South Africa Says Goodbye To StarSat, While StarTimes Stays Tuned In Across Africa

StarSat is a pay-tv platform operated by On Digital Media and StarTimes that distributes locally produced and international channels. Since 2010, it was the only DStv competitor in South Africa and following a raid by ICASA in October of last year leaves MultiChoice's DStv as the only contender despite promises of a comeback.

At the time, StarSat consumers continued paying for their services and the company continued distributing their services and provided employment. Most of which has now been halted as On Digital Media who serves as the license holder in South Africa remained silent on how consumers would be compensated 

According to a recent report by MyBroadband, On Digital Media has confirmed that the company had been liquidated meaning 500,000 decoders have converted to bricks and also job losses. Don't get me started on One Freestate Televisual and Rising Sun TV who very much like SABC News depended on StarSat for survival now that's dead too.

On Digital Media like I've said should have been transparent from the very start they didn't need to hide such important details from channel providers, employees and consumers. Some are starting the new year without a TV or jobs due to On Digital Media's negligence.

Not really shocking that they'd remain discreet and fabricate stories they've done this over the years with some of their channels but still I feel a little honesty would have gone a long way.

With StarTimes holding 65% economic interest with voting rights still at 20% continues to be rival with MultiChoice's DStv in other African countries. This exit is not a loss for them either way, they have a huge consumer base in these countries and also the cable market is crashing in South Africa.

For those who don't know what liquidation entails, On Digital Media is selling whatever scraps they have left to pay off any debts before closing shop. So if I was a subscriber, I'd advise you to reach out on wecare@starsat.co.za. but many have gone unanswered and it would be gut wrenching if these consumers never get refunded.

Is Comcast's SpinCo Another Canal+'s LicenceCo As The Company Remains Silent On The Future Of It's Cable Networks On DStv And The Rest Of The World?

Later in the year, Comcast will be offloading most of its cable networks under the entity SpinCo while retaining NBC, Bravo and Telemundo. Questions hovering around this transaction is how Universal TV, E!, Studio Universal and DreamWorks Channel which are currently seen on MultiChoice's DStv will survive in the long run.

With media companies prioritising streaming outlets and leaving very little content for broadcasters like M-Net has led channels to close or Comedy Central and Telemundo's case little content. In such scenarios, a company can look to offload a network I mean look at SpinCo it claimed it's first victim, Universal Kids.

MultiChoice SA is set to undergo a potential restructuring in the coming months should Canal+ be able to get LicenceCo of the ground. This entity which is owned by Phuthuma Nathi and two historically disadvantaged businesses that will exist to benefit MultiChoice and work closely with them to manage DStv subscriptions and the content.

This doesn't include its services in other countries meaning DStv and Showmax will continue to be properties of MultiChoice while in South Africa only one of the two (Showmax) will form part of the acquired company.

Comcast in its attempt to build SpinCo has been very hush hush about the future of its cable networks in other countries and Sky Group which kind of begs the question. Is SpinCo just like LicenceCo an entity existing to benefit Comcast and working closely with the company to leverage of Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation.

Internationally, these networks haven't been too dependant on their studios and SpinCo just feels like Comcast's way of duplicating an existing trait to the United States. I mean they had stated most of the content seen on SpinCo isn't on Peacock and this is how international feeds are aligned.

Besides both entities will have the same investors so there's no reason to think why not in this case. Although, Comcast is losing money from these networks in the United States there is still a lot of dependency in other countries so I'd imagine Comcast's international business will become MultiChoice or LicenceCo.

This is the only way DreamWorks Channel and Telemundo (in Africa) can survive from such a corporate structure.

With more focus shifting toward streaming services, SpinCo doesn't have much options when it comes to programming so I'd imagine them leveraging off Comcast for the foreseeable future. MSNBC and CNBC being news channels can build an identity outside of NBC News.

Canal+ And MultiChoice: Packaging AI For Africa’s Future???

A+ Kids is an educational linear TV, VOD & OTT services supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) gamified educational digital platform for kids aged 3-7 focusing on learning English, math, science and the world around us. Integrating videos and games - all packaged into a simple to use gamified world.

For those who don't know, MultiChoice's potential new owners Canal+ (through Thema Distribution) has been supplying A+ Kids to consumers in parts of Europe and Africa. One has to wonder with the French broadcaster eyeing DStv if they'll look to get some if not all their services from Francophone markets on the platform.

MultiChoice had outlined that the transaction would lead them to additional content and services. This could also include aligning/integrating the offering of Canal+ Afrique with that of DStv.

Artificial intelligence has already seen dominance that Google and X (Formerly Twitter) incorporate it to their daily operations and I hear Sky News is diving into the digital world with AI being added to the mix. It is only a matter of time till MultiChoice (with a fallen DStv base) looks to incorporate in order to minimise jobs and save money.

Since 2023, Google has destroyed the livelihoods of several independent sites including HouseFresh, Retrododo, Giant Freakin Robot and Ready Steady Cut. Some of these sites generated part of their revenue through ads which was used to pay employees and other expenses with traffic being diverted has led such businesses to even close.

I'm not saying AI is bad entirely there's A+ Kids which is constructed for educational purposes but it is a job stealer. Look at Mindset on channel 319, within each course you have a different invigilator for each subject unlike AI+ Kids which relies on animation and a voice typing machine.

March 2025 On HGTV, Food Network, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel And Real Time Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Who Is Luigi Mangione | Returning Shows Including Chopped | More

HGTV

Homes Gone Wild S1

BRAND NEW

Jack McBrayer tours some of America's wackiest and wildest homes that have recently been on the real estate market.

First TX: 3 March

TX Day: Monday

TX Time: 22:00

Last TX: 31 March

The Flip Off S1

BRAND NEW

America's most famous flipping exes Tarek El Moussa and Christina Haack reunite in a head-to-head competition to determine who's the ultimate flipper!

First TX: 27 March

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 1 May

Returning shows include Home Town S8 on 18 March at 22:00 and The Flipping El Moussas S2 on 13 March at 22:00.

Food Network

Returning shows include Symon's Dinners Cooking Out S5 on 2 March at 16:05, Chopped S61 on 19 March at 16:05 and Wildcard Kitchen S2 on 29 March at 21:55.

Investigation Discovery

Who is Luigi Mangione?

BRAND NEW SPECIAL

Writings and social media posts help to reveal the secret life and troubles of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of the brazen murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson and whom so many people are calling a hero.

First TX: 2 March

TX Day: Sunday

TX Time: 21:55

Last TX: 2 March

Returning shows include Murder Under the Friday

Night Lights S4 on 31 March at 21:00, Evil Lives Here S9B on 4 March at 21:00, Exposed: Naked Crimes S2 on 12 March at 21:00, Road Rage S2 on 12 March at 21:55 and Death By Fame S3 on 21 March at 21:00.

Travel Channel

Mysteries at the Museum

Specials

• Is Amelia Earhart Alive TX: 6 March

Don Wildman investigates the disappearance of Amelia Earhart.

• The Deadly 1906 Earthquake TX: 13 March

Don Wildman journeys back in time to investigate the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

• The Loch Ness Monster Lives TX: 20 March

Don Wildman unlocks the secrets of the Loch Ness Monster.

• The Watergate Scandal TX: 27 March

Don Wildman examines the scandal that led to Richard Nixon’s resignation.

First TX: 6 March

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 21:10

Last TX: 27 March

Returning shows include House Hunters 

International S116 & S117 on 3 March at 06:00.

Real Time

Celebrate! With Chef Nti S1

NEW TO CHANNEL

Join Chef Nti as she adds her delicious twists to

your favourite celebratory foods!

First TX: 4 March

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 12:01

Last TX: 13 March

Home Inspector Joe S1

NEW TO CHANNEL

With a sixth sense for safety, Joe Mazza helps

families find and renovate their perfect new home.

First TX: 18 March

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 15:50

Last TX: 18 April

Returning shows include A Crime to Remember S3 on 1 March at 22:30.

March 2025 On Discovery Channel And TLC Across Africa | Channel Premiere: The Baldwins | Returning Shows Including Naked And Afraid | More

Discovery Channel 

Body Cam S1

NEW TO CHANNEL

Body Cam captures the up-close and dangerous world of America's police officers.

First TX: 4 March

TX Day: Tuesday

TX Time: 21:55

Last TX: 6 May

Ant Anstead: Born Mechanic S1

BRAND NEW

Mechanic Ant Anstead restores cars and a rundown farmhouse for his parents.

First TX: 14 March

TX Day: Friday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 2 May

Shed And Buried: Classic Cars S1

BRAND NEW

Henry Cole and Fuzz Townsend are back on the road, but this time they’re looking for iconic vintage vehicles to restore and sell for a tidy profit.

First TX: 7 March

TX Day: Friday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 25 April

Returning shows include Naked And Afraid S11 on 26 March at 21:55.

TLC 

The Baldwins S1

BRAND NEW

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin have been making headlines since they were married nearly 10 years ago. In this TLC follow-doc series, Alec and Hilaria invite viewers into the homes they share with their seven growing kids. For the first time, they're opening up their family lives and bringing everyone in to join the nonstop love, laughter and drama.

South Africa:

First TX: 24 March

TX Day: Monday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 12 May

Africa:

First TX: 1 March

TX Day: Saturday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 19 April

Louder: The Soundtrack of Change

BRAND NEW DOCUMENTARY

A journey across generations, eras and genres, anchored by female musical icons, from Producers Selena Gomez and Stacey Abrams. 

South Africa:

First TX: 8 March

TX Day: Saturday

TX Time: 22:00

Last TX: 8 March

X Trillion

NEW TO CHANNEL

*Part of International Women's Day stunt*

A crew of women embark on a voyage across the North Pacific Ocean to examine the crisis of plastic pollution in one of the world's remote places.

Sub-Saharan Africa:

First TX: 8 March

TX Day: Saturday

TX Time: 19:45 WAT/18:35 CAT

Last TX: 8 March

Toddlers & Tiaras S1

NEW TO CHANNEL

Girls and boys across the country light up the stage to impress the judges for big crowns, big titles, and lots of cash. 

Africa:

First TX: 2 March

TX Day: Sunday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 27 April

Returning shows in South Africa include 90 Day Fiancé S11 on 6 March at 20:00 and The Curious Case of Natalia Grace S3: The Final Chapter on 21 March at 22:00. Returning shows in the rest of Africa include Body Bizarre S8 on 13 March at 21:00 and 7 Little Johnstons S9 on 31 March at 21:00.

The Thundermans: Undercover To Make It's European And African Debut On Nickelodeon From April 7th

Nickelodeon Global which comprises of Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Servia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Africa and Turkey will premiere The Thundermans: Undercover, a brand-new spinoff series based on the live-action show, The Thundermans, on Monday 7th April.

The half-hour series follows Phoebe and Max as they are sent undercover to handle a new threat in the beachside town of Secret Shores and bring Chloe along to develop her superhero talent. 

In the premiere episode, “Thundercover,” Phoebe and Max are assigned a mission in their new hi-tech beach home base, where their superhero identities remain a secret. They bring Chloe along to help her have a normal life, but the trio must stop the threats of Secret Shores and the true supervillain known as the Mastermind.

The Thundermans: Undercover stars original series cast members Kira Kosarin as “Phoebe,” Jack Griffo as “Max,” and Maya Le Clark as “Chloe.” The show also stars Daran Norris as “Thunderford,” and Dana Snyder as the voice of “Dr. Colosso,” as well as new cast members Kinley Cunningham as “Booch” and Nathan Broxton as “Jinx.”

The series will also feature guest appearances from original series cast members including: Chris Tallman as “Hank,” Rosa Blasi as “Barb,” Diego Velazquez as “Billy,” Addison Riecke as “Nora,” Audrey Whitby as “Cherry,” Kenny Ridwan as “Gideon,” Helen Hong as “Mrs. Wong,” Jeff Meachum as “Principal Bradford” and Daniele Gaither as “Super President Kickbutt.” Other guest stars include Ryan Ochoa, Jessica Marie Garcia, Lilimar and Anna McNulty.

The Thundermans premiered on Nickelodeon in October 2013 and wrapped its four-season run in 2018. Created and executive produced by three-time Emmy Award-winner Jed Spingarn, the scripted half-hour series follows superhero twins with opposite personalities, Phoebe and Max Thunderman, as they navigate their way through school, friends and a family of extraordinary superheroes, all while keeping their true identities a secret.

The Thundermans: Undercover is executive produced by Jed Spingarn (Big Time Rush, Jimmy Neutron) and Sean W. Cunningham & Marc Dworkin (The Thundermans, Julie and the Phantoms). Kira Kosarin serves as an executive producer and makes her directorial debut in the episode titled “Prank You, Next.” Jack Griffo is also an executive producer on the series. The pilot is directed and co-executive produced by Trevor Kirschner (The Thundermans Return, Raven’s Home). Production of the series for Nickelodeon Studios is overseen by Shauna Phelan, Head of Nickelodeon & Awesomeness Live-Action, along with Executive Brian Banks.

Detailed Analysis On The Purposed Structure Of Canal+'s MultiChoice And LicenceCo

The company has presented regulators with a merger plan that takes into account the interests of South Africa's historically disadvantaged citizens.

Multichoice recently outlined the company’s potential structure following a proposed merger with French broadcasting giant Canal+.

Last year, Canal+ made a mandatory offer to acquire all the issued shares of MultiChoice Group not already owned by the group. The companies approached South African regulatorsregarding the proposed deal in October 2024.

Multichoice has assured customers that a proposed transaction with Canal+ will not disrupt their services, despite the changes it will bring to the company's structure in South Africa. The proposed merger, valued at R55 billion (approx. $2,9 billion), will see Canal+ acquire the remaining shares of Multichoice that it does not already own. However, this transaction is subject to a variety of regulations and must navigate a complex set of government rules, including those set out by South Africa's Electronic Communications Act (ECA) and competition regulators.

The deal would see Multichoice and Canal+ combine their resources, which Multichoice says will lead to improved content and technology for its subscribers. The company reassured its customers that, even if the deal goes through, they will continue to access their services as usual. Over time, the merger could also lead to better offerings, driven by the combined investments of both companies.

However, navigating South Africa’s regulatory landscape poses significant challenges for the merger. The ECA imposes strict ownership rules, including a limitation on foreign control of broadcasting licenses. A foreign entity like Canal+ cannot directly control a South African broadcaster like Multichoice, and no more than 20% of the directors of a commercial licensee can be foreigners. This creates a hurdle for the French broadcasting giant in acquiring full control of Multichoice.

To address these restrictions, Multichoice has proposed creating an independent entity called LicenceCo, which would hold the broadcasting license in South Africa. This entity would also handle subscriber contracts and would be majority-owned by Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDPs). This includes the group’s Phuthuma Nathi BEE scheme, which will ultimately hold a 27% economic interest in LicenceCo, two black-owned and managed companies, Identity Partners Itai Consortium and Afrifund Consortium, and a Workers’ Trust (ESOP).

Currently 

Proposed Structure

The remainder of Multichoice’s video entertainment assets would then remain part of the Multichoice Group, which would hold a minority 49% economic interest and—crucially—20% voting rights in LicenceCo. The company would also retain 75% of Multichoice South Africa – excluding LicenceCo – while Phuthuma Nathi would keep its 25% stake. Following this complex process would allow Canal+ to acquire the Multichoice Group fully while meeting the regulatory requirements of the ECA.

Despite the complexity of this structure, Multichoice remains confident that the transaction will not affect customer services. The companies are now waiting for approval from South Africa’s regulatory bodies, including the Financial Surveillance Department, the JSE, and Icasa. 

The article was originally published by Brics Competition SA and Business Tech

March 2025 On TNT Across Africa | Celebrating Bruce Willis With Channel Premiere Deadlock | From Zero To Hero Stunt With Second Channel Premiere Shazam! | More

 

* Premieres in bold only 

And the Winner is…

Stunt

Honour the 97th Academy Awards with TNT! This March, tune in every Sunday for a special lineup of Oscar-winning movies, starting on the 2nd. Each week, we'll highlight different award categories like Best Movie, Best Director, and Best Actor.

Sunday, 2 March

11:40 Gladiator (2000)

14:15 Braveheart (1995)

17:10 Titanic (1997)

20:25 Saving Private Ryan (1997)

Sunday, 9 March

18:00 Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, 

Missouri (2015)

20:00 The Revenant (2015)

Sunday, 16 March

18:10 Get Out (2017)

20:00 Pulp Fiction (1994)

Sunday, 23 March

18:00 Speed (2017)

20:00 Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) 

Sunday, 30 March

17:50 Star Trek (2009)

20:00 Independence Day (2010)

Celebrating Willis

Stunt

Celebrate Bruce Willis's 70th Birthday with TNT! Every Wednesday, enjoy a selection of his most iconic and recent films. On 19th March, his birthday, don't miss the marathon of the complete Die Hard saga, featuring his iconic role as John McClane.

Wednesday, 5 March

20:30 Corrective Measures (2022)

22:25 Sin City (2005)

00:30 Fire with Fire (2012)

Wednesday, 12 March

20:30 Deadlock (2021)

22:10 White Elephant (2022)

Wednesday, 19 March

14:00 Die Hard (1988)

16:15 Die Hard 2 (1990)

18:20 Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)

20:30 Live Free or Die Hard (2007)

22:40 A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)

Wednesday, 26 March

20:30 Vendetta (2022)

22:15 Apex (2021)

From Zero to Hero

Stunt

This March, every Saturday in prime time, enjoy a hilarious and action-packed lineup of comedy movies where ordinary characters become unexpected heroes. Tune in for a month of laughter and surprising heroism!

Saturday, 1 March

18:15 Johnny English Reborn (2011)

20:00 Shazam! (2019)

Saturday, 8 March

16:50 Kung Fu Panda (2008)

18:25 Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)

20:00 Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)

Saturday, 15 March

18:15 Kick-Ass 2 (2013)

20:00 Get Smart (2008)

Saturday, 22 March

17:55 Spy (2015)

20:00 Tropic Thunder (2008)

Saturday, 29 March

18:20 Guns Akimbo (2019)

20:00 Shaun of the Dead (2004)

The Vengeful Path

Stunt

Every Friday in March, dive into thrilling revenge movies on TNT. Experience intense stories

of justice and retribution, with heart-pounding action and unforgettable tales of vengeance.

Friday, 7 March

20:30 Fight Club (1999)

22:50 Con Air (1997)

Friday, 14 March

20:30 Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

22:25 Face Off (1997)

Friday, 21 March

20:30 Taken 2 (2012)

22:05 Taken 3 (2014)

Friday, 28 March

20:30 American Gangster (2007)

23:05 Haywire (2011)

Nickelodeon Announces All-New Animated Series Avatar: Seven Havens Set In The World Of Avatar: The Last Airbender

Nickelodeon is continuing the mythology and adventure of the beloved animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender with Avatar: Seven Havens, an all-new series from creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. Set in the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender, the original 26-episode, 2D-animated series centers around a young Earthbender who discovers she's the new Avatar. The news was announced today by Ramsey Naito, President, Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation.

"For two decades, the richly crafted world of Avatar: The Last Airbender has introduced audiences to a world of compelling characters and groundbreaking storylines, captivating fans globally," said Naito. "We can't wait to embark on the next chapter of this epic saga, with a new story set within the Avatarverse, envisioned by the original creators, Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko."

"When we created the original series, we never imagined we'd still be expanding the world decades later," said Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. "This new incarnation of the Avatarverse is full of fantasy, mystery, and a whole new cast of amazing characters. Get ready to take another epic and emotional adventure!"

Avatar: Seven Havens is set in a world shattered by a devastating cataclysm. A young Earthbender discovers she's the new Avatar after Korra – but in this dangerous era, that title marks her as humanity's destroyer, not its savior. Hunted by both human and spirit enemies, she and her long-lost twin must uncover their mysterious origins and save the Seven Havens before civilization's last strongholds collapse.

The series is in production under the Avatar Studios banner from Nickelodeon Animation in Burbank. Avatar: Seven Havens is comprised of Book 1 (13 half-hour episodes) and Book 2 (13 half-hour episodes). Michael DiMartino (Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra) and Bryan Konietzko (Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra) are co-creators and executive producers. Ethan Spaulding is executive producer and Sehaj Sethi is co-executive producer. Additional news of the premiere date and casting will be announced at a later date.

Previously announced, Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies' highly anticipated Untitled Animated Aang Avatar film debuts only in theatres on January 30, 2026, featuring a voice cast that includes Dave Bautista, Dionne Quan, Jessica Matten, Román Zaragoza and introducing Eric Nam.

The news comes as Nickelodeon celebrates the milestone 20th anniversary of Avatar: The Last Airbender with all-new original digital content across the Paramount ecosystem, one-of-a-kind experiences, and exclusive consumer products and games. Since its debut February 21, 2005, Avatar: The Last Airbender has been a fixture with fans around the world, spawning a universe of popular characters, a spinoff series with The Legend of Korra, several bestselling book series, live orchestra world tour and an upcoming theatrical film.

News Shorts: Zee One Launches New Series The Unseen Yanking Off Ruzia Sultan, The Home Channel Is Flipping Homes With Hoarder House Flippers And Disney Channel HD Might Be In Development For DStv Consumers In South Africa

The Unseen can never be seen again

Zee One in a weird turn of events had decided to retract the historical drama Razia Sultan from the schedule and without prior notice slotted The Unseen. It's very strange how they can just pull off a show that was already accessible on Zee World for its entirety and a similar move had befallen Curse Of The Sands.

Synopsis for The Unseen

The Bengali series follows Vikram and his family who live in a house in Laalkuthi that is filled with paranormal inhabitants. The story revolves around how Anamika, after marrying Vikram, reveals the secret of Laalkuthi as she also felt something amiss in the house.

The lead actors are Rooqma Ray as Anamika Roy Chowdhury and Rahul Banerjee as Vikram Dastidar.

The Home Channel launches new show, Hoarder House Flippers

In a red-hot housing market, smart flippers know the lengths they have to go to in order to make the highest profit and, sometimes that means taking on a dingy ‘hoarder house’. Buried under years of clutter, trash and neglect, these neighbourhood eyesores are typically a homebuyer’s worst nightmare, but for three entrepreneurial teams of flippers, hoarder houses offer a unique opportunity.

In each episode, one renovation team digs deep, rolling up their sleeves to take on the full transformation of a dilapidated house. They work day and night to clear out the junk and breathe new life into these challenging properties, turning them into gorgeous, desirable homes, all in the hopes of turning a major profit.

Hoarder House Flippers will broadcast Monday, 24 March 2025 at 12:00. New episodes will also be allocated on Thursday at 20:00 & Friday at 19:00.

Disney Channel getting the HD spotlight

With MultiChoice in the middle of a potential restructuring should Canal+ get approval from regulators to acquire the South African based company has a couple of premium tailored channels that aren't HD. Yes, we're referring to you Disney Channel compared to the amount of reruns on DStv they pulled a good fight.

It's stunning how a secondary network like Cartoonito is able to be HD before Disney Channel but this is a DStv/MultiChoice thing. For sometime, we had teased that Disney Channel would be HD which turned out to be none other than localised feed for some Southern African countries.

But now we're more convinced that this could potentially be an HD feed for the channel as it's floating around with the same channel as channel 303. Disney Channel did rebrand in the United States and who knows maybe alongside a potential HD feed will be makeover and perhaps an unveiling of upcoming shows like StuGO for instance.

A Channel First: Plaas Van Passie, KykNet & Kie's First Ever Brazilian Telenovela Debuts In March 2025

Following the rollout of Sommerdahl Moorde and Viola on eExtra in 2024, it appears as if more outlets are going a similar route as eBranded channel and extending their offering outside of Istanbul. As KykNet & Kie has acquired rights to the Brazilian telenovela Plass Van Plassie (Terra e Paixão).

This will be the first time in over a decade that an M-Net channel had partnered with Brazilian broadcaster TV Globo known for Orphan Of A Nation and Empire. Unlike the previous partnerships, this will be the first series to have been dubbed in local languages (Afrikaans).

Synopsis for Plass Van Plassie 

When her husband is killed in a land grabbing attempt, Aline takes charge of cultivating his land and protecting his family. Facing the powerful Antonio La Selva, responsible for the death of her husband and the largest landowner in the region, Aline is determined to keep possession of her land and invest in its production. However, she didn't expect that she would fall in love with Daniel, son of her rival, who is at odds with his rebellious half-brother, Caio, who, in turn, also falls in love with the girl. In the interior of Brazil, Aline will have to fight two battles: the dispute for her lands and for her heart.

Plass Van Plassie aired on TV Globo from 8 May 2023 and concluded on 19 January 2024 with 221 hour long episodes. It starred Bárbara Reis, Cauã Reymond, Glória Pires, Tony Ramos, Paulo Lessa, Agatha Moreira and Johnny Massaro. 

Plaas Van Plassie will air Mondays to Thursdays at 20:00 CAT from 10 March on KykNet & Kie replacing My Naam Is Farah. Also launching in the month of March will be the sixth and final season of Doodsondes on eExtra and new series Happily Ever After on TLNovelas.

Muvhango Reportedly Cancelled Again On SABC 2 Following Relaunch In 2024

With the public broadcaster technically insolvent, they had some run ins with Danie Odendaal Productions over unpaid expenses for the now axed Afrikaans soap 7de Laan. SABC had to scrape the barrel and find some cash in order to film the last batch of episodes from 7de Laan.

Last year, Muvhango being the last remaining soap on SABC 2 was cut short without any notice from the public broadcaster. They thought rehashing the older seasons to the show would draw in audiences but this led to some backlash and public outcry which promoted SABC to resurrect Muvhango.

They promised a new logo, title and so forth none of which came to fruition and deployed Imbewu star Leleti Khumalo in the hopes that she'll elevate the ratings. But Muvhango hasn't recovered since then, after its short cancellation they show had 1 million viewers from September of last year and that dropped to 900,000 by November.

According to South African entertainer Phil Mphela, Muvhango will not be renewed beyond its current season on SABC 2 meaning it will end by mid 2025 presumably by July to September. At this point, I wouldn't be completely shocked if it weren't replaced with another (Venda) soap I mean look at 7de Laan.

Because of SABC's redundancy, consumers have fled to KykNet and e.tv which by the way launched its first Afrikaans soap in 2024, Kelders Van Gehieme. SABC 3 had launched a rival offering to eExtra's Kuiertyd or alternative to 7de Laan which recieves very little notice from the media and other audiences.

SABC in a response to Phil's announcements doesn't deny or confirm the allegations about Muvhango but stated that the contract for the show will end in July 2025 and at this stage there is no update on a renewal. But if I'm being honest I believe this is the end as the viewership continues to plummet for Muvhango while SABC 1's offering sees stability.

SABC 2 becoming another S3???

This is something that has been floating around platforms for sometime as SABC 3 was hovering around 1.5 million viewers by 2013-5 and now they're sitting with under 300,000-600,000. Then there's Muvhango which only had 900,000 and possibly much lower figures into 2025.

It's not only SABC 2 that is seeing a dip in viewership but even SABC 1, e.tv and Mzansi Magic had seen a drop. If there's anything that these drops are indicating is that broadcasters need to rethink their strategies try to figure out drawing people away from these networks and onto Netflix.

My guess originality, most shows tend to recycle themes or storylines and Netflix has plenty of diversity with their offering. This one is targeted at the elephant in the room (SABC), I feel they shouldn't be overspending on local content even knowing that a fraction of households actually pay TV license.

I think S3 has to go now especially if SABC won't be able to accommodate the big 3 or maybe turn it into an overflow of some sorts for SABC+ and their offering on DTT. Things aren't looking good for the SABC I know they envision that they'll be debt free at some point in the future but cable or at least in South Africa is far from recovery.

Reminder: National Geographic Dishes Up No Taste Like Home With Antoni Porowski This February Across Africa

Every dish tells a story. National Geographic has announced a mouthwatering new series NO TASTE LIKE HOME WITH ANTONI POROWSKI, set to premiere on Wednesdays at 20:30, from 26 February (ends 2 April) on National Geographic (DStv 181, Starsat 220) across Africa. This tantalizing six-part docuseries invites viewers to join culinary expert and Emmy® Award-winning star of “Queer Eye” Antoni Porowski as he guides celebrity guests on epic journeys to explore their ancestral gastronomic roots.

 

From the bustling streets of Italy to the lush jungles of Borneo, each episode promises an exploration of the rich heritage tied to beloved family recipes. With a star lineup that includes Emmy-winning actress Awkwafina (“A Real Bug’s Life,” “Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens”), SAG-nominated actor Henry Golding (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”), Emmy-nominated actor James Marsden (“Paradise,” “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”), Academy Award®-nominated actress Florence Pugh (“We Live in Time,” “Dune: Part Two”), Emmy-nominated actress Issa Rae (“Insecure,” “American Fiction”), and Emmy-winning actor Justin Theroux (“The Leftovers,” “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice”), the series serves up a delectable blend of food, culture and personal discovery.

 

“It’s a beautiful adventure to discover our past through the great connector that is food,” said Porowski. “I’m honored to go on this journey of self-discovery with new and old friends alongside National Geographic as we learn together about the ways different cultures celebrate food and experience their traditions.”

In each episode, Antoni and his guests uncover the unique stories behind cherished family dishes, such as the delicious origins of Theroux’s family pasta in Italy or the delectable flavors of Awkwafina’s Korean heritage. Along the way, they meet local travelers who share their own family stories and culinary traditions, culminating in a family meal that includes a classic dish from the region that will illuminate the beauty of each culture. From dining with royalty to off-roading 4x4s, each culinary adventure is filled with heartwarming moments, vibrant flavors, and surprising revelations that dive deep into the stories behind each guest’s ancestry.

Episodes include:

● “FLORENCE PUGH’S ENGLISH ODYSSEY”

Antoni helps Florence explore the origins of her family’s passion for food as they travel through Oxford, the Yorkshire coast and London. Together, they encounter delicious dishes and discover stories of ancestors whose livelihoods set in motion this embrace of food that has transcended generations.

● “AWKWAFINA’S KOREAN HOMECOMING”

Awkwafina lost her mother at a young age. Eager to help her reconnect with her South Korean culinary and ancestral heritage, Antoni curates a voyage of discovery filled with new experiences, family revelations, and evocative flavors, which combine to give Awkwafina a new perspective on her own identity.

● “JUSTIN THEROUX’S ITALIAN QUEST”

Seeking the origins of a family pasta dish, Antoni takes Justin on an Italian road trip full of delicious discoveries and surprising revelations. From chasing chickens to harvesting clams, they sample the region’s finest food and uncover how Justin’s Italian ancestry relates to a family dish that made its way across the Atlantic.

 

● “JAMES MARSDEN’S GERMAN DISH UP”

On the hunt for the origins of the Marsden family’s beloved chicken fried steak, Antoni takes James from the Texas plains to Germany. Together, they discover just how much the experiences of his German forebears have shaped James’ family history. While dining with royalty and scaling the Bavarian Alps, they unearth dramatic secrets behind James’ ancestors’ decision to emigrate.

● “ISSA RAE’S SENEGALESE ROYAL ROOTS”

Antoni takes Issa to her father’s homeland of Senegal, where they uncover ancestral stories of powerful women and royal connections. Through this culinary journey, Issa learns more about her family’s epic history and how it all relates to her own identity.

● “HENRY GOLDING’S MALAYSIAN ADVENTURE”

Antoni takes Henry to Borneo, where they unearth family stories and taste their way to a deeper connection with Henry’s mother’s Iban heritage. As they cook with long-lost family and newfound friends, Henry learns that genealogy in this oral tradition is about far more than storytelling.

Get ready for heartwarming stories, unforgettable flavors, and the joyous exploration of what it means to be connected to our past through food.

NO TASTE LIKE HOME WITH ANTONI POROWSKI is produced by Studio Ramsay Global, building on the prolific food programming relationship between Gordon Ramsay’s production outfit and National Geographic, a partnership rooted in creating four seasons of the award-winning food travelogue GORDON RAMSAY: UNCHARTED. As well as presenting, Porowski will executive produce the series alongside Ramsay and Lisa Edwards. The showrunner is Robin O’Sullivan, and the executive in charge of production is Jill Greenwood. The series is directed by Leo McRea, Jenny Dames and Graeme Hart. For National Geographic, Betsy Forhan is executive producer, Charlie Parsons is senior vice president of Development, Bengt Anderson is senior vice president of Unscripted Production, and Tom McDonald is executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Content.

Play Room (Live) Vs. Teen Africa TV: Is Anyone Safe In This Game Of Cat And Mouse?

Play Room launched in November 2023 offering a mixture of live-action and animated content part of which were dubbed in local languages to consumers in South Africa. Prior to this, Africa's first channel for teenagers Teen Africa TV was introduced offering locally produced content ranging from reality shows, educational content and movies.

This was MultiChoice's second and third attempt at tapping into the local kids space following the demise of K-TV. With companies such as Disney pivoting toward streaming, MultiChoice was hoping to use Teen Africa TV and Play Room as channels to fill that gap.

Play Room had proved to be a popular addition to DStv following the launch of Play Room Live alongside diverse slate of local content with Bino And Fino (Nigeria), Jabu's Jungle (South Africa) and Akili And Me (Kenya). Teen Africa TV had a Nigerian adaptation of the musical La Voz Kids (The Voice Kids Nigeria) with Teen Street Live.

Fast forward to the present, you could say there have been some bizarre developments regarding Africa's Nickelodeon and Disney Channel.

Play Room has been rehashing if not piling up on content with Teen Titans GO!, Batwheels, Rainbow Rangers and Superhero Kindergarten. Not that it's a bad thing (entirely), most channels nowadays are zombified but viewers need consistency for which the channel lacks.

To make matters worse, Play Room Live appears to be in the danger zone with the channel dubbing it Play Room Live 2.0 following the holiday slumber. Not only has Play Room Live Reloaded been axed but now the youth show runs for half an hour.

At this point, I wouldn't be shocked if it got the boot I mean most kids don't rely on DStv nowadays to watch Cocomelon as everything can be streamed. I mean you don't often Hectic Nine-9 on SABC 2 and even K-TV had a youth show that too got the axe.

As for Teen Africa TV, I'd say it's in a much worser state than Play Room (Live) because now it's like Magic Showcase and broadcasts in certain parts of the day. From what I read, there was even some drama with the crew members for not getting paid for their work on the channel.

This is a channel that MultiChoice picked up in 40+ countries and viewers were perplexed by some of the content in hand particularly the dramas and movies. Disney Channel and Nickelodeon would often exempt themselves from any adult themes and this didn't extend to Teen Africa TV.

With very little marketing or much of a social presence, I wouldn't be shocked if Teen Africa TV were to end up like Media24's HONEY that was meant to be Africa's BBC Lifestyle. There's already a reduction in content and for whatever is commissioned barely gets press.

I wouldn't say the Teen Africa TV concept was a bad idea but it doesn't appear to be feasible which is where HONEY resided. This is a youth channel which is being distributed on a platform that caters for adults and this is the only kids channel with this much local content.

Play Room is more like Akili Kids with a reduced slate it's probably the most safest structure for any kids channel in this climate but if I'm being honest it appears Teen Africa TV is walking on eggshells.

Development Alert: Doodsondes Season 6 (Final) Launches In March 2025 On eExtra

After the final season of Doodsondes got crammed with eVOD following its earlier rollouts on e.tv and eExtra. The Turkish drama is set to bow out with its sixth and final season on eExtra from 10 March which would coincide with Kuiertyd's other longer running series Elif that is ending in the coming weeks.

Synopsis for the 6th season of Doodsondes 

It starts with a 2-year time lapse, Doğan and Yıldız's daughter Yıldız Su is born while Doğan is still in prison. Later, he is freed and him and Ender team up against Yıldız. Zeynep returns from the United States after divorcing Alihan and being married to someone else. She then marries Engin, Handan's poor turned rich brother. Kumru, Handan and Zeynep fall for doctor Selim, but he loves Kumru, so he stops his relation with Handan, her mom. After everything Kumru went through, Kumru is pretending that her name is Ezgi and lies about being poor because she wanted Selim to love her for being her, not because she’s rich. Doğan discovers his ex-wife Handan's relation with Selim, so he with Handan tries to stop Kumru & Selim's love. 

Known as Yasak Elma in Turkey, It starred Şevval Sam as Ender Çelebi, Eda Ece as Yıldız Yılmaz, Biran Damla Yılmaz as Kumru Yıldırım, Murat Aygen as Doğan Yıldırım, Sevda Erginci as Zeynep Yılmaz, Şebnem Dönmez as Handan Kılıç and Berk Oktay as Çağatay Kuyucu.

The show was written by Melis Civelek and Zeynep Gür, with Neslihan Yeşilyurt directing the first three seasons, Murat Öztürk taking over for the fourth season, and Ece Erdek Koçoğlu directing the fifth and sixth seasons.

Doodsondes S6 broadcasts daily at 19:30 on eExtra from 10 March replacing the first season of Blink Kant Bo once it ends.

Canal+ Could Seek To Revive It's Operations In Ethiopia Through Bid To Acquire MultiChoice

Last year, Canal+ SA made the decision to shutter it's pay-tv services in Ethiopia following its launch in the market by 2021. The French broadcaster had mentioned that they would continue to invest in content production for the region as it looks to complete it's acquisition of MultiChoice.

Africa's biggest pay-tv provider already offered services in the region with Abol TV, Zee Alem and SuperSport Liyu and with this acquisition they would basically supplement the former's local endeavours through DStv. Aside from local channels, DStv also packages various international channels viewed on Canal+ like History, MTV Base and Cartoon Network.

Canal+ SA seeks to be the largest broadcaster in Africa and for several years has made numerous investments within the region including ROK Studios (Nigeria), Zacu Entertainment (Rwanda) and Marodi TV (Congolese). Through this transaction with MultiChoice, they could seek to unite these services through DStv.

Both companies are giving themselves until April 2025 to finalize the transaction which is awaiting approval from South African regulators. If approved, Canal+ SA would extend its reach to over 40 million households giving them more exposure and resources to take on giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Aside from MultiChoice, Paramount Global is also eyeing a potential tie-up with Skydance with the deal set to be finalised within the first quarter of 2025. With more developments set to be underway between Comcast and Warner Bros. Discovery who are looking to disinvest in their cable networks currently seen on DStv.

ARD And Canal+ Join Forces For Sherlock Holmes Spin-Off, Baker Street Four

Production has started on Baker Street Four. The animated series follows a ragtag trio of street urchins – and a cat called Watson – who act as legendary detective Sherlock Holmes’ eyes and ears on the ground.

German public broadcaster ARD has come on board the project, joining the previously announced French pay TV giant Canal+ and teeing up big-ticket European co-production.

The show is based on the successful French comic book series ‘Les Quatre de Baker Street’, written by Jean-Blaise Djian and Olivier Legrand, and illustrated by David Etien.

Folivari and Blue Spirit are making the series, bringing together two award-winning France-based animation houses. News of the series first surfaced at the Annecy animation fest in 2019. With ARD on board it is now full steam ahead on production.

Skewing to a 6-to-10-year-old audience, the series is directed by Francis Canitrot. It will run to 12 parts and hit screens in 2027.

Specifically, Baker Street Four follows three of Holmes’ helpers and is an inside look at some of the group known in the Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories as the Baker Street Irregulars.

From the slums of Victorian London, the Baker Street Four of the series are Billy, who see himself as the brains of the band of urchins, Tom, an acrobat and ace pickpocket, and Charlotte, the resourceful one of the group. Their stray cat Watson completes the quartet.

Folivari International – which is headed by Melissa Vega and was founded last year by her and Folivari founders Damien Brunner, Thibaut Ruby, Sarah Delmas and Didier Brunner – is across sales. Vega is at the Kidscreen confab in San Diego this week as the global rollout of the series takes shape.

“We’re thrilled to kick off production on the series, thanks to ARD’s greenlight,” she said. “We want the children to discover this series as their first co-viewing experience – one that brings the whole family together through thrilling investigations filled with comedy and adventure.”

March 2024 On Studio Universal Across Africa | Running With The Devil On Crime After Dark | Gemini Man On The S Men Of Action | More

Crime After Dark

3rd – 7th March

Mon – Fri @ 9pm

Crime doesn’t pay, but it does pay to stay in to watch Studio Universal’s star-studded Crime After Dark!

Running with the Devil 

3rd March at 21:00

When a large cocaine shipment goes missing, an

investigation is launched to find out what has

happened to the drugs. The Cook (Nicolas Cage) and The Man (Laurence Fishburne) are sent out to get to the bottom of the situation. While they navigate the complexities of the international drug-trafficking business, hot on their heels are The DEA and The Sniper, who are both working to bring down the drug lords. As the net closes in for all sides, a race against time ensues.

Triple 9

5th March at 21:05

A hardened gang, made up of criminals and dirty

cops, is tasked with getting information on a Russian gangster’s husband. To do this, they fake a ‘999’ or officer-down scenario, with the new partner of one of the gang members as the target. However, their scheme doesn’t go to plan, and before long the finger of suspicion points in their direction. The glittering cast includes Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Gal Gadot, Aaron Paul, Casey Affleck, Anthony Mackie and Woody Harrelson.

The Bank Job

6th March at 21:00

Petty criminal turned London car dealer Terry’s life is

far from exciting. He’s married with a family, but

struggling to make ends meet. When a former flame

(Saffron Burrows) walks back into his world with an

offer of a bank robbery that could set him up for life,

Terry jumps at the idea. He puts together a crew to

pull off the heist, only to discover that he’s merely a

pawn in a much bigger, rather more deadly, scheme.

Jason Statham heads the cast, with Daniel Mays and Richard Lintern.

The Next Three Days 

7th March at 21:00

Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks star in this

remake of 2008 French thriller ‘Pour elle’. Banks

plays Lara Brennan, who has been sentenced to a

long stretch behind bars after having been found

guilty of murdering her boss. Lara insists she is

innocent and, when all hopes of justice are

extinguished, her mental health takes a turn for the

worse. Husband John, increasingly desperate to

resolve her situation, decides to take matters into his own hands and break his wife out of prison.

ACTION WEEKEND–THE S MEN OF ACTION

8th – 30th March

Sat & Sun at 8pm

Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Statham, Smith, Snipes, Seagal: these are the “S” Men of Action!

Gemini Man

16th March at 20:00

After his last mission goes awry, ageing elite

assassin Henry Brogan decides to quit working with

the Defense Intelligence Agency and retire. But his

plans are scuppered when he is targeted by a slippery operative who is always one step ahead of him. Brogan is aghast to learn that he is being followed by a younger clone of himself and sets out not only to avoid meeting a sticky end, but to find out who created it and why. Will Smith, Clive Owen and Mary Elizabeth Winstead are among the cast

Rambo III

29th March at 20:00

After having finally hung up his guns, Vietnam veteran John Rambo has found peace of sorts in Thailand, only for his ‘retirement’ to be rudely interrupted. He discovers that Colonel Sam Trautman, his mentor, is trapped behind enemy lines in Afghanistan, where he was helping Mujahideen rebels fight Russian forces. Rambo faces a race against time as he sets out on an unofficial rescue mission, which sees him tangle with the brutal and ruthless Zaysen. Richard Crenna and Marc de Jonge co-star.

The Patriot

9th March at 20:00

An armed stand-off involving a radical militia group

close to a small Montana community is brought to a

peaceful end. However, when at a hearing one of their number spits on a judge, who later sickens and dies, Dr Wesley McClaren (Steven Seagal) soon realises a deadly toxin has been released in the town. Miraculously, McClaren’s daughter (Gailard Sartain) is immune, and while he races to create an antidote, the militia group leader (L.Q. Jones) pulls out all the stops to grab the girl too.

Collateral Damage

30th March at 20:00

Firefighter Gordy Brewer is devastated when his wife

and child are killed in a bombing, orchestrated by

Claudio ‘The Wolf’ Perrini. The official investigation

progresses at a snail’s pace, with government

authorities apparently not interested in pursuing

Perrini. Desperate to have justice for his family,

Brewer takes matters into his own hands, launching

a one-man war against Colombian guerrillas. Arnold

Schwarzenegger heads the cast, alongside Cliff

Curtis, John Leguizamo and John Turturro.

Reminder: Season 5 Of Magnum P.I. To Premiere On Universal TV On 21 February

Universal TV (DStv 117) has announced the return of the popular series, Magnum P.I., with Season 5 premiering on 21 February 2025. The twenty-part crime drama is set to captivate audiences with new episodes airing every on Friday at 8 PM, until the series finale on 20 June.

 

Thomas Magnum (Jay Hernandez) is back on the case in the action-packed fifth season of this modern spin on the classic series. The former Navy Season turned private investigator tackles thrilling cases in beautiful Hawaii as the series revs up for a new era with more romance and emotion than ever before. This season finds Magnum and Higgins (Perdita Weeks) starting a romantic relationship at long last, while diving deeper into the lives of the beloved Magnum P.I. ohana, including Rick (Zachary Knighton), TC (Stephen Hill), Katsumoto (Tim Kang) and Kumu (Amy Hill).

 

The action-packed reimagining of one of TV’s most iconic series, Magnum P.I., sees Jay Hernandez (Suicide Squad, Bad Moms) star as title character Thomas Magnum. Perdita Weeks (Ready Player One) supports as Juliet Higgins. They are supported by Zachary Knighton (Happy Endings) as Orville ‘Rick’ Wright and Stephen Hill (Law & Order: SUV) as Theodore ‘TC’ Calvin. Tim Kang (The Mentalist) as Detective Gordon Katsumoto and Amy Hill (Fifty First Dates) as Teuila ‘Kamu’ Tuileta round out the cast.

 

From CBS Television Studios and Universal Television, Magnum P.I. is executive produced by Eric Guggenheim, Barbie Kligman, John Davis, Justin Lin, John Fox, David Wolkove, and Gene Hong.

 

Season 5 of Magnum P.I. premieres on Universal TV on 21 February at 20.00, with episodes airing every Friday until the series final on 20 June.

ID Africa To Air Exclusive Interview With Former Assistant To Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Expanding The Four-Part Docuseries Of The Fall Of Diddy

Investigation Discovery Africa announced it will air an exclusive sit-down with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ former assistant, Phil Pines, expanding the finale of ID’s four-part docuseries THE FALL OF DIDDY. The 30-minute interview, conducted by journalist Mara S. Campo, who is also a featured contributor in THE FALL OF DIDDY, will premiere on Sunday, 16 February @ 22:50 following the conclusion of ID’s highly anticipated docuseries.

 

Filmed Wednesday, January 22 in New York City, the interview with Phil Pines, who served as Senior Executive Assistant with Combs from 2019 to 2021, addresses allegations he made against the hip hop mogul in a December 2024 civil suit, providing intimate details of his time working for Combs. Pines will speak, for the first time on camera, at length about his experience in Combs’ employment - including being allegedly tasked with setting up and cleaning up Combs’ ‘Wild King Nights,’ some of the alleged behaviour he witnessed, and the alleged manipulation he experienced under the fear of Combs’ retribution and power.  

 

The exclusive interview sit-down will premiere following the conclusion of ID’s four-part docuseries, THE FALL OF DIDDY. From Maxine Productions (the producers behind Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV) and Rolling Stone Films, the docuseries features exclusive, never-before-heard accounts and never-before-seen archival footage, offering personal insights into harrowing allegations of violent behaviour and illegal activity that have shadowed the music mogul. Spanning Combs’ decades-long impact on music and popular culture, from his early days as a talented creative to his 2024 arrest, the docuseries uncovers the insidious and terrifying allegations of sexual assault, abusive behaviour, violence, and other disturbing claims that lay beneath his success. The first two episodes of THE FALL OF DIDDY aired on Sunday, 9 February, and the final three on Sunday, 16 February, at 21:00 on ID, DStv channel 171.

Growth In Africa And Beyond: Canal+'s StudioCanal Talks Expansion Plans, Pending MultiChoice Buyout And Glen Powell's Revenge Thriller Huntington

Anna Marsh, StudioCanal CEO, says the group is looking to expand in Africa with a focus on English-speaking countries. Canal+, which has had a strong presence in French-speaking Africa for decades, currently owns a 45.2% stake in the continent’s leading platform MultiChoice.  “There are ongoing discussions to increase our ownership in that company,” she says. 

Presently, Canal+ Group’s pay-TV platform operates in 52 countries, with more than 26.4 million subscribers, of which two-thirds are from outside of France. Adding MultiChoice’s nearly 16 million (mostly English-speaking) subscribers, would mean the multi-billion acquisition would place the French company among the top five biggest entertainment companies in the world and the biggest outside of the U.S.

“It’s an incredible opportunity, not only for the Canal+, but also for Studiocanal when it comes to our growth and production strategy,” says Marsh. “Just being able to tap into that incredible English-speaking subscriber base really opens things up.” 

She stresses that “investing in local content is really important” to the group, noting that the move will allow them to tap into South Africa’s local industry. Canal+ and MultiChoice co-produced TV series Spinners, which Studiocanal distributed around the world. The company also recently shot John Patton Ford’s revenge thriller Huntington, starring Glen Powell, Ed Harris and Margaret Qualley, on location in South Africa, using local crew and tapping into the nation’s 25% plus tax incentive. 

There are plans to make “many more projects” in the country, says Marsh, and the company is already in development on “one massive South African story” which it is making as a feature film and will announce soon. 

Canal+ has also been aggressively investing in Southeast Asian streamer Viu, where it owns a 36.8% stake, and also has a 29.3% stake in Swedish streamer Viaplay. 

There are also plans to move more into the elevated genre space. Last year, the company tapped Jed Benedict to head up new in-house genre label Sixth Dimension. Reporting to Studiocanal EVP of Global Production Ron Halpern, Benedict will look to identify high concept horror, thriller and science fiction films that the group can develop, produce, acquire and distribute. The label recently announced its first title, a reboot of 1984 slasher Silent Night, Deadly Night, which the company will distribute in its own territories and shop to buyers at EFM. 

In addition to Benedict, Studiocanal made a number of key hires in 2024, including M-K Kennedy as Executive Managing Director for Worldwide TV Series and Isabelle Pain as Head of Global Acquisitions and Analytics. Anne Chérel was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer while Chloé Marquet was promoted to Head of International Sales for Films and TV series and Françoise Guyonnet was upped to CEO of Studiocanal Kids and Family

March 2024 On Universal TV And E! Entertainment Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Parish | Returning Shows Including NCIS | More

Universal TV 

PRISH

Season 1 – Territory Premiere

Thursdays from March 20th at 8pm

Following the brutal murder of his son, ex-hood Gray

Parish (Giancarlo Esposito) returns to New Orleans’

underworld, hired by the head of a Zimbabwean crime family (South Africa’s Bonnie Mbuli).

HUDSON & REX

Season 7 – Territory Premiere

Tuesdays from March 18th at 8pm

Along with their team in the major crimes unit of St.

John’s, Detective Charlie Hudson (John Reardon) and his canine partner Rex work to bring law and justice to Canada’s easternmost point.

FAMILY LAW

Season 4- Territory Premiere

Continues Tuesdays, season finale

March 11th at 8pm

Abigail Bianchi (Jewel Staite) and her family legal firm tackle more difficult cases as Season 4 of the Canadian courtroom drama series continues.

NCIS LOS ANGELES

Season 14 - Channel Premiere

Continues double billed Thursdays, season finale March 13th at 8pm

Season 14 comes to its explosive climax as the NCIS agents deal with the theft of military-grade weapons and multiple killings in broad daylight, while Callen and Anna plan their wedding.

E! Entertainment

Snoop Dogg’s Fatherhood: Cori And Wayne’s Story

Sunday 23rd March at 19:05

“Snoop’s Fatherhood: Cori and Wayne’s Story” follows Cori Broadus, entrepreneur and daughter of globally recognized superstar Snoop Dogg, and her fiancé, Wayne Duece, as they plan the wedding of the century.

E! Live From The Red Carpet: Oscars 2025

Sunday 2nd March at 22:00

Join E! at the annual event celebrating the crème de la crème of movie making and check out who’s wearing what as the stars gather for Hollywood’s most glittering night.

LicenceCo: The New Owners Of M-Net, SuperSport And DStv In South Africa

In a move that is set to shakeup the television landscape, DStv in South Africa will be spun off away from Canal+'s MultiChoice grasp to comply with local regulators' 20% cap toward foreign ownership. As alleged from previous years, MultiChoice will be surrending it's pay-tv company to the French.

With Canal+ that will exist as a minority will entrust the future of DStv in South Africa to LicenceCo as MultiChoice retains Showmax alongside various other assets like SuperSportBET, Irdeto and Namola.

LicenceCo (working title) is a new company that comprises of MultiChoice's Phuthuma Nathi scheme alongside black based companies Identity Partners Itai Consortium from Sonja De Bruyn, Afrifund Investments from Sipho Maseko and Worker's Trust. They'll be responsible for the livelihoods of SABC News, eNCA and Newzroom Afrika.

Although Canal+ won't manage LicenceCo, they are getting financial incentive from these endeavours which amounts to 49% compared to StarTimes 65% from StarSat SA. Regardless of the structure, MultiChoice is still the legal holder of DStv outside of South Africa where restrictions are very minimal.

DStv hasn't been doing so well in recent years with its consumer base standing at 7.6 million (previously 8 million) by September 2024. In the end, DStv continued to be a profitable business for MultiChoice and under LicenceCo that won't change as yet.

But with new management and Canal+ taking the helm, MultiChoice promises an enhancement to technology and other services. We've heard this story a hundred times already and as consumers as had seen in the past year enhancements aren't easy to come across unless something is thrown as collateral.

If there's one thing new management can do is review the finances of DStv and manage the contracts with channel providers. Diving onto sports, Canal+ had flexed that companies who overspend on sports die so one has to wonder if LicenceCo plans to reduce what's accessible on SuperSport.

Speaking of LicenceCo, kind of curious what the DStv standalone company will be referred to in retrospect my guess M-Net Group seeing as this was the initial name for MultiChoice before diversity hit. Another option would be Canal+ Group/SA with the French maintaining the 20% cap associated with foreigners.

Summary To Canal+'s MultiChoice New Structure For DStv Should Acquisition Get Approval From Regulators

For those who are unable to keep up, what we've done was summarise this article in bold points to better help you understand the situation regarding Canal+ and MultiChoice.

In an effort to get the acquisition by France’s Groupe Canal+ of MultiChoice Group over the line, the South African broadcaster and parent of DStv and Showmax has announced a plan to carve out its South African licensee into a new entity.

The move is designed to allow Canal+ to proceed with the acquisition of MultiChoice without falling foul of the Electronic Communications Act, which prohibits foreign entities from owning more than 20% of a South African broadcasting licensee. If it gets the go-ahead from regulators, new investors in the South African licensee will include former Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko’s Afrifund Investments and businesswoman Sonja de Bruyn’s Identity Partners.

In a joint statement by MultiChoice and Canal+ on Tuesday, the two broadcasters expressed confidence that their proposal will be approved by South African regulators.

Canal+ is offering R125/share in cash for the JSE-listed broadcaster that owns DStv, Showmax and SuperSport.

“MultiChoice Group will be restructured so that the current holder of the broadcasting licence in South Africa and the entity that contracts with South African subscribers, MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd, will be carved out of MultiChoice Group and will become an independent entity… The remainder of the group’s video entertainment assets will remain part of MultiChoice Group,” Canal+ and MultiChoice said in their joint statement.

The South African broadcast licence holder, called LicenceCo, will “continue to hold the subscription broadcasting licence in South Africa” and will continue to “contract with MultiChoice’s South African subscribers”. It will be majority owned by “historically disadvantaged persons”.

MultiChoice at least for those residing in South Africa will no longer own DStv due to the pending takeover by Canal+ and with limitations towards foreign ownership. Instead a new entity known as LicenceCo (temporary name) will hold the broadcasting license for DStv in South Africa.

When you look at it, DStv is becoming a standalone company in South Africa away from Canal+'s MultiChoice grasp. The rumours were true when it was stated that MultiChoice was looking to prioritise Showmax and going as far as selling DStv.

New shareholders

MultiChoice’s empowerment scheme, Phuthuma Nathi, will ultimately hold a 27% economic interest in the South African entity, while two black-owned and -managed companies, the Identity Partners Itai Consortium and the Afrifund Consortium, will invest in the business. A workers’ trust will also be established. Afrifund Investments was founded and is led by former Telkom CEO Maseko, while Identity Partners is headed by De Bruyn. 

MultiChoice Group, which Canal+ intends acquiring, will have a 49% economic interest in the South African licence holder and a 20% share of the voting rights. This will allow Canal+ to deal with the legislation that prevents foreign entities from controlling more than 20% of a local broadcaster.

To expand further on the previous translation, LicenceCo will manage (direct interest) DStv licence in South Africa which amounts to 80% while MultiChoice (under the Canal+ umbrella) will reduce their voting rights to 20%. Of course, MultiChoice will continue to receive financial incentive (economic interest) from DStv amounting to 49%.

If we're looking at things from a logical standpoint, MultiChoice doesn't own SABC News, eNCA and Newzroom Afrika or at least for South African consumers as that is all part of LicenceCo.

“MultiChoice Group will also retain its existing 75% direct interest in MultiChoice South Africa, which will exclude LicenceCo,” MultiChoice said. “Phuthuma Nathi will similarly retain its existing 25% interest in MultiChoice South Africa,” it added.

This is pertaining to what is left of MultiChoice being Showmax, Moment, Irdeto, Namola and SuperSportBET with Canal+ seeking full ownership. The company is being split into three entities two of which are based in SA one for DStv while the other for MultiChoice SA's remaining assets and last MultiChoice Africa.

Canal+ had promised to keep MultiChoice listed in the JSE so it's unlikely that they'll be acquiring full ownership of MultiChoice SA unlike MultiChoice Africa where there's less restrictions.

The broadcaster said:

LicenceCo will enter into various commercial agreements with MultiChoice Group subsidiaries in relation to the services currently provided to LicenceCo by other MultiChoice Group entities. “These relate to, among other things, the provision of content, technology, subscriber management, support and other functions.”

The transaction will not lead to any disruption for LicenceCo’s South African viewers, who will continue to access its services as normal. In time, those subscribers will benefit from the additional content and technology investments envisaged by the MultiChoice Group, in its capacity as supplier to LicenceCo.”

“Canal+ and MultiChoice are confident that the envisaged structure meets the requirements of all applicable laws, including the restrictions on foreign ownership and control of broadcasting licences contained in the Electronic Communications Act.” 

This is pertaining to the DStv spin-off, LicenceCo will be sharing content aside from decoders with Canal+'s MultiChoice and will be managing the DStv subscribers in South Africa.