Entertainment Inside Us (Insidus)

During the week, several consumers had noticed that MultiChoice is working on a sports channel known as SuperSport Variety AM/PM. There is currently no details on when the mysterious TV channel will be announced but from the esteemed outcome it could be another pop-up channel.  AM/PM could imply a TV channel that constructs its content in a particular order during certain hours of the day only to repeats this format throughout the day.  This channel is currently using the frequencies of Ginx eSports TV which could be the likely cause for the channel's description eSports/Gaming. From the lineup, AM/PM features a lot of highlights from the paralympics alongside some actual events with Premier League as an overflow.  MultiChoice with the inclusion of this channel is probably trying to do what SWITCH'D ON and Zambezi Reloaded is doing and trying to accommodate viewers different preferences and schedules. This would further maximize its viewership and reach an

Showmax is African based streaming service operated by DStv parent company MultiChoice which is in the process of being acquired by French broadcaster Canal+. It takes on other streamers in the market like Netflix, SABC+, eVOD, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Disney+. Since late 2023, NBCUniversal obtained a 30% stake in streaming service which gave consumers access to content from Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation and Telemundo International. This also helped the company extend the reach of Peacock after being constant to America.  After licensing various channels like Studio Universal, Universal TV, DreamWorks, E! Entertainment and Telemundo to DStv consumers in Africa. They even curated OTT version of these channels known as Universal+ through DStv Stream with plans to get their DStv Glass service scrapped.  MultiChoice sites the current economic climate as the reason this product had been shelved but some believe it may have to do with the possible takeover by

The story revolves around Srivalli, a simple girl full of life and energy, so positive in her outlook that she tries to find the good aspect in everything that happens in life. In fact, even after being considered unlucky by her family, she wishes to marry a charming and understanding man who shares her personality traits. In a twist of fate she meets Samrat,  an egoist and a chauvinist who doesn’t respect women. In fact, even his mother Bhavani fears her son a lot.  However, it is this unusual union of two starkly different personalities that is bound to create conflict and drama, and it will be interesting to see what happens as they decide to get married! It starred Yashwanth as Samrat, Chaitra Sakkari as Srivalli, Nirosha Radha as Bhavani, Vara Prasad as Raghupathi, Vijay Durga as Avanthika, Siddu as Goutham, Pratyusha Ponnapalli as Kamala, Sree Piya as Nandu, Sravan as Lavangam and Archana as Meenakshi. The series premiered on Zee Telegu from May 2023 as Devathalaara

During the year, the Broadcast Research Council (BRC) had conducted a survey where it was revealed that the number of households watching TV decreased from 15.9 million to 13.9 million. Although it was also outlined that the number of households in SA increased from 17.3 million to 18.3 million. Understanding how SABC and e.tv is losing viewers, let's take a look at SABC+ and eVOD when those platforms were rolled out there was so much hype about how many downloads it accumulated. Although, actual consumer numbers are currently unknown for these platforms.  Consumers instead of watching Annekan Die Swa Kry would probably be watching Binnelanders on KykNET&Kie as they could always catch-up on this week's episodes on eVOD. Another again, more consumers are opting for OTT so they rather use their cellular devices for this content.  When Droomvelore last aired on e.tv the show was able to accumulate 1.8 million and when Annekan Die Swa Kry came this fell to a whoppin

Not long ago, it was reported Zee One would be adding the Marathi based series 36 Reasons to their lineup in the month of September. With Zee World that will also be unveiling new content within that time frame for consumers in Southern Africa titled Amulya’s Wedding and Ringside Rebel.  Synopsis for Amulya’s Wedding  Amulya’s Wedding, is a series that explores the complexities of love and relationships. Amulya, a strong-willed and independent young woman, crosses paths with Vedanth, a wealthy and successful businessman, in a series of unexpected and often challenging circumstances.   As misunderstandings and clashes arise, the two find themselves drawn to each other despite their differences. This drama delves into their evolving relationship, the dynamics within their families, and the obstacles they face on their journey toward love and understanding. The series premiered on Zee Kannada as Gattimela from March 2019 to January 2024 with over 1000 episodes having being

36 Reasons revolves around the arranged marriage between Vedant and Amulya, a union that neither is initially thrilled about due to their stark differences. However, as the story progresses, they are forced to confront their prejudices and learn to appreciate each other’s unique qualities.  This journey of mutual understanding and growth is central to the narrative, as Vedant and Amulya navigate the challenges of married life while dealing with their families’ expectations and societal pressures. The series also delves into the lives of the extended families and their dynamics. For instance, the Wankhede family faces internal strife as Vikrant, Vedant’s brother, struggles with his own marital issues with Aarti, Amulya’s sister.  These subplots add depth to the main storyline, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships and the impact they have on the couple’s evolving bond. 36 Reasons (also known as 30 Guni Joda) premiered on Marathi broadcaster Zee Marathi f

In September, Warner Bros. Discovery's set of children's channels on DStv namely Cartoon Network are set to rollout new addition to the lineup. After debuting in some parts of the world Lego Dreamzzz makes a landing in Africa alongside Cocomelon spinoff series titled Cody Time. The synopsis for LEGO DREAMZzz is as follows:  “A group of kids join a secret agency where they learn to use the power of imagination to journey into the Dream World and create fantastic creations in order to help sleeping children being terrorized by the evil Nightmare King who is bent on conquering the Dream World and invading the Waking World.” It features the voices of Sarah Jeffery as Zoey, Marcos Cardenas as Mateo, Vincent Tong as Logan, Mike Taylor as Cooper, and Mike Taylor as Cooper. A short synopsis for Cocomelon is as follows: "Join Cody Green - the little kid with a big imagination and an even bigger heart - in this spinoff series set in the familiar, beloved community of

• Seven Sleepy Time Stories to be aired in Isizulu, Sesotho, Tsonga and Afrikaans on CBeebies (DStv channel 306). • The translated Bedtime Stories will air from 2nd September to the 29th September, every day from 7pm to 9pm     To celebrate Heritage Month this year, BBC Studios will be translating seven Sleepy Time Stories on CBeebies into an African language, from Isizulu, Sesotho, Tsonga to Afrikaans. The dubbed episodes will air on CBeebies, DStv channel 306, between 2nd September – 29th September every day from 7pm.   CBeebies is BBC Studios’ dedicated pre-school channel on DStv, providing children aged six years and under a range of programming designed to encourage learning through play. Sleepy Time Stories will help little ones wind down after a day of excitement and get ready for bedtime.   Pierre Cloete, the Commercial Director at BBC Studios in Africa says “To mark heritage month and celebrate the diversity of our nation, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some o

During the month, it was reported Canal+ was looking to increase their stake in MC Vision from 37% to 75% making them majority shareholder . With co-founders Currimjee Jeewanjee and Co., that will reduce their stake from 57% to 25% with Canal+ looking to enhance its offering in the region. Canal+ had already made other moves within Africa like purchasing the remaining shares in MultiChoice which too is awaiting regulatory approval. They also own Nigerian production company ROK Studios as well as 30% stake in Marodi TV which is based in Senegal. One of the questions awaiting is how different MultiChoice will be in the coming years. With Canal+ buying a large chunk of MC Vision it's likely become Canal+ Maurice/Mauritius I mean that's what happened with M7 Group in Europe and NC+ in Poland the result was always a corporate restructure.  Similar to Poland, Canal+ is MultiChoice's biggest shareholder within the company so whose to say that the trademark won't

PBS KIDS is scheduled to close by the end of the month making it the 12th channel to exit DStv and with its lifespan in Africa growing a lot shorter. The channel opted to reduce its content to just three shows Peep And The Big Wide World, Elinor Wonders Why and Arthur. MultiChoice hasn't stated whether any of the content viewed on PBS KIDS will eventually resurface on another TV channel. But Brand & Rights 360 who now manage the distribution of PBS KIDS shows had licensed content various broadcasters around the world with Showmax included. Below is the final schedule of the channel before it ends transmission: 23:55 Peep And The Big Wide World 00:20 WordWorld 00:45 It's A Big Big World 01:15 Pinkalicious & Peterrific 01:40 Arthur 02:10 Wild Kratts 02:35 Martha Speaks 03:05 Nature Cat 03:30  Peep And The Big Wide World 03:50 WordWorld 04:20  It's A Big Big World 05:00 Arthur 05:25 Arthur 05:55  Peep And The Big Wide World 06:15 Peep And The Big Wide W

Since 2022, eMedia Investments and MultiChoice had been having a carriage dispute regarding e.tv's 4 channels on DStv: eToonz, eMovies, eMovies Extra and eExtra . These channels were ousted on DStv by May of that year and were reinstated due to pending legal matters. MultiChoice which is currently in the process of being taken over by French giant Canal+ had outlined two reasons for ousting these channels. The first having dealt with repeats viewed on those channels and another transponder constraints which led to several channels exiting DStv.  Within this year, Movie Room conceived by Newzroom Afrika's co-founders Ngwato Nkosi Group was introduced as a replacement for eMovies. It would curate a mix of locally produced and international movies but similar to the fallen only bolstered the existing offering from DStv. This is coming from the company that restricted brands like BBC UKTV and Magic Showcase from premium and mid tier subscribers as a way to combat repeat

VIU is an Asian based streaming service that is formed as part of a joint venture with PCCW Media Limited and French broadcaster Canal+. Residing in more than 20 countries, VIU is estimated to have reached over 60 million users as the streamer plans to build up on its content slate. Canal+ which serves as partner is currently in pursuit of Showmax's parent company MultiChoice after garnering stakes is now sitting at 45%. The plan should this acquisition succeed is to create an African powerhouse that can take on giants like Disney and Netflix.  Another plan on the cards would be introducing international content in local languages particularly Afrikaans. eMedia Investments has been doing this since 2018 and had since then become popular within South Africa literally doubling the viewership of SABC 2's 7de Laan. KykNET became eMedia Investments' first competitor in such pursuit as this offering was rolled out through KykNET&Kie. Both of which are owned by M

VIU is an Asian based streaming service that is formed as part of a joint venture with PCCW Media Limited and French broadcaster Canal+. Residing in more than 20 countries, VIU is estimated to have reached over 60 million users as the streamer plans to build up on its content slate. Canal+ which serves as partner is currently in pursuit of Showmax's parent company MultiChoice after garnering stakes is now sitting at 45%. The plan should this acquisition succeed is to create an African powerhouse that can take on giants like Disney and Netflix.  Of course, one of those burning questions is how VIU and Showmax will be able to co-exist seeing as they'll have the same owner - Canal+. Both have been producing content locally and licensing  from international studios and the fear here is that this acquisition could reduce that.  But that may not be the case here exactly although Canal+ is obtaining MultiChoice the only way this deal could move forward would be the assista

During the day, DStv consumers had spotted the TLC Africa channel on 125 through the electronic programme guide.  For those wondering, this isn't a channel MultiChoice is planning to add in South Africa as TLC already exists on channel 135 but like Nickelodeon Africa on 312. The same channel with  slight variations for different countries for starters  Dr. Pimple Popper while the one situated in South Africa will air at 19:00, the one in neighboring countries will be telecast an hour early at 18:00 based on timezones and by that time we'd be watching My 600lb Life.  Another variation may pertain to certain show I Am Jazz  which would feature a transgender media mogul. In South Africa and Mozambique for starters, there is no restriction on sexual preferences as seen in Nigeria and Kenya making the series accessible to those countries.  Unlike Nickelodeon and a few other channels on DStv, TLC's feed for neighboring countries is kind of depressing while several o

PTVS’ shutdown will result in the exit of 20-30 employees. All current PTVS series and development projects will be folded into CBS Studios. “To be clear, this is not a decision based on how PTVS performed. This move is the result of significant changes in the TV and streaming marketplace and the need to streamline our company,” Cheeks said. “Under Nicole’s leadership, this studio consistently punched above its weight in attracting top storytellers and stars to create best-in-class series. I want to thank every PTVS employee for shepherding a slate of shows that helped usher Paramount into the streaming era.” Headed into the current wave of layoffs that will impact 15% of Paramount Global’s U.S. workforce over the next few months for $500M in savings, there had been chatter about Paramount TV Studios as a potential casualty following a string of downsizing/consolidation moves since CBS Studios and Paramount TV Studios were put together under Cheeks’ purview in the fall of 2

During the week, eExtra debuted another TV show which was previously available on eVOD, Pad Na Die Hart . With Net 20 Minute also looking to air on the channel this leaves eExtra to load up on eVOD leftovers with Blink Kant Bo slated to air on the channel from 25 September. Sometime ago, I did a story on Annekan Die Swa Kry and its future on e.tv with the second season set to reach its climax in the coming months. eMedia Investments is likely to distance the channel from the family drama and allocate another TV show in its timeslot e.g. Die Agentskap. Ever since Doodsondes premiered in South Africa, eMedia Investments had often changed the broadcaster for the FOX drama. Lacking consistency, the first two seasons were made available on eExtra with third and fourth on e.tv with the final two season on eVOD. Now Chrysalis is looking to exit the channel after its second season when Blink Kant Bo premieres and similar to Doodsondes the final season will premiere in 2025 with E

Since 1996, SABC Education had been a trademark the public broadcaster would incorporate on local content geared mainly at the youth aged 2-14 and overtime aged 18-49. It is home to shows like Geleza Nathi, Uzalo, Matric Reloaded, Skeem Saam, Takalani Sesame and TOMZ. It currently operates as a 24 hour channel on SABC's DTT alongside SABC 1-3, SABC Lehae , SABC Variety , SABC Sport and their 19 radio stations. Other means of accessing the channel or its content is through SABC+ and for those without these option can view its content on SABC 1-3. This channel was launched amidst covid as a Mindset oriented brand offering various lessons from the Department Of Education on top of the already existing Geleza Nathi and Matric Reloaded. That left little variety for SABC's other shows like Words And Numbers and Hectic Nine-9. Since then a lot of restructuring was done to incorporate a lot more of the SABC with the inclusion of Skeem Saam and non-educational shows like

Black Tax changes timeslots ahead of new show Friends of Amstel The Challenge is a fun and thrilling competition that brings together friends and celebrities for a series of exciting challenges. Whether it’s testing your physical abilities, mental acuity, or teamwork skills, this challenge has something for everyone. With Abuti Fill Up, President Ya Straata, and iNkabi uSjava leading their respective crews, you can bet that the competition will be fierce and exciting. Do you have what it takes to come out on top? The ultimate prize for Friends of Amstel The Challenge is a 5-star, all-inclusive experience to Friends of Amstel. This exclusive event is a must-attend for any music and entertainment lover, so winning this prize is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From enjoying top-notch performances to rubbing elbows with celebrities, this experience is sure to be unforgettable. So, gather your friends, sign up for the challenge, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! T

Vivendi’s Canal+ plans to double its stake in MC Vision to become the majority shareholder of the Mauritian-based digital pay-TV company, as the French firm seeks to boost its presence on the continent. Canal+ will increase its stake to 75% from 37% for an undisclosed amount, pending regulatory approvals, according to a joint statement published in Le Dimanche/L’Hebdo newspaper. Currimjee Jeewanjee and Co, a family-owned business that started MC Vision with Canal+ more than two decades ago, will cut its stake to 25% from 53% and state-owned Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation will sell its 10% holding. Canal+ is seeking to expand its presence on the youngest and fastest growing continent The new structure “will enable MC Vision to continue to meet the expectations of Mauritian households in terms of audiovisual content and services, while benefiting from the support of the Canal+ group”, the companies said. Canal+ is seeking to expand its presence on the youngest and faste

TNT Sports is a brand name Warner Bros. Discovery which serves as the parent company had trademarked for its sports channels and prior a division within America. It currently maintains an active presence in Latin America, United Kingdom, Argentina and Chile with more international territories to be added. After obtaining rights to select content from wrestling promotion All Elite Wrestling,  Warner Bros. Discovery is planning/exploring to get this brand trademarked within Africa . The current structure of the brand has yet to disclosed but if we had to guess they'll be time sharing with the current TNT channel.  Another would be obtaining a structure similar to that of ESPN channels on DStv which is basically a SuperSport Blitz infused channel with NFL and NBA. Or rivaling with SuperSport's WWE and making TNT Sports an AEW oriented channel with doccies, films and highlights.  Warner Bros. Discovery already operates the Eurosport channel in parts of Europe and with

Since 2022, eMedia Investments and MultiChoice have been embroiled a carriage dispute regarding eExtra, eMovies, eMovies Extra and eToonz. These channels are also allocated on the Openview platform with eExtra that is available on StarSat in a separate agreement.  A hearing was scheduled for this August but according to a report it has been delayed once again with a date that has to be finalized .  eMedia Investments is looking to take legal action against MultiChoice over the impending demise of these money grabbers. These channels ranked first, fourth, seventh and tenth serve as additional revenue stream to aid in the distribution and licensing of content.  Other disputes these two parties engaged in revolved on the 2023 Rugby World Cup where SABC and MultiChoice reached an agreement worth R57 million. Of course, this agreement restricted these matches from being allocated on Openview and StarSat as they failed to obtain free-to-air rights. In a court ruling, MultiChoic

DStv is a pay-tv platform which was launched in 1995 by MultiChoice was an alternative to the SABC. Initially comprising of 18 TV channels which included M-Net, TNT (series channel) and Cartoon Network became one of the leading pay-tv platforms across the African market. For decades through the parent company MultiChoice had been known for supporting local talent across the market with shows like Isibaya and Binnelanders. They had also introduced audiences to array of content across the African market and the world including Battleground and Riona. In recent years, this dominance has come under threat from the likes of streaming services such as Disney+ and Netflix that had been bleeding DStv dry.  It led MultiChoice to explore other avenues for survival including SuperSportBET, DStv Insurance, Namola and Showmax.  Now left technically insolvent, it is in a position where bankruptcy or possible liquidation is on the cards. This matter won't improve overnight unless Ca

During the week, it was announced that Warner Bros. Discovery had closed/merged Cartoon Network's websites in America with the Max streaming service. Home to clips, video games and and other content from various shows on the network had been axed without prior notice.  According to Warner Bros. Discovery who have accumulated 40 billion dollars in debt making a sale impossible less people people were using this website. So they'll put more focus on Cartoon Network as a channel alongside its multiple social platforms including Facebook and YouTube.  Whenever users try to access CartoonNetwork.com consumers are being directed to Max probably an attempt to get consumers to pay. What is also odd in this scenario is that all of Discovery's channels websites even Adult Swim were unaffected unlike Cartoon Network.  Now questions amount to whether a similar fate could await consumers in Europe and other parts of the world as well. Warner Bros. Discovery is technically

Sometime ago, it was revealed that You Have My Heart would be moving to 22:30 once Soulmates debuts on Star Life but it turns out to not be the case. With You Have My Heart that will instead air 22:00 where the controversial supernatural drama Evil Affairs currently resides as it moves to 23:00. Due to some themes illustrated on Evil Affairs, Star Life was forced to pull the series from daytime and restricted its broadcast to late nights as seen with Telemundo's Super Series. This affected former series Beyond Love that shared a portion of its timeslot to get the same restriction. Consumers took their socials to express their dissatisfaction and pleaded to reinstate Evil Affairs daytime repeats. Due to restrictions, the channel was only able to offer Evil Affairs in the later hours of the night were there's less viewers with repeats allocated at 00:30. With Soulmates rolling out in the coming weeks, daily rebroadcasts of Bitter Sweet Love will now take up Evil Af

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has announced that it will rebrand TruTV’s primetime lineup as “TNT Sports” beginning this October, which could be a seismic shift for sports broadcasting and wrestling entertainment. The news came from WBD CEO David Zaslav during the company’s Q2 earnings call. This move is seen as a potential win for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) amid ongoing talks about its future on WBD networks. Media analyst Brian Steinberg tweeted details of the rebranding strategy, noting that TruTV will transition to become a home for sports under the TNT banner. According to sources, this new programming block will operate similarly to Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim block, which functions as its brand despite sharing channel space. Strategic Sports Expansion The focus on sports is timely for WBD after NBA broadcasting rights recently shifted to Amazon Prime. With AEW potentially joining Ring of Honor (ROH) whose importance within AEW Khan said has not been overstated but w

Earlier in the month, it was reported that a former soap opera Saraswatichandra would be rolling out on Star Life this wad due to some details pertaining to the show. In new developments, it turns out that Udne Ki Aasha will actually be the series entering the channel under the title, Soulmates.  Not only that but one of the channel's existing shows You Have My Heart seems to changing timeslots as well with the show now slated for 22:30. It will be replacing Titli another series which was also seen in its timeslot before getting brushed off to a much later timeslot for some reason. Soulmates showcase the story of violent taxi driver Sachin who is good at heart but is uneducated. On the other side destiny gets him married to florist Sailee who belongs to poor middle class family. Sachin’s father Paresh likes Sailee as lot and hence wanted her to marry Tejas.  It starred Pari Bhatti as  Juhi,  Mamta as  Negative Friend,  Manish Verma as  Creative Director,  Rohit Gill

In an era where the competition among media giants continues to intensify, the recent acquisition of MultiChoice by Canal+ has sparked significant debate about the future of M-Net, one of South Africa's most iconic entertainment channels. As Canal+ seeks to expand its footprint across Africa, this strategic move raises critical questions about the potential shifts in programming, audience engagement, and market dynamics that could follow. M-Net has long been a staple in South African households, known for its diverse offerings and local content that resonate with viewers. However, with the influence of Canal+ and its distinct vision for content delivery, many are left wondering: will M-Net be able to maintain its identity, or are we witnessing the dawn of a new era that could redefine the landscape of television in the region? In this post, we will explore the implications of this acquisition, the challenges that lie ahead for M-Net, and what it all means for the future