Insidus : AMC International

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Could CBS Reality Be Shutting Down Around The World Alongside True Crime UK???

Some consumers were likely keeping tabs on this but CBS Reality's carriage had been in decline over the years. In the UK, this offering was folded under True Crime which very much like CBS Reality has been airing a lot of Judge Judy same goes for the feeds to have closed.

MultiChoice and DStv consumers have been the latest victims in this corporate restructure of Paramount with CBS Reality and CBS Justice expected to close by 31 December 2025.

This was stated by them when addressing the press

“Following a strategic review, CBS AMC Networks EMEA Channels Partnership – the owner of CBS Reality and CBS Justice – has decided to close both channels,” MultiChoice said.

Does this mean remaining feeds for the channels are expected to close???

At the time of reporting, the only markets that would continue to offer CBS Reality would be the UK (through True Crime), Romania and the Middle East. If you had to look at the channel's reach excluding the UK, it's a lot smaller and such aren't prioritised.

Unlike MultiChoice's DStv, Paramount's Channels Are Being Replaced In Other Parts Of The World

At this current stage, MultiChoice has no plans to replace CBS Reality, CBS Justice, MTV Base and BET once they go dark on DStv. This will only enrage consumers by next year and lead to the potential loss in subscribers as seen with high end packages.

From what is understood, the decision to remove these channels was a corporate decision coming from Paramount and AMC Networks International. MultiChoice has no control over that and are as much customs as of its subscribers.

But as MultiChoice a service is being provided by them so it would only seem logical in this scenario for consumers to get some form of compensation. Rather than widening down the reach of existing channels as if your top level or mid entry subscribers don't exist.

In New Zealand, Sky had launched two channels Sky Comedy and Sky Kids that have licensed content from Paramount's cable networks. Even in Poland whose CBS Reality is scheduled to close at the same time as Africa is treating this as a rebrand with another set to launch in place.

Even in Australia, Foxtel had launched its replacements for MTV's cable networks: CMC, Australian Played and Trending. This is despite the fact that Spotify and YouTube Music are booming within the streaming space.

Then you have MultiChoice which is losing 4 channels despite closing an additional 2 channels in the year and between 7 to 12 channels in the previous financial year. They had only managed to launch like 1 channel and another 1 or 2 in the previous year.

In general, things at MultiChoice are really a mess and those following the media can only just hope that this tie up with Canal+ can only benefit existing clients in the long run. There's likely going to be more corporate restructuring within the media landscape.

Paramount is currently in pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery and if they're able to sink their teeth into Discovery Channel and Cartoon Network. Expect a similar outcome to await these brands and MultiChoice won't have much leverage by then.

Some consumers are threatening to cancel their DStv subscription once MTV Base goes dark this was somewhat like the Mzansi Magic of music. Judge Judy that's also being axed without airing it's final season alongside reruns to Cheaters as this content won't be found elsewhere.

"There Are A Variety Of Other Channels That Contain Similar Content", MultiChoice On The Closures Of MTV Base, BET, CBS Reality And CBS Justice On DStv

As reported moments ago, CBS Reality, CBS Justice, BET and MTV Base will be exiting DStv soon due to a corporate restructure at Paramount. For DStv consumers particularly high end subscribers that are hoping to be compensated there no plans to replace these channels.

MultiChoice when asked about the matter pertaining to BET and MTV Base

"There are a variety of other channels that contain similar content, such as Sound City, Channel O, Trace Urban or Trace Africa for music, or Mzansi Magic, M-Net, Bravo, and Movie Room for viewers who prefer series and movie entertainment.”

MultiChoice when asked about the matter pertaining to shows like Judge Judy on CBS Reality

"Customers can continue to enjoy a wide range of local and international reality and investigative content across our bouquet of channels.”

However the fact that MultiChoice has no workaround to such doesn't mean there won't be one eventually. Best guess here is that MultiChoice will be widening the reach certain channels within 2026.

For MTV Base, this could as well be Trace Africa to DStv Access but like MultiChoice has stated there's plenty of channels for local music. There's been an increase in online usage for platforms like Spotify which partially contributed to the channel's demise.

For CBS Reality, this could as well be the additions of Discovery Family to DStv Access or Curiosity Channel to DStv Family subscribers. As highlighted, there's a wide range of local and international reality and investigative content.

Lastly for other DStv consumers, MultiChoice had been part of a corporate buyout by French broadcaster Canal+. Through its sub division, Canal+ Afrique had boasted about 4000 hours of African content which is currently being integrated with MultiChoice.

From 9 December, MultiChoice will be adding Sunu Yeuf, Pulaagu, Mandeka, Maboke and Zacu TV currently seen on Canal+ Afrique to DStv. These channels form part of 4000 hours content slate the company is introducing in select African markets.

CBS Justice Might Be Getting A Name Change Possibly To True Crime If CBS Reality Exits DStv

In the coming months, CBS Reality will be shutting down its operations in Poland as it continues to see rapid decline in parts of Europe. In the UK, CBS Reality had been folded under True Crime which serves as an equivalent to CBS Justice on DStv.

Unlike CBS Reality, AMC Networks International continues to distribute new content to CBS Justice they even market the offering on the platform. It's likely that CBS Justice could be retained and likely rebrand when or if CBS Reality exits DStv.

Since 2022, AMC Networks International had been gradually phasing out the CBS trademark across its platforms. Either by closing various channels or rebranding them under their corporate structure.

True Crime was launched in 2023 as a replacement to CBS Reality with shows like Forensic Files, Secrets Of A Psychopath and Britain's Countryside Killers. Unlike most feeds, CBS Reality in the UK was like African feed to CBS Justice prior to its rebrand.

It wouldn't surprise me if CBS Justice were to rebrand to True Crime with select shows from CBS Reality to air on True Crime including Random Breath Test and Border Security.

Channel Closure: CBS Reality And Film Cafe Cease Broadcasting In Poland By December 31, 2025

By the end of the year, the film channel Film Cafe and the documentary channel CBS Reality, both from AMC Networks International and CBS Broadcasting, will cease broadcasting.

The broadcaster will stop airing these channels on December 31, and therefore we need to remove them from our offer. The channels are non-guaranteed, and customers will receive information from us with appropriate notice, informs Wojciech Jabczyński, spokesperson for Orange Polska, which carries both stations. The broadcaster itself did not respond to our inquiry regarding the planned end of the channels' broadcasts.

MWE Networks is preparing replacements for these stations. Filmax Cafe and TVC Reality will be launched. – In the unlikely event that these two channels (Film Cafe and CBS Reality – editor’s note) disappear from the market, we have excellent substitutes ready. The channels will be ready to launch in October, says Michał Winnicki, the owner of the group. The stations will broadcast under Maltese licenses.

MWE Networks is also set to launch eight other stations in response to the planned closure of some channels by Paramount Global. According to the announcement, channels like Comedy Channel Extra and Music 80s and Music 90s will be launched. The group will also launch a channel called Mesjasz TV.

According to Nielsen Media, including out-of-home audiences, in 2024, the film channel Film Cafe had an average of 0.09% share in the general 4+ group (a year-on-year decline from 0.12%; on August 21, 2024, CBS Europa changed its name to Film Cafe), while the documentary channel CBS Reality had 0.05% (down from 0.06% in 2023).

Source: Press.pl

Paramount Global Is Believed To Be Ending Their Partnership With AMC Networks International For CBS Reality And CBS Justice

Not long ago, it was reported that AMC Networks International will be axing one of the few CBS branded stations in Europe as part of a joint venture with Paramount Global, CBS Europa. Other channels part of this agreement include CBS Reality and CBS Justice.

As we've mentioned sometime ago, we don't envision True Crime replacing the remaining feeds for CBS Reality but more likely the African feed for CBS Justice. Unlike the UK, CBS Reality was positioned as a factual channel so maybe something like Reality TV.

AMC Networks International had been phasing out the CBS trademark across their portfolio this started out in the UK by 2022 and will reach Poland in the coming months. Since then, it has been long speculated that Paramount Global is looking to exit this partnership.

This means channels like CBS Reality and CBS Justice will be phased out in these endeavors seeing as Paramount own the CBS trademark. It also means AMC Networks International will have to find new names for these channels or close them altogether.

Their other partner Paramount Global is going through financial constraints and had since auctioned themselves to several bidders. It attracted interest from Sony Pictures Television and Apollo with more advance talks reaching Skydance Media.

However talks with Skydance Media fell through as Shari Redstone backed out of the deal at last minute.

Shari Redstone who serves as majority shareholder has been trying to keep her family’s company together and under immense pressure. It will have to look at shedding costs either by getting out of all deals (including AMC) or selling BET and Showtime.

After 25 Years, AMC Networks International Will Be Changing CBS Europa In Poland To Film Cafe

In June 2022, the British arm of the AMC-Paramount partnership revised their channel line-up with nearly all CBS branding being dropped. CBS Reality remained on air in the region during that time before being phased out for True Crime the following year.

Since then, the remaining CBS channels seen in Europe and Africa were a subject for numerous speculations. One of which included the possible demise of CBS Justice in Africa and CBS Reality following their demises in some parts of Europe as reported.

According to the Polish website satkurier.pl, CBS Europa will change its name to Film Cafe by August 21, 2024. From what we've discovered, this trademark was already in use by AMC Networks International for another TV channel in Scretonia.

The only difference here would be the logos while Film Café in Scretonia operates independently from the rest of Europe. Based on the style and font, the one set to replace CBS Europa in Poland is being aligned to the AMC channels viewed in the UK.

Despite the variation in logos, CBS Europa and Film Café offer similar premises as they are movie channels revolved on the female audience. From what we assume, AMC and Paramount might be looking to retire the CBS trademark across their portfolio.

No word on what awaits the feed of CBS Justice but by my guess that will probably rebrand to True Crime while CBS Reality is shortened to Reality TV or becomes True Reality.

Development Alert: CBS Reality Will End It's Run In More European Territories Starting With Czech Republic And Slovakia From 31 December 2023.

After its closure in the UK, as AMC Networks International is streamlining/strengthening their portfolio. It had been mentioned by one of AMC Networks International regional managers that CBS Reality will stop airing in Czech Republic and Slovakia from 31 December 2023.

According to sources, AMC Networks International is looking to discontinue more of these channels in other countries. But they didn't disclose which feeds would be affected by these changes or how long the remaining CBS channels would reside across Europe.

Not long ago, AMC Networks International halted further original productions from CBS Reality in Poland. It was also mentioned that the channel will continue to operate in the market and the same might be said about the feeds in Africa following its recent expansion to StarSat.

Following AMC Networks International's removal of CBS brand name in the linear offering in the UK. It had been long speculated that they look to duplicating this in other countries. Whether this means a complete revamp to content or cease in operations.

In other developments, Warner Bros. Discovery is also looking to close Discovery Science and DTX from 31 December 2023 which would coincide with the demise of Disney's linear offering seen in Europe and this includes National Geographic and National Geographic Wild.

Recap To Last Month: CBS Reality Ends It's Run In The UK As Paramount And AMC Networks Decide To Drop The Last CBS Channel In The Region After 14 Years

CBS Reality is a factual entertainment channel operated by AMC Networks International together with Paramount Global. The channel is home to shows like Judge Judy, Close Calls On Camera, Border Patrol, Haunted Case Files and Random Breath Tests.

In the UK, it was announced that CBS Reality would end its run after 14 years thus bringing an end to CBS brand name. Prior to this announcement, CBS Reality's programming had been altered to feature true crime and also there's a FAST channel resembling it's likeness.

This was something to be expected and also it doesn't really answer any questions regarding the feed seen in Europe and Africa. One theory that comes to mind would be the disastrous ending to CBS Reality seeing as Poland halt production of further original programs.

Perhaps, the plan would be shift more toward true crime as the last original programs to have been produced were all crime skewed. Another would be keeping the non-crime portion of CBS Reality (particularly in Africa) intact and finding supplements.

This change seen in the UK is part of streamlining efforts and as it is AMC+ is not viewable in some of the regions CBS Reality resides in. It's likely that the channels could take up another form if not True Entertainment or True Crime but it does appear they'll remain intact for the time being.

Development Alert: AMC Networks To Rebrand UK Channels, What Fate Awaits The CBS Channels Across Africa?

AMC Networks International has announced a rebrand of its portfolio of UK channels and streaming services owned by the CBS AMC Networks UK Channels Partnership with Paramount Global.

The rebrand, taking place on 22 November will retain the familiar colouring of the channel brands, which will be brought together by a ‘signature open box branding’.

CBS Reality, which has been the UK’s number 1 factual entertainment channel amongst adult women since 2016 and has been airing popular original, expert-led true crime programming, will be renamed to True Crime, and streaming brand True Crime from CBS Reality will change from to True Crime UK. The FAST channel is available through multiple platforms including Amazon Freevee, Rakuten TV and Samsung TV + services initially, with more major platforms rolling out shortly.

Entertainment channel Legend, which features action, sci-fi, adventure and western series and movies, and which was renamed from Horror Channel in 2022, will also go through a brand transformation.

On-demand content from both the True Crime and Legend channel brands are available currently on free on-demand player CBS Catch Up Channels UK which will become Watch UK. Watch Free UK is accessible directly via Freeview, Freesat and Youview, and downloadable via IOS, Android, and all major device and manufacturer stores.

Other channels in the portfolio to rebrand include Legend Xtra and True Crime Xtra, and time-shift versions Legend XTRA +1 and True Crime +1.

Sam Rowden, VP, Content Group said, “With such a vast array of content available across so many platforms, we wanted to elevate our UK portfolio to be more easily recognisable and accessible, and to clearly reflect our content offering. This rebrand closely aligns with our aim to provide carefully curated services catering to both existing and new audiences, wherever they choose to watch our programmes.”

The new look was developed with Second Home Studios alongside AMCNI UK’s in-house creative team led by Creative, Marketing and Communications Director Matt Stott, and the updated identity is supported by a marketing campaign including on air and digital media elements.

CBS Reality's demise in the UK means that the CBS brand name on linear TV has come to an end and similar to CBS Justice these would continue to function in Africa and other parts of Europe which begs the question as to what fate awaits these channels.

CBS Reality has been a crime filtered channel in the UK so the switch to True Crime makes sense. These channels had felt more AMC than Paramount so the names kind of makes sense which begs the question on the fate of its international counterparts.

Considering True Crime seems more permanent my guess is that CBS Justice in Africa will likely fold under that brand name and CBS Reality considering there's been not much put out there in terms of branding my guess would be, True Entertainment or True Television or weirdly enough True Reality.

Seeing as AMC International UK also manage the feeds seen across EMEA this rebrand is likely to be duplicated elsewhere.

News Shorts: CBS Reality Gives Up Producing Polish Programs In 2024, eMedia Investments Rebrands The Ultraview Pride Bouquet To EDGE And Desert Radio To Rollout On The DStv Platform

CBS Reality is cutting back on Polish programs

The documentary channel CBS Reality (AMC Networks International) resigned from the production of Polish programs. – With our viewers and partners in mind, we are constantly exploring opportunities to develop our programming strategy. We are currently not planning any new own productions for 2024, the channel's press office told us.

We broadcast and will continue to broadcast a number of true crime programs from CBS Justice, including British own productions such as: "Crown Evidence", "Living in Crime: Jackie Malton" or "Living in Crime: Donal MacIntyre".

Moreover, it was recalled that the CBS Reality channel also broadcasts foreign series on other topics, such as "Dirty Houses" or "Maniacal Hoarders". The last Polish productions were shown by the station in 2022. It was a two-part documentary "Always on Duty" and a five-episode series "Crime Without a Body".

According to Nielsen Media, in the first half of the year, CBS Reality had an average of 0.07 percent. share in the general group 4+ (no changes) and 0.05 percent in the commercial group 16-59 (down from 0.09% in the first half of 2022).

Still proud, with a new Edge

Reflecting the dynamic and inclusive nature of the content and programming on the channels found on the Edge Bouquet symbolizes a forward-thinking approach, pushing boundaries and embracing a variety of perspectives. The Edge Bouquet is our way of broadening our scope while staying true to our commitment to quality entertainment and representation.

The Edge Bouquet features two channels: OUTtv and Fuse.

Accompanying the revamped bouquet will be OUTtv first ever South African programme, The G-List. a captivating reality series that delves into the lives of three dynamic queer individuals navigating the vibrant world of South African entertainment and media – Kyle Clark, a charismatic media mogul and brand influencer; Mthaux, a bold, non-binary fashionista challenging norms; and Lula Odiba, a vivacious YFM DJ blazing a trail for women in broadcast.

Openview launched a satellite-first in SA with an added Pay TV option earlier this year. Viewers can experience a new world of curated premium entertainment using the same decoder, simply opting in for additional bouquets of content for a monthly subscription, whilst retaining and enjoying the free Openview content on their decoder.

This revolutionary new ‘freemium’ service is giving audiences viewing power by giving them the choice of free or paid content, at their discretion. Unlike other services, Openview allows viewers to find exclusive niche content, conveniently in one place, opting-in for stand-alone bouquets that satisfy their desires.

A Nambian based station is heading to the DStv platform

A cutting edge radio station broadcasting live from Windhoek ,Namibia. Desert radio is part of the Namibian Newspaper.

Desert FM is a popular radio station located in the vibrant and diverse country of Namibia. The station is known for its exceptional programming that caters to a broad range of musical tastes and preferences. With a diverse selection of genres ranging from adult contemporary, jazz, soul, pop, RnB, indie rock, gospel, amapiano, and house, Desert FM has something to offer for everyone.

Desert FM is a true gem of the Namibian radio scene. The station has become a household name, renowned for its exceptional music selection, in-depth interviews, and engaging personalities. Its programming is crafted to cater to both the young and old, with carefully curated playlists that are designed to keep listeners entertained throughout the day.

The station's adult contemporary programming is a perfect fit for the busy urbanites who love to unwind and relax to some mellow and soulful tunes. Desert FM's jazz programming is second to none, with a selection of classic and contemporary jazz that will delight even the most discerning listeners. Soul music fans will also find their groove on the station with an exciting blend of contemporary and classic soul that will leave them wanting more.

Recap To The Week: AMC Networks International Launches New Content Group Across UK & EMEA

AMC Networks International UK (AMCNI0UK) has forged a new Content Group across the UK and EMEA and promoted Sam Rowden to run it.

Rowden, who currently oversees the company’s programing strategy for the CBS channel portfolio, becomes VP of the Content Group.

She will oversee linear and content strategies across the UK and EMEA with oversight of joint venture channels CBS Justice, CBS Europa, CBS Reality, RealityXtra, Legend, HorrorXtra as well as channel brands AMC and SundanceTV.

The weighty new remit also includes AMCNI-UK’s AVoD and FAST portfolio consisting of the AVoD player CBS Catchup Channels UK and FAST channel True Crime from CBS Reality that has recently launched with Amazon Freevee and Rakuten TV, and which is also available via ITVX. Additionally, Rowden is now also responsible for content acquisition and content partnerships including the relationship with Paramount Global for both the UK and EMEA joint ventures as well as content management including compliance.

“Sam has been the driving force behind the continued success of AMCNI-UK’s joint ventures with Paramount Global, both in the UK and in EMEA, including the development of our highly successful true crime originals effort since the beginning,” said Kevin Dickie, EVP and MD for AMNCI UK.

“With her leadership skills and expertise developing brands that appeal to a wide range of audiences, she is perfectly placed to assume this key role as we further integrate our linear and streaming efforts.”

Rowden joined AMCNI around 15 years ago.

AMC International And Paramount Global Are Relaunching CBS Justice In United Kingdom As True Crime By The End Of 2023, Will The Same Be Happening For CBS Justice In Africa At Some Point?

AMC International and Paramount Global will be reviving CBS Justice in the UK later in the year as a streaming service under Amazon Freevee. This comes after the channel was shuttered last year as the parties were reviewing their offering for consumers in the region.

True Crime UK is set to launch on more major platforms later in the year, with a slate of shows currently seen on CBS Reality internationally (and CBS Justice in Africa) including Evidence of Evil, Murder Wall, Donal MacIntyre Unsolved and Medical Detectives.

Despite having resounding resemblance to to the defunct Sony Crime operated by Sony Pictures Television which too was known as True Crime. The channels are operated by different parties with AMC International opting to use "From CBS Reality" as to not avoid confusion.

Tanya Gugenheim, SVP, business development, AMC Networks International – UK said, “We’re thrilled to launch True Crime UK from CBS Reality on Amazon Freevee and Rakuten TV. Expanding our factual entertainment content into the FAST space underscores the demand for our acclaimed true crime programming and will enable us to share it with a huge new audience.”

During the year, CBS Justice expanded their footprint in the African market on StarTimes' StarSat platform alongside CBS Reality. Since spinning off CBS Reality into a second channel back in November 2019, CBS Justice has been garnering popularity to factual lovers.

As mentioned, CBS Justice's days in Africa could be numbered or at least the brand name as True Crime is just a digital duplicate. On top of that, AMC International UK manages brands like CBS Reality, JimJam and the already mentioned CBS Justice in Africa.

Why Oxygen's True Crime Channel Would Make The Perfect Replacement To CBS Justice Should It Exit The DStv Platform?

In 2022, AMC International and Paramount Global announced the halting of CBS tier in the UK within that year as they were reviewing their offering for viewers of that region and opted to retain CBS Reality while the others well don't wrap their finger around CBS.

Most if not all the entertainment remained the same from what we've all seen the only difference is there's less brands involved to manage the never ending lineup of repeats and old programming.

If you're reading this you're wondering how the news of CBS's demise within the UK affects the Middle East and Africa and it's very simple. AMC International UK handles the feeds for the affected regions and even arrange the content for these brands.

Another reason why this change also has an affect on us is that AMC International in some regions particularly the ones outside of the UK's jurisdiction have all had their offering reviewed I'm more curious as to why they couldn't use AMC but perhaps has to do with the Paramount side of things so CBS made sense.

As advised, CBS Reality is the only brand within their portfolio to retain the CBS branding alongside factual content viewed on the African feed of CBS Justice. Although, there hasn't been much said about its future I hear the channel was phased out of the Portuguese market.

No indicator on whether this will have an affect on the other CBS Reality channels I wouldn't be shocked if they kept it but opted to have the last remaining feed of CBS Justice removed.

CBS Justice launched in Africa by 2019 (it's more of a comeback considering it was CBS Action) and happens to be very popular with consumers. Some of the shows which are seen on CBS Reality in the remaining feeds include Forensic Files, Murder Couples and Finding A Serial Killer.

One of the reasons I feel CBS Justice could be removed has to do with the launches of Paramount+ and AMC+. As we know it, companies are starting to invest more time in these services than they are with their current offering on DStv.

All I'm saying is don't be surprised if most of the channels you see aren't around in the near future. That's why you have The Home Channel, Ignition, HONEY and Movie Room.

Besides that, there's not much variety on either CBS Reality and CBS Justice both are just hovered with repeats and scraping the barrel for whatever content is available. In other regions, despite the nonstop episodes of Judge Judy the repeats are at a minimum.

CBS Justice's demise would be the most tragic yes especially after that whole fiasco MultiChoice had with A+E Networks in 2019 when almost all their channels would have been removed from the platform and replacements found prior to the time.

There's no certainty on if a replacement would be available as if sources are accurate would have merged with CBS Reality. Now I know we have Investigation Discovery, Curiosity and it's not like CBS Justice is gone entirely but one is limited and the others completely opposite.

MultiChoice has been battling transponder constraints and if CBS Justice weren't replaced then the space could be used for yet another channel and should it be replaced I have one channel in mind not sure if they'd go for it but anyways here it is.

Oxygen (often referred to as Oxygen True Crime) is a factual entertainment owned by NBCUniversal since 2016 is home to real life stories after being mainly crime based content. It has become a strong competitor to Warner Bros. Discovery's Investigation Discovery.

In 2022, Investigation Discovery lost 12% of its audiences with Oxygen coming to the lead as the channel gained a further 10%.

Oxygen supplies several content part have been viewed on CBS Justice including Snapped, Cold Justice, Catching a Serial Killer: Sam Little, Kim Kardashian: The Justice Project and Aaron Hernandez Uncovered. Making them the ideal candidate for the brand.

Recap To The Month: Starsat Welcomes Replacement To FOX, DreamWorks, Investigation Discovery, Real Time And More

For several years, StarSat has lost out on a variety of channels including FOX, Discovery Family, Soul Music, TLNovelas, Tshwane TV and OnseTV. Not long ago, the pay-tv platform unveiled 4 channels: FilmBox Action, CBS Reality, CBS Justice and Kartoon Channel.

In 2021, The Walt Disney Company ceased distribution of the general entertainment brand, FOX. Home to shows now seen on Disney+ Star such as How I Met Your Mother, The Walking Dead which recently made its freemium debut on eXposed and The Simpsons.

FilmBox Action (channel 140) is a channel dedicated to the action genre basically catering to the same target audience and group as FOX with classic Hollywood films, spectacular series from the US, Europe, and Asia, and modern heart-pounding blockbusters.

Following FOX's demise is Warner Bros. Discovery's factual and lifestyle offering including Discovery Family, Fine Living, Discovery Science, Real Time and Investigation Discovery part of which still remain on DStv while others are viewed on other African platforms.

CBS Reality (channel 170) 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.

CBS Justice (channel 222) is for true-crime lovers. Nothing is scarier than a true story, and this channel has some of the best: from glamourous offences by the rich and famous to passion killings by the guy next door. Both CBS channels make up for these 5 brands.

Lastly, DreamWorks owned by NBCUniversal was scrapped from the platform after two years and at the time pay-tv platform was on a cutting spree. Of course, there's was no reason for the sudden dismal all that is known is it's existence through the DStv platform.

Kartoon Channel (channel 304) entertains kids aged two to ten. Wonderfully entertaining children’s shows are played daily, with family-friendly movies over the weekends. From Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten and Angry Birds to Peppa Pig.

Compared to the likes of DStv, StarSat implemented a price freeze meaning consumers will recieve more entertainment at the exact same price on top of a reward incentive for loyal Special Package subscribers wishing to upgrade to Super.

To help bolster the value of StarSat’s mid-tier offering, StarSat will be graduating four channels to the Super Package: Manchester United TV (channel 252), Real Madrid TV (channel 254), MSNBC (channel 263), and Fashion TV Africa (channel 282).

Despite the efforts, StarSat wasn't prepared to have their feed of Russia Today cut off joining another channel which went dark on the platform in 2023, Glow TV. The pay-tv platform hopes to welcome more channels in the current financial year.

Recap: CBS Reality Is The Only Brand From AMC International And Paramount To Retain Its Identity In The UK

In June 2022, AMC International and Paramount Global were reviewing their entertainment offering and it was announced that CBS Justice, CBS Drama and Horror Channel in the UK would be discontinued by the end of that month and supplemented by RealityXtra and Legend.

CBS Reality remains as the only prime jewel to carry the CBS brand while the above-mentioned brands were only able to retain their content. No one really knows why maybe it has to do with popularity or as other sources have seen the Really channel.

But what I'm more interested in is how Paramount and AMC International decided that brands like CBS Justice were of no use to that region. From what was highlighted AMC International had seen a loss in revenue with a slight increase in the coming years.

Sources estimated that the partnership with these two might as well be dissolved cause as it is CBS is not seen anywhere except for CBS Reality and others point to Paramount+ as they also licence content under the CBS brand but who knows really.

AMC International:
- Conspiracy Theory: The Real Reason CBS Reality remains in the market
- The twisted origin story of RealityXtra
- Acorn TV closed down in South Africa
- AMC+ rolling out across Europe later in the year

From what I've accessed about Horror and CBS Drama those channels carried a lot of old content and I'm not talking about The Big Bang Theory and Modern Family old but kind of the one you'd get from Walker, Texas Rangers and CSI so I'm guessing not a lot of viewers watched it like CBS Reality.

It could explain why the concept seen on CBS Justice and Horror Channel became Legend. Of course these changes appear very much rushed as you have The Mentalist on RealityXtra and a HorrorXtra without Horror Channel again this appears rushed.

RealityXtra 2 launched not so long ago and it got me thinking what if CBS Reality alongside its content were to fold and replace the feed of CBS Reality to kind of align it better with the other channels as they lack CBS in the name.

Paramount:
- Conspiracy Theory: The introduction to Nick Jr. Global
- The Smithsonian Channel is closing down in the UK
- VH1 is being redirected to BET
- MTV Hits no longer available in South Africa

Internationally, the only known feed to have CBS Justice is located in Africa which just divides the content with CBS Reality perhaps they could merge it as both are factual channels and supply Judge Judy, Killer Siblings and Border Patrol under the banner RealityXtra or offer it as two seperate channels.

RealityXtra looks more simple and recognisable compared to Legend which would make a better name for a movie channel. I feel RealityXtra could sell better and not disrupt the digital businesses for both AMC International and Paramount.

Roundups #133: Da Vinci Media Commissions Three Seasons Of New Bear Grylls Series, NCIS: Los Angeles Cancelled After 14 Seasons On M-Net And CBS And Starsat To Rollout CBS Reality In Various International Territories

Bear Grylls is coming to Da Vinci Kids

Da Vinci Media has set its sights on creating more inspirational content for kids and families with some help from British adventurer Bear Grylls and his co-venture studio BecomingX. The streamer has ordered three seasons of Grylls’ unscripted series Becoming Xtraordinary (30 x 24 minutes), which features influential celebrities, athletes and professionals from around the world.

Each episode will contain two interview-driven success stories encouraging kids of all ages to chase their dreams and providing advice on how to realize these goals. Some of the first season’s interviewees include actors Julia Roberts and Channing Tatum; sports superstars Roger Federer and Dame Kelly Holmes; and British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. TV host Mwaka Mudenda (Blue Peter) will serve as one of the show’s in-studio presenters.

Da Vinci commissioned the series after identifying a lack of inspirational content that kids and families can co-view together, said COO Estelle Lloyd in a release.

Pre-production is set to begin later this month, and season one is slated to premiere on Da Vinci’s platforms this spring and summer. The Da Vinci Kids app and YouTube channel will also feature full-length versions of the interviews to extend the experience of the series.

Regular Nick:
- Could Universal Kids be the next channel to close down from NBCUniversal?
- Here are other ways to view PBS Kids
- The Twisted Timeline Of Sammy And Raj coming soon to Nickelodeon

NCIS: Los Angeles is the next show to get axed on M-Net

One of CBS’ longest-running scripted shows, NCIS: Los Angeles, will be coming to an end after 322 episodes. Its current 14th season will be the show’s last, with the series finale set for May 14, airing on the network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.

The NCIS spinoff, starring LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell, is tied as the fifth longest-running CBS primetime scripted series ever, only behind Gunsmoke, Lassie, CSI and Criminal Minds. Among the four, the two shows that have aired in the last 50 years, CSI and Criminal Minds, both have since been revived, which bodes well for NCIS: Los Angeles‘ future.

Additionally, NCIS: Los Angeles is a rare long-running procedural drama to have had its original leads, LL Cool J and O’Donnell, stay on for the entire run. Both have spoken publicly about their commitment to the series, which hit the 300 episode milestone last May, and their fellow cast members.

According to sources, the cast and crew of NCIS: Los Angeles are being told today about the series coming to an end. A cancellation of a long-running drama with big-name leads filming in L.A. should not come as a shock given the big price tag involved, especially at a time when networks across the board are looking to cut their spending. Still, I hear the cancellation news came as a surprise to many associated with the show as it follows the strong ratings for the three-way crossover with mothership NCIS and latest offshoot NCIS: Hawai’i.

DStv Flex:
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CBS Reality is launching on DStv competitor

After closing off 30+ channels in the last 5 years, StarSat is finally in the process of rolling out new channels with Kartoon Channel set to officially launch by the end of January with other brands like FilmBox Action, CBS Reality and CBS Justice awaiting release.

As seen during the month, FilmBox Action and CBS Justice were unveiled by the pay-tv platform in selected regions with CBS Reality supposedly being the last minute entry and from the looks of it I wouldn't be shocked if they were more last minute entries.

CBS Reality is factual entertainment channel owned by AMC International and Paramount Global which offers content like Dangerous Flights, Judge Judy, Dogs Behaving Very Badly, Cheaters, Shocking Emergency Calls, Hardcore Pawn, Paranormal Survivor etc.

If I had to guess, CBS Reality was likely added to replace Discovery Family. I mean both are educational and offer factual content if anything the target group is different as CBS Reality doesn't cater much to kids and family isn't something you'd find on such a channel.

DStv:
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New Channel Alert: CBS Justice Coming Soon To StarSat

In 2019, CBS Justice launched across Africa exclusively on MultiChoice's DStv and had proven to be a popular addition to the platform. Four years later, the channel expands outside of MultiChoice's reach and onto the pay-tv rival, StarTimes.

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 Justice is currently occupying channel 222 on Super package in several outlets across Africa.

StarSat:
- The Smithsonian Channel closing down in the UK
- Delayed SABC channel launch on StarSat explained
- Russia Today to launch South African hub
- StarSat trying to be DStv friendly

The news of CBS Justice launch on the platform comes at the time where two other channels were already unveiled for the platform, Kartoon Channel and FilmBox Action.

Just like the above-mentioned two channels, CBS Justice will serve as a replacement to Investigation Discovery from Warner Bros. Discovery which was axed by the pay-tv platform in 2021 alongside Real Time and Discovery Science.

Interesting enough, CBS Justice was also used as collateral damage when MultiChoice got into a carriage fight with A+E Networks for Lifetime, History and Crime + Investigation of which only Lifetime and History walked out unscathed at the time.

Since last year, CBS Justice has been a subject of speculation following it's termination in the UK and this expansion proves that the channel has more value here than it ever did anywhere else.

The addition of new channels on StarSat just proves that the pay-tv platform remains committed in providing their audiences with the best entertainment but also proves that they're very slow in sourcing out replacements to the 30+ channels they discontinued.

Several consumers had already fled the platform and opted to DStv to enjoy some of the channels axed by the company including Discovery Family, DreamWorks and TLNovelas. While others refuse to give them any kind of attention.

Recap To 2022: AMC Networks, Paramount Global Push Through Major Layoffs Which Could Lead To Cutback Of Channels

It looks like The Walking Dead may not be the only thing that has come to an end at AMC Networks, which operates the AMC cable TV channel, IFC, We TV, and Sundance TV. According to The Wall Street Journal, a memo has been sent to staff warning them of major layoffs on the way.

“We of course realize that this will cause significant concern and anxiety for our employees and those who rely on AMC Networks for their livelihood,” AMC Chairman James Dolan wrote. “We do not take this lightly. We will take every step possible to minimize the impact of these actions on our community.”

All told, AMC Networks plans to lay off 20% of U.S. workers. Essentially, the reason is more people turning to streaming for their entertainment needs. AMC Networks also operates the AMC+ and Shudder streaming services, but as Dolan’s memo laid out, those services haven’t brought in enough to offset losses.

AMC operates streaming services, but they’re not successful enough to prevent layoffs

It’s tough to think that the network that has given us shows like The Walking Dead, Mad Men and Breaking Bad has been taking such a major hit this year; their stock has dipped 40%. At least The Walking Dead series finale gave AMC+ its biggest day of viewership since it began; that’s something!

According to sources, AMC Network isn’t the only one undergoing major layoffs. Paramount Global is laying off around 30 people as the company aligns CBS Studios, Paramount TV Studios, and the Paramount+ scripted originals team.

What’s happening at Paramount Global doesn’t sound as bad as what’s going on at AMC Networks. It’s more about organization and figuring out how to make things work more efficiently for the studios. Although that doesn’t mean the layoffs don’t hurt.

Credits: Ariba Bhuvad

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