Canal+ And MultiChoice Have Filed A Merger Control Request With South African Legislation

The merger between CANAL+ and Multichoice continues. The two entities have just filed a joint application for merger control with legislation.

CANAL+ wants to absorb Multichoice in order to become the first pay broadcaster in Africa. The two entities have just informed investors of a new step in the process. 

One more step in the process 

On 30 September, CANAL+ and Multichoice filed a joint merger control application with the European Commission regarding the takeover bid. The South African authority has also been notified, as well as the other regulatory authorities. 

The project is seen as a "major merger" and in this case it requires the approval of the competition authority. The commission will have to examine the file and it will transmit its recommendations. 

Both companies will also continue to provide shareholders with updates on this matter. The terms and conditions previously discussed in the joint circular issued last June remain in effect and have not changed. 

The project is still moving forward and must therefore receive several more approvals in order to continue. It should therefore take several weeks before the merger is effective and CANAL+ takes full control of Multichoice. 

At the end of the transaction, the CANAL+ Group will gain more than 20 million additional subscribers, which will bring it closer to 50 million customers worldwide.

Beyblade X Will Be Making A Dash To e.tv This October

Following the conclusion of Pokémon The Series: Journeys, eMedia Investments had acquired rights to the Japanese anime series Beyblade X following its release in the United States (Disney XD), Canada (Cartoon Network) and Australia (9Go). This would be the broadcasters first attempt at anime within the decade with the series set to aired in October.

Amateur Blader Robin Kazami finds himself out of a team when he is ditched by his friends after a crushing defeat. Lucky for him, a chance encounter with former champ Jaxon Cross leads these two unlikely teammates to join forces. Jaxon intends to climb back to the top of The X under the alias "Blader X" and challenge his old teammate and current champ, Khrome Ryugu. When they find a third team member in mega-popular influencer Multi Nana-iro, the newly-formed Team Persona set their sights on going pro and claiming their spot at the top.

Beyblade series veteran Katsuhito Akiyama is credited as chief director for the anime, while Sotsu Terada (Beyblade Burst Turbo, Beyblade Burst GT episode director) is directing the anime at OLM. Hikaru Muno (High Card) is credited for original series concept and scenario assistance, while Kazuho Hyodo (ReLIFE, Kiratto Pri☆Chan, TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You) is in charge of the series scripts.

The anime series has released 39 episodes so far as of this article's publication in Japan. The animation is being helmed by studio OLM. Studio OLM is one of the oldest anime studios in Japan, and some of its popular works include The Apothecary Diaries (alongside TOHO animation studio), Don't Tease Me Nagatoro, and Komi Can't Communicate.

Beyblade X airs every Friday at 15:45 on e.tv replacing the live-action series Bajillionaires while as eToonz will be adding two new preschool shows to its offering, Dylan's Playtime Adventure and Let's Go Luna.

eToonz To Broadcast Let's Go Luna And Dylan's Playtime Adventures In October

Last month, PBS KIDS ended its run in Africa after 5 years on MultiChoice's DStv scrapping it's last international operation following the channel's closure in Australia by 2023. This meant DStv consumers will be losing access to Arthur, Cyberchase and WordWorld as these shows are not accessible in Africa.

eMedia Investments which serves as a rival broadcaster to MultiChoice had licensed rights to Let's Go Luna. These are one of the various shows PBS Kids hadn't licensed for viewers on DStv so those residing in South Africa will get it to see it for the for the first time when it airs on eToonz in October.

Let’s Go Luna! follows the adventures of three friends – Australian wombat Leo, Mexican butterfly Carmen and American frog Andy – as they traverse the globe with their parents’ traveling performance troupe, Circo Fabuloso. At each of the Circo’s stops, Luna the Moon guides the trio as they get to know the local region and its people.

Each episode of the series created by animator-writer-artist Joe Murray (Rocko’s Modern Life, Camp Lazlo) is made up of two 11-minute stories aimed at preschoolers. It’s produced by 9 Story Media Group’s animation studio Brown Bag Films.

9 Story Media Group's animation studio Brown Bag Films is also responsible for another upcoming show on eToonz in which CBeebies is also set to air, Dylan's Playtime Adventures.

Dylan’s Playtime Adventures features both 2D and CG animation and follows a highly imaginative, multi-colored striped dog who is eager to role-play every career, from a train conductor to a nurse to an astronaut. With just some basic props and some great friends, Dylan transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, jumping feet first into every adventure that comes his way.

Both shows will be made available on eToonz every Thursday at 14:30 from 10 October with repeats on Friday at 06:45. Also within that month, e.tv will broadcast the Japanese anime series Beyblade X.

Canal+ Rwanda And Zacu TV Promise Fresh Entertainment With New Movies, Dubbing Hollywood Blockbusters

Since its launch in 2022 by the CANAL group, the country's leading pay TV provider, Zacu TV, a 100 per cent Kinyarwanda channel, quickly become one of the country's favourite entertainment channels, by offering a mix of locally produced movies, TV series, and international shows.

At the dawn of a new chapter with a focus on delivering high-quality content in the local language, Zacu TV on Channel 3, commits to fulfilling its foundational pledge and living up to its ambitions.

During a press conference, on Friday, September 27, as part of the back-to-school season, Cédric Pierre-Louis, the Director of Programming for African fiction channels at CANAL, announced exciting plans for Zacu TV's upcoming lineup starting from next year.

These include a variety of fresh entertainment offerings such as dubbing Hollywood blockbusters in Kinyarwanda for the first time, bringing back popular local series "Seburikoko" that have been on hiatus, and introducing new dramas and comedies.

Pierre-Louis added that "there will be something for everyone," ensuring that Zacu TV continues to cater to a larger number of Rwandans.

Among the new offerings are the comedy series "Shuwa Dilu" and the romantic drama "Kaliza wa Kalisa", which promise plenty of laughter and heartwarming chaos. Additionally, Zacu TV will co-produce musicals, including the upcoming TV series "Red Flag" and the feature movie "Fame is the Enemy", offering unforgettable and catchy songs that viewers can sing along to.

Another highlight is the introduction of dubbing. For the first time, some of the most popular Hollywood blockbusters from the last two decades will be available entirely in Kinyarwanda, courtesy of a partnership with one of Hollywood's biggest studios, Universal Studios. This move aims to make international entertainment more accessible to Rwandan audiences by presenting it in their native language.

He noted: "The combination of original stories from our slate of upcoming local productions and an outstanding roster of premium Hollywood blockbusters will bring endless entertainment to our viewers in 2025."

A golden opportunity for young talent

In 2025, Zacu TV aims to push the boundaries further by nurturing young filmmakers and exploring new genres, creating a golden opportunity for youth involvement.

Wilson Misago, the Director of Production and Acquisition for Zacu TV, explained that the channel is committed to providing a platform for Rwandan youth to tell their own stories, showcase their creativity and sleep not on their talents.

Among the new productions are "Hurts Harder" and "Red Flag", both TV series that explore the love stories, challenges, and dreams of Rwandan youth.

"We have so far employed more than 300 people, with plans to increase that number to up to 1,000. We're here to nurture young talents. However, they should seize this opportunity responsibly and not act in one movie and suddenly believe they are a star. That perspective cut short many talents. They need to stay focused on their goals," he said.

Yves Mizero, the director and producer of Hurts Harder, describes the movie as a story about Kate, a 27-year-old who never had a successful relationship but still believes in true love.

She meets Tate, a 28-year-old Ugandan, through an online platform, and after two years of communication, suggests they meet in person. Unwilling to meet in person, Tate hires another man to pose as himself, leading to a complex situation when Kate uncovers the truth, leaving her emotionally disappointed once again.

"This is a golden opportunity for young people to showcase their creativity and make a contribution in the Rwandan entertainment industry," said Mizero urging aspiring filmmakers to seize the opportunity provided by Zacu TV to tell local authentic stories that feed Rwandan audiences.

Introducing musicals to Rwandan cinema

Musicals are another genre that has yet to be fully explored in Rwandan cinema, but Zacu TV is set to change that. The TV series "Red Flag" and the feature film "Fame is the Enemy", starring popular musician Juno Kizigenza, will lead this exciting chapter into musical storytelling. These projects will feature original music and choreography that bring a fresh dimension to local entertainment.

Zacu TV continues to support Rwandan talent through its subsidiary studio, Zacu Entertainment. The company has built strong relationships with some of the country's most celebrated actors, including Gratien Niyitegeka, Longin Irunga, and Antoinette Uwamahoro, as well as rising stars like Gatesi Divine and Eric Nsabimana.

MultiChoice Africa To Make UFC Available 24 Hours A Day To DStv Compact With The Inclusion Of SuperSport Action, Also Planning To Replace SuperSport Variety 2-4 With SuperSport Africa 1 & 2

After MultiChoice and SuperSport announced plans to revamp its sporting lineup from September 2020 which saw sporting events PSL and La Liga alongside other sports like tennis and cricket get its own branded TV channel. The broadcaster is said to be making some adjustments to this offering by October 9th particularly with SuperSport Variety.

SuperSport Variety comprised of 4 overflow channels served featuring various sporting events from other SuperSport channels alongside other content that don't have a channel of its own like swimming and hockey. These were the only brands of SuperSport that followed that previous iterations and retained the numbering system.

The pay-tv company had already lost 12 channels including PBS Kids, People's Weather, WildEarth, Ginx TV, B4U Movies and Emmanuel TV. By adding SuperSport Variety 2-4 should it include South Africa would skyrocket to 15 making it the biggest loss they've experienced throughout its existence.

According to various consumers, they received a notification on their decoders alerting them to the cancellation of SuperSport Variety 2-4 as these would be replaced by SuperSport Africa 1 and Africa 2 (SS Africa 1 & 2). This changes will also be reflected on GOtv's SuperSport Select channels.

• SuperSport Africa 1 (formerly SuperSport Variety 4) will be available to GOtv Lite packages going up 

• SuperSport Africa 2 (formerly SuperSport Variety 3) will be available to Family packages going up

SuperSport Action will also be allocated to DStv Compact with a major revamp after being made available to Compact+ and Premium meaning 1 more channel for them and 1 less for those paying more. DStv's lower mass market aren't getting much here either except for a new fur coat.

So I think the bigger question is why SuperSport Variety 1 is not part of this restructure as it leans towards the same path as it's other comrades (repeats). Theoretically, we believe similar to what M-Net did when merging Me and 1Magic to form 1Max a similar outcome awaits Variety 1 and Variety 2.

SuperSport had commissioned content for Variety 3 and 4 so maybe they'll string those along to what's left of SuperSport Variety 1 and Variety 2. In the end, it's the lesser paying customers that are losing out.

As for the demise of Variety and Select, SuperSport is likely streamlining their operations and trying to reduce duplications for which these brands had a lot of especially during live WWE events. They probably feel that by doing this, the remnants of these channels will get more exposure plus a channel like WWE doesn't have much live content.

Weekly Roundups #3: Harry Potter Actress Maggie Smith And Days Of Our Lives Actor Drake Hogestyn Dies + My Desire Currently Seen On Star Life Has Come To An End In India + RoboCop TV Series In Development At Amazon + More

• Lionsgate looking to reduce workforce by incorporating AI into their animated content

• My Journey To You launches on 21 October on Zee World outside of Southern Africa 

• New episodes of Unfortunate Love returns on 10 October for Zee World consumers outside of South Africa

• My Desire currently seen on Star Life comes to an end in India and will conclude in Africa by 2025

• Drake Hogestyn, Days Of Our Lives actor has died at the age of 70

• Maggie Smith, Harry Potter actress has died at the age of 89

• Via (DStv 147) to debut new series Roei Vir Liefde premieres 12 October at 21:00 which consists of 6 episodes.

In this dating show, a single female celebrity head off on a glamping adventure to a popular river-rafting destination. Here, they will date a pool of men out in nature by embarking on a range of outdoor activities like river-rafting and hiking. Will stepping away from the dating apps and the chaos of everyday life really help them find true love?

Returning shows include Hier sit die manne Season 6 which premieres 5 October 2024 at 17:00, Wie was dit? Season 6 premieres 5 October 2024 at 18:00 and My plek of joune? Season 12 premieres 31 October 2024 at 17:30.

• Pretty Little Liars reboot currently seen on M-Net has been cancelled by Max

• Disney Channel to unveil a new on air look by the end of September 

• TikTok Music will be shutting down by the end of November 

• SABC is proposing a new household levy this time wants MultiChoice and SARS to also help recover debt 

• Lady Gaga releases new album in preparation of Joker: Folie à Deux 

• Play Room Live airs an hour later from 1 October with new episodes on at 16:00 and also Total Dramarama returns with a second season at 18:00 on Play Room from 7 October.

• RoboCop TV series in development for Amazon Prime Video

• Chucky TV series cancelled after 3 seasons 

How DStv Will Be Impacted By Canal+?

Canal+ is currently finalizing a new structure after obtaining a 45% stake of MultiChoice making them one of company's largest shareholders. After their initial bid of R29 billion was turned down earlier in the year the French broadcaster had up it's bid to R32 billion with an interim board deeming it "fair and reasonable".

Something that various readers had asked me in the past months is how this impacts DStv and whether they could be any content changes once the takeover concludes by April 2025. Although, there's not much details about their plans with that platform even GOtv there is some differences between MultiChoice and Canal+.

Firstly, MultiChoice is content oriented this was seen when eNCA made less money than the former Gupta owned news channel ANN7 despite having more viewers. Then there's BBC Lifestyle, Food Network and HGTV all of which come with their own set of content for viewers.

Then you turn to Canal+ which operates in bulk or in large quantities as seen with Canal+ Sport and Foot alongside international brands Eurosport and DAZN. If you turn to their services within Africa similar to France and Europe, a large portion of their international offering isn't American so neither MultiChoice or viewers are familiar with the content there. 

There's FilmBox which is based in Netherlands alongside DocuBox followed by India's TravelXP, Asia's A+ Kids and Belgium's W-Sport.

Imagine once this takeover concludes what could as well transpire is some of these efforts Canal+ has built within Europe and France ends up being splashed onto DStv. Before any of that could enter fruition, Canal+ will look into making MultiChoice close a couple of channels as a means to increase profitability and reduce redundancy.

Take for instance the movie offering which has the most repeats amongst channels what MultiChoice could do here is focus more on IPs and that would be TNT, Studio Universal and Movie Room. With M-Net streamlining, they could as well scrap their remaining movie offering from M-Net Movies particularly M-Net Movies 3 and 4.

Then there's CineMagic and Magic Showcase with them being constrained to Easyview consumers in South Africa and Access and GOtv Lite consumers in other countries there's probably not much viewers meaning little to no income is being generated so what could transpire is a possible merger of this offering to enhance viewer's experience.

How MultiChoice Benefits From The Hostile Takeover By Canal+?

Canal+ has managed to have upped its stake in MultiChoice to 45% home to brands like SuperSport, M-Net, DStv and GOtv which is awaiting regulatory approval. With both parties that will be spending the rest of 2024 looking to assess a possible structure as Canal+ being a foreigner has to navigate the restrictions to foreign ownership.

The likely scenario here is that MultiChoice Africa will be managed by Canal+ with existing shareholders voting rights being reduced as they will be in charge of the services within South Africa. Residing within Kenya, Malawi and Nigeria, MultiChoice Africa offers brands such as Africa Magic, Zambezi Magic and Maisha Magic.

With Canal+ obtaining a 20% stake in MultiChoice South Africa which is the maximum amount a foreigner can get of a local company. It's possible that shareholders may look to increase Canal+ influence over MultiChoice Africa by 80% or at least on the content side.

Canal+ had outlined that they don't believe in the diversity of MultiChoice which consists of brands like Namola, Irdeto and BetKing. So with them handling the content portion of MultiChoice could free up some potential income for other shareholders to manage those other fields MultiChoice is hoping to cash on e.g. Showmax.

MultiChoice had been pumping funds onto SuperSport and with Canal+ still viewing linear TV as an asset we could see them manage part of the expenses giving them as much ownership of the brand. This was likely the most stressful of subsidiaries by MultiChoice and Canal+ would save them money. 

If anything, the burning question is how many of these subsidiaries MultiChoice will continue to operate under their wing cause with them complying with BEE those partners may not want to support some of these ventures leading some to potentially close if not getting sold off.

Zee Zonke To Debut First Ever Zulu Dubbed Bollywood Film "Darlings" In October

Following the channel's rollout in 2023, Zee Zonke had proved to be a popular addition with DStv consumers after accumulating over 200,000 viewers. The parent company Zee Entertainment Enterprises distributes various other channels within the African market including Zee World and Zee Alem on DStv with Zee Family and Zee One on Openview.

Now the channel is gearing up to boost its primetime offering with the addition of Bollywood movies with Darlings opening up the block on Sunday 27 October at 18:00.

In the film we are introduced to Badru and Hamza as a cutesy couple, probably in their early 20s, thinking of marrying each other. Three years later, we see the couple is still in love until Hamza finds two small pebbles in his food. Here, the act of domestic violence is hinted at for the first time. Hamza is an unhinged character who physically abuses his wife after getting drunk. 

Badru is more or less done with Hamza, but because of the ideology of marriage and Hamza’s coercion is forced to stay with him. There are some external plot lines alongside this established structure: the character Zulfi, who is perceived as the lover of Badru, the insights of marriage and men from Shamshu. 

Through a lot of shenanigans and dark comedy, the goal is achieved with Hamza being accidentally killed by an oncoming train and Badru returning to the same theatre she waited for Hamza in the starting. The difference is that this time she watches the movie alone, unbothered by the fact that she is alone and happier in the fact that she is an individual.

Alia Bhatt is cast in the film as Badrunissa "Badru" Ansari–Sheikh alongside Shefali Shah as Shamshunissa "Shamshu" Ansari, Vijay Varma as Hamza Sheikh, Roshan Mathew as Zulfi and Vikram Pratap as Abdul.

MultiChoice, NBCUniversal Invest R2.8 Billion Into Showmax

MultiChoice video streaming platform Showmax has received equity funding of $164 million (R2.8 billion), as it looks to take on international video-on-demand platforms such as Netflix and Disney+.

This, after in March last year, MultiChoice entered into an agreement with Comcast subsidiary NBCUniversal and Sky, to form a partnership for purposes of driving Showmax to become the “leading streaming service in Africa”.

Comcast, through its subsidiary NBCUniversal, acquired a 30% equity stake in Showmax, and provides ongoing support through the licensing of its Peacock platform and content from NBCUniversal, Universal Pictures, Peacock and Sky.

MultiChoice, through its wholly-owned subsidiary MultiChoice Group Holdings, and Comcast, through NBCUniversal, are providing funding to Showmax (only as and when Showmax’s board determines) during its investment phase.

According to MultiChoice, this is contributed in proportion to the companies’ respective shareholdings and they will share profits on the same basis in future.

It adds that equity funding is provided as required (either monthly or at other intervals) depending on Showmax’s working capital requirements and near-term budget (as determined by Showmax’s board) subject to a maximum capped amount.

As at 31 March 2024, MultiChoice Group and NBCUniversal provided, in the aggregate, $120 million (R2 billion) in equity funding to Showmax, each in proportion of their respective shareholdings.

“Since 1 April 2024 until the date of this announcement, MultiChoice Group and NBCUniversal provided, in the aggregate, $164 million (R2.8 billion) in equity funding to Showmax, each in proportion of their respective shareholdings,” says the JSE-listed video entertainment company.

Faced with declining subscriber numbers in the traditional pay-TV space, MultiChoice is pinning its hopes on streaming platforms Showmax and DStv Stream.

The company’s latest financial results show overall active subscribers declined by 9%.

According to the company, this was mainly due to a 13% decline in the “rest of Africa” business, with Nigeria, Angola and Zambia most affected, while the South African business was more resilient, declining by only 5%.

The results come as French-based media giant Canal+ is looking to take over the South African firm in a R30 billion deal.

Over the years, MultiChoice’s subscriber numbers have reduced amid pressure from global streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime.

To boost its streaming offerings, MultiChoice relaunched Showmax, stating its intention of becoming the leading platform in Africa.

However, research projections show the new Showmax will become Africa’s second-biggest video streaming service in five years.

According to a report by Digital TV Research, Sub-Saharan Africa will have 16 million paying subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) subscriptions by 2029, up from seven million at the end of 2023.

It notes Netflix will remain the SVOD market leader, with 6.9 million subscribers by 2029, and Showmax will be the second-largest platform, with 3.7 million paying subscribers.

MultiChoice recently enhanced its DStv Stream app

 by adding personalisation features, which it believes will draw more viewers to the platform.

Recommendations To Those Using StarSat In South Africa

StarSat is a satellite based pay-tv service that StarTimes managed to acquire a 20% stake for those using their services in South Africa with On Digital Media being majority shareholder. As reported sometime ago, the pay-tv operator has been operating illegally in South Africa for over a year and now ICASA is looking to action.

Since StarSat's inception into the market, they've managed to accumulate over half a million subscribers in South Africa alone which is baffling considering how long Openview had been operational in the market. They also have over 6000 workers whose jobs are as well at stake as they roam around their offices aimlessly.

StarSat is insuring consumers that they won't shut down by all means and it's comes as somewhat of a shock that they've been operating without a license for this long. But there's no guarantees that they'll be able to keep up with their word as ICASA could as well look to have their signals getting shut off making it difficult for them to offer their services.

Although employees may say they will continue to sell and distribute StarSat in South Africa what could happen overtime is that Warner Bros. Discovery, The Walt Disney Company and various other parties may look to having their channels revoked or at least for the audiences in South Africa leaving only the local channels curated by the company.

To put matters into simple terms, don't risk what little you have left on these guys as there's no guarantee how long they could remain active and if ESPN and National Geographic will remain intact during this period. Have a Plan B which could be Openview or DStv just until the dust settles between ICASA and StarSat.

Should it shut down it will have a difficult time trying to recover that lost income and consumer base even the workforce would be constraint as the pay-tv market has been under siege in recent years. So much so that they might as well look into closing their services or deem themselves unfit for the South African market.

In the end, the one who would be most affected is the license holder On Digital Media as StarTimes has a local following in other parts of Africa which amounts to over 10 million subscribers.

Rumour: eMedia Investments Acquires Broadcasting Rights To Supernatural Drama "Suhagan Chudail"

In this supernatural saga, a malevolent Chudail named Nishigandha is on an obsessive quest for Suhaag ki Nishaniyan, ‘Solah Shringars’ – 16 mystical adornments that will bestow upon her unparalleled beauty and the ultimate prize of immortality. With each ‘Shringar’ she collects by sacrificing her husbands, her dark powers grow stronger.

Now, she has set her sinister sights on ensnaring her 16th and final target, Moksh, to unlock the final ‘Shringar’. However, Nishigandha faces an unexpected challenge from Deeya, a courageous woman determined to protect her beloved Moksh from the enchantment of the Suhagan Chudail.

Deeya must wage a desperate battle to break Nishigandha’s enchantment before it’s too late. With Moksh’s life hanging in the balance, will Deeya’s love triumph over Nishigandha’s dark magic?

The series cast Nia Sharma as Nishigandha, Zayn Ibad Khan as Moksh, Debchandrima Singha Roy as Deeya, Aradhana Sharma as Rachna, Jyoti Mukherji as Moksh’s Mother as Sachin Khurana as Moksh’s Father and Pooja Tiwari as Juri. Colors TV serves as the official broadcaster to Suhagan Chudail and consumers would be familiar with the channel through the series Naagin.

eMedia Investments is rumoured to be rolling out the show in the coming months or by next year with another program viewed on Zee World also said to rolling out on their stable. If one had to guess this will likely be allocated on eExtra alongside other Bollywood shows like Broken Bonds and Twist Of Fate.

HARI Greenlights New CG Preschool Series ‘Baby Lemmings’ Which Is Set To Debut On Cartoonito By 2025/6

Paris-based global IP company HARI, announces it has greenlit a brand new series starring baby lemmings from its global hit series Grizzy & The Lemmings. Described as a “genlte-slapstick” CG-animated show aimed at preschoolers and families, the 78 x 7′ series will deliver throughout 2025/26.

For the Baby Lemmings, the whole world is a playground, and there’s nothing better than sharing this life philosophy with their little animal neighbors in the Canadian forest. When you see life from the Baby Lemmings’ side, you can overcome any difficulty and have a whole lot of fun while doing so!

“At first glance, blending the craziness of slapstick with the gentle nature of preschool content seemed an impossible task,” said Josselin Charier, Executive Producer, HARI. “However, it’s in the core DNA of the lemmings to be playful. And it’s through this boundless playfulness that we discovered the perfect formula for a preschool audience: stories where any challenge can be overcome through games.”

France Televisions commissioned the series for Okoo and France 4, while Warner Bros. Discovery secured the rights for Cartoonito and Max in EMEA, Cartoonito in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as Cartoon Network in South Asia. Super RTL licensed the rights in Germany for Toggo.

“We’re very excited to continue our partnership with Hari for this brand-new animated series, Baby Lemmings,” said Aurélie Wack, Warner Bros. Discovery, Kids EMEA, Acquisitions & Co-Productions Sr. Manager. “It is perfect for our Cartoonito and Max upper-preschool audiences who can count on the playful baby lemmings to bring endless fun and heart-warming moments!”

Baby Lemmings follows the global success of Grizzy & The Lemmings, now broadcast in 200 territories globally. It is the number one most watched animated kids show (for six plus) on Netflix worldwide, and is consistently in the top three animated series on France TV’s Okoo, the U.K.’s CBBC and Toggo in Germany (Super RTL). The show delivers outstanding ratings on TV channels around the world and generates 1.3 billion views per year on YouTube (with 9 million subscribers).

October 2024 On Cartoon Network And Cartoonito Across Africa (Drafted Version) | Channel Premiere: Barney's World | Returning Shows Including Lego Ninjago | More

• As reported sometime ago, Barney's World will airing on Cartoonito across Europe, Middle East and Africa from October 14th (not 18th) prior to this the show will debut on the channel in the US and UK. Based on the Barney And Friends franchise, this will serve as a rebooted format as seen with Thomas And Friends: All Engines Go!.

For the full press release on the premiere: click here

• Jessica's Big Little World returns for new episodes on Cartoonito and this is the few other premieres coming to the channel in the month alongside Zig & Sharko.

• Supa Strikas and Lego Ninjago: Ninja's Rising return to the channel in the month of October while Pokémon Horizons: The Series continues with new episodes on Cartoon Network with these serving as the only premieres on the channel.

• With Halloween around the corner, Cartoon Network will host thematic episodes of Teen Titans GO!, We Baby Bears, The Amazing World Of Gumball, Craig Of The Creek and Apple And Onion. Cartoonito on the other hand will celebrating Halloween with Cocomelon, Thomas And Friends: All Engines Go! with Bugs Bunny Builders making its return to the channel.

Update

• Cartoon Network will debut a new series Totally Spies after Nickelodeon owned rights to the first 6 seasons the channel will be offering the 7th season. This would be the third show Cartoon Network snatched from Nickelodeon with Pokémon and Power Rangers added to the list.

For more details on the series: click here 

• Grizzy And The Lemmings and Bugs Bunny Builders return for new episodes on Cartoonito with Teen Titans GO! returning on Cartoonito.

"The Bigger Picture": ICASA's Anger With StarSat Explained

Earlier in the week, it was reported that StarSat was set for closure in the South African market by 18 September but this never happened as they mention an active presence by on social media and continue selling their decoders. ICASA made the call for On Digital Media who serve as license holders in South Africa to shut their services.

So corporates at StarSat would rather resolve their matter in court which again didn't work out with the company that is engaging themselves in an another ongoing case with ICASA. This whole thing with retrenchment and also loss in consumers to some appears to be desperate attempt at them antagonising the situation.

With the affects of COVID-19 and the current economic climate StarSat was facing financial constraints or as they would put it "owing to challenges in securing new investment in a competitive market". So where was StarTimes in all this as they got TopTV out of financial turmoil and also was ICASA aware of this.

Regardless of how StarSat wants consumers and the media to perceive this they were operating illegally for over a year as their license expired by July 2023 and a new application was filed by November of that year. What might have got ICASA infuriated by all this was the fact they were promoting and distributing a service without a license.

If you drive on the road without supervision or a license you get penalised for that and imagine if you had caused fatal accident the punishment is more severe for the unlicensed vigilante. What's more baffling about this is employees are being left in the dark and blindly serving as accomplices to this whole ordeal.

If StarSat had shuttered its doors by July 2023 and applied for a new license it's likely that ICASA would have granted them a new license. But these things tend to take time which is what StarSat didn't have and by the time they would have gotten one they would have to build their consumer base again which similar to DStv has been under siege.

Another scenario would be the local content viewed on ST Rise and One Freestate Televisual how would the latter survive if ICASA manages to shut down the pay-tv platform while TLC and Discovery Channel can be accessed on DStv. StarSat would most likely have to start these local endeavours from scratch and compared to other players they've been invisible.

Openview launched several years down the line and are close to hitting the 4 million milestone while StarSat has a half a million subscribers. If they are given the greenlit to continue operations one would imagine ICASA fining them millions another with them still operational they could have their signals cut off and imagine how many angry consumers would fold their socials.

Why Openview Consumers Are Now Able To Watch Games Exclusive To SuperSport And DStv?

A few years ago, SuperSport which serves as one of the largest sports broadcasters in Africa offering a wide range of sports ranging from football, rugby, tennis, boxing and wrestling formalised an agreement with the SABC for Betway Premiership. Initially, these games could have been viewed on rival broadcasters like Openview alongside SABC:s DTT.

In recent years, SuperSport decided to add some restrictions to these agreements when licensing them to the SABC that included blocking transmission from being received to Openview consumers. This benefited the SABC as they would be paying much less for these rights and it prompted eMedia Investments to take legal action.

Several punches were thrown during this time with eMedia Investments accusing SuperSport of an abuse in power while they accused them of "free riding". eMedia Investments' didn't need to pay for these games as they were being broadcast on SABC 1 so this was basically burdened to the SABC at the time eMedia Investments lost this battle.

They built up another case this time pertaining to the restrictions put up by SuperSport and they took this matter to the Competition Tribunal who deemed such agreement "unlawful" or "unethical" and requested both SABC and SuperSport make their games accessible to Openview. SuperSport did warn in advance that if this were to be the predicted outcome the whole agreement would be scrapped which is exactly what happened.

Several months later, both broadcasters are able to hold hands and announce a new agreement for PSL but what caught the media's attention is the number of games being offered on the table. When SuperSport would offer 240-260 PSL games SABC would offer almost half of that but that wasn't the case here as the offering was lessened to 51 games.

In short, when SuperSport and SABC were told to lift the veil from Openview these matches became expensive and following increased pressure by several governing bodies SuperSport couldn't just refuse to sell the matches to the SABC. So rather whatever amount SABC was willing to put on the table would determine how many games they'd get being 51.

In light of this one could say that SuperSport's free-to-air rights had been limited to the amount of games a broadcaster can carry of course they can't oppose who can or cannot use the exact platforms for the same offering.

October 2024 On DreamWorks Channel Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Doug Unplugs | Returning Shows Including Spirit Riding Free | More

NEW EPISODES (40-52)

Spirit Riding Free

From Monday, 7th October

Weekdays at 8.30am, 11.50am

Weekends at 8.30am

Big adventures canter into Lucky’s life in all new episodes of DreamWorks Spirit Riding Free. Together with Pru and Abigail, Lucky and Spirit journey to the rescue in new wild expeditions, including saving a missing girl and even their own dads! Join the PALs when Miradero gets pranked on April Fool’s Day or when Snips pretends to be Lucky’s little brother for the day. Of course, nothing ever goes as planned, and the BFFs learn to overcome life’s challenges through the strength of friendship and teamwork! In the final season 2 episodes, Lucky does a lot of growing up. She becomes a big sister and takes on brand new responsibilities like babysitting! During a career day, she realises that she wants to be a veterinarian,

and most notably, Lucky visits the big city for an interview at a boarding school a long way from Miradero!

This group of episodes introduce a lot of new locations outside of Miradero as well. The PALs travel to Sawtooth City where Pru and Chica Linda perform in one episode. In another, the PALs, Maricela, and Aunt Cora visit the Grand Aroo Hotel and learn to appreciate life outside the frontier. Through all of these big changes, one things for certain: Spirit and Lucky are best friends for life, no matter what!

NEW SHOW (1-13)

Doug Unplugs

From Monday, 7th October

Weekdays at 9.45am

Weekends at 6.25am

Doug Unplugs is an animated preschool series about a young robot with a lot to experience. While other robots 'plug in' every day for what and the how, Doug's curiosity can't help but jump to the why! And for that, Doug has to unplug. Sensing there’s more to life than just the facts, Doug journeys into the human world in search of experience. There, he enlists the help of his best friend, a human ball of energy named Emma, and the two embark on discovering all the simple wonders of the world. At its core, Doug Unplugs is about the intersection of technology and humanity, and how they both keep us truly connected.

NEW EPISODES (66-78)

All Hail King Julien

From Monday, 7th October

Weekdays at 6.25am, 1.05pm, 7.20pm

Weekends at 10.35am, 3.35pm, 8.35pm

Your favourite over-the-top lemur, King Julien, and his crew, Mort, Maurice and Clover are up to all new

hilarious shenanigans in brand-new party-filled episodes of DREAMWORKS ALL HAIL KING JULIEN!

King Julien decides it’s time for changes to the kingdom when he has a ‘do-over’ as Julien 2.0, creates a Julien-centric propaganda machine, and even finds himself a new entourage. But the squad festivities rock on when Maurice runs for Mango Prime Minister and Clover considers marrying Franken-Sage!

STUNT

Halloween Specials

Saturday, 26th Oct at 6.05pm

Sunday, 27th Oct at 11.25am, 4.25pm

Thursday, 31st Oct at 6.50am, 3.35pm, 7.45pm

Scared Shrekless

Halloween is Shrek's favourite holiday - and this year he's planning a night of frights, ogre style. Instead of

the usual tricks and treats, Shrek ups the ante and challenges Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots and the

other fairy tale characters to spend the night in Lord Farquaad's castle, telling scary stories. One by one,

they compete through the night, putting their own fairytale spin on infamous spine-tingling tales that

everyone knows and loves! The last one to be scared-Shrekless wins. "Scared Shrekless" is a half-hour animated special delivering fun for the whole family.

The Pig Who Cried Werewolf

Of the famous Three Little Pigs, Heimlich is the one porker who finds a conspiracy around every corner.

When The Big Bad Wolf moves in next door, Heimlich tries to warn his piggy pals Horst and Dieter that this may not bring a fairy-tale ending. Tired of hearing him 'cry wolf,' they ignore Heimlich's warnings until it's almost too late for them to live happily ever after. The chase is on! 

Night Of The Living Carrots

It's Halloween and a mutant alien pumpkin explodes on the Murphy's carrot garden. Now, zombie carrotsrise up to attack the town, biting the townspeople and taking over their minds. B.O.B., Dr. Cockroach and The Missing Link must join forces to take on the zombie carrots and somehow, someway find a way to defeat these denizens of the dirt if they are ever going to take back the night. 

The Ghost of Lord Farquaad

Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey are on their way to the hotel where Shrek and Fiona will spend their

honeymoon when they encounter Lord Farquaad's ghost! Farquaad sends his henchman, Thelonious, to

bring Princess Fiona to him where he will force her to become the queen of the ghostly world. Now, Shrek and Donkey must save the princess in this timeless tale that’s filled with spooky-good fun.

Monsters vs Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins From Outer Space

Susan, B.O.B., The Missing Link and Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D., are back to investigate a mysterious alien

presence on Halloween and innocent-looking pumpkins are revealed for what they really are – mutant aliens! Luckily, the Monsters smash the mutants’ wicked scheme to take over Earth in this action-packed adventure starring Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie and Kiefer Sutherland. 

Far Far Away Idol

Join Shrek and the rest of the Far Far Away characters in this hilarious spoof as they battle it out in a singers’ showdown! 

October 2024 On History Channel Across Africa | Channel Premieres Including American Godfathers: The Five Families | Returning Shows Including History's Greatest Escapes With Morgan Freeman | More

CRIME MONTH

 

This month, the HISTORY Channel Africa dives into crimes from the past with capti vati ng details 

surrounding crimes that made South African headlines, to stories on mafia exploits and daring prison escapes. Great African Crimes with Mandy Wiener uncovers gripping true crime stories that have captivated the nation. Then, discover the secrets of infamous mobsters and their rise to power in two new series and follow heart-pounding accounts of inmates who defied the odds to break free. 

Brand New & Exclusive

AMERICAN GODFATHERS: THE FIVE FAMILIES 

14 October

Mondays 19h25

American Godfathers: The Five Families is a three-part documentary series that explores the creation, rise and fall of New York City’s five mafia families who over a fifty-plus-year period had a hand in every facet of organised crime in America from bootlegging and drug trafficking to extortion and gambling. The series which traces the extensive history of the mafia, beginning with its ties to Sicily, is based upon Selwyn Raab’s New York Times best-seller “Five Families: The Rise, Decline and Resurgence of America’s Most Powerful Mafia Empires.”

Repeat: Next Day 11h45

Brand New & Exclusive

HISTORY’S GREAT ESCAPES WITH MORGAN FREEMAN S2 

15 October

Tuesdays 19h25

Hosted by Morgan Freeman, star of The Shawshank Redemption, this series profi les history’s greatest escape masterminds and their plans, from inspirati on to executi on through to the thrilling manhunts that followed. In the new season of History’s Greatest Escapes with Morgan Freeman famous escapes at Devil’s Island, during the Vietnam War, and at Sobibor Death Camp during WWII, as well as other prison locati ons, are recreated to place

Freeman at the site of the acti on. The series creates an up close-and-personal view of what the prisoners are faced with in executing their break outs along with interviews from some of the prisoners themselves, their families, their cell mates and the guards and prison employees involved in each case.

Repeat: Next Day 11h45

Brand New & Exclusive

GREAT PRISON ESCAPES WITH BILLY HAYES 

15 October

Tuesdays 20h15

Billy Hayes’ legendary escape from a Turkish prison was the basis for the Oscar-winning movie Midnight Express. Now, with his unique first-hand experience Billy takes us into the world of great prison escapes. Through enactments, we’ll experience audacious jail and prison breaks in dramatic form. We’ll meet the prisoners and hear intriguing interviews with the survivors, witnesses, historians, and law

enforcement of each event. The series will probe the effect of each escape and the marks left on the cultures and legal systems of the world, the implications, and the death or glory that sometimes occurs when desperate men and women risk it all, for freedom.

Repeat: Next Day 12h35

Brand New & Exclusive

THE MAFIA AND BRITAIN

16 October

Wednesdays 19h25

Goodfellas, Gomorrah, the Godfather trilogy - for most of us the ‘mafia’ is no more than a fantasy world in movies and series. For years it’s been assumed that Britain has no connection with the mafia, but the truth is far more sinister… incredibly mafia bosses, capo’s and hitmen have lived all over the UK – from caravan parks to shoe shops and newsagents. Britain is an estuary where the river of illegal money, drugs and mafi a meets the ocean

of legiti mate money and commerce. In this series, Ross Kemp will make an epic and extraordinary journey ‘up river’, travelling its length and breadth to locate the source (in the foothills of the Sicilian mountains). In doing so he will be travelling across multi ple nati ons and back in time to reveal the intricate path where history meets globalisation in the world of the mafioso.

Repeat: Next Day 11h45

Brand New & Exclusive

GREAT AFRICAN CRIMES WITH MANDY WIENER

22 October

Tuesday 21h05

Dive into the gripping world of Great African Crimes

with host Mandy Wiener. Join us as we unravel the

chilling tales of deceit, betrayal, and intrigue. From

the notorious case of Daisy de Melker, whose story

echoes with dark secrets and unanswered questi ons, to the daring Krugersdorp bank robbery that shocked the nation, and the brazen shooting of the legendary racehorse Sea Cottage, witness the crime narratives that have gripped South Africa’s collective imagination.

Repeat: Next Day 13h25

Brand New 

FIELD OF VAMPIRES 

30 October

Wednesdays 20h15

A terrifying discovery. A skeleton buried with a sickle across her neck and a giant padlock on her toe – double protection against her rising from the dead. Whoever buried her was petrifi ed of her returning from the grave. All the evidence suggests she was buried by people who believed she was a vampire. But this is just the start of the mystery. She is wearing a silk cap. A gold headdress. A sign of high status. Inside her mouth is green. Is it a sign of poisoning, or att empted cure? Then they discover…she is not alone. More deviant burials are dug up, men, women and children buried as vampires. Archaeologists have now discovered there are 100

bodies buried beneath the surface. Using cutti ng edge DNA and forensic techniques, combined with the latest facial reconstruction, Field of Vampires brings them back to life.

Repeat: Next Day 12h35

Brand New

UFO ENCOUNTERS UK

5 October

Saturdays 19h25

Never before broadcast UFO and alien stories are told directly by the people who experienced them. We are taken through the events as they unfolded

while UFO experts and ‘debunkers’ offer their opinions as to what they may have seen or experienced. From individuals with corroborating stories, people with photographic evidence of their encounters and hypnotic regression to unlock lost

memories of missing time, this series will explore convincing accounts of one of the world’s biggest questions… are we alone?

Repeat: Sundays 18h40

THE ORIGINAL BLACK PANTHERS: 761ST TANK BATTALION

20 October

Sunday 20h15

Executive produced by and featuring Morgan

Freeman, this powerful documentary reveals the

true story behind the first Black tank unit to serve

in combat during World War II. The documentary

explores in depth the major battles the unit faced

both overseas and back home in the United States.

Repeat: Saturday 21h05

ALIEN CORRIDORS 

26 October

Saturdays 20h15

Are we being watched? This isn’t about the existence of UFOs. It’s about why they frequent certain routes. And if they do…what could that mean? Whether it’s an inexplicable flash or something strange hovering amidst the stars, every sighting makes us believe we’ve spotted them…But what if we’ve got it wrong? What if they’ve been watching us all along? Over the years dedicated UFO watchers have been keeping track of sightings and creating a worldwide grid of where our possible galatic neighbours have landed or skimmed the planet. When you take a look at these records – patt erns emerge; too obvious to dismiss. What could they want with certain areas?

Repeat: Sundays 20h15

Brand New & Exclusive

TRIUMPH: JESSE OWENS AND THE BERLIN OLYMPICS

27 October

Sunday 20h15

Narrated by award-winning actor Don Cheadle,

this documentary explores the dramatic tale of

Jesse Owens’ athletic dedication, perseverance

and triumph over Hitler’s Aryan supremacy agenda. The documentary features archival footage, animation and first-hand interviews from family members, journalists, historians, and reputable athletes including former track and field athlete Carl Lewis.

Repeat: Saturday 21h05

eMedia Investments Acquires Broadcasting Rights To New Italian Drama "Viola" For eExtra

Viola Vitale, a gorgeous and magnetic woman who has always worked in the field of fashion journalism, moves from Paris back to Palermo, armed only with optimism and trust, to search for the father she never knew.

There, Violet starts working for an online publisher, covering the crime beat, collaborating with Inspector Francesco Demir. He’s charismatic and seductive, with top investigative talent, but little faith in humanity…in that, the polar opposite of Violet. Highly intuitive on the job, Demir is also impulsive and given to bending the rules.

The pair work side-by-side on homicide cases, she as a reporter, he as a cop. Hugely difficult at first, given the clash of opposites, in time they learn to collaborate successfully. In part because Violet can count on her special gift: synesthesia.

Synesthesia is not merely a figure of speech, but also the actual spontaneous and uncontrollable blending of multiple senses – sight and hearing, for example. In Violet’s case, she associates emotions with colors. When she looks at a person, she sees a color they give off, allowing her to read their deepest, possibly hidden, feelings: fear, joy, pain…

Violet develops the ability to grasp the true mindsets of people she encounters. Behind her synesthesia, however, she guards a bigger secret, to do with her real reason for returning to Palermo.

According to insiders, eMedia Investments is looking to allocate the drama on eExtra in the coming months so we can only assume that it will most likely air by Saturday or Sunday as Viola consists of 26 episodes divided between two seasons. Another scenario would be having the show take up a weekday timeslot either where Pad Na Die Hart or Jeyran resides.

Compared to most other shows curated for eExtra's Kuiertyd, Viola was filmed in Italy so it joins the rankings of Jeyran and Sommerdahl Moorde as one of the few non-Turkish shows on the channel. Although Can Yaman (Droomvelore) is one of the lead actors and joining him is lead actress Francesca Chillemi.

Could 1Max Be The Next Channel To Exit DStv And Could It Be Replaced With Another TV Channel?

Canal+ is currently finalizing a new structure after obtaining a 45% stake of MultiChoice making them one of company's largest shareholders. After their initial bid of R29 billion was turned down earlier in the year the French broadcaster had up it's bid to R32 billion with an interim board deeming it "fair and reasonable".

Following their visit to Cape Town, they were interviewed by several journalists regarding the transaction and several things were brought up first there are no plans to fold DStv under the Canal+ trademark considering how strong they are. However, DStv and Showmax may not compliment one another for very long as they deem it as competition.

Aside from NBCUniversal's stake in the streamer, Showmax has been buying up content that isn't viewable on DStv much less 1Max same goes for DStv as there's thing with Zee Zonke and TLNovelas. Look at Disney+, SABC+ and even eVOD their existence is based on their linear portfolio and vice versa at some point this was what Showmax was with DStv but growing competition led them to scale back.

With Canal+ eyeing a takeover on MultiChoice one has to sort of wonder whether the DStv threat could be minimised to a point where some restructure could await 1Max. The French broadcaster is currently trying to navigate the limitations of a foreign company within a local market so it's likely they may never own Mzansi Magic and KykNet and could opt to launch a rivalled offering.

1Max could be that channel in which Canal+ puts all their resources and connect to the SA market as they already cater to these audiences. Other than that, when M-Net decided to close both Me and 1Magic despite this being supplemented by 1Max it's availability had been restricted with the content filtered to favour South Africa. 

Canal+ also manages to maintain a stake in VIU which is eyeing 40% with the option to increase it with 51% and they had been commissioning content such as uBettina Wethu so whose to say this channel wouldn't serve as an open window to those pursuits. I think the question is how the content will be allocated on other packages do these fall under Mzansi Wethu or will this require another TV channel like Magic Showcase.

Canal+ Is Looking For Another BEE Partner To Finalize Acquisition Of MultiChoice

Canal+ is currently finalizing a new structure after obtaining a 45% stake of MultiChoice making them one of company's largest shareholders. After their initial bid of R29 billion was turned down earlier in the year the French broadcaster had up it's bid to R32 billion with an interim board deeming it "fair and reasonable".

Canal+ intends to keep MultiChoice listed in the JSE meaning they're not attempting a complete takeover and it was reported earlier in the year that Patrice Moshepe is also in the running to help finalize this acquisition. According to Africa Intelligence, the French broadcaster is looking for another business partner to finalize this acquisition.

This does lead some to wonder how much of a stake Patrice Moshepe is willing to invest in MultiChoice if some were to guess probably around 15%-30% based on the company's financial performance they are put in a position where they can declare bankruptcy and Canal+ is the only thing giving those shares value.

Canal+ is trying to comply with local legislation by capping their rights to DStv and Showmax at 20% and with the help of Patrice Moshepe they have indirect influence over the daily operations of those services. If Patrice Moshepe is investing a small stake he probably sees the same thing former shareholders Public sees in MultiChoice - a decline in value.

For years on end, several shareholders at MultiChoice were throwing away their shares looking to take their money elsewhere and most of these shares likely went under French hands. Their remaining partners Allan Gray and The Vanguard Group have a combined total of 7% with former partner Public Investment Corporation sitting at 11%.

One can only assume that when the acquisition is complete, Canal+ will look at cutting back at some of these ventures as MultiChoice is sitting with 10 and these include DStv, GOtv, Showmax, SuperSport and M-Net. So if they were looking to close/divest in something then it would have to be either Namola, Irdeto, BetKing.

Why Impact Wrestling (Now TNA Impact!) Failed On Openview?

After losing rights to WWE a few years ago, eMedia Investments opted to rather put their focus in their remaining lineup which ranged from international movies and series to local content. By 2021, they made a strategic move by supplementing this with Impact Wrestling (now TNA) after SuperSport opted to discontinue carriage of the wrestling promotion from their platforms.

The news of TNA's inclusion on e.tv wasn't met with the best responses from wrestling and sporting fans with some making comparisons to rival WWE. This showed as TNA failed to chart in e.tv's top 20 watched shows likely due to the poor scheduling choices another being competition from both SABC 1 and SuperSport weirdly enough only of the two offered wrestling on the same day as TNA.

If there's another thing, eMedia Investments handled poorly when it comes to TNA was how they'd distribute this content while WWE's flagship shows and PPVs were all allocated on e.tv with eExtra serving as a catch-up platform. With TNA, most of its catalogue was burnt off to Openview while the flagship show was in an on/off relationship on e.tv before moving to Openview exclusively.

If anyone had to guess it's possible that TNA's viewership was rather low on e.tv and they were changing its timeslot consistently in the hopes to attract more viewers but that proved to be challenging. When they decided 4pm would be its permanent timeslot it's likely the viewership continued to plummet that it led to them burning what little was left.

StarTimes eventually snatched those rights from eMedia Investments for their consumers in the African market (including South Africa) which would give TNA's extensive lineup of content more exposure compared to when it was on Openview. 

Now the problems pertaining to TNA have nothing to do with the wrestling promotion as it is one of those top 10 wrestling promotions in the world but rather eMedia Investments. WWE had been gone for so long and viewers who couldn't afford to get DStv were forced to move on and TNA was viewed as the enemy to e.tv's extensive history with WWE.

Viewers weren't accustomed to change and ignoring it was the only way they knew this problem would fade away and eMedia Investments wasn't sports oriented like the SABC so you could say that also played a factor. Again these consumers weren't accustomed to alternative methods this is what happened when Bleach was switched for Yu-Gi-Oh on SABC 2.

Before Naruto and Bleach, SABC once held to Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh but this part of their lineup was discarded for a decade with one being picked up by e.tv so when this format was revived it received very little notice from fans. Dragon Ball was able to rank in the top 10 watched shows on SABC 2 yet Yu-Gi-Oh an old placement long forgotten by fans couldn't even chart in the top 20.

October 2024 On Food Network, Travel Channel And Discovery Family Across Africa | Channel Premieres Including Selena + Restaurant And The Haunted Museum | Channel Specials For Kids Baking Championships | More

Food Network

Selena + Restaurant S1

BRAND NEW

After a four-year culinary crash course with some of

the world's top chefs in her home kitchen, Selena

Gomez is ready to raise the stakes! She heads out to

work in a string of Los Angeles' hottest restaurants,

where she'll be put through her paces by the best in

the business.

First TX: 31 October

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 17:00

Last TX: 14 November

Kids Halloween Baking Championship

SPECIAL

Four fan favorites from Kids Baking Championship are back to battle in two frightful challenges. They must create something sweet and scary as well as a hybrid monster dessert. Only one will take home the title of champion and $10,000.

First TX: 31 October

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 20:05

Last TX: 31 October

Kids Baking Championship

SEASONAL SPECIALS

First TX: 31 October

TX Day: Thursday

Last TX: 31 October

KBC: Bloodcurdling Bakes

Four fan-favorite kid bakers create cemetery fault line cakes inspired by classic candy bars for a chance to win a $10,000 prize package.

TX Time: 21:00

KBC: Sweets-Giving

Four kid bakers celebrate Turkey Day by creating Thanksgiving buttercream boards for a chance to take home a bountiful $10,000 prize package!

TX Time: 21:55

KBC: Trick or Eat

Four fan-favorite kid bakers return to cook up

Halloween-themed pies in hopes of taking home a $10,000 prize package!

TX Time: 22:45

FEAST FROM THE EAST WEEKEND

STUNT / NEW SHOWS

Star Vs. Food: Malaysia S1 & S2

Each episode a Malaysian celebrity learns to cook with some of the most well-known restaurant chefs for their private dinner parties their friends or family.

First TX: 26 October / Last TX: 12 November

First TX: 7 September

TX Day: Saturday - Sunday

TX Time: 14:25

Last TX: 28 December

Returning shows including Halloween Cookie

Challenge S2 which premieres 4 October at 16:05, Outrageous Pumpkins S4 which premieres 6 October at 16:05, Chopped S58 which Premieres 9 October at 16:05 and Outchef'd S3 which premieres 22 October at 17:00.

Travel Channel SA

Jack Osbourne's Night Of Terror S1

Brand New

Embark on a night of terror unlike any other with paranormal investigator Jack Osbourne as he explores the most spinechilling destinations across America with his famous family and closest celebrity friends.

First TX: 24 October

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 10:05

Last TX: 21November

Travel Channel EMEA

The Haunted Museum S1

Brand New

Paranormal investigator and host of Ghost Adventures Zak Bagans joins forces with filmmaker Eli Roth, the modern master of horror, to present a terrifying film anthology inspired by pieces found in

Zak’s personal collection of haunted artifacts.

First TX: 4 October

TX Day: Friday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 8 November

Discovery Family 

Goblin Works Garage S1 & S2

NEW TO CHANNEL

Goblin Works Garage is Jimmy de Ville, Ant Partridge and Helen Stanley. Together they create stunning custom cars and bikes. They're on a mission to bring Goblin, a oncegreat British engineering company, back to life.

First TX: 1 October

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 16:45

Last TX: 25 October

Returning shows including Kindig Customs S2 which premieres 7 October at 15:50.

Weekly Roundups #2: StudioCanal Launches A Brand New Production Company, WWE SmackDown Moving Forward To Become A 3 Hour Show In 2025 And More

• Tito Jackson has passed away at the age of 70

Tito is the third oldest Jackson child in the famous Jackson family, which spawned global icons Michael and Janet Jackson. Tito and his younger brother Michael were part of the legendary Motown R&B group the Jackson 5, which included in addition to them fellow brothers Jermaine, Marlon, and Jackie Jackson. 

• Op Dun Ys to debut on eExtra this October

Based on the series Doctor Foster, Asya lives a peaceful and happy life in Tekirdağ with her husband Volkan and their son Ali. This situation changes when she learns that her husband has been having an affair with a young woman named Derin for two years.

• Long-delayed live-action Ben 10 film from Warner Bros. Studios has been scrapped 

• This Is Fate returns with a new season on Zee World with a rebroadcast of Twist Of Fate on eExtra

• Ringside Rebel joins Zee World's lineup for consumers in Southern Africa 

• South African actor Sello Motloung dead at 53

In a statement, his family says "We are devastated to inform you of the sudden passing of Ntate Sello Motloung on Sunday 15 September. His family is in shock and we ask that you give them space at this time".

• South African actor Darlington Michaels dead at 78

Best known for his role as the flamboyant gangster Georgie "Papa G" Zamdela on the long-running soap opera Isidingo, Michaels was a veteran performer whose career spanned several decades across theatre, film, and television.

• Canal+ launches a new production company, StudioCanal Kids & Family Ltd.

• CAKE saves Kitty Is Not A Cat and RBUK production company Jetpack Distribution from liquidation 

Acquiring Jetpack’s distribution catalogue essentially doubled the volume of content that CAKE is able to offer to clients, and Galton estimates the company now has roughly 3,200 half hours on hand. Jetpack was the distributor for shows such as Clangers (104 x 11 minutes), Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed! (104 x 11 minutes) and Kitty is not a Cat (130 x 11 minutes).

• WWE SmackDown moving to 3 hours ahead of Raw's debut on Netflix in 2025

StarSat's Subscriber Numbers In South Africa Likely Revealed

StarSat has currently entered a broadcasting dispute with ICASA after they were ordered to shut down their services in Africa during the week but still continued to operate. This matter was taken to the Gauteng High Court but had since been dismissed with a new case to address the the whole matter between both parties is still ongoing.

After launching as TopTV in 2008 by On Digital Media as a rival to MultiChoice's DStv, with its own lineup of premium entertainment and sports. They accumulated a chunk of debt and were on the brink of bankruptcy received several bids from a MultiChoice funded company, Zuku TV with their successful bidder being StarTimes.

Following the acquisition, StarSat was embroiled in controversy with the inclusion of pornography that led to several legal disputes with The Justice Alliance of South Africa (Jasa), Cause for Justice and Doctors for Life leading to this content to get taken off from airwaves only to be broadcast illegally and get taken off again.

At the time Top TV was broadcast the platform was said to have accumulated around 200,000 subscribers but having the possible closure, last minute bid by StarTimes and porn scandal this was reduced to 160,000 subscribers by 2013. Since then the Chinese broadcaster remained silent on its consumer numbers and rather reported their African base as a whole. 

MultiChoice continues to dominate the African landscape with around 24 million subscribers with StarTimes coming in second with roughly 13-15 million subscribers.

Through a short statement we get to see the current state of its services in South Africa 

Beyond economic growth, ICASA is also committed to ensuring the dissemination of information, entertainment, and education to the public. StarSat plays a key role in this, providing quality content to over 500,000 subscribers at affordable rates. Its service offers a diverse range of programming that supports the informational and entertainment needs of South Africans.

Let's remember, Openview was launched several years later and has more subscribers than StarSat amounting to 3 million which is almost half of MultiChoice SA's business which is 7 million. Although StarSat didn't give an accurate number this "over" thing has been used by DStv when listing the bouquet of entertainment for each package.

If anything, StarSat is probably sitting with 501,000-550,000 consumers in South Africa alone so they're lagging around the same corridor at governments struggling STBs which had its offering reach 400,000 homes by 2020. I think the big question now is how many consumers had they been gaining or if there was any growth in recent years.

When MultiChoice and eMedia Investments dumped the now defunct Glow TV from their platforms there were rumours swirling around that StarSat's consumer numbers were very low and most of the income accumulated by Glow TV resided with Openview.

These numbers sort of prove this theory just imagine how many channels StarSat has under their umbrella while brands like CNN and National Geographic are lucky enough to be viewed in other parts of Africa and through DStv. Local channels like Rising Sun TV and One Freestate Televisual probably have around 2000+ viewers and don't generate as much income.

The issue with StarSat to be honest has barely much to do with DStv I mean Openview launched years after them and still got more subscribers despite charging no monthly fees. If anything the issue would have to be how they position themselves within the market which is very dismal if not almost non existent.

I mean with DStv and Openview these can be found at major retailers like Makro, Game and PEP yet StarSat has no presence in those retailers. Then there's ad space, despite having an Openview at their grasp eMedia Investments even SABC still market DStv yet there's been no presence of StarSat in these endeavours.