News Shorts: Secrets Of Sulphur Springs Cancelled After Three Seasons On Disney Channel, A Rebroadcast Of The Chosen Granddaughter Launches On Telemundo Africa And Beavis And Butthead Returns With A New Season On Comedy Central Africa

Disney axes another show

There will be no fourth season for Disney Channel‘s Secrets of Sulpher Springs. The network has canceled the time-travel mystery-adventure series after three seasons, it had been confirmed.

Created, written and executive produced by Tracey Thomson (The Young and the Restless), Secrets of Sulpher Springs followed 12-year-old Griffin Campbell (Preston Oliver), whose world had been upended by his father, Ben (Josh Braaten), after he moved the family from Chicago to take ownership of an abandoned hotel property, The Tremont. The family—which also includes Griffin’s mother, Sarah (Kelly Frye), and his younger twin siblings, Wyatt (Landon Gordon) and Zoey (Madeleine McGraw)—lived in The Tremont in hopes of restoring it to the lively vacation destination it once was. On his first day at his new school, Griffin heard rumors that the hotel was haunted by the ghost of Savannah (Elle Graham), a girl who disappeared decades ago. He soon meets and befriends Harper (Kyliegh Curran), a thrill-seeking classmate, and they discover a secret portal that allows them to travel back in time and uncover clues about the town mystery.

This is the second Disney Channel series to be canceled in less than a month. As we previously reported. Jessie spinoff Bunk’d is ending with the conclusion of its seventh season.

Telemundo hits the snooze button with The Chosen Granddaughter

The Chosen Granddaughter's storyline is about a young woman whose life is controlled by her father. He intends to use her to take revenge on a rival family. However, his plans come to an unexpected halt when her supposed grandmother becomes overly protective and caring towards her. She also meets a young man charmed by her beauty, and they immediately spark a romantic relationship.

The series replaces Cennet: The Power Of Destiny from February 15 making Game Of Lies the only primetime show. Season 3 of Queen Of The South is slated to air sometime in the year after it was delayed for the second time first due to changing legislation and second Game Of Lies.

Beavis And Butthead is coming to Comedy Central

 The triumphant return of Beavis and Butthead (both voiced by creator Mike Judge), two teenage boys who like things that are cool and don't like things that suck. The new season of Beavis And Butthead airs Fridays at 22:35 CAT. Joining the lineup is a Woman's Day stunt for South Park titled The Power Of Her: Celebrating Women In South Park from 4 to 8 March at 22:00 CAT.

Rumour: Paramount Global Could Soon Integrate MTV Latin America Within Europe, Middle East, Africa And Asia (EMEAA)

Following Paramount Global's strategy to centralize its cable signals, the next channel that could be affected is MTV for all of Latin America, according to the company's plans. It is expected that the administration of the signal will be carried out from Europe, following an approach similar to that adopted by Nickelodeon Latin America months ago.

In the case of MTV Brazil, the programming grids of the new European signal have already been loaded into the Paramount EMEAA (Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia) system, with a start date of Tuesday, February 20. 

Among the most notable differences for the new signal is the return of Ridiculousness to the programming, and the elimination of the MTV Hits block. Changes are also observed in the time distribution, such as the expansion of the Naninha MTV block, which will now be broadcast from 3:20 a.m. m. instead of 4 a.m. m., and the transfer of the Tudão MTV night block to the mornings, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. m. to 9 a.m. m. 

At the same time, the absence of programs such as RuPaul's Drag Race, Drag Race Brasil and Tinder Apresenta - MTV Beija Sapo on the new European signal is striking. However, there is a possibility that these programs will eventually be reinstated, since programming grids are always subject to change.

Despite these slight modifications, the new signal largely retains MTV's current programmatic structure, maintaining a combination of music and reality blocks. The most obvious changes seem to focus more on technical aspects, since Paramount is migrating the operation of its channels to the Netherlands as part of its centralization strategy.

Thanks to the Paramount EMEAA system, we also know that the company plans the same fate for Comedy Central Spain in the near future. It should be noted that MTV in Brazil has already adopted the European schedule structure for some time, without round schedules, possibly preparing for the transition to the new signal without it being abrupt for viewers. 

It is important to clarify that, although there are already programming grids for this new signal in Brazil, the case of Nickelodeon's recent European signals must be considered, whose grids were loaded into the system several days before being officially placed on the air. 

For example, Nick Panregional began broadcasting in October, but its grids were first published in August. The same happened with Nick México, whose grids were loaded in October before its start of transmission in November. In this context, there is still no definitive date for the change in MTV Brazil. In addition, there is also information about a new European signal from MTV Latin America, for which grids have not yet been loaded. 

MTV carried out a reduction of feeds last year, when it began to have a single signal for all of Latin America, in addition to the Brazilian signal. In that process, Feed Sur, which previously offered 18 hours of music daily, was eliminated. Now, there is only the so-called Feed Norte, with a few hours of music in the morning, while the rest of the programming is mainly made up of series and reality shows such as Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, The Challenge and Acapulco Shore, among others.

Sources: TVLaint

Byron Allen Makes $30 Billion Offer For All of Paramount Global

Byron Allen, who made headlines last year with his unsolicited bid to buy key assets from Walt Disney, is at it again with a $30 billion offer to acquire Paramount Global, Allen Media Group confirmed to sources.

Allen, whose Allen Media Group owns The Weather Channel, LocalNow, and more than two dozen local affiliate channels, is offering $28.58 for each voting share of Paramount, more than a 50% of its Tuesday closing price of $13.68, according to Bloomberg, which first reported on the news. The deal also includes an offer of $21.53 for non-voting shares. The offer to buy the outstanding shares equates to $14.3 billion, it said.

Despite its size and breadth of assets, Allen Media Group had largely operated quietly, ironic given Allen’s roots in comedy and show business. But the spotlight shone on the company after Allen made a $10 billion unsolicited bid for the ABC network, affiliates and cable channels like FX last summer, an offer Disney ultimately turned down.

Allen also pursued BET when Paramount shopped the cable network around last year, although that deal also fell short, despite some chatter in December. Now, Allen Media Group is back to buy the entire company.

“Mr. Byron Allen did submit a bid on behalf of Allen Media Group and its strategic partners to purchase all of Paramount Global’s outstanding shares,” a spokesman for Allen Media Group told sources. “We believe this $30 billion offer, which includes debt and equity, is the best solution for all of the Paramount Global shareholders, and the bid should be taken seriously and pursued.”

A spokesman for Paramount declined to comment.

The offer comes amid increased chatter of Paramount looking to make a deal, with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav and Paramount CEO Bob Bakish in talks about a potential merger. While that the prospects of a transaction there has fizzled, Skydance Media CEO David Ellison, whose studio was behind Paramount films like Top Gun: Maverick and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, has also made a preliminary bid to buy National Amusements, the company run by Shari Redstone that owns a controlling stake in the media company.

Allen doesn’t want to keep the entire company. He intends to sell the Paramount film studio, one of the most storied in the entertainment business, the real estate and its intellectual property. He will keep the TV channels like Comedy Central and Nickelodeon, as well as its Paramount+ streaming service, according to Bloomberg.

The report also said he sent his offer via text message to senior management and the board members.

This isn’t the first time Allen has made an offer for a major media asset. Beyond his bids for BET and the Disney assets, he also tried to buy TV station owner Tegna and even an NFL football team.

Channel Termination: B4U Movies No Longer Available On DStv Effective Immediately

B4U Movies is a free-to-air Indian movie channel based in Mumbai available on more than

8 different satellites, in more than 100 countries

including the UK, Europe, Middle East, Canada and Africa. The channel broadcasts a mixture of classic and contemporary films.

The channel was allocated on MultiChoice's DStv Indian package and since last year was made available to AddMovies consumers alongside Sony Max from Cultver Max Entertainment.

During the month, several DStv consumers had recieved notifications that the channel would cease operation from 31 January 2024. Prior to that, B4U Movies remained inactive on the platform with MultiChoice now siting "technical issues" as a result of its cancellation.

They were working hard to resolve the matter but from what we can see they hit a dead end.

Could 1Magic And M-Net's Me Perhaps Merge Into A Showmax Repeats Channel?

Update: the channels will close 31 March 2024 and for an updated statement: click here 

In 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery halted original productions for TBS and TNT with further content on HBO leaving the latter to promote content from their Max streaming service. By the end of January, M-Net will become the only HBO as 1Magic is sidelined to streaming based content.

1Magic and M-Net Essentials (Me) were slated to close by the end of this week. But MultiChoice seems to have pumped the breaks as 1Magic introduces Showmax originals Outlaws and Adulting while as Mzansi Magic distances themselves from the channel's remaining shows.

1Magic was originally slated to air Champions in place of The River but that was picked up for Mzansi Magic with the revenge drama moving to 18:30. Prior to that, Adulting was set to air on Mzansi Magic before resurfacing on 1Magic of course that doesn't say much about Me.

Me as a result of this restructure continued adding shows like Tulsa King and A Million Little Things in the form of double bills. Half hour shows like Home Economics air 8 times weekly basically burning them off in a month.

MultiChoice is set to launch their rebranded Showmax streaming service in the month of February in partnership with NBCUniversal. It would recieve a wider variety of programming like The Office and Parks And Recreation alongside new films like Top Gun: Mavericks.

Also interesting to note, similar to how Showmax's local programs had been inserted on 1Magic. Tulsa King and Heels were one of the highlights for the streamer and now it's on Me so if anything it could be that these two channels are being used for "marketing purposes".

I mean if this proves to be the case then there's not much of a future left for the brands and they could as well go dark in the next few months. As both had been doubling up on primetime and further limiting the amount of new content.

With the possible closure of 1Magic, there's no guarantee that The Real Housewives will transmit on M-Net. If it did alongside various shows from 1Magic, it will more likely conflict with M-Net's current offering and rather restrain/reduce the pace of new content.

An alternative TV channel would prove to be favorable as it would lease the responsibility from M-Net and help further expand their offering. With the lack of international content available on linear platforms perhaps this channel could infuse the Me DNA.

News Shorts: CNN Phillipines To Close Down With 300 Job Losses, Fourth And Final Season Of Die Put On eExtra And Final Episodes Of The Ghost And Molly McGee Season 2 On Disney Channel Release Dates Revealed

CNN to close

CNN Philippines is to close down on Wednesday, the company announced on Monday local time. The move means up to 300 jobs will be lost.

CNN Philippines was launched in 2015 under a brand licensing agreement between Turner and Nine Media Network, a Philippines company that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the ALC Group of Companies previously launched by the late Ambassador Antonio Cabangon-Chua.

“CNN Philippines will discontinue operations on all media platforms effective Wednesday, Jan 31, 2044,” the company said in a posting on social media. “A trusted source of news and information CNN Philippines is accessible on free-to-air TV, cable and digital platforms. To our staff, we thank you for your commitment and dedication. To our partners, including CNN Worldwide / Turner Broadcasting Corporation, we are grateful for your support. And to our viewers, our sincerest gratitude for your loyalty and trust over the past 9 years.”

Ramos axed on eExtra

Ramos was made available on eVOD Stream back in 2023 before launching on eExtra. With the season 1 finale on eExtra set for 28 February, eExtra will replace the eVOD Stream exclusive with another which was once exclusive to linear platforms, Die Put S4 from 29 February.

Synopsis for the final season:

With Arık Böke and Cengiz Erdenet joining the game, the Koçovalı Family begin the great war with the Erdenet Family. Cengiz, who will change all the balances in the war between the Koçovalı Family and the Erdenet Family, makes very important decisions about Yamaç. 

We are awaiting an update on the second season of Ramos on eExtra but it if we had to guess it will more likely surface once Die Put ends.

The Ghost And Molly McGee comes to a close

During the month, it was reported that Disney Channel axed both The Ghost And Molly McGee and Bunk'd with final episodes slated for 2023. Unlike Bunk'd, final episodes of The Ghost And Molly McGee was made available on some international Disney Channels before the United States.

Now we've recieved word from sources that these episodes will arrive in Africa from March 18 as a double from 16:05 CAT. Anticipated episodes for this season include Jinx Vs. The Human World and The End - we won't be sharing any spoilers.

Disney Shorts: Disney Enterprises Might Be Looking To Rebrand Disney Junior, Disney's Journey Alongside Dog And Frog Animated Series Rumoured To Be In Development For Disney Channel And Disney+

Disney Junior's new look

It appears Disney Junior might be undergoing their first rebrand following its inception back in 2012 as a TV channel and years prior on Disney Channel. Disney had filed a trademark for this design but it has yet to be seen if this will be applied across EMEA following the channel's rebrand in 2022.

Disney adding another animal based program

Following the rollout of Kiff in 2023, Disney appears to be working on yet another possible animated series for the Disney Channel titled Dog And Frog. Not much is known about the project but Thurop Van Orman, Pedro Eboli and Mark Satterthwaite, Raj Brueggemann and Hannah Ayoubi are tied to it.

Disney adapting Dungeon And Dungeons

Following news of Dog And Frog is another animated project described as a Fantasy/Dungeon And Dragons type series titled Journey. It follows the titular character who is described as “always been a little right-brained, a little messy, a little ‘strange.’ Her interests include “Dungeons & Dragons” and fantasy stories.

Another character confirmed for the show, Tunde is “free-spirited, fun-loving, thrill-seeker with magic skills, living a nomadic lifestyle beyond the Dome with his small crew.” Also described as “a champion of peace and love,” the grid literally likens to Bob Marley.

The Simpson's History With The Gameboy With Game Included

Acclaim Entertainment teamed with Imagineering to release Bart Simpson's Escapes From Camp Deadly in 1991. The summer camp horror story was notable released before the show's intake of this idea in the season 4 episode titled Camp Krusty.

Acclaim Entertainment then also rushed out the continuation of Bart's handheld conflict in 1992 with The Simpsons: Bart Vs. The Juggernauts. The game's designers pulled out the idea from the most sacred of institutions which was American Gladiators.

Later that year, the handled Krusty's Funhouse also by Acclaim Entertainment was shipped on Gameboy. It was an impressively huge puzzle game featuring as many brain twisting levels as the console and computer versions.

It took a short break when the Bart mark started a waver and came back in 1993 with Itchy & Scratchy In Miniature Golf Madness. Surely these kids were clambering to have these two violent characters to play in an orderly game.

Itchy And Scratchy In Miniature Golf doesn't end with a bang but a whimper as Acclaim Entertainment exits the Gameboy with Bart And The Beanstalk in 1993. The game merges the existing universe of The Simpsons television series with the fairy tale of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Uncovered by Bartmania, THQ and Software Developer released what is the most memorable games in the Simpsons franchise titled The Night Of The Living Treehouse Of Horror in 2001. In colour and featuring the entire family released too late to make much of a splash.

The Simpsons made a leap to the Gameboy Advance courtesy of the THQ and Voltron with The Simpson's Road Rage in 2003. Based on the fun and fully 3D, the console game developed by Radical Entertainment plays like the paper craft taxi racing game you never wanted.

In total, The Simpsons managed to immense amount of 7 handheld games which is impressive for any handheld series.

Credits: Noiselandco

Reminder: Seduced To Slay Premieres On Investigation Discovery Channel Across Africa From Friday, 2 February At 21:00 CAT

Seduced To Slay is a gripping new series that delves into the depths of love and how it can lead people to commit unspeakable acts. With renowned psychotherapist Stacy Kaiser guiding us through each episode, we witness eight stories of deadly deceit that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

In the premiere episode, we are taken to Royse City, Texas, where Fire Captain Robert Poynter and his wife Chacey seem to have it all. But when a dramatic physical transformation leads to infidelity and murder, their idyllic small-town life is shattered.

Upcoming episodes promise even more heart-pounding drama, including the story of a power couple in Daytona Beach whose torrid affair leads to a videotaped murder and the investigation into a burned-out car with a body in the trunk that rocks the town of Speedway, Indiana.

Seduced To Slay is produced for ID by eOne and promises to be a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the darker side of human nature. Tune in to the African premiere on ID (DStv channel 171) on Friday, 2 February at 21:00 CAT and prepare to be seduced by the danger and intrigue that awaits.

Vince McMahon Resigns From Endeavor-Owned Sports Group After Horrific Rape & Sex Trafficking Claims

Slammed by allegations of rape, defecation, sex trafficking and more, Vince McMahon is out at WWE and UFC parent company TKO Group Holdings.

“I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth,” McMahon said this evening of the scorching lawsuit against him filed earlier this week. “I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name.” 

“However, out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary TKO business and its board members and shareholders, partners and constituents, and all of the employees and Superstars who helped make WWE into the global leader it is today, I have decided to resign from my executive chairmanship and the TKO board of directors, effective immediately,” the WWE co-founder added.

McMahon’s abrupt exit was spawned by ex-WWE staffer Janel Grant’s detailed and shocking sexual assault suit of January 25. His resignation came after a long day of discussions and deliberations among top players at TKO and WWE as the blast radius of Grant’s legal action became apparent and the corporate situation increasingly untenable for McMahon.

Explicit in its depiction of Grant as a constantly abused sexual punching bag for McMahon and various WWE executives and at least one unnamed “WWE Superstar” during her time at the company from 2019 to 2022, the suit seeks various damages and a voiding of the NDA the former staffer was forced to sign. A McMahon spokesperson on Thursday called Grant’s lawsuit “replete with lies” and declared their client would fight it in court.

Today TKO referred Deadline to McMahon’s statement when contracted for more on the situation. As for who may take over McMahon’s now vacated executive chairman gig at the company or even if that position will continue, it is all TBD, sources says.

WWE boss Nick Khan tonight told staffers in an internal email that McMahon had resigned, and “will no longer have a role with TKO Group Holdings or WWE.”

While sudden, McMahon’s fall from his TKO perch amidst the sexual abuse allegations follows his ouster in 2022 from the WWE he co-founded due to “alleged executive misconduct.” That misconduct, which named WWE talent relations chief John Laurinaitis, came as scores of multi-million dollar payoffs to former female employees and others were made public.

One of those revelations included a $3 million payoff to a woman McMahon had an affair with. In her complaint, Grant says McMahon agreed to pay her $3 million in 2022 to keep their sexual relationship quiet if she signed an NDA. Now seeking to get that NDA neutered, Grant signed it at the time, but says she has only received $1 million from McMahon so far.

Named as a defendant in Grant’s suit, Laurinaitis left WWE in 2022.

Though canned from the company by the WWE board in early 2022, the controversy courting McMahon returned not long afterwards, put a new board in place and completed the sale of WWE to Endeavor. Out of that windfall, TKO was formed last year. In her suit, Grant refers to the internal WWE probe into claims against McMahon as a “sham.”

Having previously boasted about McMahon’s role in the Endeavor-owned company, TKO, where Ari Emanuel is CEO, said yesterday after Janel Grant’s assault and abuse lawsuits was filed that “Mr. McMahon does not control TKO nor does he oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE.” They went on to distance themselves from McMahon by adding: “While this matter pre-dates our TKO executive team’s tenure at the company, we take Ms. Grant’s horrific allegations very seriously and are addressing this matter internally.”

This latest suit against McMahon was filed just over 48 hours after it was announced that TKO had made a 10-year, $5 billion deal with Netflix for the streamer to get in the ring starting next year with WWE‘s Monday Night Raw, as well as other programs from the company. The disturbing lawsuit and now McMahon’s resignation also come as WWE’s 37th Royal Rumble is set for tomorrow. Streaming and on pricey pay-for-view, the Rumble features wrestlers from the Raw and Smackdown units meeting up in St. Petersburg, Florida and fighting it out in the ring. The lucrative event will clearly not feature Vince McMahon now.

Recap To Last Year: e.tv's Youth Block Craze Movie Offering Axed With Series Extended To Fridays

eMedia Investments in an attempt to further limit the amount of international titles inserted on e.tv had axed the Friday afternoon movies offered on youth block Craze. Serving as the initial offering to the youth block's introduction in 2008 had been replaced with existing animated series.

A few years prior to that, they had axed the block's local programming which served as a rival offering to SABC's Hectic Nine-9 and YOTV alongside Play Room Live seen on DStv channel 300. Since then, they've been dubbing various content like Care Bears to local languages.

e.tv has yet to respond on the sudden removal of Craze films but if we had to guess probably similar to that of Craze's former local programming:

"Television is always evolving, and we are constantly reviewing and refreshing our lineup to make sure that we are catering to the needs of our viewers," says Marlon Davids, head of e.tv channels.

Besides the axing of films, there's also been a decline in primetime with Craze's current offering like Archibald's Next Big Thing and Thomas And Friends All Engines Go all residing from eToonz with few exceptions like Takalani Sesame and Pokémon.

Development Alert: 1Magic Adds Lee Daniel's Star Formerly Viewed On FOX, Could The Channel Undergo Yet Another Rebrand?

After Disney axed the FOX brand in 2021 across Africa ripping away The Simpsons and Grey's Anatomy as further content shifts to Disney+. M-Net had acquired rights to the 2017 musical drama Lee Daniel's Star which serves as a spin-off to one of FOX's leading shows Empire.

Except M-Net had opted to add the show onto 1Magic which is somewhat strange as the channel was basically their BET. That meant airing first run programming if not fresher content but the drop in quality could signal something that was announced much earlier in the month.

As some readers are aware, MultiChoice was looking to axe 1Magic and Me as it was confirmed in most parts of Africa with Southern Africa diverting that attention to Me. Since then, no termination notice had been put up at the time which led to various speculation.

One of which is the possible dismemberment of Compact+, 1Magic was one of those leading brands on the bouquet as most content had been integrated onto lower bouquets. Cancellation would probably signal the end of Compact+ that was until it was replacement was reported.

Although not much details had been announced about 1Magic's successor, we believe it could retain most programs seen on the channel and likely come from a third party. With the addition of Lee Daniel's Star, cater to other consumers particularly those viewing brands like Me.

As mentioned, MultiChoice could have delayed the terminations as they seek a replacement channel. Da Vinci Kids was also another victim to MultiChoice's endeavours as they had attempted to use Moonbug as leverage before going for something more locally produced like Play Room.

What Happened To NickMusic Africa On Nicktoons?

In 2021, Nickelodeon acquired NickMusic which is known as a linear channel in various feeds across the world and converted it into a TV show for sister brand Nicktoons. By the fall of 2023, NickMusic was quietly scrapped from the lineup leaving the window open for more SpongeBob.

In an enquiry to Paramount Africa over the sudden disappearance of NickMusic Africa had responded to say it will be back later in the year. Which is strange as Nicktoons would often just rehash previous episodes only for them to have scrapped it entirely.

Could it be that NickMusic will move to Nickelodeon with repeats on Nicktoons I mean the channel has lost touch of reality as it appears to have undergone a mini-merge with global feeds. They already offer Transformers: Earthspark, Monster High and Big Nate.

Nickelodeon did rollout a new on air look last year and had been spreading it across various platforms. Of course, the feeds in Africa and various international regions have yet to update their designs.

If anything, it's likely NickMusic Africa is playing a part in this maybe Nickelodeon wants to give the studio a new design. But questions amount to when Nick Jr. and Nicktoons would rebrand as Paramount promised end of the year for Nick Jr. but none of that came to pass.

Police Report Of Ms. Grant's Accusations Against Vince McMahon (PDF)

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Connecticut, alleges that Mr. McMahon, who was subject to an internal investigation in 2022 over allegations of misconduct, sexually exploited and trafficked the former employee, Janel Grant, from 2019 to 2022.

Click the link for the full police report: Download Now

WWE Boss Vince McMahon Accused Of Sexual Assault And Trafficking

WWE boss Vince McMahon was accused Thursday of sexual assault, trafficking, and physical and emotional abuse in a graphic lawsuit by a woman who previously worked for the pro wrestling giant.

McMahon is executive chairman of the board of TKO Group Holdings, which was formed last year by a merger of his wrestling company and the mix-martial arts company UFC.

The suit by Janel Grant — which alleges McMahon directed her to have sex with a WWE “superstar” and other men — seeks to void a nondisclosure agreement that Grant said she reached with McMahon in 2022. She said he agreed to pay her $3 million as part of that deal.

The suit says McMahon paid her $1 million “but failed to make any further payments.” Grant was one of several women who received payouts from McMahon over the years.

In addition to the 78-year-old McMahon, the suit filed in U.S. District Court in Connecticut names WWE and John Laurinaitis, the former head of talent relations and general manager, as defendants.

The complaint comes six months after federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on McMahon and served him with a grand jury subpoena as part of an investigation into McMahon’s payment of millions of dollars to multiple women after allegations of sexual misconduct.

McMahon last March paid WWE $17.4 million to cover costs related to a probe of the payouts by a law firm retained by the company.

TKO Group on Tuesday announced that Netflix would pay $5 billion over 10 years to stream the WWE’s flagship program “Raw,” and carry all other WWE shows and specials outside the United States.

Grant’s lawyer, Ann Callis, in a statement, said, “Today’s complaint seeks to hold accountable two WWE executives who sexually assaulted and trafficked Plaintiff Janel Grant, as well as the organization that facilitated or turned a blind eye to the abuse and then swept it under the rug.”

“She is an incredibly private and courageous person who has suffered deeply at the hands of Mr. McMahon and Mr. Laurinaitis,” Callis said. “Ms. Grant hopes that her lawsuit will prevent other women from being victimized. The organization is well aware of Mr. McMahon’s history of depraved behavior, and it’s time that they take responsibility for the misconduct of its leadership.”

In a statement to CNBC, TKO Group said, “Mr. McMahon does not control TKO nor does he oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE.”

“While this matter pre-dates our TKO executive team’s tenure at the company, we take Ms. Grant’s horrific allegations very seriously and are addressing this matter internally,” the company said.

A spokesman for WWE did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

February 2024 On Cartoon Network And Cartoonito Across Africa (Drafted) | New Movie Alert: Craig Before The Creek | Calling All Batwheels Stunt | More

Cartoon Network

• The Adventures Of Prince Ivandoe: The series follows the adventures of Ivandoe, the young prince of the forest whose father, The Mighty Stag, sends him on a quest for the magical Golden Feather of the fearsome Eagle King.

• Craig Before The Creek:

• The Love Bug Stunt: A stunt featuring Teen Titans GO!, Regular Show, We Bare Bears and Craig Of The Creek.

Cartoonito

• Thomas And Friends: All Engines Go!: A younger Thomas the Tank Engine goes on adventures with all of his friends as they work on the island of Sodor.

• Calling All Batwheels: A music video introducing all of Batman's heroic vehicle squad - the Batwheels - showcasing their incredible gadgets, stunning talents, and unique personalities.

• Happy Valentine: A stunt featuring Mr. Bean, Grizzy And The Lemmings and Zig & Sharko.

SNOOZEFEST: Disney Renaming The FOX Channel In Turkey Home To Wie Laaste Lag And Dokter Ali To NOW TV

In 2019, Disney acquired 21st Century Studios and this various content like The Simpsons and Grey's Anatomy alongside the FOX branded linear channels and National Geographic. Within this agreement, they were able to retain the FOX trademark for a limited timeframe.

With this deal set to expire soon, Disney had been replacing the remaining FOX channels seen in Latin America and Europe with either Star or FX. For a while now, they had been various questions as to what fate await the branding in Turkey.

Unlike most international counterparts, FOX Turkey is home to original productions already viewed on eMedia Investments' linear platforms in South Africa. This includes shows like Dokter Ali (Mucize Doctor), Doodsondes (Yasak Elma) and Doodsondes (Sen Çal Kapimi).

According to Cumhuriyet, Disney will start to use the trademark NOW in place of FOX by February. It had been approved by National Television-Radio Broadcasting Regulatory Authority in Türkiye (RTUK) member İlhan Taşçı after filing the new name by mid 2023.

Although the FOX trademark is dead, NOW will continue to produce local content in the region and licence them to eMedia Investments. Even though there's not much familiarity with the name, NOW appears to be carrying the same font and dark theme as FOX.

In other developments, Disney Junior is set to go dark in Denmark by the end of February with further content on Disney Channel. This is the only Disney branded channel in the region and it might affect surrounding areas like Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

Recap To The Month: 1Magic Becomes The LOL Channel On DStv As M-Net's Me Dishes On The Wipeout And Home Economics

In the coming weeks, MultiChoice is set to axe both M-Net's Me and 1Magic on the DStv platform or at least from what initial reports suggests. The pay-tv company has confirmed this on various occasions and since then gone silent removing any mention of the terminations.

If anything it's likely that MultiChoice had decided to no longer move forward with these plans or at least on the estimated date: 2nd February 2024. They often review the costs of their products and services and unveil them within February so it's likely an update could follow by then.

As for 1Magic should the channel stay on past the reported cutoff date would air Laugh Out Loud - The Comedy Show in place of The River and 1802: Love Defies Time for 9 hours straight. Me has taken up a similar stigma with Wipeout and Home Economics which is just half of LOL's airtime.

This only confirms that MultiChoice hasn't changed their initial plans but possible the date. If anything, it wouldn't seem far fetched if these changes occurred in other African countries as they've been known to axe channels earlier and also not a lot of consumers reside within each market.

Another is that MultiChoice has been known for removing channels even after having a full schedule put in place e.g. Zambezi Reloaded and Da Vinci Kids.

As for Southern Africa, MultiChoice has over 8 million subscribers and closures of 1Magic and Me would anger consumers. They are looking to produce a new channel soon (specifically for 1Magic) but it is yet to be seen if any content would be retained.

But if M-Net is looking to do away with 1Magic and Me it only means that something big could be brewing on DStv. Perhaps the merger of Premium and Compact+, another could be that MultiChoice is diverting all the attention to M-Net and Showmax.

They are scheduled to revamp Showmax with more content from Comcast's NBCUniversal and Sky added to the lineup. It could be another streamlining attempt orchestrated by MultiChoice, as seen with M-Net Movies which reduced the movie offering from 6 to 4 channels.

End Of The Road For SuperSport And WWE??? As Netflix Banks On RAW, SmackDown, NXT And Premium Live PPVs

In 2022, MultiChoice and WWE were looking to bundle Raw, SmackDown, NXT alongside various PPVs like WrestleMania and SummerSlam on Showmax. But the deal appeared to have fallen flat as this never materialized with the streamer now partially owned by Comcast.

After e.tv halted further distribution of Raw, SmackDown and various other WWE content from their platforms in 2017. SuperSport became the official home to the WWE Network for the past 7 years and all of that is likely to change in the coming future.

As reported moments ago, Netflix had exclusive rights to Raw and various other content from WWE which will start streaming in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Latin America beginning January 2025. There are plans underway to add more international markets to the lineup.

This puts SuperSport's current linear offering in a precarious position especially the WWE Channel. As Netflix scooped up WWE’s award-winning documentaries, original series and forthcoming projects alongside the premier shows Raw, SmackDown and NXT.

The mere thought of less sporting events on SuperSport wouldn't seem far fetched a stretch. Initially, they weren't going to broadcast AFCON as they were more focused on European football even the rebranded Showmax service will only feature Premier League.

Last year, MultiChoice shuttered Showmax PRO which served as digital counterpart for SuperSport with La Liga, PSL and various other sporting content. Now the streamer will only offer a price plan for Premier League while further sports can be streamed on DStv Stream.

 

As mentioned, Netflix will become the exclusive home to WWE in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Latin America by January 2025. It's currently unknown whether WWE will be purged on Netflix for consumers across Africa at the same time.

Its also possible that SuperSport could slide in a better deal but from what we've already seen in the past months there's some doubts. Another would be for Raw, SmackDown and NXT to be retained on the platform alongside PPVs with everything else on streaming.

SuperSport is structured for first run programming and not delayed or week old sporting events. With the possible discontinuation of channel 128 alongside various content from WWE, I wouldn't be shocked if MultiChoice were to add SuperSport Action in place.

SuperSport Action serves as an alternative offering to WWE as it broadcasts a range of extreme sports as well as major boxing matches and EFC mixed martial arts programming. They are also home to UFC which alongside WWE are owned by TKO Group Holdings.

Netflix To Become The Exclusive Home Of WWE Network Beginning In 2025

WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, Inc., and Netflix today announced a long-term partnership that will bring WWE’s flagship weekly program – Raw – to the world’s leading entertainment service. This marks a major programming shift as Raw leaves linear television for the first time since its inception 31 years ago. 

Beginning in January 2025, Netflix will be the exclusive new home of Raw in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Latin America, among other territories, with additional countries and regions to be added over time. Likewise, as part of the agreement, Netflix will also become the home for all WWE shows and specials outside the U.S. as available, inclusive of Raw and WWE’s other weekly shows – SmackDown and NXT – as well as the company’s Premium Live Events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Royal Rumble. WWE’s award-winning documentaries, original series and forthcoming projects will also be available on Netflix internationally beginning in 2025. 

“This deal is transformative,” said Mark Shapiro, TKO President and COO. “It marries the can’t-miss WWE product with Netflix’s extraordinary global reach and locks in significant and predictable economics for many years. Our partnership fundamentally alters and strengthens the media landscape, dramatically expands the reach of WWE, and brings weekly live appointment viewing to Netflix.”

“We are excited to have WWE Raw, with its huge and passionate multigenerational fan base, on Netflix,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria. “By combining our reach, recommendations, and fandom with WWE, we’ll be able to deliver more joy and value for their audiences and our members. Raw is the best of sports entertainment, blending great characters and storytelling with live action 52 weeks a year and we’re thrilled to be in this long-term partnership with WWE.”

“In its relatively short history, Netflix has engineered a phenomenal track record for storytelling,” said Nick Khan, WWE President. “We believe Netflix, as one of the world’s leading entertainment brands, is the ideal long-term home for Raw’s live, loyal, and ever-growing fan base." 

With 1,600 episodes to date, Raw is the most iconic show in sports entertainment. Since its debut in 1993, Raw has delivered action, compelling drama and unmatched athleticism – 52 weeks a year. Blending the best of scripted content with unpredictable live entertainment, the three-hour show has helped launch the careers of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Triple  H, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair. 

The show is currently the No. 1 show on USA Network, where it brings in 17.5 million unique viewers over the course of the year. One of television’s best performing shows in the 18-49 advertising demographic, Raw trends on X 52 weeks a year while each new episode is airing. On social media, WWE has more than one billion followers across its platforms. 

How tvN Managed To Retain It's Presence In Africa?

tvN is a South Korean entertainment channel operated by CJ ENM that distributes various drama series and reality shows. Some of the content to have been produced by the channel includes Doom At Your Service, Cheese In The Trap, The K2 and Ice Adonis.

MultiChoice added tvN as a pop-up channel in March 2021 and by popular demand extended it for another few months. They weren't onboard with adding tvN as a permanent channel and since then the broadcaster was looking to continue their services through another platform.

During that time, tvN had garnered a following and through that were able to engage with viewers before quietly distancing themselves from social platforms with further accounts of tvN Africa directed to tvN international.

The outcome of tvN Africa

Although, tvN is not viewable as a linear channel several broadcasters including eMedia Investments, VIU, Netflix and StarTimes had all been distributing selected content from the brand. Best plausible option is that CJ ENM was only able to retain their programs in the market.

MultiChoice to date still doesn't feature any content from tvN on their platforms. They were able to retain an alternative offering to tvN and that includes NHK World Japan, CCTV-4, CGTN and KIX.

February 2024 On Travel Channel And Real Time Across Africa | New Series Alert: Homicide City | Returning Shows Including Fright Club | More

Travel Channel (South Africa)

Fright Club S2

NEW SEASON

Jack Osbourne and the Ghost Brothers -- Dalen Spratt, Marcus Harvey and Juwan Mass -- compete to freak each other out with the creepiest, craziest, most mind-blowing paranormal footage they can find before voting on their Nightmare Clip.

First TX: 22 Feb

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 21:10

Last TX: 25 April

Ghost Hunters S15

NEW SEASON

Renowned TAPS team members Jason Hawes, Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango, along with Shari DeBenedetti, reunite to revisit their most chilling cases and investigate disturbing new hauntings. Armed with state-of-the-art technology, their proven methodology and special guest investigators, TAPS tackles disturbing paranormal activity head-on, leaving no stone unturned to reach the dead among the living.

First TX: 9 Feb

TX Day: Friday

TX Time: 21:10

Last TX: TBC

Travel Channel (Africa)

Kindred Spirits S6

New to Channel

Paranormal investigators Amy Bruni and Adam Berry and psychic medium Chip Coffey help families tormented by restless spirits. During their emotional and terrifying investigations, the all-star paranormal team captures evidence and brings closure to each home by giving a voice to the dead.

First TX: 21 Feb

TX Day: Wednesday

TX Time: 22:00

Real Time

Guy's Grocery Games S14

NEW TO CHANNEL

Guy Fieri sends talented chefs running through the aisles of Flavortown Market for the chance to make some serious dough. They face real-world challenges as they compete to be the last chef standing in this high-stakes cooking competition.

First TX: 1 Feb

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 12:05

Last TX: 14 Feb

Homicide City S1

NEW TO CHANNEL

In every metropolitan area, train tracks connect an urban area to the suburbs, which are often seen as separate places. But for homicide detectives manning the region, it's all one city and murders happen everywhere, disturbing every type of neighbourhood.

First TX: 21 Feb

TX Day: Everyday

TX Time: 21:40

Last TX: 26 Feb

Kartoon Studios Announces Significant Increase in Content Production Planned for 2024

Kartoon Studios announces a significant increase in content production and development planned for 2024 for the Company’s Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Networks, Mainframe Studios, as well as major broadcasters and streamers, including Netflix, Disney Channel, and others. The Company has also appointed Gregg Goldin, former creative executive at DreamWorks Animation, Cartoon Network and MTV, to the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Development & Production.

Kartoon Studios kicks off 2024 with a roster of properties in production and/or development, including Stan Lee’s Cosmic Crusaders and three series for Frederator Networks: Land of Boggs; Chikn’ Nuggit, in partnership with BuzzFeed Animation Lab; and an adult animated comedy series in partnership with Wheelhouse DNA, starring internet sensation Adam W, who was named one of “The 20 Most Influential Creators” by Rolling Stone Magazine with over 50 million followers across his channels.

Goldin joins Kartoon Studios with over twenty years of experience in animation and live-action content development and production, overseeing highly successful movies and series across multiple genres, including DreamWorks Animation’s blockbuster franchises How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, and Fast & Furious. In this new role, Goldin will be responsible for heading up development and production for both new and original IP to deliver to the marketplace. Goldin will report jointly to Kartoon Studios’ Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward and COO Michael Jaffa.

Brian Parisi, Chief Financial Officer, commented, “We have significantly streamlined our operations and have built a highly scalable infrastructure. With the increase in content production and other initiatives to be announced in early 2024 to drive revenue, we are well on our way to achieving our goal of sustained profitability. It should be noted that our streaming service Kartoon Channel! achieved break even in 2023, only three years after launch, and is expected to move to profitability in 2024, alongside Netflix. Kartoon Channel! continues to dominate the User Rankings in the Apple app store among all services delivering kids’ content.”

Andy Heyward noted, “As we enter a significant phase of growth in our development and production pipeline this year, with productions in the works for our Kartoon Channel! and Frederator Networks, we are thrilled to welcome a creative executive with Gregg’s pedigree to drive our content business. He has managed the development of some of the industry’s most successful franchises while at DreamWorks and Cartoon Network, and he will be an invaluable asset as we continue to build our IP catalog for global distribution. As Kartoon Channel achieved breakeven this last year, and drives to enhance profitability in 2024, Gregg will be pivotal in fueling the service with top tier content, as he did so successfully for DreamWorks Animation at Netflix.”

“Andy has made enormous contributions to the animation industry over the years, and I’m thrilled to work with him and the team at Kartoon Studios as we significantly ramp up over the next couple of years with new IP coming to market,” stated Goldin.

Goldin joins Kartoon Studios following a ten-year tenure at DreamWorks Animation where he served as Vice President of Current Series, overseeing multiple series in production. In this capacity, he also generated and pitched show presentations to marketing, franchise partners, publishers, retail buyers and network/streamers, facilitating new series launches and providing opportunities for consumer product programs.

Prior to DreamWorks Animation, Goldin guided the development and production of live-action and animated series and pilots at Cartoon Network, as well as a slate of original made-for-TV movies for seven years as Director of Development, Current & Original Series. Projects included two Ben 10 live-action features and Scooby-Doo prequel movies, among others. Previously, he served as Director of Development at MTV Films, contributing to the development and production of a robust slate of feature films, including Crossroads (Britney Spears), Jackass: The Movie, Save the Last Dance (Julia Stiles), Aeon Flux (Charlize Theron) and Fighting Temptations (Beyoncé).

Development Alert: Disney Nordic Announce The Closure Of Disney Junior In Denmark While VH1 Is Being Replaced By NickMusic

Disney is closing more channels

After Disney closed and merged the Scandinavian feed of Disney Channel within EMEA/Southern Africa by 2023. It is was revealed through Digitalt.TV that the company will no longer distribute Disney Junior in Denmark by the end of February with content folded under Disney Channel.

Considering this was a decision made by Disney in the Nordic countries it's likely that Disney Junior could be going off air in Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Of course the pay-tv operator was based in Denmark so nothing can be confirmed as yet.

As mentioned, Disney Channel's feeds in these regions are all aligned with Southern Africa and if anything it's possible that Disney Junior's days for the rest of Europe could be numbered.

Although, it's just mere speculation Disney Channel has been running low on content following cancellations of Bunk'd and The Ghost And Molly McGee. It's basically become a graveyard for Disney+ programming such as Chip 'n Dale: Park Life and Cars On The Road.

NickMusic expands to Denmark

VH1 was an international entertainment channel which was basically a mash up of MTV and BET. It is operated by Paramount Global and over the last decade the company had been dismantling the trademark with various channels closed in most parts of the world.

After a viewer in Denmark had spotted VH1 with no EPG, it lead some to believe in the possible demise of the channel. Now Norlys is reporting that VH1 will fold under Nick trademark with NickMusic despite the existence of MTV.

Nick Music already has a presence in parts of Latin America and Europe broadcasting a large selection of music videos and music-related content for the whole family. By the end of March, Denmark will join these territories as VH1 exits the region.

Could Content Cuts Lead To The Closure/Merger Of Disney Channel And Disney Junior In Europe And Africa Alongside Disney XD In The United States?

Following Disney+ inception, Disney has been consolidating their content thus leading to closures of several linear channels across the world. To date, most of the company's linear offering reside within Europe, Middle East and Africa as the streamer's trail goes dry.

From what was established, Disney's remaining linear offering will stick around for the foreseeable future. This was partially due to the absence of Disney+ in parts of the above-mentioned regions and another income as these brands help sustain Disney+.

As seen in the last few months, Disney Channel has been running low on content with shows like Bunk'd and The Ghost And Molly McGee axed. The channel has become a graveyard for Disney+ with programming like Cars On The Road and Chip'n Dale: Park Life.

Part of this may have to do with the actor's strike back in 2023 but honestly it wouldn't seem far fetched if more consolidation were underway. There's been a decline in linear consumption and also these affects have been underway across the world.

If anything, Disney XD could as well shut down in the United States with content being integrated between Disney Channel and Disney+. While Disney Junior's remaining linear offering in parts of the world could revert back to a mere programming block on Disney Channel.

News Shorts: Paramount Unveils First Look At Daria Spinoff Jodie, Wizards Of The Waverly Place Prequel In Development For Disney Channel And The Fairly OddParents To Get A Sequel Series On Netflix

Jodie: First Look at 'Daria' Spin-Off's Logo

Comedy Central announced back in August 2020 that it had commissioned Jodie, a spin-off film based on Daria starring Tracee Ellis Ross, as part of the network tapping into IP across Paramount Global to build an original animated slate of adult comedy around stalwart South Park. Although not much has been said about the new movie since the original announcement, it looks like that's all about to change!

Paramount Global, the parent company of Comedy Central, has started to apply for trademarks for the film with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), including for "Education, entertainment, sporting and cultural services" and "Clothing; footwear; headgear", the latter giving us a first look at the Jodie logo!.

"We are excited to reinvent this iconic franchise with a new creative team and our partners at the Nickelodeon Animation Studio," Chris McCarthy, President of ViacomCBS Entertainment & Youth Group, shared in a statement back in 2020 when the news was first announced. "Ren & Stimpy joins our rapidly expanding roster of adult animation, including South Park, Beavis and Butt-Head, and Clone High, as we continue to reimagine our treasure chest of beloved IP for new generations."

Selena Gomez and David Henrie reunite for Wizards Of The Waverly Place

One of Disney’s signature comedies, Wizards of Waverly Place, is getting a sequel. Disney Branded Television has ordered a pilot for the follow-up, which is executive produced by original stars Selena Gomez and her small screen sibling David Henrie. Gomez will guest star in the pilot for Disney Channel as the character that helped launch her career, Alex Russo, with David Henrie reprising the role of Justin Russo as a series regular. He is joined by new cast members Janice LeAnn Brown (Disney’s Just Roll with It), Alkaio Thiele (Call Me Kat) and Mimi Gianopulos (American Princess).

The revival pilot comes from writers and executive producers Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas who are behind another Disney Channel comedy spinoff, Raven’s Home. It picks up after a mysterious incident at WizTech, where an adult Justin Russo has left his wizard powers behind, opting for a normal, human life with his wife and two sons. But he gets a surprise when a powerful young wizard in need of training shows up at his door… and Justin must embrace his past to ensure the future of the Wizard World.

The Fairly OddParents is getting another reboot

It's been reported that a new series is in development at Netflix called The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish. Though the show has not been officially announced, the report claims that its existence was uncovered by way of a leaked video. The news also follows original Fairly OddParents voice actor Daran Norris mentioning in July 2023 that he was working on a new project for the franchise, though he didn't share any additional details at the time.

The fresh report also noted some plot details for The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish. It is said that the sequel series will introduce a 10-year-old girl named Hazel Wells as the new protagonist, the role Timmy Turner played in the original series. Despite the change in protagonists, however, it's reported that Norris and Susanne Blakeslee are reprising their roles as Cosmo and Wanda from the original series, as the characters are "coming out of retirement to grant Hazel her wishes." 

February 2024 On Discovery Family And Food Network Across Africa | New Series Alert: Undercover Billionaire And Big Sky Kitchen With Eduardo Garcia | Returning Shows Including Girl Meets Farm | More

Discovery Family

Undercover Billionaire S1

NEW TO CHANNEL

Self-made billionaire Glenn Stearns grew up poor in the sticks of Maryland and was only 14 years old when he became a father. A few years ago, however, he sold his company for $2.2 billion and is ready to put his money where his mouth is by making another million in only 90 days with just $100 in his pocket. If he succeeds, he'll give that money back to the people that helped him along the way.

First TX: 13 Feb

TX Day: Mon - Fri

TX Time: 20:35

Last TX: TBC

Food Network

Girl Meets Farm S13

NEW SEASON

Cookbook author, food blogger and Midwest

transplant Molly Yeh embraces her country life

and makes dishes inspired by her Jewish and

Chinese heritage -- with a taste of the Midwest,

too.

First TX: 1 Feb

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 17:00

Last TX: 14 Mar

Big Sky Kitchen With Eduardo Garcia S1 & S2

BRAND NEW

Montana-based chef, outdoorsman and wild food

forager Eduardo Garcia hosts this cooking series

inspired by his love for nature. His fun and

delicious meals become food celebrations for

family and friends under the big sky.

First TX: 4 Feb

TX Day: Saturday & Sundays

TX Time: 16:05

Last TX: 25 Feb

BBQ Brawl: Flay V. Burrell V. Tila S3

NEW SEASON

Undefeated champion Bobby Flay is joined by

Anne Burrell and Jet Tila, who both want a crack

at leading Food Network's next Master of 'Cue to

victory and a featured role on Food Network

Digital.

First TX: 26 Feb

TX Day: Monday

TX Time: 18:00

Last TX: 15 Apr

BBQ USA S1

BRAND NEW

It's the most competitive game in food -- BBQ!

Chef and restaurateur Michael Symon heads to

the biggest BBQ competitions across America to

showcase the talented pitmasters, die-hard

devotees and, of course, the most

mouthwatering 'que around.

First TX: 18 Feb

TX Day: Sunday

TX Time: 18:00

Last TX: 24 Mar

Apollo Global Management Is Looking To Set It's Bid For A Possible Acquisition Of Paramount Global

National Amusements, Inc., the Shari Redstone-led company that owns the majority of voting shares in Paramount Global, is reportedly fielding interest from another entity mulling an acquisition offer. Apollo Global Management is among the wealthy individuals and companies that have contacted the investment bank advising NAI, BDT & MSD Partners, according to Bloomberg.

NAI owns a portfolio of movie theaters as well as nearly 80% of voting shares. As with recently discussed scenarios involving Skydance Media and RedBird Capital, the Apollo deal would be a route to gain control of Paramount, though the voting shares owned by NAI do not represent a majority of the economic value of the company, only most of its voting class of shares.

Redstone, who spent years gaining control of Viacom and CBS, withstanding legal challenges and objections from critics including her own father, the late Sumner Redstone, has been more willing than ever to entertain offers. Paramount, which was formed when Viacom and CBS reunited in 2019, has struggled due to pay-TV cord-cutting, a soft ad market, a loss-producing streaming operation and volatility in the movie business. While its namesake film studio has had its share of hits, including last weekend’s Mean Girls, the broader company does not have the scale of many media rivals. With its stock worth less than half of what it was when the merger closed, Redstone reportedly is open to turning the page if the right offer comes along.

Paramount shares perked up late in the trading day Friday on the report of Apollo’s interest, rising 2% to close at $13.40.

Apollo is one of the more active private equity players in media, with stakes in companies like Dune producer Legendary Entertainment, Peter Chernin’s North Road, Cox Media Group and Yahoo. It has also been a player in the TV station sector, taking part in the proposed takeover of Tegna by Standard General, which was ultimately quashed by regulators.

M-Net On DStv Compact: Could This Be The Possible Outcome To The Cancellation Of Me And 1Magic?

With M-Net Essentials (ME) and 1Magic serving as M-Net's last secondary channels set to exit the DStv platform by early February. Some have led to wonder if a possible restructure to DStv packages could be in development as MultiChoice remains silent on how they'll retain their Compact+ consumers.

For several years now, MultiChoice's premium market has been declining rapidly similar to HBO and even Discovery Channel in the United States has seen a fall in consumption. These consumers have all integrated to Netflix and various other affordable plans.

Although MultiChoice has seen a decline in premium consumption their lower markets continues to rise. In the last annual results dated 30 September 2023, their mass market had increased from 54% to 57% while their premium and mid market decreased from 46% to 43%.

It kind of leads one to wonder what fate awaits their remaining premium offering particularly M-Net. As mentioned, there's been less consumption so much that MultiChoice remains discrete on its viewership numbers with House Of Dragons being the only notable show pulled around 8000 views.

Again with M-Net's Me and 1Magic exiting, could it be possible that Me's content will remain exclusive to M-Net as 1Magic's offering migrates to Mzansi Magic. When you kind of look at DStv, it offers Universal TV and Comedy Central brands seen airing selected content from M-Net.

Demise in Me would reduce the repetition seen amongst channels and could help elevate the viewership numbers on Universal TV and Comedy Central. Of course, if M-Net were to be added as compensation for Me where does that leave premium consumers.

Theoretically, a possible restructure to packages wouldn't seem far fetched a stretch if all bets were on M-Net becoming accessible. Compact+ has been losing value as the latter ESPN 2 and E! Entertainment all migrated to lower bouquets and a similar outcome arose when it launched snatching Premium channels.

If Premium and Compact+ merged, consumers on top tier bouquet would get exclusivity to brands like Discovery Channel, CBS Justice, History, Curiosity Channel, SuperSport Action, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Qwest TV.