TOLDJA!!! Canal+ Launches Novelas+ As A Replacement Channel To TLNovelas On DStv

TelevisaUnivison's TLNovelas channel was removed from the DStv platform earlier in the year and was first victim to Canal+'s aggressive cost cuts at MultiChoice. This meant that DStv consumers were left with Telemundo's repetitive lineup.

But that will no longer be the case as Canal+ will be debuting Novelas+ as its first TV channel in MultiChoice territories following it's acquisition of the company in 2025. 

The channel will feature a wide variety of telenovelas and drama series from Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, and many other countries, bringing viewers even more captivating stories, romance, drama, and unforgettable characters.

Confirmed shows for the channel include Avenida Brasil, Ada Masali and Domenica Montero.

Novelas+ is already available in Poland with it's French equivalent Novelas TV residing in France and French overseas. So it's inclusion on DStv doesn't come as a surprise as it was speculated months after TLNovelas removal on the platform.

Since it's inception, Novelas+ has been serving as a distributor of TelevisaUnivison's telenovelas or as they put it some of the best shows from the world. Africa is basically a hotspot for these shows taking to account brands like Telemundo and eExtra.

Novelas+ will be available to DStv Premium, Compact+, Compact, Family and Access customers on channel 133 from 1st July.

US Regulators Approve Paramount's Buyout Of Warner Bros. Discovery

The Justice Department has signed off on Paramount Skydance’s $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, clearing the way for a merger that will unite two historic Hollywood studios and reshape the American entertainment industry.

In a statement, the department said it determined that the massive merger was “not likely to result in harm to competition or American consumers.”

The Justice Department said it reached that conclusion after receiving extensive feedback.

“Over the course of a rigorous eight-month investigation led by the Division’s career staff, the Division received from the Parties over two million documents,” it said in a statement. It also said that it heard “extensive” advocacy from third parties during the process.

The news was first reported by Politico.

Paramount owns a 114-year-old film studio, the Paramount+ streaming service and the CBS broadcast network. Warner owns a 116-year-old film studio, the HBO Max streaming service and a suite of cable channels, including CNN.

Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison has vowed to “honor the legacy of two iconic companies while accelerating our vision of building a next-generation media and entertainment company.” The 43-year-old media executive is the son of technology magnate Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle and an ally of President Donald Trump.

But the deal has faced blowback from some Hollywood professionals and government regulators.

In an open letter released in April, more than 1,000 entertainment professionals said the deal would “further consolidate an already concentrated media landscape, reducing competition at a moment when our industries — and the audiences we serve — can least afford it.”

The merger could draw legal challenges from state attorneys general. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has said his office is investigating the tie-up, and a person familiar with the matter said New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office is part of that probe.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who has publicly advocated against the deal, said the Justice Department’s green light was “terrible news for every American.”

“This fight isn’t over,” Warren said in a post on X. “State AGs must block this merger.”

Bonta’s office said its investigation was ongoing and otherwise declined to comment on the Justice Department’s move.

European Union officials are reviewing the merger over the deal’s financial backing from three Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds. In an April filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Paramount said its acquisition of Warner is backed in part by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Abu Dhabi’s L’IMAD Holding and the Qatar Investment Authority.

In recent weeks, Ellison’s Paramount has been under scrutiny over major shake-ups at CBS News, where his appointed editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, fired multiple “60 Minutes” correspondents at the end of the most recent season.

StudioCanal Announces New Production "Home Safety Hotline" With Filming Set To Commence In South Africa By 2027

Los Angeles-based genre label Spooky Pictures, Abu Dhabi-based studio Image Nation and L.A. and UAE-based production company Longevity Pictures have secured a financing deal with prominent European production/distribution banner Studiocanal — through its in-house genre label Sixth Dimension — for their upcoming horror thriller “Home Safety Hotline.”

“Home Safety Hotline,” which is set to start production in South Africa in early 2027, is based on Night Signal Entertainment’s critically acclaimed puzzle video game of the same name. Durban-born Michael Matthews (“Love and Monsters”) (pictured above) will direct from a screenplay written by Nick Tassoni (“Lure”). The film is being produced by Steven Schneider (“Late Night With the Devil”) for Spooky Pictures, alongside Majd Nassif (“Mercy”) for Longevity Pictures and Kameek Lucas Taitt (“Love and Monsters”).

For Studiocanal, boarding “Home Safety Hotline” underlines the company’s commitment to the South African industry following the recent acquisition of local pay-TV outfit The MultiChoice Group by its parent company Canal+.

The executive producers on “Home Safety Hotline” comprise Image Nation’s Ben Ross (“Watcher”), Jakob Pollack (“Weapons”) of Spooky Pictures and Jed Benedict, who is head of Sixth Dimension.

The film, set in the U.S., “will follow an unemployed loner who must take a job as a phone operator at a mysterious home security company, only to realize they specialize in protecting customers from horrific monsters that come out at night,” according to the synopsis.

“Home Safety Hotline” will now be co-developed and co-financed by Sixth Dimension, which will also handle worldwide sales and release the film theatrically across Studiocanal’s territory footprint of the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Benelux, Poland, Australia and New Zealand.

“What we love about Home Safety Hotline is how it takes the most ordinary corners of a home: the walls, the basement, the thing in the attic, and turns them genuinely terrifying, then runs the whole nightmare through a struggling company and the unlikely people holding it together. It’s fun, it’s scary, and it’s unlike anything out there,” said Longevity Pictures president Nassif. “Alongside our partners at Spooky Pictures and Image Nation, and with the support of Studiocanal’s Sixth Dimension, we’ve found exactly the right team to bring it to life.”

Commented Sixth Dimension head Benedict: “Just as every night I hope the eerie humming downstairs comes from my cheap refrigerator, every day I hope a project like ‘Home Safety Hotline’ crosses our radar. From the moment our good friends at Spooky Pictures, Image Nation and Longevity Pictures first spoke of Night Signal Entertainment’s cult game (of the same name), we knew we wanted to be involved. And when we learned that Michael Matthews would be directing — an exceptional filmmaker and a proven monster-whisperer himself — with Nick Tassoni devising our handbook through hell, it became impossible to resist.”

DStv Easyview Falls Out Of MultiChoice's Streaming Endeavours

DStv Easyview serves as the cheapest package amongst MultiChoice's DStv offering carrying mainly provincial and news channels. It has been in operation since 2008 and rivals with the likes of PremiumFree and eMedia Investment's Openview.

In recent months, MultiChoice had been gradually phasing out this offering from across their platforms. As potential DStv consumers who would go through the DStv website to check what's on offer only see the company's 5 other packages.

By selecting “Get DStv” on their website, consumers are presented with only 5 packages: Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family, and Access.

According to Canal+, the decision to do away with DStv Easyview on their website aligns with the streaming endeavours for which one isn't offered for the package. Hence, the reason why these consumers are able to see other packages.

A few months ago, Canal+ decided to do away with Showmax as part of its cost cutting endeavours at MultiChoice. The streamer has been described as "expensive failure" following it's revamp in 2024, with Canal+ that folded it under DStv Stream.

Although DStv Easyview can still be obtained from their call centre and WhatsApp by minimising it's visibility you're basically reducing its reach. When there's less demand for a service a company doesn't see any point in offering such service.

Canal+ is planning to use DStv Stream to deploy its own streaming app in MultiChoice markets and if you've seen what the broadcaster did with FilmBox. They're likely going to try and align whatever seen in DStv Stream with the decoder offering.

Aside from DStv Easyview, MultiChoice doesn't even offer a streaming option for its DStv Indian and Portuguese offering.

We can only assume Canal+ is eyeing potential growth from these other packages and the latter isn't as competitive. These are packages in which MultiChoice doesn't put much 

Disney+ Quiz Nights, In Collaboration With Quiz Nights SA And Tiger’s Milk, Return This Winter

Disney+ has officially confirmed the return of its much-loved Disney+ Quiz Nights, bringing fans together once again for an unforgettable celebration of storytelling, competition, and entertainment.

 

In collaboration with Quiz Nights SA and Tiger’s Milk, the fan-favourite activation returns from 24 June 2026, rolling out across venues nationwide during June and July, bringing A Lifetime Of Great Stories to life beyond the screen.

 

Quiz Nights: A Celebration of Storytelling and Fans

Rolling out across selected Tiger’s Milk venues nationwide, Disney+ Quiz Nights invites fans to gather their teams, claim their tables and put their knowledge to the test in a lively, social setting.

 

From long-running favourites like Grey’s Anatomy, Modern Family and The Simpsons to buzzy Disney+ Originals and global hits, the evening promises a fun, easy-going quiz experience that’s as much about the vibe as it is about the trivia.

 

Whether you're in it for the bragging rights, the laughs with friends, or just a great night out, Quiz Nights is all about celebrating the stories that bring us together.

 

Fans can expect an immersive evening packed with iconic moments, nostalgic favourites and unexpected questions all designed to spark conversation, connection and a little bit of competitive spirit, not to mention exciting prizes up for grabs.

Participating venues include:

Gauteng:

Bryanston • Appleton’s • Waterfall • Melrose • Harvest Place

 

Western Cape:

GrandWest • Green Point • Claremont • Muizenberg • Century City

 

KwaZulu-Natal:

Pavilion • Suncoast • Ballito (24 June ONLY) • Umhlanga

Paramount May Be Forced To Sell Cartoon Network

Paramount is currently under scrutiny by European regulators regarding its buyout of Warner Bros. Discovery. While the two companies would have small market share, regulators are scrutinising the deal due to overlapping assets.

Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Cartoonito would fall under the same umbrella as Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Nicktoons. Paramount wants to keep all these assets with no plans of closing or spinning them off.

The European Union usually pay close attention to deals if the market share exceeds 30% and while the combined company is set to be under 20%. Fact is pairing Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon already pushes this above 40%.

Paramount had expressed willingness to spin-off or sale it's broadcasting license for Nickelodeon alongside its local feeds viewed in Europe and Africa. This excludes the feeds that would have been viewed in the US, India and Canada.

Whomever is owning the broadcasting license of Nickelodeon, Nicktoons and Nick Jr. would have to license shows like SpongeBob Squarepants and Dora as those would remain under Paramount.

It's also possible that if the European Union gives the greenlight, Paramount would likely form an agreement that excludes Cartoon Network. They wouldn't be involved in the daily operations of the brand or have access to financial records.

But the deal could be a major win for Nickelodeon as this would give it access to IPs such as Uncle Grandpa, Powerpuff Girls and Ben 10. It would also give Nick Jr. more of an edge against Disney Junior with Batwheels and Baby Looney Tunes.

In the same scenario as Nickelodeon, if a buyer were to emerge for Cartoon Network and Cartoonito's European feeds. Paramount will be charging them for The Wonderfully Weird World Of Gumball and the upcoming series, Adventure Time: Side Quests. 

Is KykNET NOU! And VIA In Trouble???

Since Canal+ has taken over MultiChoice there's been a lot of fear within the industry of what comes next. As the French giant has company making cuts which include the discontinuation of Winter Olympics on SuperSport with HBO on M-Net.

Several producers and other people delivering services at MultiChoice have talked about contracts not being renewed as yet or waiting on payments for certain services at the company.

Although Canal+ had committed to securing content from MultiChoice markets and that reduction of local content wouldn't fit in the company's overall structure. That doesn't mean there won't be cuts or reduction in salaries.

Take for instance Showmax, MultiChoice had lost billions after relaunching it as a joint venture with NBCUniversal. Now plans are set in motion to consolidate this onto DStv Stream and later Canal+.

Now there's reports that they're targeting local commentators figure indicators that nothing is safe which brings a couple of channels into question, KykNET NOU! and VIA.

Canal+ was asked what is going to happen with M-Net, Africa Magic and KykNET, and responded to say "we love SuperSport". Further indication that tough times could be ahead for DStv which is where KykNET NOU! and VIA come in.

Both of these are Afrikaans channels, KykNET NOU! does the music while VIU handles the foodies, fashion and home decor. It offers shows like

Similar to the local commentary and Showmax, if Canal+ feels there's not much people tuning into these channels. They could look to scaling back on its offering and redirecting these efforts onto KykNET and we have our reasons.

A majority of KykNET viewers likely have access to Netflix, Spotify and Disney+. In retrospect, this could as well reduce their dependency on these brands.

If we had to look at past instances, there was StarSat who at one time offered OnseTV and InPas TV before shutting those down. Then there's 7de Laan on SABC 2 and Nuusdag Om 8pm on eExtra which also got the boot.

KykNET NOU and VIA are niche brands and compared to KykNET and it's other sister channels. The viewership on these channels are a lot smaller but one has to hope amidst this cord cutting that somehow Canal+ can still reciprocate the costs.

If not these channels could join Showmax and form part of Canal+'s turnaround plan at MultiChoice.

The Queen Of Me, Brand New Female Led Drama Launches On Zee World

Zee World, a Bollywood based channel operated by Zee Entertainment Enterprises that airs English dubbed content has announced the addition of a new series, Queen Of Me. Known in India as Bas Itna Sa Khwaab, it launches on June 12 across Africa.

Based on the series Tu Chal Pudha, it starred Rajshree Thakur as Avani Trivedi, Yogendra Vikram Singh as Shikhar Trivedi, Bhumika Gurung as Shagun Trivedi and Sandeep Sharma as Vidyut Sharma.

Synopsis for Queen Of Me

The story centers on Avani Trivedi, a dedicated housewife and mother from Kanpur. Her middle-class family shares a major, long-term dream: saving up enough money to buy a luxury home.

Wanting to support her husband and fast-track their dream, Avani decides to step outside her comfort zone and earn an income. However, her family is highly skeptical, believing a housewife lacks the skills to survive in the business world.

Defying their doubts, Avani revisits a buried talent and successfully opens her own beauty parlor. The narrative follows her transformation into an independent woman balancing intense family obligations with professional external pressures.

The drama chronicles her hurdles with family judgment, a deceptive mistress/antagonist named Tamanna, and financial crises. Ultimately, Avani manages to prove her worth, unite her family, and achieve financial security.

Canal+ Confirms Rugby World Cup Broadcast And More On SuperSport

The CANAL+ Group on Wednesday confirmed an agreement with World Rugby for the rights to broadcast Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 live on SuperSport, on DStv, across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The announcement came as the French group, which recently acquired the MultiChoice Group, confirmed its listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

The confirmation of the broadcast rights for the men’s tournament that will be held in Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027 will mean that DStv and GOtv subscribers can look forward to seeing South Africa and Zimbabwe represent Africa at rugby’s biggest global tournament. The 11th edition signals a major evolution for the tournament, expanding to 24 teams and featuring a new format with a round of 16 for the first time, delivering more matches and drama, while creating greater opportunities for emerging nations.

South Africa’s Springboks will be aiming to defend their title after back-to-back triumphs at Japan 2019 and France 2023 as they chase a historic fifth victory.

Zimbabwe also returns to rugby’s biggest competition for the first time since 1991, when the Sables last featured on the Rugby World Cup stage. Other rugby powerhouses such as New Zealand, England, Ireland, France and hosts Australia will be going all out to add their names to the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup awarded to the Men’s Rugby World Cup winners. 

Meanwhile, in the women’s game, England’s Red Roses will enter the 2029 tournament as defending champions, having lifted the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 on home soil in a record-breaking competition for viewership, attendance and engagement. South Africa also made history in the last tournament by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, becoming the first African team to do so.

Included in the broadcast agreement are World Rugby’s men’s 15s competitions: the World Rugby Junior World Championship, recently expanded to 16 teams, and the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup.

World Rugby Chief Revenue Officer, Michel Poussau said: “We are delighted to partner with the CANAL+ Group to deliver comprehensive, high-quality coverage of international rugby’s pinnacle competitions across Africa, including two exceptional Rugby World Cups in Australia in 2027 and 2029. This agreement is a major step in expanding the reach of the game, ensuring fans across the continent can watch, follow and engage more deeply with rugby. We look forward to working closely with CANAL+ teams to bring the sport closer to audiences and inspire the next generation of players and fans in Africa.”

CANAL+ also confirmed that SuperSport will remain the exclusive broadcaster for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) following a multi-year broadcast rights renewal of the inter-continental club competition.

“Confirming these broadcast rights puts the seal on an incredible occasion for us as the CANAL+ Group, alongside the MultiChoice Group, as we have secured broadcast rights to many major rugby tournaments for our subscribers,” said David Mignot, CANAL+ Africa CEO. 

“This is another firm commitment that we are putting our subscribers first by ensuring they never miss out on the best sports content from the continent and from across the globe. We’d also like to acknowledge our partners, World Rugby and the VURC, with whom we will work closely to bring these exciting tournaments to life.”

June 2026 On Disney Channel And Disney Junior Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Dragon Striker | Returning Shows: Iron Man And His Amazing Friends | More

DISNEY CHANNEL 

Dragon Striker | Season 1

WEEKDAYS AT 06:50 CAT FROM 29 JUNE

The series centers on a young farmboy named Key, who, with a goalkeeper named Ssyelle, forms a team at a magical elite-sports academy.

Disney 11: New Generation Season 1

MON - THU AT 16:30 CAT FROM 29 JUNE

The entire Star Wars Galaxy gets completely mixed up when an ordinary nerf -herder, Sig Greebling, unearths a powerful artifact from a hidden Jedi temple.

Forky Asks A Question (Double-Billed)

MON - THU AT 16:30 CAT FROM 1 JUNE

Our heroes will make unlikely alliances as they traverse new and dangerous parts of the hilariously mixed-up galaxy in an effort to stop the growing threat Solitus poses to all they hold dear.

Our Weekly Movie Spot

FRIDAYS AT 5PM

 

Toy Story 3

FRI 05 JUNE AT 5PM

(2010) Laugh and cry with one of Disney/Pixar's beloved Oscar-winning animated masterpieces. On the eve of Andy's departure for college the toys find themselves in day care and must escape from the terrible tots!

Toy Story 4

FRI 12 JUNE AT 5PM

(2019) When Woody, Buzz and the gang join Bonnie on a road trip with her new craft-project-turned-toy, Forky, the innocent little spork’s hilarious antics launch Woody on a wild quest filled with unexpected new characters — and one long-lost friend!

Lego Star Wars: Summer Vacation

FRI 19 JUNE AT 5PM

(2022) Finn has arranged a surprise vacation for his friends aboard The Halcyon! But Finn’s plan quickly goes awry when he’s separated from the group. Alone on board the Halcyon, Finn encounters three Force Spirits -- Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker and Princess Leia, who each share their own unexpected stories of vacations gone wrong.

Phineas & Ferb: Candace Against The Universe

FRI 26 JUNE AT 5PM

(1999) Phineas and Ferb set out across the galaxy to rescue Candace, who has been abducted by aliens

Throwback Block

MON-THU AT 17:50 CAT

01 - 30 JUNE

A Live-Action block for both kids and adults alike! Vote on social media: Mech-X4 vs Pair of Kings.

Kiff S2 Catch Up

SAT 27 & SUN 28 JUNE

FROM 11:55

A curated collection of favourite Kiff S2 episodes

DISNEY JUNIOR

Iron Man and his Awesome Friends Season 1

MON - FRI AT 14:40 CAT FROM 15 JUNE

"Marvel’s Iron Man and his Awesome Friends” follows the adventures of best friends and super geniuses as they work together to solve problems and protect their city

Rumour: Nigerian Idol Reportedly Cancelled Due To Cost Cutting At Canal+'s MultiChoice

Canal+ completed its acquisition of MultiChoice by late 2025 and have plans to save up toward R7.5 billion in costs. Several DStv consumers would have noticed the disappearance of HBO content on M-Net followed by the Winter Olympics on SuperSport.

Now there's word going around that Nigerian Idol might have gotten the boot at MultiChoice. Although this has yet to be confirmed several consumers had noticed there's been a lot of silence regarding the possibility of an 11th season.

Coincidentally, Nigerian Idol S10 even won at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for Best Unscripted M-Net Original.

A few years ago, MultiChoice and M-Net cancelled Idols SA due to low viewership from what was heard about the show. Since then, it was reported that a revival was in the works or being shopped to another broadcaster being the SABC.

The first season went on air in October 2010 and is shown on 15 different channels all across Africa.

There have been ten following Nigerian Idol winners to date: Onyekachi Elizabeth Gilbert, Mercy Chinwo, Moses Obi Adigwe, Evelle, K-Peace, Kingdom Kroseide, Progress, Victory Gbakara, Purp and Chima Udoye.

With the possible cancellation of Nigerian Idol, this would leave DStv consumers with the African variants to Big Brother. Unlike Idols SA, Big Brother continues to be a staple at MultiChoice spanning adaptations in South Africa, Nigeria and Angola.

CANAL+ Becomes First French Company To List In Johannesburg

Shares of pay-TV group CANAL+ rose on its Johannesburg Stock Exchange trading debut on Wednesday, when it became the first French company to list in South Africa following a deal with local broadcaster MultiChoice Group last year.

The company, which has a primary listing in London, climbed to 58.50 rand at market open

At the time of CANAL+’s acquisition of MultiChoice in 2025, it said it would have a secondary listing in South Africa, providing a boost for Johannesburg’s stock exchange, which has suffered from a series of departures and few high-profile joiners in recent years.

CANAL+, which had a market capitalisation of £2.25 billion (51 billion rand) on the day prior to its pre-listing announcement on May 12, is the only global media and entertainment group on the exchange.

Its move into English-speaking Africa reflects its stated ⁠ambition to become a global entertainment platform across Europe, Africa and Asia.

CEO Maxime Saada said the Johannesburg secondary listing aligns the group’s capital, government relationships and creative resources with African investors, partners and audiences.

“Our hope is for this listing to enhance the liquidity of our shares, to broaden our shareholder base and to support our growth ambitions. But more than that, we believe that we can create value in Africa,” he told spectators before blowing into a Kudu horn to signal the company’s market debut.

JSE chairman Phuthuma Nhleko said the listing reflects strong global confidence in South Africa’s capital markets, reinforcing the bourse’s role in linking international capital with African growth opportunities, and highlights continued belief in the continent’s long-term prospects.

The Showmax Closure Is Just An Illustration Of What's Wrong With The Industry

During the year, MultiChoice decided to shut down its struggling Showmax streaming service after ramping up billions in loses. This comes two years after the company revamped the streamer alongside Comcast's NBCUniversal and Sky Group.

For years, MultiChoice has been trying to make Showmax "the Netflix for Africa" by ramping up local content for the streamer which includes Blood Psalms, The Girl From St. Agnes and Red Ink.

By partnering up with NBCUniversal, Showmax was able to compete with Stranger Things, Squid Games and Bojack Horseman on Netflix. This was due to the funnel of content coming from Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation and Telemundo.

Now most of that is set to be consolidated under DStv Stream and overtime on the Canal+ app.

To put it in simple terms, the closure of Showmax doesn't mean that Canal+ will double down on local spending to make up for the loss of Showmax. It's what you had with your M-Net Edge and M-Net alongside Disney XD and Disney Channel.

Although Canal+ can't retrench anyone that was contracted with Showmax, they're less likely to recruit more talent. The plan would be to let whatever makes up Showmax run its course until there's no use for it anymore.

The problem here isn't that Showmax is shutting down but the fact is the number of outlets local suppliers and talent would turn to is being reduced.

Amazon Prime Video served as another Showmax rival commissioning first run shows in the African market. Now these investments have gone to Europe and the US, although there's still local content it's mostly finished and not from scratch.

Netflix is probably in much better position compared to Amazon Prime Video as there's still some local investment. But the problem here is that it's mainly unscripted/reality TV and the streamer has adapted to a quality over quantity approach in Africa.

There's been calls for SABC and eMedia Investments to save the day but even they can't replicate or recover those hours used by Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Showmax.

SABC has been going through financial constraints for years and last month their cash balance plummeted to 85% leaving them with 59 million. The National Treasury denied them a bailout of R4.9 billion to help in covering these expenses.

eMedia Investments managed to increase its profits by 18% but they did that through cost optimisation or in simple terms spending less. 

To sum it up, Amazon has stopped funding new productions while Netflix is being picky and the only brand that was pulling out the big guns (Showmax) is shutting down. SABC doesn't have any money while eMedia Investments is playing it safe.

The streaming climate in the whole of Africa is going through drought.

Even if the government were to impose new laws over ownership fact is Showmax ain't coming back and the damage had already been done. 

The government had proposed putting up local quotas on a streamer like Netflix and they could as well take a page from Amazon Prime Video. While others like Disney could follow NBCUniversal and form alliances to avoid compliance.

e.tv Is Reviving It's International Drama Slate With The Launch Of Law And Order: Special Victims Unit

Following the rollout of eVOD, eMedia Investments restructured e.tv's primetime schedule a few years back making shows like Chicago PD and Kingdom available to only Openview consumers. While e.tv bolstered it's lineup to feature more local content.

The shift away from international drama series was done to ensure e.tv remained competitive in an era dominated by streaming. And while the move was met with positive feedback some viewers kind of felt marginalized.

After 4 years, e.tv will be reinstating them with Law And Order: Special Victims Unit set to rollout weeknights at 23:00. The series is currently seen on Universal TV on DStv and eSeries on Openview.

This move would give DStv Access and Easyview consumers the chance to watch the crime drama from the first season. In general, Law And Order: Special Victims Unit has 27 seasons so far and over 590 episodes had been produced.

Synopsis for Law And Order: Special Victims Unit 

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (often shortened to Law & Order: SVU) is an American police procedural crime drama television series created by Dick Wolf for NBC. The first spin-off of Law & Order, expanding it into the Law & Order franchise, it originally starred Christopher Meloni as Detective Elliot Stabler (until Meloni left the series in 2011 after 12 seasons) and Mariska Hargitay as Detective (now promoted to Captain) Olivia Benson remaining the longest starring character in the series. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit follows the detectives of the Special Victims Unit as they investigate and prosecute sex-based crimes. Some of the episodes are loosely based on real crimes that have received media attention.

Based out of the New York City Police Department's 16th precinct in Manhattan, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit delves into the dark side of the New York underworld as the detectives of a new elite squad, the Special Victims Unit, investigate and prosecute various sexually oriented crimes, including rape, child sexual abuse, human trafficking, and domestic violence. They also investigate the abuses of children, the disabled and elderly victims of non-sexual crimes who require specialist handling, all while trying to balance the effects of the investigation on their own lives as they try not to let the dark side of these crimes affect them.

Imfihlakalo, Brand New Series Launches On Zee Zonke

Zee Zonke, a Zulu dubbed Bollywood channel operated by Zee Entertainment Enterprises has announced the addition of a new series, Imfihlakalo. Known in India as Sehajveer, the series will air daily at 20:00 from Thursday 11 June.

Synopsis for Imfihlakalo

Under one identity, Jasmeet Kaur Gagre stars as Sehajveer, a woman who serves as an elite, fearless Special Crime Branch officer (associated with the Special Task Force / STF). She uncovers criminal conspiracies, tracks down syndicates, and enforces the law. 

Under her alternative identity, she works as a humble, soft-spoken educator at a local NGO. Here, she focuses on protecting and empowering underprivileged children. 

Her personal and professional worlds collide through her complex dynamic with Kabir (played by Ramandeep Singh Sur). Over the course of the series, their relationship shifts dramatically from working together to being caught in intense legal and criminal stalemates. At various points, Kabir faces custody, transfer threats, and murder accusations regarding her safety. 

Ruthless villains like Vikram and Sheetal consistently orchestrate traps, blackmail, and leverage family members to force Sehajveer into impossible situations—including demands to compromise her duty. 

The plot heavily features standard domestic Punjabi drama. Family members like Gurleen and Meher frequently challenge her secrecy, which forces her to constantly balance her dangerous police duties with her responsibilities at home. 

Canal+ Has Begun Developing Its Showmax Replacement Service In MultiChoice Markets

MultiChoice had closed down the Showmax streaming service as part of Canal+'s cost cutting endeavours at the company. After accumulating multiple losses, Canal+ had consolidated the rest of its content under DStv Stream.

Canal+ as anticipated will be phasing out it's DStv Stream and GOtv Stream services for its own streaming app. This is because a DStv consumer had spotted various regional domains although the logo is the only thing spotted for now.

They are aiming to get this Canal+ service up and running as soon as possible from what I heard. They are looking to get Netflix and a couple of services likely from the Explora Ultra such as Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and Disney+.

MultiChoice had also provided a website for M-Net, DStv and GOtv, and I can only guess those will be getting phased out soon. As a user of the Canal+ service, they do have a section for the packages and content in question.

With a Canal+ buyout, I doubt MultiChoice will have that many websites under their wing soon my guess is that they only the corporate one and that of Irdeto and SuperSport.

Not long ago, MultiChoice had also begun tests on Sporty TV for its consumers across Africa. Kind of curious on whether this had anything to do with the rollout of the Canal+ app I mean MultiChoice had also offered YouTube through its Explora Ultra.

Some people don't even realise this thing about Canal+ but they serve as aggregators bundling services from rival broadcasters as seen in France with Bein Sport, DAZN and Apple TV.

June 2026 On National Geographic And National Geographic Wild Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Hidden Beneath The Cities | Returning Shows: Heartland Docs | More

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 

CAR SOS S14 (10 x 60)

Tuesdays, at 18:50 from 2 June (ends 4 August)

Car SOS returns with ten more undercover restorations, heartwarming stories, mechanical magic & star-studded reveals. Travelling all over the UK, Tim and Fuzz take on everything from a 1950’s Austin-Healey buried in a garage for over 50 years, to a life-saving 4x4 and, in a Car SOS first, the boys go from four wheels to two with a Triumph motorbike.

ANCIENT STRUCTURES: SECRETS REVEALED S1 (6 x 60)

Fridays, at 18:50 from 5 June (ends 10 July)

Throughout history, ancient civilizations erected structures that continue to inspire awe and wonder, but how did they do it? And what secrets lie hidden within the walls of these incredible monuments? Archaeological finds and new technologies reveal clues to these long-enduring mysteries.

HIDDEN BENEATH THE CITIES S1 (10 x 60)

Wednesdays, at 20:30 from 24 June (ends 26 August)

“Hidden Beneath the Cities” uncovers the extraordinary worlds lying just below modern urban centers. Beneath the streets of stone, soil and concrete exist hidden realms shaped by survival, ritual and imagination. Each story reveals ingenuity, resilience and mystery, proving every city conceals a hidden world waiting to be discovered.

MEGA MARINE MACHINES S3 (6 x 60)

Tuesdays, at 19:40 from 30 June (ends 4 August)

This series explores the world's largest ships, focusing on advanced technologies used in exploration, scientific research, and tourism. The series showcases incredible marine engineering, including massive industrial ships, specialized vessels for challenging ocean environments, and advanced maritime technology

CONTINUING SHOWS

AMSTERDAM CENTRAL 24/7 S2 (6 x 60)

Mondays, at 18:50 from 25 May (ends 29 June) 

The gateway to Amsterdam is Amsterdam Central Station. Every day, more than 200,000 travellers flow through the gates; from tourists from around the world to commuters. Behind the constant flow of passengers is an army of invisible heroes who work day and night to keep the station safe, clean, and on time.

ENGINEERING BY CATASTROPHE S1 (6 x 60)

Thursdays, at 19:40 from 21 May (ends 25 June) 

Engineering by Catastrophe explores how some of the world’s most advanced structures and technologies have been shaped by failure. From collapsing bridges and burning spacecraft to tunnel disasters and structural breakdowns, each episode revisits major engineering catastrophes to uncover what went wrong. Through expert analysis, archival footage and advanced simulations, the series reveals how these failures exposed critical flaws and ultimately led to safer, smarter and more resilient designs. It is a story of innovation driven by disaster, showing how lessons learned from the past continue to influence the future of engineering.

TO CATCH A SMUGGLER S10 (8 x 60)

Thursdays, at 18:50 from 7 May (ends 25 June) 

CBP and HSI respond to a surge in cocaine trafficking across U.S. land borders and at sea, which leads to boat chases, arrests and record-setting seizures worth millions of dollars

INSIDE THE CIA: SECRETS AND SPIES S1 (8 x 60)

Wednesdays, at 20:30 from 29 April (ends 17 June)

“Inside the CIA: Secrets and Spies” reveals real-life missions of elite intelligence officers, taking viewers deep into the world of espionage. From covert ops behind enemy lines to the hunt for bin Laden, uncover the untold, high-stakes stories that show what it truly takes to be a spy beyond the red line of danger.

TUCCI IN ITALY S2 (5 x 60)

Wednesdays, at 18:50 from 13 May (ends 10 June) 

Stanley Tucci believes that the best way to understand a country is through its food. Nowhere is this truer than in Italy, where the shape of your pasta and the sauce you serve it with speak directly to identity - and differentiate each region from the next.

How to tune in to National Geographic:

DSTV: Channel 181

StarTimes: 220 on DTH, 220 on DTT (249 on DTT in Uganda)

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC WILD 

BENEATH THE WAVES

Sundays at 18:00, from 7 June (ends 28 June)

Join Nat Geo Wild for a special programming event dedicated to exploring the wonders of the ocean. Through breathtaking documentaries and expert insights, we’ll dive deep into the mysteries of the deep sea, uncover the impact of human activity, and highlight the urgent need for conservation. Together, we can inspire change and protect the blue heart of our planet. Don’t miss this immersive journey beneath the waves.

Programming includes:

Sunday 7 June at 18:00 – Nature’s Glow

Witness a thrilling dive into the world of bioluminescent life and discovery.

Sunday 14 June at 18:00 - Red Sea: Evolution's Magic Garden

Discover natural history’s largest and most biodiverse coral reefs on Earth.

Sunday 21 June at 18:00 - Shells: Shaped by Nature

Discover the splendor of the shells that grace Africa’s marine realms.

Sunday 28 June at 18:00 – Deep Sea Titans

From sunlit shallows to crushing depths, ocean giants battle to survive.

INCREDIBLE DR. POL: ICONIC CASES

Saturdays at 18:00, from 6 June (ends 27 June)

Set in Central Michigan's farm country, Dr. Pol, along with his wife Diane, own and operate a veterinary clinic that services over 18,000 clients. From sick goats to sick pet pigs, Dr. Pol and his colleagues have their hands full with a variety of cases and several animal emergencies.

HEARTLAND DOCS S5 (10 x 60)

Wednesdays at 18:00, from 1 June (ends 17 August)

Drs. Ben and Erin Schroeder devote their lives to their family-run vet clinic and all of the creatures great and small that call rural Nebraska home. From stable to exam table, there’s no shortage of bones to be healed, babies to be saved, or baffling ailments to be diagnosed in this tight-knit heartland community.

How to tune in to National Geographic Wild:

DSTV: Channel 182

StarTimes: 221 on DTH, 210 on DTT (250 on DTT in Uganda)

Paramount May Look To Axe (Paramount+ With) Showtime Once Warner Bros. Discovery Deal Closes

Paramount which houses brands such as CBS, Showtime and MTV is looking to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery that offers HBO, TLC and TNT. They are looking to get approval for this deal within the third quarter of the year.

While this merger isn't expected to monopolize the media landscape with Paramount's current market share. There is concerns from various outlets about the future of some of these assets from both companies or in this case, Showtime.

Showtime is a premium entertainment channel that offers original drama series and films. For those who aren't familiar with the brand would know it for shows like Billions, Dexter: Resurrection, Ray Donovan, Shameless and City On A Hill.

Since 2023, the remainder of Showtime's offering had been consolidated under the entity, Paramount+ With Showtime. With the Showtime trademark retained for Paramount's cable networks.

With the Warner Bros. Discovery tie-up underway, Paramount could look to retire (Paramount+ With) Showtime and consolidated it's remaining endeavours under HBO and CBS. This merger is intended to make them competitive in the long term.

Compared to HBO, Showtime and CBS, the brand that lacks in scale and familiarity in this scenario would be Showtime. Sure it has a couple of good shows but HBO and CBS had built franchises and you don't see their operations winding down.

Besides, a majority of HBO and CBS programming get licensed to various international broadcasters if not take up a large chunk of these broadcaster's schedule. In this scenario, Showtime would be left with the bits or serve as a plot filler.

June 2026 On Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Discovery Family And Real Time Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Undercover Underage | Returning Shows: House Hunters International | More

Investigation Discovery 

Boy Band Confidential: A Hollywood Demons Event

New to Channel

Candid interviews with artists from Boyz II Men, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and others reveal the darker realities of power struggles and exploitation.

First TX: 26 June

TX Day: Friday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 3 July

Returning shows include Deadly Influence: The Social Media Murders S2 on 15 June at 21:00 (ends 27 July) and On the Case with Paula Zahn S14A on 11 June at 21:00 (ends 27 August).

Travel Channel

Returning shows include House Hunters

International S141 on 12 June at 06:00 (ends 29 June) and Expedition X S4 on 11 June at 21:10 (ends 24 September).

Discovery Family

Three Men Four Wheels S1

NEW TO CHANNEL

Three automotive experts settle arguments, once and for all, to determine the greatest racing cars of all time.

First TX: 2 June

TX Day: Tuesday

TX Time: 17:35

Last TX: 30 June

Returning shows include Expedition Unknown S7 on 10 June at 21:05 (ends 3 July).

Real Time

Undercover Underage S1

NEW TO CHANNEL

Roo Powell and her team work to keep minors safe from online sex abuse.

First TX: 10 June

TX Day: Everyday

TX Time: 23:20

Last TX: 15 June

Chopped S22, S23

Competitors

race to turn mystery ingredients into

extraordinary

three -course

meals .

This

competition is all about skill, speed and ingenuity .

June Premieres

NEW TO CHANNEL

First TX: 8 June

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 11:15

Last TX: 13 July

Beat Bobby Flay S31, S32

NEW TO CHANNEL

Talented chefs battle for the chance to take down

Chef Bobby Flay .

First TX: 9 June

TX Day: Weekdays

American Monster S6

NEW TO CHANNEL

Never -before -seen footage looks into the eyes of

ruthless killers hiding among us.

First TX: 17 June

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 21:40

Last TX: 26 June

June 2026 On Discovery Channel, TLC, HGTV And Food Network Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Sara Price: Chasing Dakar | Returning Shows: Jay & Pamela | More

Discovery Channel

BRAND NEW 

SARA PRICE: CHASING DAKAR S1

Raised in a racing family, nothing about Sara Price's rise was easy. Now, on her third Dakar attempt, Sara has her first factory drive with Defender Rally, and her best chance yet to become the first American woman to win the Dakar Rally.

First TX: 5 June

TX Day: Friday

TX Time: 19:10

Last TX: 19 June

BRAND NEW

NAKED AND AFRAID: GLOBAL SHOWDOWN S1

Survivalists from around the world compete in a 40-day primitive bushcraft competition representing their homelands with partners, testing their skills for national pride and the largest cash prize in franchise history.

First TX: 10 June

TX Day: Wednesday

TX Time: 20:05

Last TX: 12 August

Returning shows include HOMESTEAD RESCUE S7B on 18 June at 20:05 (ends 23 July) and THE LAST WOODSMEN S2B on 30 June at 20:05 (ends 18 August).

TLC 

* For the rest of Africa

* BRAND NEW SPECIAL

Rubiales Vs Hermoso: The World Cup Kiss

Luis Rubiales faces star football player Jenni Hermoso in Spain's controversial criminal trial. Was the World Cup Kiss a sexual assault?

First TX: 2 June

TX Day: Tuesday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 9 June

* BRAND NEW 

Design Down Under S1

Richie Morris and Georgia Ezra design unique homes in Melbourne, Australia.

First TX: 18 June

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 21:50

Last TX: 17 September

Returning shows include 90 Day: The Last Resort S3 on 17 June at 20:00 (ends 14 October) and Jay & Pamela S2 on 26 June at 20:00 (ends 21 August).

HGTV

BRAND NEW

Wild Vacation Rentals S1

Comedians and best friends D'Arcy Carden and Sherry Cola hit the road to discover the wildest vacation rentals across America.

First TX: 10 June

TX Day: Wednesday

TX Time: 22:00

Last TX: 1 July

BRAND NEW

World's Bargain Dream Homes S1

Across the world are dreamy houses at jaw - droppingly low prices, and expert local guides show house hunters how to dream big and own one!

First TX: 16 June

TX Day: Tuesday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 21 July

Returning shows include My Lottery Dream Home S19 on 22 June at 21:00 (ends 3 August).

Food Network

Brand New

The Ultimate Baking Championship S1

Sixteen of America's most elite pastry chefs compete to win $50,000 and the title of Ultimate Baking Champion.

First TX: 5 June

TX Day: Friday

TX Time: 17:00

Last TX: 7 August

Brand New

100 Cooks S1

Host Terry Crews welcomes 100 of America's elite

home cooks to compete in unpredictable pro-chef level cooking challenges to win as much as $250,000.

First TX: 13 June

TX Day: Saturday

TX Time: 17:00

Last TX: 8 August

Returning shows include 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing S3 on 23 June at 17:00 and Beat Bobby Flay S39 on 29 June at 16:05.

ESPN Africa Will Begin Airing The NBA Finals In June 2026

NBA - CONFERENCE FINALS AND FINALS

The NBA conference finals are the Eastern and Western Conference championship series of the National Basketball Association.

The finals will begin 3 June 2026:

3 June: NBA Finals 2026 Game 1 

5 June: NBA Finals 2026 Game 2

8 June: NBA Finals 2026 Game 3 

10 June: NBA Finals 2026 Game 4

THE JAPANESE RUGBY LEAGUE – FINALS

Japan Rugby League One, formerly known as the Top League, is a rugby union competition in Japan. It is the highest level of professional rugby competition in the country. 

The teams participating in the final are TBC.

3rd place match will take place 6 June.

The final will take place on 7 June.

THE AFL (AUSSIE RULES)

The Australian Football League is the pre-eminent professional competition of Australian rules football. It was originally named the Victorian Football League and was founded in 1896 as a breakaway competition from the Victorian Football Association, with its inaugural season in 1897.

Key fixtures:

4 June: Hawthorn vs Bulldogs 

13 June: North Melbourne vs West Coast 

18 June: Fremantle vs Geelong 

20 June: GWS Giants vs Carlton 

Please note: 

All fixtures and schedules are subject to change. 

Broadcast times are provided in CAT (Central African Time) 

How to tune in to ESPN:

ESPN: DStv 218, StarTimes 248 

ESPN2: DStv 219, StarTimes 249

Nickelodeon Could Be Up For Sale As Paramount And Warner Bros. Discovery Await Approval From European Regulators

Paramount is looking to finalize it's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery before the end of 2026. This deal doesn't face as much regulatory scrutiny as Warner Bros. Discovery's failed acquisition attempt by Netflix which would have concluded by mid 2027.

Both companies are expected to get early approval from the European Union in regards to this merger as Paramount's acquisition is seen as pro-competitive with the market share below 20%.

In a statement, it was revealed that Paramount was open to selling some of its channels as it's understood that there's an overlap between these two companies. Paramount owns Nickelodeon while Warner Bros. Discovery operates Cartoon Network.

In a scenario like this, Nickelodeon will most definitely take the fall alongside Nick Jr. and Nicktoons as Paramount would own Cartoon Network and Cartoonito. A licensing agreement will likely be placed to ensure a smooth transition.

Even though Nickelodeon's operations in Europe and Africa wouldn't be managed by Paramount as they own Warner Bros. Discovery. It should be noted that the company still owns the trademark and also the content to go along with it.

The buyer in question would own the linear operations and get all the revenue. They would be in contract with Paramount for shows like SpongeBob Squarepants and Wylde Pak while investing in their own content for the brand in these regions.

June 2026 On TNT Across Africa | Channel Premiere: The Matrix: Resurrections | Frightfully Young Stunt With Something In The Water | More

Channel premieres in bold

Frightfully Young

Stunt

TNT celebrates bold, fearless youth energy with a horror marathon where high-stakes create unmissable, edge-of-your-seat moments.

Tuesday, 16 June

17:00 Vicious Fun (2020)

18:40 Eight Legged Freaks (2002) TBC

20:30 Something in the Water (2024)

22:05 Final Destination (2000)

23:45 Spree (2020)

Under Fire, Under Pressure

Stunt

This June on TNT, Saturdays mean double the danger. Two back-to-back action hits where tension is nonstop, stakes are sky-high, and every fight pushes heroes to the edge.

Saturday, 6 June

20:00 Passenger 57 (1992) TBC

21:30 Escape from New York (1981)

Saturday, 13 June

20:00 Romeo Must Die (2000) TBC

22:00 The Survivalist (2021)

Saturday, 20 June

20:00 Training Day (2001) TBC

22:05 Ambulance (2022)

Saturday, 27 June

20:00 Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012)

21:55 Deadlock (2021)

Protectors

Stunt

Anchored in the Father’s Day spirit, TNT delivers a powerful action event saluting protector figures fathers, leaders and unlikely heroes—in a thrilling, feel-good celebration.

Sunday, 21 June

13:55 Apocalypto (2006)

16:10 Skyscraper (2018)

17:55 U-571 (2000)

20:00 Hostage (2005)

21:55 We Were Soldiers (2002)

TNT Hit

Stunt

When Keanu Reeves steps back in, reality shifts. TNT Hits delivers a bold, mind-bending channel premiere on 5 June.

Friday, 5 June

20:30 The Matrix: Resurrections (2021) TBC

StudioCanal Acquires Minority Stake In Babylone Studio

Morgan Lewis advised STUDIOCANAL on its minority investment in Babylone Studio, a production group founded by Sébastien Borivent and Emmanuel Daucé, two renowned French fiction producers known for series including Paris Police 1910, Un Village Français, and L’Affaire Laura Stern.

Based between Paris and Abidjan, Babylone Studio aims to develop international content centered on contemporary, sophisticated stories deeply rooted in the diversity of the regions where it operates. The investment forms part of STUDIOCANAL’s international development strategy and marks a new step in its engagement with African creative ecosystems.

Babylone Studio will hold a majority stake in On Est Ensemble Productions, an Abidjan-based company led by Samantha Biffot and Pierre Ceccaldi, which has established itself as a leading player in audiovisual production in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa, with more than 300 hours of programming produced each year, notably for CANAL+ Afrique. Babylone Studio is also supporting the launch of Hisia Films, a new French production company led by producer Sabine Barthélémy, in which Babylone Studio will hold a minority stake.

The Morgan Lewis team consisted of partner Sébastien Pontillo and associates Thomas Maincent and Romain Nowak.

June 2026 On Universal TV And Bravo Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent | Continuing Shows: Below Deck Mediterranean | More

Universal TV

LAW & ORDER TORONTO: CRIMINAL INTENT

Season 1 - Channel Premiere

Premieres Tuesday 9th June @8pm

Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent brings the iconic franchise north, following Toronto’s Specialised Criminal Investigations Unit as they unravel high profile murders.

Continuing shows include NCIS: SYDNEY Season 3 -  Mondays at 8pm, LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL

VICTIMS UNIT Season 27 - Wednesdays at 8pm and THE EQUALIZER Season 5 - Fridays at 8pm.

Bravo

Kandi & The Gang

Premieres Saturday 27th June at 19:00 (Saturdays at 19:00)

Kandi & The Gang pulls back the curtain on the high pressure, highdrama world of Atlanta’s Old Lady Gang restaurant as Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker juggle family dynamics, demanding staff, and the realities of running a successful hospitality business. A spirited spin-off of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, the series blends workplace chaos with personal ambition, offering a uniquely authentic look at Blackowned entrepreneurship where business, family, and friendships collide.

Continuing shows include Below Deck Mediterranean Season 10 on Sundays at 18:10 and Watch What Happens Live on Monday-Friday at 22:00.

MTV Staying Alive Foundation Rebrands As Shuga Global Following Paramount Split

The MTV Staying Alive Foundation has rebranded as Shuga Global, marking the end of its 27-year association with Paramount and signalling a broader expansion of its partnerships and content strategy.

According to the organisation, the rebrand follows the conclusion of its partnership with Paramount at the end of March 2026. Shuga Global said the transition was made through a mutual agreement based on a shared vision for the organisation’s future direction.

As part of the relaunch, Shuga Global introduced its first project under the new identity, the Mashariki Offscript Podcast. The podcast is hosted by Makena Kahuha and media personality Muchina Maloba. Episodes are available on Spotify, YouTube and other digital platforms.

“Rebranding as Shuga Global signals an exciting new era for our organisation as we continue to evolve,” Shuga Global executive director Wame Jallow said. “Building on the legacy of our ground-breaking Shuga series, our immersive storytelling and engagement with young people is needed now more than ever.

“Young people increasingly face complex interconnected issues, and we will continue to innovate and look forward to working with new partners and supporters to grow our impact on young people’s lives and their communities.”

Shuga Global said its flagship MTV Shuga series has continued to expand its audience across Africa. The Kenyan edition, MTV Shuga Mashariki, returned in 2025 after an absence of more than a decade. The organisation said the first season recorded about 5.3 million views, while the second season, which premiered on Citizen TV in February 2026, has surpassed 8.3 million views on YouTube.

The organisation also announced the development of Shuga Mashariki Shorts, an anthology film series scheduled for release in June 2026.

Shuga Global, formerly known as the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, produces educational entertainment content focused on health and social issues affecting young people. Its MTV Shuga franchise is broadcast in 40 African countries.

Why Canal+ Might Be Looking To Add Sporty TV On DStv?

As reported, MultiChoice is looking to rollout Sporty TV on DStv in the coming months with the company had begun tests on the channel earlier in the year. It was stated at the time that MultiChoice might look to rollout Sporty TV in select markets.

This is because MultiChoice was conducting tests on an East African feed to Sporty TV for consumers in those markets. While no further testing was done for Sporty TV within other markets.

Now it looks like MultiChoice might be looking to debut the channel in Southern African territories. Several consumers have spotted an electronic programme guide of Sporty TV with stuff like La Liga 2025/6, Arsenal TV: Hull City v. Arsenal.

It remains unclear as to why MultiChoice is adding a channel like Sporty TV but we have a couple of guesses.

Firstly, Canal+ bought out the company back in 2025 and they serve as an aggregator of content. Within their other territories, they are notorious for sourcing content from rival broadcasters as seen in France with BEIN Sports and DAZN.

Under the Naspers regime, MultiChoice was very selective in what content gets broadcast on DStv as they strived for originality. SuperSport was positioned as the have it all platform that ESPN and Racing240 didn't overlap with it's existing offering.

But ever since the Canal+ buyout that's no longer the case with NBA that had been picked by SuperSport with other sporting events like World Darts Championship and Winter Olympics not picked up.

SuperSport had been stripped off its acquisition power with most of the decisions now made in France. With the buyout, Canal+ basically integrated it's narratives and creative depth onto MultiChoice.

Canal+ is more focused on catering to the masses and their strategy isn't revolved entirely strived on originality as seen in the past with MultiChoice. But it's a popularity contest as that usually leads to a high retention of consumers.

Think of what happened to WWE after TKO acquired creative control, you have more sponsorships and ads between live matches. And there's more content creators and artists between tapings think of IShowSpeed, Bad Bunny, Pat Macafee and Jelly Roll.

Sporty TV likely fits that area taken up after all they had acquired rights to 104 FIFA matches and have been garnering buzz online. Canal+ is probably eyeing Sporty TV as part of its various strategies in retaining consumers.

Canal+ Might Look To Rollout Viu In K+ Territories

K+ was a defunct pay-TV service in Vietnam, known primarily for holding exclusive broadcast rights to the English Premier League and other major sports properties. It formed part of a joint venture between VTV (Vietnam Television) and Canal+.

Its shutdown marked the end of a 16-year era where K+ was the "undisputed king" of sports broadcasting in the country. But due to various economic factors like piracy, cord cutting and streaming K+ ceased operations in Vietnam.

Canal+ had since been banking on Viu in which they operate alongside PCCW Media Limited. Its a streaming service based in Hong Kong that accumulated 66.4 million subscribers of which 12.2 million serve as paying subscribers.

Canal+ has been using Viu to distribute K+ content across 16 markets in Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Middle East including Australia, Bahrain, Egypt, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman, Philippines, and Saudi Arabia.

Prior to K+ closure in Vietnam, Canal+ had also shuttered its pay-tv operations in Ethiopia and the buyout of MultiChoice gave them re-entry in the region. The closure of K+ in Vietnam is likely telling a similar tale to its failed Ethiopian business.

Canal+ has a 36.8% stake in Viu with the option of increasing it to 51% giving them majority control. It could be that they're awaiting to buy up the the number of shares before expanding as there's not much they can do with the current stake.

Iqhawekazi uAppi, Brand New Cop Drama Launches On Zee Zonke

Zee Zonke, a Zulu dubbed Bollywood channel operated by Zee Entertainment Enterprises has announced the addition of a new series, Iqhawekazi uAppi. Known in India as Appi Aamchi Collector, the series airs daily at 19:00 from 25 May.

It was originally broadcast in India on the Zee Marathi television channel from 22 August 2022 and concluded on 15 March 2025 after 845 episodes. L

The series ensembled the following actors:

• Shivani Naik as Collector Aparna Suresh Mane

• Rohit Parshuram as Arjun Vinayak Kadam

• Sairaj Kendre as Amol Arjun Kadam 

• Pradeep Kothmire as Hambir Bhaurao Kadam.

Synopsis for Iqhawekazi uAppi 

Aparna "Appi" Mane is an ordinary girl from a humble, rural background. Despite facing deep financial limitations and immense social odds, she remains determined to clear the highly competitive civil service exams to become a District Collector (a high-ranking government administrator).

Her life takes a dramatic and complicated turn when she falls in love with and marries Arjun Kadam, a charismatic but corrupt police officer.

Once Appi achieves her dream and assumes her powerful position as a civil servant, her strict duty to uphold justice directly clashes with her husband's illegal activities, putting her morals, her family, and her marriage to the ultimate test.