Could M-Net Become A Dumping Ground For Canal+?

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As some readers are aware, Canal+ and MultiChoice are currently finalizing terms of the acquisition as they seek approval from local legislation. With lingering concerns surrounding the fate of MultiChoice's linear offering once Canal+ gains ownership.

M-Net is a pay-tv channel curated exclusively from MultiChoice that offers a mix of content international and locally produced. Founded in 1986, it offers original shows like Reyka and Carte Blanche alongside third party shows like House Of Dragons and Euphoria. 

Despite its continued efforts to supply fresh of the cinema releases, M-Net has been struggling to retain audiences and this is due to increased competition from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.

Prior to Canal+ attempts at MultiChoice, the French broadcaster had been gobbling up stakes in the company and also co-produced/licensed several shows for M-Net. This included Blood & Psalms, Spinners, Midnight Sun and Ride Upon A Storm. 

Seeing as Canal+ broadcasting license would be required by law in South Africa to be limited at 20%. It means the only hope they have own investing locally would be growing organically meaning launching their own channel(s) for these endeavors. 

M-Net being one of those TV channels with the most Canal it wouldn't seem far fetched if they started there. While the channel relied on third party content for a vast majority of its lineup these endeavors could see it getting further reduced.

As mentioned, M-Net is struggling to retain its audience in the world dominant by Netflix. In America, this had led to TV channels getting closed if not less original or imported content while others like 1Max promote the bulk of content from Showmax.

Unlike Mzansi Magic, M-Net endeavors wouldn't stem from South Africa entirely as Canal+'s StudioCanal had been filming Huntington in Cape Town which ensembles international stars Glen Powell (Hit Man), Jessica Henwick (The Matrix Resurrection) and Ed Harris.