being "anti-competitive" while MultiChoice reprimanded eMedia for its failure to reduce the level of repetition and lack of local content.
eMedia went on to say MultiChoice covered up the recent confrontation by stating the demise of e.tv's channels were mutual while MultiChoice stated they were removing them for three yet-to-be launched SABC channels.
There's been lots of silence of course MultiChoice seems to be adding more and more channels like the already mentioned KIX and PBS Kids which had their launch date moved from March to May 31st on top of losing a couple of channels like Lifetime and ITV Networks.
Through a conversation a user asked right after MultiChoice answered in regard to ITV Networks, why they're so hesitant to let go of these channels and they had this to say:
Not to worry as DStv opted to renew their contract with eMedia meaning that we will no longer cancel the eMedia channels.
This is a sigh of relief if the information provided is as accurate as they mentioned. MultiChoice had a tendency of spreading misinformation but if this happens to be true then its a major win for consumers who've grown accustomed to their selection of movies and telenovelas - of course I do wonder if there's more to this deal like eVOD or another e.tv channel which I highly doubt.
MultiChoice is expected to lose more channels in the near future and as they always say they'll always be linear channels or in figurative terms there's plenty of fish in the sea but as eMedia mentioned how is anyone sure it would be replaced.
Due to the rise of streamers, you don't see a lot of premium international channels with large gaps available in the 120 section with more gaps expected should MultiChoice not seek alternatives.
If these channels are remaining it would be a win to all DStv customers or at least for those below Compact which are Family and Access customers which will see more options in films or Easyview customers that is just like 2020 Access that inherited one kids brand after another.
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