GUMBALL IS SPEAKING ISIZULU — RIGHT NOW! As Cartoon Network Africa Makes Gumball’s World Sound Like Home

Elmore, the quirky, animated town of Gumball, has always been wonderfully weird, and now it’s proudly local too! Starting this month, The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball is available in isiZulu on Cartoon Network, giving kids the joy of hearing Gumball, Darwin, and the gang in South Africa’s most widely spoken language.

 

Gumball’s jokes, Darwin’s heart, Anais’s smarts, and Richard’s silliness, all now voiced in isiZulu, transform the chaos into something wonderfully familiar. With Elmore’s everyday madness sounding magically new - from schoolyard shenanigans to family meltdowns - the laughs now echo with a whole new rhythm.

And because toggling languages should be as fun as the show itself, Cartoon Network has dropped a cute tutorial video showing kids how to switch to isiZulu. Think of it as a mini adventure: click, toggle, boom, suddenly Gumball is speaking your language.

MultiChoice is currently embroiled in a carriage dispute with Warner Bros. Discovery affecting Cartoon Network and 11 other channels. As noted, they're at risk of possible termination on both DStv and GOtv platforms across Africa.

 

The Librarians: The Next Chapter Marks A Thrilling Return To Magic And Adventure, Premiering 4 January 2026 On Universal TV Across Africa

Universal TV (DStv 117) today announced that The Librarians: The Next Chapter will premiere on 4 January 2026 at 18:20 (CAT), with new episodes airing every Sunday in a double bill each week.

A spinoff of the hit series The Librarians, the new action-adventure drama delivers a fresh twist on the world of magical artifacts, daring missions, and secret knowledge. The story centres on a Librarian from the past who time-travels to the present - only to find himself stuck in a world he no longer recognises. When he visits his ancient castle, now transformed into a public museum, he inadvertently unleashes powerful magic across the continent. To make things right, he’s assigned a new team, setting the stage for a thrilling journey to recover rogue artifacts and restore balance to a world suddenly steeped in sorcery.

Starring Callum McGowan (Jamestown, Raven’s Hollow), Olivia Morris (Hotel Portofino, Rise Roar Revolt), Bluey Robinson (Cats, Britannia), Jessica Green (Roman Empire, The Outpost), and Caroline Loncq (No Offence, Nightflyers), The Librarians: The Next Chapter combines humour, heart, and high-stakes fantasy in a gripping 12-episode arc.

The series is executive produced by Dean Devlin, Marc Roskin, and Rachel Olschan-Wilson, the creative forces behind the original The Librarians and numerous fan-favourite genre hits.

Don't miss the magic when The Librarians: The Next Chapter premieres on 4 January at 18:20 on Universal TV, with back-to-back episodes every Sunday until 8 February 2026.

Termination Notice Has Been Issued Out To Cartoon Network And Discovery Channel Leaving Only TNT And Discovery Family On DStv

Yesterday, it was reported that MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery "might" have settled their carriage dispute regarding the 12 channels and HBO's content on M-Net. This is because a few channels had a termination card and some didn't.

Now, MultiChoice had sent out channel termination notices for Cartoon Network and Discovery Channel leaving only Discovery Family and TNT. 

Negotiations between both parties are still ongoing so the fact that the batch to have gotten termination notices earlier doesn't mean an agreement can't be reached where they join the initial four. None of the messages list each individual channel so there's hope.

Of course several theories behind Cartoon Network's inclusion does enter the fray.

Firstly, MultiChoice's team has been incompetent for a while it's not news to any DStv customer so it's likely they took longer to add them.

But of course, when Paramount announced that BET and MTV Base alongside CBS Reality and CBS Justice in its joint venture with AMC Networks International were out the door. These notices were sent out simultaneously despite them not going dark at the same time.

It does lead some to wonder could a new agreement have been reached for the initial four and MultiChoice in its attempt to prevent a media debacle chose to now list Cartoon Network up for closure. I mean it wouldn't be the first time MultiChoice had tried scrubbing such info.

The news of those 8 channels possibly leaving DStv would anger a lot of DStv customers. But similar to the Cartoonito leak in 2023, MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery probably want to address the elephant in the room - TLC and Food Network.

MultiChoice had stated they were open to replacing these channels and if an agreement had been reached. Could it be that some of this content will just resurface on a replacement as seen with Nickelodeon in New Zealand.

Its so possible that MultiChoice is more channels aside from TNT and Discovery Channel. Perhaps renewals for Food Network, Investigation Discovery and HGTV are taking a lot longer than anticipated again those are all theories.

DStv Customers Are Shocked And Utterly Disappointed By MultiChoice's Decision To Possibly Cancel TLC, HGTV And Food Network

MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery might have settled their carriage dispute as 8 out of the 12 channels might be exiting DStv. These include TLC, Real Time, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Food Network, HGTV, Cartoonito And CNN.

A termination notice had already been spotted for these channels and it as goes follows:

Dear viewer, please note this channel may no longer form part of our content line-up from 31 December 2025. Thank you.

The channels in question come as a shock to viewers like myself specifically for TLC as it's basically what Bravo is to NBCUniversal or MTV is to Paramount. But this was to be expected I mean Canal+ Afrique only distribute 5 channels from the brand including CNN.

I'd like to believe that more channels could end up joining Discovery Channel, Discovery Family, Cartoon Network and CNN. 

If you had to sum it up, several factors contribute to the possible demise of these brands firstly MultiChoice had implied renewing their agreement with the company had been deemed non-viable. This is where brands like Food Network and CNN factored in.

Another may have something to with their viewership particularly for the likes of Travel Channel. Canal+ is shedding costs at MultiChoice and one way would probably be phasing out niche and redundant brands.

As for the content, MultiChoice had stated they're more than willing to replace these channels which does lead us to wonder. Could these replacements perhaps carry shows like 90 Day Fiance and Evil Lives Here I mean it wouldn't seem far fetched.

Warner Bros. Discovery had run into similar issues in New Zealand and since then channels have come in place to carry this content. MultiChoice had done similar actions in the past with the likes of Animal Planet (under Real Time) and ITV Choice (under M-Net).

Developing Story: Channels Likely Remaining On DStv Include Cartoon Network, TNT, Discovery Channel And Discovery Family

As consumers have already heard, talks between MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery regarding the carriage agreement for Cartoon Network and 11 other channels are on the line. MultiChoice sent a notice out earlier in the month about the pending disaster.

Since then, a petition had started to garner traction online from a concerned DStv subscriber and has since crossed the 300 milestone.

In recent developments, it appears that Cartoon Network, TNT, Discovery Channel and Discovery Family won't be leaving DStv. As a termination notice has only been sent out for TLC, HGTV and Warner's 6 other channels.

The message goes as follows Dear viewer, please note this channel may no longer form part of our content line-up from 31 December 2025. Thank you.

The fact MultiChoice states "may no longer" doesn't mean their fates are set in stone just yet but that some progress has already been established. This comprises of brands such as Cartoon Network, TNT, Discovery Channel and Discovery Family.

It's very likely that more channels could join the lineup but as of right now it appears MultiChoice will be removing 8 additional channels alongside the 4 channels by Paramount. They had recently extended the DStv Upsize promotion giving them ample time to resolve the matter.

Developing Story: Channels Likely Going Dark On DStv Include TLC, Real Time, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Food Network, HGTV, Cartoonito And CNN

As consumers have already heard, talks between MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery regarding the carriage agreement for Cartoon Network and 11 other channels are on the line. MultiChoice sent a notice out earlier in the month about the pending disaster.

Since then, a petition had started to garner traction online from a concerned DStv subscriber and has since crossed the 300 milestone.

At the time, it was stated by MultiChoice that should a new agreement not be reached consumers would lose 12 additional channels by 31 December 2025. But that may not be the case for Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, Discovery Family and TNT.

Termination cards are being spotted on TLC, Real Time, HGTV, Travel Channel, Food Network, Cartoonito, CNN International and Investigation Discovery with the following message:

Dear viewer, please note this channel may no longer form part of our content line-up from 31 December 2025. Thank you.

MultiChoice had implied that Warner Bros. Discovery is asking for too much money to extend the carriage agreement for these 8 channels. Honestly, I was right to suspect that Food Network or even HGTV are likely goners in this carriage dispute.

The fact MultiChoice states "may no longer" doesn't mean their fates are set in stone just yet but that some progress has already been established. It's possible that some of these 8 could remain onboard I mean Canal+ Afrique does offer CNN International.

But as of right now, MultiChoice had extended its DStv Upsize promotion which can only imply several scenarios. Firstly talks between the two extend to 2026 which is unlikely and, second is that 8 channels are likely done for and this promotion is just a distraction.

Could Canal+'s MultiChoice Be Hinting At A Grim Future For Warner Bros. Discovery?

Warner Bros. Discovery serves as MultiChoice's largest entertainment provider behind BBC Studios, Disney, NBCUniversal and Paramount. It provides shows like House Of Dragons to M-Net alongside cable networks like Discovery Channel, CNN and Cartoon Network.

The fate of this offering now hangs in the balance as MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery struggle to finalise to a new agreement. Aside from Paramount's 4 channels, consumers stand a chance of losing an additional 12 channels bringing to 16 channels.

A petition had been going around in order to try and save these channels. Because let's face it within this 12 everyone has a favourite and some have even threatened to cancel their subscription.

MultiChoice was asked what they're next grand plan would be if the 12 channels were axed and of course it would be replacing them. But none of the content viewed on Cartoon Network or TLC would make it which is what consumers are paying for.

So now they're extending the DStv Upsize promotion to 31 January 2026. Not as a thank you for being a loyal subscriber but rather a way for them to say we're screwed without these channels.

Consumers missing out on Cartoon Network would have Disney Channel and Nickelodeon to keep occupied. Those missing out on AEW on TNT would have access to live episodes of Raw and SmackDown alongside PPV events.

This is all until 31 January 2026 which would give them ample time to find replacements. If I'm being honest here, there's a 50/50 chance that all 12 channels will be exiting or maybe 4-6 get retained.

According to insiders, talks between them aren't looking good so consumers should expect something major to get axed. This is why there's talks of replacements and for Paramount's brands which are definitely exiting aren't getting replaced.

DStv Upsize Promotion Receives Another Extension Amidst A Carriage Dispute

MultiChoice has announced that DStv customers with decoder-based subscriptions will be upgraded to higher-tier packages for free until the end of January 2026. This is because consumers are likely to lose 12 additional channels by the end of this month.

DStv has been running a promotion that gives customers on its mid-tier and entry-level packages access to higher-end bouquets until the end of December. This has now been extended by a month as Warner Bros. Discovery and MultiChoice try to reach an agreement.

Until 31 January 2026, DStv Compact and Compact Plus customers will have access to all Premium channels, while Family and Access customers will be upgraded to Compact. 

DStv Premium subscribers receive two extra concurrent streams, for a total of four, and will get more DStv Rewards points than usual.

While the upgrade promotion is exclusive to decoder-based subscribers, MultiChoice said that DStv Stream customers will get separate offers on DStv Rewards.

To make it easier for customers to get a decoder and other products, DStv is relaunching its online store later this month, offering free delivery and a simpler ordering process.

MultiChoice launched its Upsize promotion on 10 November, immediately following its successful Open Weekend that gave all decoder-based subscribers free access to DStv Premium.

“With the summer holidays fast approaching, families can enjoy a wide range of local and international entertainment,” MultiChoice stated.

It stated that no action is required from customers to receive the upgrade, and normal billing will resume in February 2026.

DStv said the Upsize promotion forms part of its broader plan to improve customer value. MultiChoice CEO for Pay TV South Africa, Byron du Plessis, said the campaign was part of a bigger value reset.

“We’re focused on making DStv more accessible and rewarding, with affordability and customer experience at the heart of our strategy,” Du Plessis said.

The campaign follows several recent initiatives since the company’s takeover by Canal+, including decoder price cuts and a refreshed DStv Rewards programme.

While the DStv Rewards refresh had been in the works since before the takeover, it has been allowed to proceed with Canal+’s blessing.

Woman In Charge Coming Soon To Telemundo Across Africa

Telemundo, an American based entertainment channel offering telenovelas in English and Portuguese is set to rollout a new series titled Woman In Charge. Overseas this series is known as La Jefa which means The Boss in English.

Because Telemundo already has a series called The Boss (La Patrona), the channel will be distributing La Jefa as Woman In Charge.

Synopsis for Woman In Charge

Gloria Guzmán appears to have the perfect life: a successful career, a beloved son, and a wedding day with her fiancé, the high-ranking police commander Juan José Cruz. This dream life shatters when hitmen crash the wedding ceremony and murder her groom. 

Penniless and on the run from Tijuana with her young son, Daniel, Gloria begins an endless race for survival. She initially finds work in a beauty salon run by Maribel Ortiz, a con artist who performs illegal cosmetic surgeries, and forms alliances with other women there, Yadira and Laura. 

Her situation becomes more desperate when Daniel is diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, and she realizes she cannot afford his expensive treatment on a hairdresser's salary. This forces her to break into the criminal underworld of money laundering and drug trafficking. 

Using her intelligence, resilience, and beauty, she gains the mentorship and alliance of powerful cartel bosses, eventually earning the feared title of "La Jefa" (The Boss). As a powerful drug lord, she navigates a world of betrayal and violence, all while trying to defeat the enemies who made her life impossible and discovering a hidden, shadowy figure behind all her misfortunes. 

Based on the 2014 series Señora Acero (Woman Of Steel), it starred Fabiola Guajardo as Gloria Guzmán, Iván Arana as Eduardo Torres, Mauricio Henao as Mateo Restrepo, Azela Robinson as Maribel Ortiz and Andrés Almeida as Jacinto Ortega.

The revenge saga is not over once a Thirst For Revenge comes to a close as the story lives on with  Woman In Charge airing everyday at 10PM CAT from 26 January.

January 2026 On History Channel Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Hazardous History With Henry Winkler | Returning Shows Including Life After People | More

Brand New & Exclusive

LIFE AFTER PEOPLE S3 

5 January

Mondays 19:25

What would happen if every human being on earth disappeared? This is the story of what happens to the world we leave behind. The series builds on the HISTORY Channel’s documentary special ‘Life After People’. This latest season of the series continues to explore what a world wiped clean of humanity would look like. The series uses the most cutting edge visual effects to provide a detailed picture of a post-human future, revealing the fate of famous structures and investigates the creatures that might inherit the places we once lived. Repeat: Next day 11:45

Brand New & Exclusive

BEYOND SKINWALKER RANCH S3

2 January

Fridays 20:15

To fully unlock the secrets of Skinwalker Ranch - widely considered to be ground zero for Unidentified Aerial Phenomena - Dr. Travis Taylor and Erik Bard expand the investigative team and broaden their reach to explore evidence of similar phenomena at sites around the country. Repeat: Monday 12:35

Brand New & Exclusive 

HAZARDOUS HISTORY WITH HENRY WINKLER

22 January

Thursdays 19:25

There was a time, not long ago, when we drank Coca-Cola that was laced with actual cocaine. We smoked everywhere, from airplanes to the doctor’s office. We stored our food in toxic refrigerators and flew down slides that ripped our skin off. We played (unknowingly) with radioactive toys and decorated our Christmas tree with ornaments made from asbestos. And ignorance was bliss. Hosted by the iconic Henry Winkler, each 60-minute episode of this nostalgia-drenched series tells the entertaining stories of the unchecked and unregulated places, people, products, practices, and pastimes from a forgotten era. Fast-paced, informative, and a little bit scary, the series is a running cavalcade of the most careless, reckless and unsupervised tales of irresponsibility in our history. Repeat: Next Day 11:45

Brand New

HITLER’S HOLOCAUST RAILWAYS WITH CHRIS TARRANT 

27 January

Tuesday 21:05

British television personality Chris Tarrant goes on a personal journey to explore the darkest chapter in the history of the railways, their role in the Nazi Holocaust of WWII. Traveling through three countries from Nuremberg to Auschwitz, he explores the history from the first anti -Jewish laws and the Nazi’s quest to build the world’s most powerful railway of war - to the eventual use of that railway network to transport millions to their deaths. Repeat: Next Day 13:25

Amigas Y Rivales (Friends And Rivals) Coming Soon To TLNovelas Across Africa

TLNovelas, a Mexican based entertainment channel by TelevisaUnivision that offers telenovelas in English and Portuguese has announced the addition of Amigas Y Rivales. This translates to Friends And Rivals, the series is slated to rollout in 2026.

Synopsis for Amigas Y Rivales

Amigas Y Rivales tells the story of four women from different social backgrounds. The first is Laura, a studious, sensitive, serious girl from a middle-class family; she studies data processing in a private university because she received a scholarship.

Jimena is the typical rich girl, dissipated and irresponsible, for whom sex is just another amusement. At one point she is kidnapped although she doesn't realize it. She lives with Sebastián, a drug dealer who gives her drugs in exchange for her having sex with men in his home. Ofelia is Jimena's best friend. Like Jimena, she is rich and lives for pleasure and fun, until she gets infected with HIV.

The fourth protagonist is Nayeli, who has a humble background and works as a maid in Jimena's home. Nayeli dreams of being a Hollywood actress, like her idol, Salma Hayek. This dream takes her to the United States illegally, where she meets boxer Johnny Trinidad, who falls in love with her. She is reported to the immigration service and deported back to Mexico.

It starred Michelle Vieth as Laura González Uribe, Arath de la Torre as Roberto "Robertito" de la O Terán, Ludwika Paleta as Jimena de la O Terán, Rodrigo Vidal as Armando del Valle and Adamari López as Ofelia Villada Ruvalcaba.

Amigas Y Rivales premiered on Las Estrellas from February 26, 2001 and concluded on November 9, 2001 after 165 episodes each with a duration of 42 to 45 minutes. It was produced by Emilio Larrosa who is known for shows like Fooled Into Love.

Canal+ Acquires Remaining Stake In MultiChoice Following A Squeeze Out

Multichoice will officially delist from the JSE this week following its acquisition by French media giant Canal+. 

Canal+ has been attempting to acquire control of Multichoice for nearly two years and has now acquired all the remaining shares following a Squeeze-Out of other shareholders. 

The group will not delist the ordinary shares of Multichoice from the JSE and the A2X, effective Wednesday, 10 December 2025. 

This is subject to obtaining regulatory approvals from the JSE, the A2X, and the South Africa Reserve Bank. 

Canal+ said it remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the conditions set by the South African competition authorities. 

It thus intends to proceed with a secondary inward listing on the JSE within 9 months following the effective date of the delisting.

This aligns with the timetable and procedures envisaged in the relevant regulatory approvals.

The move marks a major change for Multichoice, with the company’s history dating back to 1985, when M-Net was founded. 

With Supersport part of its catalogue, Multichoice was launched in 1995. DStv launched its first satellite service that same year. 

The company would continue to expand into other African markets and launch its own streaming service, Showmax, in 2015. 

In 2019, Multichoice was spun out of South Africa’s most valuable company, Naspers. 

Soon after, its shares began trading on the A2X Markets on a secondary basis on Monday, March 2, 2020

The recent acquisition by Canal+ means that South African investors can no longer own a direct stake in Multichoice, and will only be able to own an indirect stake when Canal+ lists.

Paramount Is Going Hostile With New Bid For Warner Bros. Discovery

Paramount Skydance is launching a hostile bid to buy Warner Bros. Discovery after it lost out to Netflix in a months-long bidding war for the legacy assets, the company said Monday.

Paramount will go straight to WBD shareholders with an all-cash, $30-per-share offer. That's the same bid WBD rejected last week, which Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison said Monday never got a response from Warner Bros. Discovery. The offer is backstopped with equity financing from the Ellison family and the private-equity firm RedBird Capital as well as $54 billion in debt commitments from Bank of America, Citi and Apollo Global Management.

"We're really here to finish what we started," Ellison told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" Monday. "We put the company in play."

Shares of Paramount were roughly 5% higher in premarket trading Monday. Shares of Warner Bros. Discovery were up about 6%. Shares of Netflix were slightly lower.

On Friday, Netflix announced a deal to acquire WBD's studio and streaming assets for $72 billion. Paramount had been bidding for the entirety of Warner Bros. Discovery, including those assets and the company's TV networks like CNN and TNT Sports.

Comcast also bid for the streaming and studio businesses, CNBC previously reported.

Paramount has repeatedly argued to the WBD board of directors that keeping Warner Bros. Discovery whole was in the best interest of its shareholders.

Paramount executives also plan to argue their deal will have a much shorter regulatory approval process given the company's smaller size and friendly relationship with the Trump administration, according to people familiar with the matter.

"We've had great conversations with the President about this, but I don't want to speak for him," Ellison said Monday.

Netflix's proposed acquisition has already raised antitrust questions, in particular for combining two of the most dominant streaming platforms. CNBC reported Friday that the Trump administration was viewing the deal with "heavy skepticism," and President Donald Trump said Sunday the market share considerations could pose a "problem."

Netflix agreed to pay Warner Bros. Discovery $5.8 billion if the deal is not approved, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Friday. Warner Bros. Discovery said it would pay a $2.8 billion breakup fee if it decides to call off the deal to pursue a different merger.

More Bad News Might Be Awaiting DStv Consumers As MultiChoice And Warner Bros. Discovery Square Off

According to some new reports, DStv subscribers may have to brace for more bad news aside from Paramount closing MTV Base and 3 other channels. The fight is on in trying to retain Cartoon Network and TNT as well as The White Lotus on M-Net.

Warner Bros. Discovery and MultiChoice had this carriage dispute for sometime regarding the future of these networks and it's content on M-Net. As reported, Netflix had won the bid to acquire the portion that licenses to M-Net.

MultiChoice under its new owners Canal+ seemingly implied that rates to renew such agreement is higher. And as I've mentioned for a while now things about to get messy from insider's reports that things aren't looking good.

It could imply two scenarios

The first DStv consumers will lose all 12 channels meaning no more reruns of Regular Show on Cartoon Network and Holiday Baking Championship on Food Network. Superman, Green Lantern and Harry Potter on M-Net Movies those are gone as well.

From 2026, MultiChoice will lose DStv consumers at an alarmingly rate as seen in Kenya where it lost 85% of its audience. While they promise to replace the affected channels, none of the content from these brands would form part of the lineup anyways.

MultiChoice will find it hard trying to convince consumers across the DStv bouquet to retain their subscription. Even with replacements, there would be no Sister Wives or AEW Dynamite which is what the paying consumer subscribed for.

Various outlets are putting most of their bet on the first scenario and if you've seen what happened in the week was Netflix's possible acquisition of Warner Bros. Lots of websites placed their bid on Paramount winning as the deal would have included the cable networks.

But I'm putting my cards out for the second scenario where MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery are able to finalise an agreement - eventually.

"Things Aren't Looking Good" could imply instead of 12 additional channels joining the 4 existing channels from Paramount to exit DStv. It could as well be between 4-7 channels and I've stated this before MultiChoice doesn't need all these channels.

Travel Channel had been in decline that even MultiChoice Africa no longer offer it to DStv consumers. HGTV similar to BBC Earth wasn't even licensed to consumers in some African markets making it a strong contender to get the axe.

Under previous management, MultiChoice was prioritising on content which led to the exit of a couple of popular brands like Animal Planet and BBC First. Maybe under French hands, they could look to keep channels with massive appeal and remove ones deemed expensive or redundant.

Popular brands within their stable include Discovery, TLC, Cartoon Network and TNT, with expensive or low rated brands like HGTV, Food Network and Discovery Family.

If theres one thing I believe would be a priority is the part that deals with M-Net and Showmax as a loss would lead to viewer erosion. The part in which M-Net contract with has major IPs under their belt and is a contributor to M-Net's success.

The linear part doesn't even appear in South Africa's 20 most watched channels making the content part a liability. 

The second scenario seems probable although they would lose subscribers it wouldn't be severe if this number went up to 16 channels. MultiChoice can do without some of these brands as it would give them time to calm the masses and seek alternatives.

New Channel Alert: 1KZN TV And Mpuma Kapa TV Are Now Streaming On SABC+

Following the inclusion of SuperSport Schools, SABC+ has added the provincial stations 1KZN TV and Mpuma Kapa TV in an attempt to boost primetime on the platform. As the struggling SABC 2 and SABC 3 start to see a drop in viewership.

Based in Richards Bay, 1KZN TV promotes cultural preservation and community development, making it a key voice for regional narratives. It focuses on the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province in South Africa, with a strong emphasis on Zulu culture, history, and local stories.

It produces original programming through community engagement, including news, entertainment, youth culture shows, and sports coverage like the DStv Diski Challenge and KZN Sport.

Mpuma Kapa TV (often abbreviated as MPK TV or formerly known as Bay TV) is the Eastern Cape's premier regional broadcaster, serving as a "window to the province" by showcasing local culture, community developments, entertainment, and economic stories.

It features multi-genre content, including religious programs like Shekinah Healing Ministries, talk shows such as Book Review and Street Talk TV, event coverage around Nelson Mandela Bay, and motivational segments.

Aside from SABC+, 1KZN TV and Mpuma Kapa TV are also streaming on Freevision Play and through cable on DStv. 

How Netflix's Potential Acquisition Of Warner Bros. Discovery Affects M-Net, DStv And Showmax?

Not long ago, it was reported that Netflix won the bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery valuing the deal at $72 billion. This deal would DC Entertainment/Studios, Cartoon Network Studios, HBO, Warner Bros. Pictures/Television and New Line Cinema.

Below is a how this deal is bad news for MultiChoice

M-Net and Showmax

MultiChoice had been licensing Game Of Thrones and Penguins from HBO to M-Net and Showmax. In the event of an acquisition, Netflix had expressed interest to continue these partnerships with local broadcasters but it may not be easy.

If MultiChoice continues to license content from Warner Bros. they could as well look to increase the rates. This is something MultiChoice's new owners Canal+ may not find amusing as they've begun cost cutting due to DStv's shrinking consumer base.

Besides that, the previous owners at MultiChoice had been anti-Netflix for sometime so the general audience had sort of painted a certain image of the company. While free-to-air broadcasters such as SABC and eMedia Investments had been licensing from the streamer.

MultiChoice put up a wall between them and Netflix again this was the previous owners regime as Canal+ does view them as partners. They do have an agreement to bundle their services in francophone markets alongside a content deal through K+.

The reality is while Warner Bros. continues to license content to M-Net and Showmax, Netflix will likely make further productions exclusive to their services. If they do continue licensing, I doubt MultiChoice would want their scraps.

Netflix is already available in the market which further complicates things as M-Net and Showmax are meant to go hand in hand with their content. But then again, MultiChoice is part of StudioCanal's parent company which gives them leverage.

Netflix may offer Stranger Things, Squid Games and Wednesday but with Canal+'s MultiChoice there's Paris Has Fallen, Spinners and iShaka iLembe.

DStv

For this part, I feel there's a lot of exaggeration as Netflix is not acquiring Discovery, TLC or the linear Cartoon Network as that is being spun off into a separate company. Of course, Netflix's bid to be frank sort of dilutes the value of Cartoon Network.

Cartoon Network under Discovery Global will be leaning more toward third party programming such as Lego Ninjago, Dragonball Super and Totally Spies!. While what made Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Disney "The Big 3" like Regular Show and Tiny Toons Looniversity goes to Netflix.

It's likely that they will be a licensing agreement for these shows but they'll most definitely be like DreamWorks Channel - reruns. Under a separate company, they're not going to prioritise on these Netflix originals.

If it is deemed expensive these shows could as well get phased out and again that just dilutes Cartoon Network who had been reliant on these IPs.

Turning over the torch to Discovery Global, this is the company that MultiChoice is involved in a carriage dispute with over the future of its 12 channels. These include Discovery Channel, HGTV, TLC and as mentioned the linear Cartoon Network.

Of course, the matter of concern here to me is that as mentioned with Cartoon Network while the Netflix deal makes the company more leaner. There's still another 20 billion worth of debt they need to clean out.

Expecting for content to be reduced, potential sales or closures to operations or channels and lastly massive layoffs particularly for international feeds.

All of this might as well unfold while these channels are no longer on DStv but then again it's likely that MultiChoice could opt to keep a few channels. My guess would be Discovery Channel, TLC, Cartoon Network, Real Time, Cartoonito, ID and CNN.

MultiChoice Is In Trouble As M-Net And Showmax Are Also At Risk Of Losing Content From HBO, TLC And Cartoon Network

A few days ago, it was announced that Netflix had won the bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (excluding it's cable networks). This comes after MultiChoice and the company made it transparent to viewers that their 12 TV channels on DStv could be going dark from next year.

These include Discovery Channel, TLC, Discovery Family, TNT, Real Time, Investigation Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito and CNN. A petition had been going around following news of its possible demise.

According to sources, not only does this deal affect these cable networks but also their licensing deal with M-Net and Showmax for shows like House Of Dragons, The White Lotus and The Gilded Age.

MultiChoice had stated at the time that they were open to replacing these channels and if that's so none of the content from HBO or Warner's cable networks would form part of the lineup. Warner Bros. is one of MultiChoice's biggest clients.

Compared to Disney and Paramount that offer only 6 channels each, they offer a combined figure. Since Disney+ inception, content from the brand had been further reduced on M-Net, DStv and Showmax but that wasn't the case for Warner Bros. Discovery.

For MultiChoice and it's owner Canal+, there is a lot in stake for them should they opt to have these channels removed. In two years, they've lost over 2 million subscribers particularly in Kenya where it lost 85% of its subscribers and this will just accelerate.

Paramount already plans to close CBS Reality, CBS Justice, BET and MTV Base, and although the consumer numbers are expected to decline. It will be more severe as seen in Kenya should consumers miss out on 90 Day Fiance and Craig Of The Creek. 

Channel Closure: CBS Reality And CBS Justice Will Also Be Going Dark On StarTimes And StarSat Platforms Across Africa By The End Of 2025

As some consumers already know, CBS Reality and CBS Justice would be exiting DStv platforms across Africa by the end of December. This decision wasn't made by MultiChoice but rather CBS AMC Networks International who provide these channels within the market.

They made the call to have the channels removed affecting not only DStv and GOtv customers but even the likes of StarSat and StarTimes.

StarTimes sent a notice to subscribers that both channels also be looking to exit their platforms by the end of December. Consumers on both MultiChoice and StarTimes end will be starting the new year with even lesser content.

CBS Justice brings you authentic criminal cases and investigations expertly dissected using cutting edge forensic technologies, always factual, always true. Some of the shows include Cold Blood, Coastal Killers, Forensics, Evidence Of Evil and Homicide's Elite. 

CBS Reality offers captivating television guaranteed to shock and entertain. It features one of the most beloved TV personalities, the queen of the courtroom herself: Judge Judy. Other great shows include the ever-popular Cheaters.

MultiChoice is currently embroiled in a carriage dispute with Warner Bros. Discovery regarding its 12 channels on their platforms. StarTimes went through a similar route years prior and the CBS channels served as their replacements.

Now that these two channels are going off the air soon consumers can tune into TLC, Discovery and Investigation Discovery. Consumers here are in a better position as opposed to that of MultiChoice.

CBS Reality and CBS Justice's terminations were confirmed last month and Warner Bros. Discovery was the only alternative for consumers. Now that could as well be wiped out unlike South Africa where MultiChoice is the only player in the field consumers can run to StarTimes, Azam TV or even Zuku TV.

‘HBO, DC, Cartoon Network’: 10 Companies That Netflix Will Now Own After The Warner Bros Buyout

Following Netflix’s agreement to acquire Warner Bros Discovery’s TV and film studios and streaming division in a deal valued at roughly $72 billion, the streaming giant will take control of some of the most influential brands in global entertainment. Based on the assets included in the sale, here are 10 major companies and brands Netflix will now own.

1. HBO

The deal includes Warner Bros Discovery's streaming and premium-TV business, giving Netflix full ownership of HBO, one of the strongest content brands in the world, known for Game of Thrones, Succession, The Last of Us and more.

2. HBO Max / Max

Netflix will also acquire the HBO Max (rebranded as Max) streaming service, a direct competitor. This dramatically increases Netflix’s control over prestige television and reshapes the streaming landscape.

3. Warner Bros Television

The acquisition includes Warner Bros’ television production unit, one of the industry’s largest suppliers of scripted and unscripted programming, producing shows for networks globally.

4. Warner Bros Pictures

Netflix gains control of Warner Bros Pictures, the centerpiece film studio behind franchises such as Harry Potter, DC Films, Mad Max and Fantastic Beasts.

5. DC Entertainment / DC Studios

The DC superhero universe featuring Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Joker and more, falls under Netflix’s ownership as part of the studios division.

6. New Line Cinema

The iconic studio behind The Lord of the Rings, The Conjuring and IT will become part of Netflix’s content empire through the Warner Bros acquisition.

7. Cartoon Network Studios

The animation division producing global hits like Ben 10, Adventure Time and The Powerpuff Girls will be owned by Netflix, expanding its youth and animation catalogue.

8. Adult Swim

Known for Rick and Morty, Aqua Teen Hunger Force and cult animation, Adult Swim also moves under Netflix as part of the studios and TV assets it is buying.

9. Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

TCM’s extensive classic-films library and broadcast brand will fall under Netflix's control, giving it unmatched catalogue depth.

10. Vox Media Partnership Assets

Warner Bros Discovery maintains multiple joint ventures, including content partnerships with Vox Media (such as digital news/documentary collaborations). These partnership rights transfer to Netflix as part of the studio and streaming business purchase.

The article was originally published by Wionews

Netflix Wins the Warner Bros. Discovery Bidding War, Enters Exclusive Deal Talks

Warner Bros. Discovery is moving forward with exclusive deal talks with Netflix, TheWrap has learned.

WBD has selected Netflix after the streaming giant offered $30 a share for the studio and streaming assets, according to two people familiar with the deal talks. The deal also includes a $5 billion break-up fee to match the terms that Paramount added with its bid.

While its unclear what the makeup of the new bid looks like, the prior bid was a mix of mostly cash and stock.

Netflix securing a win over rival suitors Paramount and Comcast represents a stunning turnaround from just two months ago, when co-CEO Greg Peters shaded big media mergers as not having an “amazing track record,” and Paramount buying WBD seemed like a foregone conclusion. Fast forward to today, and Netflix has won a furious M&A bake-off after three rounds of bids.

Representatives for Netflix and WBD weren’t immediately available for comment.

These exclusive talks clear the road for Netflix to acquire the Warner Bros. studios, HBO Max and a treasure trove of IP assets like “Harry Potter” and the DC Universe. Netflix, which once aspired to be like HBO when first embarking on original content, is on a course to become its next owner. Obtaining such assets could dramatically reshape the entertainment landscape and give Netflix even more power over Hollywood — concerns the streamer will have to assuage.

Regulatory hurdles

The willingness to include the unusually large breakup fee was likely critical with questions arising on how Netflix will get a deal with Warner Bros. through regulatory approval. It would face stiff antitrust scrutiny and opposition from the U.S. Department of Justice, New York Post’s Charles Gasparino reported on Tuesday.

A representative for the Department Justice declined to comment on the report.

In a Nov. 13 letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson and Department of Justice antitrust division assistant attorney general Gail Slater, Republican Rep. Darrell Issa warned that a Netflix bid would raise antitrust concerns that could harm consumers and Hollywood alike. He noted that consolidation between the two companies would “diminish incentives to produce new content and major theatrical releases,” which could “undermine opportunities for the full range of industry professionals both in front of and behind the camera.”

California Attorney General Robert Bonta has previously voiced his opposition to any deals involving WBD. “Further consolidation in markets that are central to American economic life — whether in the financial, airline, grocery or broadcasting and entertainment markets — does not serve the American economy, consumers or competition well,” his office told TheWrap last month in response to Paramount’s initial offer.

“We are committed to protecting consumers and California’s economy from consolidation we find unlawful,” the spokesperson added.

The process of completing the deal could distract the company from executing its core business. There’s also the X factor of Netflix jumping into the deep end of the theatrical business, a part of the entertainment world it has kept its distance from. Netflix shares fell 5% on Wednesday when investors realized the prospect of a deal happening was very real.