Development Alert: Canal+ Has Until Early April To Make A Mandatory Offer To Acquire DStv And GOtv Parent Company, MultiChoice

Shareholders are referred to the announcement released on the Stock Exchange News Service on 28 February 2024, informing the market of a ruling by the Takeover Regulation Panel (“TRP”) that required Groupe Canal+ SA (“Canal+”) to make an immediate mandatory offer to all ordinary shareholders of MultiChoice in terms of section 123 of the Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008. MultiChoice notes the announcement made today by Canal+ that the TRP has granted it an extension of 25 business days, until 8 April 2024, to make the required mandatory offer. 

The MultiChoice board of directors (“the Board”) will continue to act in the best interests of the 

Company and its shareholders. Shareholders will be updated should there be any further 

developments.

The Board accepts responsibility for the information contained in this announcement as it relates to the Company and confirms that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, such information relating to the Company is true and that this announcement does not omit anything likely to affect the importance of such information. 

Important notice 

Shareholders should take note that, pursuant to a provision of the MultiChoice memorandum of 

incorporation, MultiChoice is permitted to reduce the voting rights of shares in MultiChoice (including MultiChoice shares deposited in terms of the American Depositary Share ("ADS") facility) so that the aggregate voting power of MultiChoice shares that are presumptively owned or held by foreigners to South Africa (as  envisaged in the MultiChoice memorandum of incorporation) will not exceed 20% of the total voting power in MultiChoice. This is to ensure compliance with certain statutory requirements applicable to South Africa. For this purpose, MultiChoice will presume in particular that:

• all MultiChoice shares deposited in terms of the MultiChoice ADS facility are owned or held 

by foreigners to South Africa, regardless of the actual nationality of the MultiChoice ADS 

holder; and

• all shareholders with an address outside of South Africa on the register of MultiChoice will be deemed to be foreigners to South Africa, irrespective of their actual nationality or domicilium, unless such shareholder can provide proof, to the satisfaction of the MultiChoice board, that it should not be deemed to be a foreigner to South Africa, as envisaged in article 40.1.3 of the MultiChoice memorandum of incorporation.

Shareholders are further referred to ruling issued by the Takeover Regulation Panel on 27 February 

2024, which ruling deals with the MultiChoice memorandum of incorporation. Shareholders can access the ruling on the Company's website at https://www.investors.multichoice.com/regulatory.php. 

If shareholders are in any doubt as to what action to take, they should seek advice from their broker, attorney or other professional adviser

Canal+ Forced To Acquire Remaining Shares In MultiChoice

The Groupe Canal+ approach to MultiChoice Group has taken a dramatic turn: the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP) has ruled that the French broadcaster must make a “mandatory offer” to the JSE-listed firm’s shareholders.

MultiChoice had earlier spurned the Canal+ offer and told its shareholders that they no longer had to exercise caution in trading in the group’s shares.

“Shareholders are advised that the TRP issued a ruling on 27 February to the effect that Canal+ has acquired 35.01% of the voting rights in MultiChoice and, accordingly, a mandatory offer in terms of section 123 of the [Companies Act] has been triggered,” MultiChoice said in a statement to shareholders on Wednesday.

Canal+ is required to make the mandatory offer immediately, in line with the requirements of the act

“Canal+ is therefore required to make the mandatory offer immediately, in line with the requirements of the act and the regulations,” the parent of DStv and Showmax said.

On 6 February, the TRP said it was investigating the offer made by Canal+ after MultiChoice ended potential buying talks with its largest shareholder.

On 1 February, Canal+ said it had offered R105/share for every MultiChoice share it did not already own. It said the offer — worth an estimated R31.7-billion, and representing a 40% premium to MultiChoice’s closing share price of R75 on 31 January.

The offer price was rejected by the continent’s biggest pay-TV company, saying it significantly undervalued the group. MultiChoice said, however, it was open to talk to anyone about any deal provided it was at a fair price.

Threshold

By buying a stake beyond 35%, Canal+ had exceeded the threshold at which South African law requires a company to make a mandatory offer to shareholders. However, MultiChoice asked the TRP to make a ruling on whether such an offer was required.

“The TRP contended that the publication of…the announcement without the approval of the TRP was unlawful, being in contravention of the act and the regulations, and issued a compliance notice against MultiChoice,” the broadcaster said in its statement on Wednesday.  

Could Canal+ Future Endeavours With MultiChoice Impact StarSat And Lead To More Content Changes On DStv?

During the week, Canal+ made an offer to acquire MultiChoice for R32 billion which got declined after owning a minority of the company. They already own Nigeria's ROK Studios and even SPI International who distribute brands like Filmbox, Timeless Dizi Channel and Gametoon on StarSat.

Since 2020, Canal+ had been acquiring a small stake in the pay-tv company this led to speculation of a possible takeover as they attempted to acquire MultiChoice Africa. With their current stake, they were able to distribute Zee World and M-Net Movies 4 in Francophone Africa.

These channels were curated specifically for MultiChoice consumers and with Canal+ offer over a possible takeover one has to wonder what fate might await linear offering viewed on StarSat and several other pay-tv platforms in Africa.

But if we had to guess Canal+ could look into integrating their assets with MultiChoice seeing as they have a stronger presence in the African market. Filmbox comes with a streaming service perhaps this merger can lead the service to be substituted with Showmax/DStv Stream.

Filmbox and Filmbox Action on Starsat could be phased out for either M-Net Movies 3, M-Net Movies 4 or Movie Room. As mentioned, Canal+ had been seen distributing various DStv curated channels on their platforms so the idea of them doing it on other platforms wouldn't seem far fetched.

Another instance is Filmbox being phased out from StarSat as well as various platforms across Africa if not replacing third party channels like TNT and Studio Universal on DStv. It would only leave brands like FashionBox, DocuBox, Gametoon, Arthouse and Timeless Dizi Channel.

With Canal+ aligning themselves with MultiChoice, it wouldn't seem far fetched a stretch if they tried to get SPI offerings on DStv. For instance Gametoon could come in place of Ginx TV, it is property of Canal+ therefore a sibling to that of M-Net and Mzansi Magic.

Then there's FashionBox and Arthouse, perhaps one of the two could look into replacing Spice TV since it is more of an overflow than a fashion channel. Followed by DocuBox which could as well compliment channels like People's Weather and Curiosity.

Timeless Dizi Channel could get spun off on DStv perhaps morph into an Afrikaans dubbed Turkish channel curated with content from kykNET. Another would be the phasing out of Turkish on kykNET as it has been conflicting with other local programming on the channel.

Canal+ owning brands like Mzansi Magic and Africa Magic could lead to global domination. The Africa Channel is already seen airing content viewed from these brands in international shores perhaps Canal+ could use SPI International's offering as a means to extend its reach.

MultiChoice Rejects Canal+ R30 Billion Offer

MultiChoice has refused Groupe Canal+’s offer to buy out the company at R105 per share.

The DStv operator believes the French media conglomerate’s offer undervalues the company.

Canal+ announced on Thursday that it submitted a non-binding indicative offer to acquire the shares in MultiChoice it does not already own.

The offer valued MultiChoice at over R46 billion, and Canal+ would have to pay R32.5 billion cash for the remaining 64.99% of the company it does not own.

In addition to announcing its rejection of Canal+’s offer, MultiChoice revealed on Monday morning that the French media giant increased its shareholding in MultiChoice to 35.01%.

“After careful consideration, the board has concluded that the proposed offer price of R105 in cash significantly undervalues the Group and its future prospects,” MultiChoice said.

“The Board has reached this conclusion taking into account all relevant considerations.”

These included that MultiChoice recently conducted a valuation exercise, which has valued the company significantly above R105 per share.

“MultiChoice’s valuation excludes any potential synergies which may arise from the envisaged transaction,” it stated.

“In this regard, Canal+ has, following the lengthy discussions between the parties, repeatedly conveyed to the public what it sees as the advantages of the combined entity and, therefore, seemingly takes the view that there are significant synergies. These synergies need to be factored into any fair offer made by Canal+.”

MultiChoice also made some biting remarks about how Canal+ announced its offer to the market.

“The delivery of the Canal+ letter [to the board making the offer] took place after discussions between Canal+ and MultiChoice lasting for well over a year,” MultiChoice said.

“Following the delivery of that letter, Canal+ and its representatives have extensively discussed their proposal in public and with members of the press.”

MultiChoice said that although the board is open to all means of maximising shareholder value, it told Canal+ that its letter does not provide a basis for further engagement at the proposed price.

“In keeping with its duty to act in the best interests of the Company, the Board remains open to engage with any party in respect of any offer which is for a fair price and is subject to appropriate conditions,” MultiChoice said.

“Moreover, it goes without saying that the Board will continue to act in accordance with its duties in the applicable provisions of the Takeover Regulations regarding any formal and binding offer.”

Recap To The Week: Vivendi’s Canal+ Group Makes Move To Acquire African Entertainment Giant MultiChoice

Vivendi’s Canal+ Group has made an offer to take full control of African entertainment company The MultiChoice Group, in which it already holds a 31.7% stake.

“The Canal+ Group confirms that it has submitted to the board of directors of MultiChoice a letter containing a non-binding indicative offer with a view to acquiring all of the issued ordinary shares of MultiChoice that it does not yet hold, subject to obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals,” the Paris-based pay-TV giant said in statement on Thursday.

Canal+ said it has offered R105 per ordinary share, which was a 40% premium on their closing price of R75 on January 31.

The group emphasized that neither “the evolution” or “the conditions of a possible transaction” were “certain”, adding that any operation would comply with all laws and regulations related to the South African media sector and companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

It remains to be seen whether the offer will gather steam given that South Africa currently has rules in place limiting foreign ownership of commercial South African broadcasters to 20%, although moves are underway to increase this to 49%.

The move to acquire MultiChoice outright comes a month after parent group Vivendi announced it was studying a project to split its activities into several entities.

“Canal+ is actively preparing its stock market listing following the announcement of the proposed split from its parent company Vivendi,” read Thursday’s Canal+ Group statement.

“This project would allow investors to benefit from the merger of Canal+ and MultiChoice, the ultimate objective of the Canal+ Group being to also obtain a listing in South Africa.”

The Canal+ Group, which started building a position in MultiChoice in 2020, said its aim was to create “a large-scale African media company capable of thriving in an increasingly competitive international market.”

“Canal+ is a long-term investor in MultiChoice and South Africa, and is proud to have been actively involved in the African media sector for 30 years. To accelerate MultiChoice’s development in Africa and beyond, it will need to adopt a strategy that will enable it to increase its size and strengthen its local and global footprint,” said Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada. 

“Our potential offer, if successful, will be an important step in enabling MultiChoice to realize its full potential. Combined with Canal+, MultiChoice would have the resources to gain scale and invest in local African talent and stories, and would have the necessary proprietary technology resources,” he continued.

“We are convinced that a merger of our two groups would enable the new entity to address the structural challenges facing the media sector, to develop authentic and ambitious African content, to support more local production companies, and to expand access to sport for its subscribers while investing in local sport.”

Created in the early 1980s, with backing from South African technology giant Naspers, MultiChoice currently has some 20 million subscribers across Africa.

Reminder: ROK GH Will Close On DStv And GOtv Across Africa By 31 August 2023

ROK is a general entertainment channel operated by Nigerian film company ROK Studios that produce a selection of content such as Bloodline and Festac Town. Prior to the channel's inception, the company ROK Studios had been garnering popularity for its productions.

By 2018, ROK Studios allocated two more channels to the DStv platform, ROK 2 and ROK 3 (now ROK GH). ROK 2 was viewed as another Mzansi Wethu rehashing content to more consumers while as ROK GH (formerly ROK 3) was spun off from the first producing content from Ghana.

After 5 years on air, MultiChoice has decided to end carriage of ROK GH with further content likely to be distributed on ROK and ROK 2. This comes after it was reported that Maisha Magic Movies would be departing South Africa both of which are slated to go dark by the end of August.

MultiChoice has yet to issue out a statement regarding the cancellation of ROK GH. But if we had to guess similar to Maisha Magic Movies (in SA) and Novela Magic, the channel was struggling to garner traction and brands like ROK and Africa Magic probably edged them out.

Another could be that ROK Studios (if not MultiChoice) is cutting back on content spend and possible streamlining. Therefore reducing the attention seen on their linear platforms as seen with various broadcasters in the African market underwent.

Canal+ Increase Their Stake In MultiChoice Again To 31,7%

France’s Canal+ Group has again upped its stake in South Africa’s MultiChoice pay-TV operation.

Canal+ now owns 31.7 per cent of MultiChoice which is itself listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. MultiChoice operates the DStv, SuperSport and Showmax pay-TV options for African viewers.

Canal+ is itself controlled by Vivendi.

The new stake is up from 30.3 per cent revealed on February 10th.

MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela is on record as saying that the two businesses have regular conversations as to areas of collaboration.

The history of Canal+ and its involvement in MultiChoice is one of steady involvement since 2020. In September 2022, it raised its holdings from the previous 20.1 per cent to 26.3 per cent, and then again increased its stake to 30.3 per cent in February 2023.

However, there are local rules in South Africa which limit foreign ownership of local broadcasters. The maximum shareholding threshold for Canal+ is 35 per cent and which could then require it makes a mandatory offer to buy out other shareholders.

Another potential problem is that Vivendi/Canal+ have already breached a 20 per cent limit on foreign ownership of a local broadcaster.

Canal+ To Acquire A 26% Stake In Hong Kong Based Streaming Platform VIU

PCCW and Canal+ have announced a strategic partnership through which the French media giant will become a significant minority shareholder in PCCW’s Asian streaming service Viu.

Canal+ will make a staggered investment of $300M in Viu, including an initial investment of $200M, resulting in a 26.1% stake. It also has an option to make a further investment and turn that stake into a controlling 51%.

In a statement, Canal+ talked expansion opportunities and plans to collaborate with Viu on premium production:

During the year, the French company expanded their stake in MultiChoice beyond 30%. This move similar to VIU raises speculation of a possible takeover and should that be the case one has to wonder what would become of Showmax and VIU in South Africa if it's operated by Canal+.

"This new strategic partnership will enable the further growth of Viu, leveraging the global strength and expertise of Canal+ through various initiatives including collaboration on premium productions and content creation, expansion of global market reach for Viu, and continual user experience improvement. The partnership will allow Canal+ to take a major step in developing Asia as its next growth engine.”

Viu is one of Asia’s leading streamers with more than 66 million monthly active users (MAU) and 12 million paid subscribers across Asia, the Middle East and South Africa. The service, which operates a combined AVOD and SVOD model, consistently ranks as the top streamer in terms of MAUs across Southeast Asia and second in terms of subscribers.

It produces a wide range of local-language drama series and lifestyle programming, with a focus on Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, and was a first mover in the acquisition of Korean content. In 2022, Viu reported $250M in revenue, representing growth of 36% year over year.

Maxime Saada, Canal+ Group CEO, said: “Canal+ already has leading market positions in Europe and Africa. We are now looking forward to developing Asia as an additional growth engine for the group. Our investment in Viu is a major step towards achieving this goal. Viu is already a business with scale, with its hybrid AVOD and SVOD business model and focus on local content, it has all the ingredients to deliver superior growth and continue to be a leading service in the region and beyond.

Janice Lee, Viu CEO and PCCW Media Managing Director, said: “When we launched Viu, we had set our sights on creating and transforming our media business into an international play by tapping into larger addressable markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa. Having created a robust streaming business, we are excited to have the addition of Canal+ as a strategic investor to further accelerate growth by drawing on Canal+’s global strength in premium productions, content creation and distribution expertise.”

Cameroon Threatening To Suspend The Distribution Of Several Channels On DStv For Broadcasting Homosexual Content

Cameroon's media regulator threatened on Tuesday to suspend distributors of television channels, particularly foreign ones, that broadcast "scenes of homosexuality", in a country that punishes same-sex relations with imprisonment.

In a text entitled "Warning", dated Monday and circulated in the media on Tuesday, the National Communication Council, a government body, stated that it had noted "the proliferation of programs promoting homosexual practices", "generally broadcast by foreign editors".

These programs "are increasingly to be found in cartoons aimed at children and minors", says the text.

"The CNC calls on the promoters of channels broadcasting programs showing scenes of homosexuality in Cameroon (...) to immediately withdraw these programs, which violate the law, morality and customs of our country, on pain (...) of the outright suspension of the media concerned".

The CNC does not name any of the media it is criticizing. However, an official from the body, who requested anonymity, assured AFP that "for the moment there is no question of this or that company being named because the volume of programs concerned is too great to name them all".

Cameroon, like many other African countries, receives many foreign channels via subscriptions to the packages offered by the French group Canal+ and the South African group DStv, as well as a number of other small private operators selling access to foreign channels by satellite.

The nine members of the CNC are appointed directly by decree of President Paul Biya, 90, who has ruled the country with an iron fist for more than 40 years.

Sexual relations between people of the same sex are punishable by prison sentences ranging from six months to five years in Cameroon.

In May 2022, the international NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) denounced the "violence and abuse" regularly suffered by LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex) people in this Central African country.

"The criminalization of homosexuality has created a climate in which Cameroonians and the security forces can assault and abuse LGBTQI people with impunity", HRW deplored.

During the week, Telemundo was one of the first channels to pause production of Nurses with Until Money Do Us Part which serves as the only primetime series on the channel drawing to a close leaving Telemundo to become a wasteland for old content.

Cartoonito Africa's DISASTROUS 24 Hour Lineup Ahead Of Its Debut Across The Continent

Last month, Warner Bros. Discovery unveiled a 24 hour service for Cartoonito which serves as a programming block. As outlined, all of Boomerang's shows will be retained alongside new additions such as Batwheels, Bugs Bunny Builders and Interstellar Ella.

Over the weekend, I was sort of able to obtain the 24 hour lineup of the channel and Warner wasn't joking when they said all. As seen below is how Cartoonito would be perceived on weekends:

* Bold representing shows seen on the former programming block for Cartoonito
* Bold with italics represents shows from both Boomerang and Cartoonito
* / to seperate Saturday from Sunday those without is the same either way.
* In case you want to compare schedules: click here

00:05 Zig & Sharko
00:30 Moka's Fabulous Adventures
00:50 Moka's Fabulous Adventures
01:15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
01:35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
02:00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!
02:20 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!
02:45 Mighty Mike
03:10 Mighty Mike
03:30 Mr Magoo/Looney Tunes Cartoons
03:50 Zig & Sharko
04:15 The Tom And Jerry Show
04:35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
05:00 Masha And The Bear
05:20 Grizzy and The Lemmings
05:40 Pat The Dog
06:00 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
06:35 CoComelon Karaoke
07:00 Zig & Sharko
07:15 Masha And The Bear
07:40 Masha And The Bear
08:00 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
08:20 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
08:40 Batwheels: Secret Origin of the Batwheels/Batwheels
09:10 Batwheels (second slot starts at 8:50 on Sunday and ends at 9:05 with Zig & Sharko)
09:30 Zig & Sharko
09:40 Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse/Tom And Jerry: Wizard Of Oz (ends at 10:55)
10:35 Tom And Jerry In New York
10:55 Masha And The Bear
11:20 Moley
11:35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
12:00 Mr Bean: The Animated Series/Batwheels: Secret Origin of the Batwheels
12:26 Zig & Sharko (starts at 12:35 on Sunday)
12:50 CoComelon Compilations
13:10 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
13:35 Masha And The Bear
14:00 Tom And Jerry: Spy Quest/Sunday: Lucas The Spider, Dino Ranch and Mr. Bean
15:10 Tom And Jerry In New York/Mr. Bean (starts at 15:00)
15:15 Grizzy and The Lemmings
15:35 Zig & Sharko
15:55 Zig & Sharko
16:15 Masha And The Bear
16:30 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
16:55 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
17:15 The Adventures of Little Penguin
17:35 Masha And The Bear
18:00 Zig & Sharko
18:20 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
18:45 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
19:00 Masha And The Bear
19:20 Looney Tunes Cartoons
19:35 Tom And Jerry In New York
20:00 Mr. Bean
20:25 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who?
20:45 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
21:05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
21:30 Tom And Jerry Tales
21:50 Tom And Jerry Tales
22:15 Masha And The Bear
22:40 Masha And The Bear
23:00 New Looney Tunes
23:20 New Looney Tunes
23:45 Zig & Sharko

Considering the current circumstances of Warner Bros. Discovery alongside Cartoonito. This format kinds of makes sense if well executed other regions might as well follow. Looking at this schedule it's clear that Cartoonito is also family brand.

Although most of this is just a large chunk of Boomerang, Warner Bros. Discovery never acknowledged the channel as a preschool brand as seen with Cartoonito. This rebrand is one way to help differentiate Boomerang Africa from Boomerang USA.

Boomerang was a legacy brand for older content alongside Tom And Jerry, Looney Tunes and Scooby-Doo and the African feed made up a portion of that over the years. And I feel that's how people should see the brand at this point as opposed to killing the original aspect.

At the time, I was able to get the weekend lineup, the weekday lineup wasn't available until today:

00:05 Zig & Sharko
00:30 Moka's Fabulous Adventures
00:55 Moka's Fabulous Adventures
01:15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
01:35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
02:00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!
02:20 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!
02:45 Mighty Mike
03:10 Mighty Mike
03:30 Looney Tunes Cartoons
03:50 Zig & Sharko
04:15 The Tom And Jerry Show
04:35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
05:00 Masha And The Bear
05:20 Grizzy and The Lemmings
05:40 Pat The Dog
06:00 Masha And The Bear
06:30 Zig & Sharko
06:55 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
07:15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
07:45 Masha And The Bear
08:05 Zig & Sharko
08:25 Zig & Sharko
08:45 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
09:05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
09:30 Masha And The Bear
09:50 Zig & Sharko
10:15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
10:40 Grizzy and The Lemmings
10:55 CoComelon Compilations
11:20 Masha And The Bear
11:40 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
12:05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
12:20 Grizzy and The Lemmings
12:40 Thomas & Friends
13:00 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
13:35 Masha And The Bear
13:40 Masha And The Bear
14:10 Zig & Sharko
14:45 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
15:05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
15:20 The Adventures of Little Penguin
15:35 Masha And The Bear
15:55 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
16:15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
16:30 Batwheels: Secret Origin of the Batwheels
17:05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
17:20 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
17:35 Masha And The Bear
17:55 Masha And The Bear
18:10 Zig & Sharko
18:30 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
18:55 Lucas The Spider
19:15 Looney Tunes Cartoons
19:40 The Tom And Jerry Show
20:00 The Adventures of Little Penguin
20:25 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
20:55 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
21:15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series
21:30 Tom And Jerry Tales
21:50 Tom And Jerry Tales
22:15 Masha And The Bear
22:40 Masha And The Bear
23:00 New Looney Tunes
23:20 New Looney Tunes
23:45 Zig & Sharko

It's kind of odd that Lucas The Spider, Dino Ranch and even Thomas And Friends don't get much attention from 24 hour Cartoonito. My guess is they're probably looking for content with the same prestige as Masha And The Bear and Teen Titans GO!.

Maybe this is temporary as the only known region to replace Boomerang much earlier with Cartoonito has less than 40% of the Boomerang DNA. But I wouldn't be shocked if this was somewhat permanent considering the situation of the United States.

Press Release: Boomerang Africa Rebrands To Cartoonito Africa From 25 March Includes More Details About Upcoming Series

Boomerang Africa becomes Cartoonito Africa in English-speaking African countries on 25 March – with the best of Boomerang alongside exciting new shows filled with more laughs, more adventures and more friends.

There’s still plenty of room for long-time Boomerang favourites like Zig & Sharko, Mr Bean, Masha and the Bear, Tom & Jerry, Scooby-Doo and Looney Tunes Cartoons to shine alongside newer friends such as Dino Ranch, Thomas and Friends: All Engines Go and Lucas the Spider. Cartoonito brings them together – while adding brand-new shows like Batwheels, Bugs Bunny Builders and Interstellar Ella – just for starters - offering a wider variety of programmes filled with new friends, trusted fun and extraordinary adventures for the whole family to enjoy.

Cartoonito:
- Looney Tunes: Rabbits Run coming this April to Cartoonito
- March on Cartoonito
- Official promo and poster reveal shows remaining on Cartoonito
- Cartoonito might have a hinted a potential new channel for the DStv platform

“The rebrand of Boomerang Africa into Cartoonito Africa enriches our channel universe, bringing together the crème de la crème of Boomerang with more adventures and more friends to be part of ONE big Cartoonito family!” says Ana Gonzalez, Editorial Lead: Southern Europe and Africa, Kids Brands, Warner Bros. Discovery. “We know kids and families love our shows, and we’re looking forward to adding even more amazing content that brings the whole family together.”

Leading the rebranded channel is an exciting special – Secret Origins of the Batwheels – which kicks off at 08:40 CAT on 25 March. Batwheels is an action-adventure show that combines two of kids’ favourite things – superheroes and vehicles! The show revolves around a fun, dynamic team of super-powered vehicles and the obstacles these characters encounter as they battle the bad guys. This heroic and fresh gateway to Gotham City teaches that teamwork is an integral part of play that will help save the day. A 32-minute special, Secret Origins of the Batwheels, sees the Batcomputer forced to bring the Bat-Vehicles to life when Batman, Robin and Batgirl are all captured. The newly-minted Batwheels must defend the Batcave and face off with the Legion of Zoom – all without Batman’s help! The Batwheels series will then run every weekend at 08:40 CAT.

Bugs Bunny Builders follows Bugs and Lola as they manage a crew of builders at ACME Construction Company who really shouldn’t be anywhere near a construction site! However, by working together as a team, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety and others use their tools and wild vehicles to pull off some of the looniest construction jobs ever! Bugs Bunny Builders premieres on Monday, 10 April, at 16:45 CAT and will run Mondays to Fridays at the same time. 

Regular Nick:
- Wonder Pets revival might be in the works for Nickelodeon
- Peacock greenlights two new animated series
- Boomerang to go dark on the DStv platform next month
- Disney Junior and Disney+ to debut new Star Wars series in May

In Interstellar Ella, the year is 3021. The place is the Milky Way, where eight-year-old Ella gleefully heads out with her friends on exciting adventures of discovery. At only eight, she already knows quite a bit about space ... but there is always more to explore! With her besties Slippy and Madhu, Ella navigates the challenges that come her way. Things may not always work out the way she plans, but Ella never lets that get in the way of interstellar fun. Interstellar Ella premieres in June 2023.

Cartoonito Africa – home to your favourite characters filled with more laughs, more adventure and more friends - will be distributed in linear on all the same channels -  DStv (channel 302), GOtv (channel 68) (channel 155 in Ghana and channel 357 in Uganda), AzamTV (channel 227) and Canal+ Ethiopia (Channel 127).

MultiChoice Updates: Canal+ Owns A Quarter Of The Pay-TV Platform, Power TV Extends Its Reach To More DStv Customers In Africa And Amidst Potential Channel Closures, MultiChoice Announces Price Increases For The Following Packages

Canal+ continues its supremacy in the African market

Canal+ Group has passed the 30% ownership threshold in the African pay-TV platform MultiChoice Group.

In a statement issued Friday, the Vivendi unit said it now held 30.27% of the capital of MultiChoice Group.

“This threshold crossing testifies to the confidence of the Canal+ Group and its shareholder Vivendi in the prospects of MultiChoice and the African continent, to which they are very attached,” Canal said in a statement.

MultiChoice operates in 50 countries in English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking Africa. As of September 2022 it had 22.1 million subscribers.

Zambia is getting more love in these regions

POWER TV, Zambia’s leading music, lifestyle and entertainment channel, has expanded its footprint in Southern Africa, a step that will bring its thrilling local content offering to audiences across the Southern African region.

The expansion means subscribers will now access Power TV in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Malawi and Botswana exclusively on DStv and GOtv platforms.

Speaking when she officiated at the launch to announce the expansion in Lusaka, Chushi Kasanda, Minister of Information and Media said: “the government is proud to see local channels such as Power TV, taking a step further using its exciting local content to not only market Zambia’s skills but also promoting tourism opportunities in the country”.

Powerhouse Media Group Executive President, Mr Kenny Tonga said: “We are excited about this milestone. We decided to go for an exclusive partnership because this will greatly benefit us by increasing our viewership and our reach not only in Zambia but Southern African region”.

DStv Flex:
- March on VIA
- One Gospel to host an Easter special
- Big Cat Sunday this February on National Geographic Wild
- CBS Reality acquired rights to Killer's Caught On Camera

Here's how much each DStv customer will be paying from April 2023

MultiChoice is once again increasing the subscription fees of South African DStv subscribers from 1 April - although by a smaller percentage than in previous years, dropping the price of its ADD Movies bolt-on package and keeping the price of its streaming-only services unchanged.

MultiChoice, in a statement, says that "the average 4.3% adjustment across all of DStv's offerings is far lower that the projected consumer price index (inflation) for 2023".

These nominal adjustments help DStv to ensure that South Africans continue to enjoy the best value, and unrivalled access to entertainment, anywhere, anytime, and at the most affordable price.

Prices from April 2023

DStv Premium - R839p/m to R879p/m (+4,47%)
DStv Compact+ - R549p/m to R579p/m (+5,46%)
DStv Compact - R429p/m to R449p/m (+4,46)
DStv Family - R309p/m to R319p/m (+3,24%)
DStv Access - R120p/m to R129p/m (+7,5%)
DStv Easyview - R29p/m (unchanged)
Access Fee - R110 to R115 (+4,5%)
ADDMOVIES - R99p/m to R79p/m (-20%)
Box Office - R40 (unchanged)

DStv:
- CBS Reality is the only brand to retain its identity in the UK from Paramount and AMC International
- Warner Bros. Discovery hinting at a possible rebrand to Boomerang as more preschool content fills the lineup
- MultiChoice shares crytpic message about eMedia's 4 channels
- BBC to close linear channels and move to an internet only digital future

More channel changes or closures coming soon

As seen last year, MultiChoice made an attempt to eliminate eMedia's 4 channels including eExtra, eToonz, eMovies and eMovies Extra from the DStv platform alongside eAfrica from the rest of the African continent as they failed to fit their 5 year content strategy with additions like Movie Room and DreamWorks.

With the latter in South Africa available on the DStv platform for 6 months or what was last heard some update regarding the future should have been announced by now but will likely be revealed before the end of the current financial year or within the next.

All in all, these channels aren't safe one is assuming since the channels haven't gone off air. The most likely reason could be they're renegotiating nothing is certain for now.

In other developments, Boomerang will be phased out by the end of March for a new preschool channel, Cartoonito and Supersport might be growing the number of linear channels with the launch of South Africa's first sports channel for children, SuperSport Schools.

My other guesses could also be TNT.

Canal+ Dramatically Ups Its Stake In MultiChoice

France’s Canal+, which has steadily been buying shares in MultiChoice Group since 2020, has significantly increased its stake in the South African-headquartered pay-television operator.

In a regulatory filing on Wednesday, JSE-listed MultiChoice said Groupe Canal+ has increased its stake from the 20.1% disclosed in July to 26.26% now.

The move again raises questions about Canal+’s ultimate intentions, specifically whether it plans to make an offer to MultiChoice’s minorities – a move that could be difficult to execute given South Africa’s restrictions around the foreign ownership of broadcasters.

The move again raises questions about Canal+’s ultimate intentions — whether it plans to make an offer to minorities
“MultiChoice remains committed to acting in the best interests of all shareholders and to create sustainable, long-term shareholder value. While the group regularly engages investors and maintains an open dialogue with the investment community, its policy is not to comment on its individual shareholders nor on its interactions with them,” the pay-TV operator said, repeating an earlier statement about Canal+’s share purchases.

Canal+ began buying shares in MultiChoice in 2020. MultiChoice disclosed in July this year that the French company, which has pay-TV operations in francophone Africa that largely complement MultiChoice’s African footprint, had increased its stake to just over 20%. Its previous disclosure was in November 2021, when it said the French group had bought 15.4% of its ordinary shares in issue.

Canal+ is owned by French media conglomerate Vivendi.

When Canal+ began buying up MultiChoice shares in 2020, it prompted speculation about the company’s intentions. It also fuelled a sharp rally in MultiChoice’s share price at the time. MultiChoice first disclosed on 5 October 2020 that Canal+ had acquired 6.5% of its equity.

‘A responsibility’
“Whether it’s Canal+ or someone else, we have a responsibility as directors of the company to do what is in the best interests of shareholders,” MultiChoice Group chief financial officer Jacobs told the source in an interview in November 2020.

“Whatever opportunity comes our way, we will try to keep an open mind. We will certainly look at it and say, ‘Is this is in the best interest of shareholders or not?’ If it is, we’d need to embrace it and make the best deal we can for shareholders,” Jacobs said.

Canal+ previously told MultiChoice that it views the stake as a financial investment. The two companies have worked together for years, sharing content between their respective markets. “We have an ongoing relationship with them in various territories,” Jacobs said at the time. 

France’s Canal+ Takes MultiChoice Stake To 20%

French broadcasting giant Groupe Canal+ has again increased its stake in Johannesburg-listed MultiChoice Group, taking its position in the South African broadcaster to 20.1%.

Canal+ began snapping up shares in MultiChoice in 2020. It’s the first time the DStv and SuperSport parent has disclosed a change in Canal+’s shareholding since November 2021, when it disclosed the French group had bought 15.4% of its ordinary shares in issue.

“MultiChoice remains committed to acting in the best interest of all shareholders and to create sustainable long-term shareholder value. While the group regularly engages investors with its strategic partners and maintains an open dialogue with the investment community, its policy is not to comment on its individual shareholders nor on its interactions with them,” it said in Thursday’s disclosure to investors about the Canal+ stake.

 

The two companies have worked together for some time, sharing content between their respective markets Canal+ is owned by French media conglomerate Vivendi.

When Vivendi began buying up MultiChoice shares in 2020, it prompted speculation about the company’s intentions. It also fuelled a sharp rally in MultiChoice’s share price at the time.

MultiChoice first disclosed on 5 October 2020 that Canal+ had acquired 6.5% of its equity.

“Whether it’s Canal+ or someone else, we have a responsibility as directors of the company to do what is in the best interests of shareholders,” MultiChoice Group chief financial officer Jacobs in an interview in November 2020.

 

“Whatever opportunity comes our way, we will try to keep an open mind. We will certainly look at it and say, ‘Is this is in the best interest of shareholders or not?’ If it is, we’d need to embrace it and make the best deal we can for shareholders,” Jacobs said.

Canal+ previously told MultiChoice that it views the stake as a financial investment. The two companies have worked together for some time, sharing content between their respective markets. “We have an ongoing relationship with them in various territories,” he said at the time. 

Canal+ Increases MultiChoice's Stake To 18%

Canal+, the pay-TV unit of French media holding company Vivendi, has increased its stake in MultiChoice to 18.44%.

MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela revealed the increased shareholding by Canal+ during the company’s annual results presentation.

Mawela said they continue to have monthly interactions with Vivendi and that the French media likes MultiChoice, its management, and its prospects.

 

 

“Vivendi thinks MultiChoice is a well-run company that will continue to grow,” Mawela said. “They see MultiChoice as a good financial investment.”

The increased shareholding sparked speculation that Vivendi, through Canal+, could be looking to take over MultiChoice.

Vivendi previously tried to acquire MultiChoice Africa, but the multi-million-dollar offer was rejected.

MultiChoice said it kept an open mind about its relationship with the company.

Commenting on Vivendi increasing its stake in MultiChoice from 15% to 18.44%, CFO Tim Jacobs said they have been buying shares off the open market.

 

 

“They are not at a notifiable stage. That will happen when they get to 20%,” Jacobs said. “They have been active in the market, picking up a few extra percent since the last announcement.”

Richard Cheesman, a senior investment analyst at Protea Capital Management, previously said they see the opportunity, means, and motivation for Canal+ to buy a larger stake in MultiChoice.

 

“There is little geographical overlap between MultiChoice and Canal+ in Africa, and there would be many synergies from a merger such as content costs, satellite leases, and perhaps expediting the use of the MultiChoice tax losses,” he said.

“MultiChoice and Canal+ have monthly feedback meetings and have collaborated on some content. We view this as informal due diligence being done.”

Redraw Your World: Boomerang Africa Investing In More Preschool As Cartoonito Becomes International Success

In an interview at the TV Kids Summer Festival, Amy Friedman the head of kids and family programming at Warner Bros. highlighted the successful impact of Cartoonito block which saw 15 titles blaze the lineup with more titles like Bugs Bunny Builders, Batwheels and Tom And Jerry Time being added in future.

Despite the outcome of Cartoonito, Warner Bros. Discovery is still creating competition amongst their brands as Boomerang loads its second preschool series for the year, Cocomelon which was picked up particularly for Cartoonito.

 

 

Cocomelon engages families with entertaining and educational content that makes universally-relatable preschool moments fun! All along with music and song for families to watch together.

Since its launch in 2018, it became the most viewed channel in the United States and second globally accumulating 135 million subscribers on YouTube with 129.5 million viewers on YouTube. Aside from YouTube, the content is viewable on several streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu and Roku.

 

 

Cocomelon is expected to launch on Boomerang outside of Cartoonito by July which coincides with the recent launch of Legends Of Spark which is also preschool.

Taking that into account, is it possible that Warner is slowly phasing out Boomerang for Cartoonito by making the necessary changes to the lineup and with Boomerang being part preschool worked to their advantage.

Canal+ Completes Its Acquisition Of SPI International

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Vivendi-owned pay-TV operator Canal+ Group has completed the acquisition of international channel provider SPI International, following the approvals of all competent authorities in all European jurisdictions concerned for its acquisition of 70% control of the outfit.

A statement released by the parties said that “SPI International, a global media company who has a significant presence in Europe with extensive experience in content distribution and worldwide broadcasting, will bring to Canal+ Group great opportunities to strengthen pay-TV offers in all European markets and develop new ranges of services for the benefit of customers worldwide”.

 

 

It added: “Canal+ Group is pleased that SPI International will continue their worldwide expansion while developing their operations in a way that benefits the entire group”.

Also read: 
- Heart Of The City currently airing on International Timeless Dizi Channels
- Cesur Ve. Guzel (Die Vreemdeling) currently airing on international Timeless Dizi Channels
- Could Moonbug Kids replace Disney Junior on DStv and Baby TV on StarSat?
- tvN pushing to become a permanent linear channel in Africa
- Could Nicktoons be discontinued in Africa and likely the rest of the world?
- Multichoice won't be adding anymore community channels

SPI operates 42 TV channels across six continents. Its brands include FilmBox, Film1, Kino Polska and Turkish drama offering Dizi. Founders Loni Farhi and Berk Uziyel will continue to steer the company, with the current management team and operational structure remaining intact, the companies said.

Canal+ announced in September that it had struck a deal to take a 70% stake in SPI international. SPI International founder Loni Farhi and CEO Berk Uziyel will continue to manage the business.

 

“The acquisition of SPI International is a is part of the strategy we have been implementing for several years Canal+ currently has 22 million subscribers in over 40 countries, including 15 in Europe. We have set ourselves the goal of reaching a minimum of 30m subscribers by 2025, and SPI International will certainly be a key asset in achieving this ambition,” said Canal+ Group Chief Maxime Saada when the deal was initially announced.

Also read:
- Disney rumoured to be closing down Disney XD and Disney Junior
- Paramount reportedly closing MTV Base and MTV Classic in the UK
- Could G4 launch on DStv perhaps to replace a channel like Ginx Esports TV?
- Why VH1 Classic was terminated on DStv?
- Could Timeless Dizi Channel and possibly tvN replace eExtra on DStv?
- Cartoonito coming soon to Boomerang
- Lifetime could be on the chopping block on DStv

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[PRESS RELEASE ON MULTICHOICE SHOWCASE]: Homegrown Streaming Service Leads With Homegrown Content

(As indicated in the sneak peeks)

Africa-first streaming service Showmax is going big on local content for 2022 – and beyond – with a host of firsts from the four corners and many languages of the continent.

This follows a year where Showmax Originals consistently broke records as the most watched content ever on the streaming platform, from The Real Housewives of Durban in January to Uthando Lodumo in June, to Devilsdorp in July to The Wife in November 2021 - not to mention I Am Laycon setting a Nigerian record in February 2021.

“Our audiences are most engaged when watching shows that reflect their reality, their hopes and their dreams. This is why the three most popular shows on Showmax in the first half of 2021 were all local,” says Candice Fangueiro, Showmax’s head of content. “So, we’re delighted to introduce our next wave of Showmax Originals, a mix of returning favourites and groundbreaking firsts, from some of Africa’s most talented filmmakers.”

These include first seasons of the epic fantasy Blood Psalms, the reality series The Real Housewives of Lagos, docu-series Sex in Afrikaans, and the survival horror Pulse, as well as second seasons of The Real Housewives of Durban, the Kenyan police procedural and legal drama Crime and Justice and the romantic comedy Troukoors, and new seasons of the debut Showmax Original telenovela, The Wife, not to mention a three-film post-apocalyptic film slate, led by the critically acclaimed Glasshouse.

These include first seasons of the epic fantasy Blood Psalms, the reality series The Real Housewives of Lagos, docu-series Sex in Afrikaans, and the survival horror Pulse, as well as second seasons of The Real Housewives of Durban, the Kenyan police procedural and legal drama Crime and Justice. Also on the way is romantic comedy Troukoors and new seasons of the latest show that everyone’s talking about: The Wife.
New favourites, coming 2022:
The Real Housewives of Lagos | Reality series
The Real Housewives of Lagos will be the 16th international - and third African - instalment of The Real Housewives franchise.

“We’ve seen audiences across Africa devour The Real Housewives of Johannesburg and The Real Housewives of Durban,” says Fangueiro. “The Real Housewives franchise lends itself to localisation and we know our audience is going to love seeing the show reinvented, Naija- style. We can’t wait to show the continent - and the world - another side of Lagos, with all the drama, high fashion and luxury you’d expect from The Real Housewives franchise.”

Sex in Afrikaans | Docu-series
In Sex in Afrikaans, four Afrikaans couples and two singles, with the help of clinical psychologist Bradley R Daniels, will for the first time speak openly about their sex lives – and, in the process discover there is more fun to be had!

Featuring interviews with sex workers, adult shop owners, a unicorn, swingers, dominatrixes, a crossdresser, a dungeon master, people who dress up like babies, and others who prefer full body latex suits, Sex in Afrikaans will be an eye-opening tour of what your neighbours and co-workers get up to behind closed doors. The show is produced by Wie word 'n miljoenêr? host Rian van Heerden, through Provoco.

Blood Psalms | Epic fantasy
Showmax’s first epic fantasy, Blood Psalms, is set in ancient Africa, 1 100 years ago and chronicles the rise to power of a fierce teenage princess who battles a world-ending prophecy to navigate her people through ancient curses, long-standing tribal vendettas and the wrath of the gods.

Award-winning show creators Layla Swart and Jahmil X.T. Qubeka are joined by a heavyweight cast, which includes eight SAFTA winners – Bongile Mantsai, Hamilton Dlamini, Hlubi Mboya, Mothusi Magano, Siv Ngesi, Thishiwe Ziqubu, Warren Masemola and Zolisa Xaluva – and many more household names.

Glasshouse | Dystopian film
Showmax is developing a three-picture dystopian slate with Local Motion Pictures, in association with Crave Pictures, with Greig Buckle producing and Kelsey Egan directing and sharing story credits with associate producer Emma Lungiswa de Wet.

The first film, Glasshouse, is set after The Shred, an airborne dementia, has left humanity roaming like lost and dangerous animals, unable to remember who they are. Confined to their airtight glasshouse, a family does what they must to survive - until the sisters are seduced by a stranger who upsets the family’s rituals, unearthing a past they have tried to bury.

The film had its world premiere at the 25th Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, Canada in August 2021, receiving multiple five-star reviews and an 89% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Film Threat’s Lorry Kitka singled out Glasshouse as her “favourite film of the year so far” and Exclaim proclaimed, “Kelsey Egan is a filmmaker to keep an eye on.”

Pulse is a six-part survival horror series about game developers who find themselves trapped in the game of their own creation. The survival horror story is directed by multi-award-winner Salmon de Jager and produced by Primetime Emmy winner Steve Lanning.

Returning favourites, coming 2022
The Wife S2 and S3 | Telenovela
When it launched in November 2021, Showmax’s first telenovela, The Wife, outperformed the launch of any film or series on the streaming platform ever. Inspired by Dudu Busani- Dube’s bestseller Hlomu The Wife, the 40-episode first season tells the story of a journalist (Mbalenhle Mavimbela from Skeem Saam) who falls in love with a taxi driver, Mqhele (Bonko Khoza from Neckie Youth), not realising that when you marry a man, you marry his secrets.

Showmax has commissioned three seasons of 40 episodes each, inspired by Dudu’s books Hlomu the Wife, Zandile the Resolute, and Naledi His Love, respectively. The books follow the lives of the eight Zulu brothers, a formidable crime family, through the eyes of the wives they marry.

Crime and Justice S2 | police procedural and legal drama
Crime and Justice, which is Kenya’s first Showmax Original and the first co-production with global broadcaster CANAL+, follows detective duo Makena (Sarah Hassan, Famous, Just In Time) and Silas (Alfred Munyua, Nafsi, The First Grader) as they investigate one-ripped-from-the-headlines case per episode.
Crime and Justice was nominated for three Kalasha awards across all the 2021 TV Drama categories: Best TV Drama, Best Lead Actor (Munyua) and Best Lead Actress (Hassan).

KenyaBuzz hailed it as “the perfect Kenyan Original… intensely satisfying” while Quartz credited it with “keeping real-life crimes from being buried… reviving debate and discussion around controversies that might have otherwise faded from the news.”

The Real Housewives of Durban S2 | Reality series
The Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD) set a new first day overall views record when it launched on Showmax at the end of January 2021. The show built on the popularity of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg, which was one of the 10 most-streamed local series on Showmax in 2019.

RHOD has since launched on hayu in 27 territories internationally, including Canada, UK, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore and the Philippines.

Troukoors S2 | Romantic comedy
Premiering on 13 December 2021, Troukoors follows wedding planner Jessica who’s surrounded by love but struggling to find it for herself.

“Troukoors is a light, sexy and bubbly romcom, like Younger meets The Bold Type meets Emily in Paris but set against the splendour and romance of the Cape wedding industry,” says Fanguiero.

Troukoors is created by SAFTA winner Louis Pretorius and SAFTA nominee Albert Snyman, the creators of critically acclaimed and much-loved shows like Die Boekklub and Fynskrif, with regular collaborator Nina Swart directing.
Showmax has already renewed Troukoors for a second season – before the first has even premiered.

In addition to this feast of local content, Showmax also offers first, and exclusive international series, premium documentaries, and the best kids’ shows. Showmax Pro adds music, news and live sport from SuperSport.

You can find me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Read Also
- Cartoonito returning as a linear channel likely for DStv
- Reorganising coming to National Geographic
- A+ possibly coming to DStv
- More Africa Magic channels on DStv???
- Could G4 launch in Africa perhaps to replace Ginx TV?
- The Search For Frida coming in 2022 to Telemundo
- Could The Kelly Clarkson Show move to Me?
- December on CBS Reality and CBS Justice
- December on The Home Channel
- Female wrestling promotion launching in 2022, could SuperSport pick it up?
- Star Life rebranding to Life OK???
- Travel Channel going off air on DStv???
- Could SABC Encore and Children be in development? 
- Warner TV might be replacing TNT
- tvN working on becoming permanent in Africa 
- African Animation Network launching an experimental animation block
- Toei Animaton teaming up with tvN parent company on anime 
- Big Brother Africa has been greenlit in 3 markets

A+ Afrique Coming Soon To DStv??? Is This How Canal+ Plans To Exercise Their 15% Stake Of MultiChoice And Could This Lead To More Channels?

Ever since the French broadcaster made an entry to Africa. They've made a name for themselves after acquiring Nigeria's ROK and IROKO Studios even maintaining a 70% stake in Dizi and FilmBox's parent company SPI InternationaI .

The thing that intrigued the media mostly about Canal+ is their objective with MultiChoice. They currently own a 15% stake and attempted to acquire their African counterpart several years back.

It doesn't look like they're ready to back down as they've slowly been obtaining a portion of the brand. With their current stake they've managed to get 1Magic alongside several DStv channels to their own platform in various regions.

Seeing that Canal+ cater for French speaking territories it only seems logical for there to be a lack of channels or at least in markets that aren't familiar with this group.

Through a private website you have a file for a channel owned by Canal+ titled "A+ Afrique Test". It may seem like nothing but "test" could imply anything at this point.

There's not much Canal+ on DStv aside from the three ROK channels. Its possible that the 15% puts them at a disadvantage so if they'll likely be fortunate once acquiring more shares.

About A+ Afrique
Sentimental intrigues, captivating thrillers, comedy and exciting fictions, A+ devotes 100% of its air time to African series produced throughout the continent and thus positions itself as The African Series TV Channel.

Broadcast in more than 20 countries in West and Central Africa, A+ has become French-speaking Africa’s standard-setting channel, seeking to reflect the continent’s various identities and defining features, and to be resolutely oriented toward Africa’s future.

You can find me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Read Also:
- Star Life rebranding to Life OK???
- Travel Channel going off air on DStv???
- Could SABC Encore and Children make their way to DStv?
- More Africa Magic channels on DStv???
- Female wrestling promotion launching in 2022, could SuperSport pick it up?
- African Animation Network launching an experimental animation block
- Toei Animaton teaming up with tvN parent company on anime
- Will M-Net's new addition Me have any ripple effects on Mzansi Magic and Mzansi Wethu? 
- Big Brother Africa has been greenlit in 3 markets
- Warner TV might be replacing TNT
- Could DStv Flex become DStv Premium's successor?
- tvN working on becoming permanent in Africa