DStv's Linear Offering Reaches A Time Of Uncertainty

For those who have been following DStv's journey through the year would have noticed the lack of additions so far there was only 1Max which substituted 1Magic. Then followed by Arise News for Southern Africa with further expansions of La Liga to DStv Access with Nickelodeon on DStv Compact but was 2024 really the year of DStv???

MultiChoice removed about 12 channels from their platforms most of which were local and now with the company looking to complete it's takeover by Canal+ by April 2025. Former Telkom CEO, Sipho Maseko is also in talks to join the transaction either in a managerial position or a shareholder.

There's been a lot of fear for sometime about Canal+'s next steps should this deal moves ahead one of which includes existing agreements with Disney, BBC and Warner Bros. Discovery. In France, Canal+ has lost exclusivity to the Disney Channels as the content integrate with Disney+ in 2025.

Another Canal+ already offers it's ROK channels on DStv with, Marodi TV, Zacu Entertainment and France24 that reside in Africa. With this transaction, wouldn't they want to give these brands more exposure within the African market as seen with Africa Magic and Mzansi Magic.

Speaking of Africa Magic, ROK has been rivalling with the broadcaster since it's inception in 2016 and Akwaaba Magic when it launched in Ghana by 2021. What is to become of these entities once Canal+ claims the crowns of supposed rivals does ROK become an import of the two as seen with Magic Showcase.

If DStv's matters doesn't worsen, Warner Bros. Discovery and Comcast are shifting away from their cable networks and we're only left with questions about what could be left of Discovery Family. If TLC and Discovery have been serving as imports for the bulk of channels ranging from HGTV, Investigation Discovery, Animal Planet and Food Network.

Then there's Telemundo, how is Comcast's upcoming spin-off going to retain the channel in Africa because the company has a history of discarding their cable networks e.g. Style Network. SpinCo has been the one calling the shots in Africa now this one will be not be affiliated with Comcast.

Comcast has NBC Studios, Universal Pictures, Telemundo Studios and DreamWorks Animation. From what I can recall, M-Net, SABC and eMedia Investments have been licensing select content for consumers in South Africa and this part has only been focused on these regional networks for  growth.

2025 could shape up one of DStv's most dramatic years as MultiChoice faces a lot of uncertainty not only with the arrivals of new owners but some corporate changes. It could be like analysts have said on various occasions MultiChoice will now unrecognizable in the coming years.

Important Notice: ROK Can Also Be Seen On DStv Family And Access Packages In South Africa Alongside WildEarth On Easyview

MultiChoice has silently added the ROK channel to DStv Access customers after being made exclusive to Compact customers. The channel is owned by ROK Studios that serves as a division of Canal+ who is currently looking to acquire MultiChoice ahead of their split from Vivendi in the coming weeks and only time can tell what awaits Africa Magic.

ROK has become a profilic producer of original content with shows like Festac Town, Khutam, Banks Chronicles and Bloodline alongside Nollywood films like Man Pikin and Strings Of Love. Considering Africa Magic Family is viewable on Access in other African markets we can only assume ROK holds that position in South Africa.

Maybe it won't be over and out for the channel just yet it could as well be restructured into some repeats channel for imports from Africa Magic.

Another development comes from the Easyview package as WildEarth also forms part of their package after being exclusive from Access to Premium consumers. Some tabloids even marked WildEarth as a "new channel" when in reality it only counts if you're an Easyview consumer while others its seen as a relaunch.

Easyview consumers had already lost 4 channels within the year including People's Planet, NWTV, One Freestate Televisual and Emmanuel TV. If anything, WildEarth could as well be interpreted as a replacement to People's Planet as the channel in question had already been distributing content from WildEarth.

This would leave the higher paying consumers being Compact to the full library of children's shows as MultiChoice added Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. to their lineup. According to a statement, the launch on DStv Compact is there to help commemorate SpongeBob Squarepants' 25th anniversary. 

SURPRISE!!! Paramount Africa Is Making Nickelodeon And Nick Jr. Available To DStv Compact Customers In South Africa

 

Get ready for a playful and fun festive season filled with joy, laughter, and one last 25th anniversary hurrah from SpongeBob SquarePants! From 6 December 2024, Nickelodeon (DStv 305) and Nick Jr. (DStv 307) will both be available on DStv Compact permanently, gifting more children and families across South Africa access to the very best in family entertainment.

 

As part of this exciting move, Nickelodeon, the number one entertainment brand for kids, invites everyone to celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants’ 25th anniversary with a festive extravaganza like no other. From exclusive new episodes and Nickelodeon favourites in isiZulu and Afrikaans to Zee Nxumalo’s Amapiano remix of the SpongeBob SquarePants theme-song! This holiday season promises something for everyone.

Nickelodeon (DStv channel 305) December Highlights

SpongeBob SquarePants Christmas Special – 21 December | Saturday at 12:30

The Loud House Christmas Special – 21 December | Saturday at 14:10

Young Dylan Christmas Special – 21 December |

Saturday at 18:30

The Patrick Star Show from 2–13 December at 15:00

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from 23 December, weekdays at 19:45 

Nick Jr. (DStv channel 307) December Highlights

Rubble & Crew (new episodes) from 02 December, Monday-Friday at 17:30

DORA (new episodes) from 09 December, Monday-Friday at 18:00

Nick Jr’s Holiday Stunt Premiere episodes: Paw Patrol, Rubble and Crew, Hamsters of Hamsterdale, The Adventures of Paddington, The Tiny Chef Show from 21 December at 12:00

Nick in Your Language Continues to Shine

Nickelodeon’s commitment to inclusivity continues with the Nick in Your Language initiative, offering local language episodes of beloved shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, DORA, Rubble & Crew, Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and PAW Patrol in local languages. Catch these dubbed favourites on Nicktoons (DStv channel 308), weekday mornings at 7:30–9:00, and afternoons at 15:00–16:00. 

January 2025: Start the New Year with Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.!

  

Transformers: EarthSpark S3 (new season) on 11 January at 11:00 on Nickelodeon (DStv channel 305), Baby Shark’s Big Movie! 5 January at 12:20 on Nick Jr. (DStv channel 307), Baby Shark’s Big Show S3 (new season), weekdays at 16:30 on Nick Jr. (DStv channel 307), starts 6 January. 

Dance in to the holidays with SpongeBob and Zee Nxumalo

To make this holiday season even more exciting, Nickelodeon has partnered with Amapiano sensation Zee Nxumalo for a special Amapiano remix of the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song, soon to be available on Spotify. Fans can join the #DanceLikeASpongeChallenge on TikTok and be part of the fun.

Follow @Nickelodeon_Africa for more information.

“At Nickelodeon we put kids first and we believe in the power of fun to bring families together. What better time to celebrate fun than during the holidays? As we mark SpongeBob SquarePants’ 25th anniversary, we’re thrilled that Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. content is now accessible to even more families, solidifying our mission to provide inclusive, world-class entertainment.” says Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Paramount Africa.

 

“We’re thrilled to make Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. available to DStv Compact viewers,” says Melusi Sibisi; Acting Head of 3rd Party Channels and Partnerships for the Multichoice Group. “This move underscores our commitment to ensuring that more families across South Africa have access to premium kids’ entertainment. With Nickelodeon’s rich line-up and beloved characters, this holiday season will undoubtedly be one to remember.”

 

This holiday season, Nickelodeon promises a Nicktastic Festive! Soak up the fun! Join SpongeBob, Patrick, the Ninja Turtles, and more as they bring endless joy and adventure to your screens.

Why Disney Channel's Move To Channel 315 Is Bad News For DStv Customers?

During the month, MultiChoice Africa announced that Disney Channel would be moving from channel 303 to 315 on DStv and these changes were applicable to consumers in Southern Africa. This is most likely due to a change in legislation in some countries if some remember Cameroon and Uganda instilled some very rules over LGBTQ.

This is what prompted Nurses to suddenly get yanked from Telemundo only for it to make a name a comeback with censorship. The laws in these countries were so severe that broadcasters like Telemundo would have lost their licenses to operate in these regions while some could be fined or detained.

MultiChoice may say that Disney Channel had moved to a new channel number and that consumer's viewing experience would remain unhinged. But that's not the case here at all, they took what you know as channel 303 and restricted it's access to consumers in South Africa where the restrictions are lighter.

They acquired Disney Channel's feed used in the East and Western parts of Africa and launched that on channel 315. For those who aren't aware, MultiChoice has two transponders one that covers Southern Africa and another the rest of Africa so they can basically make local variations with channels.

Considering South Africa shares their feeds with other countries residing within Southern Africa including Malawi and Zimbabwe they had to launch duplicate feed but block certain consumers from particular regions from seeing it. Similar to what you have with Moja 9.9. as consumers would have viewed the content on its premium counterpart.

Similar to TLC Africa, this feed viewed outside of South Africa is kind of depressing remember Marvel's Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur the show that DStv had advertised across their platforms for viewers in Africa for November 25. This managed to debut on the channel in South Africa alongside various European markets.

This has not been made available to consumers outside of South Africa and I would like to believe that MultiChoice Africa and Disney will try to air it at a later stage but heck even Walk The Prank is not airing. Instead in the slots where these shows would appear would be reserved for more Big City Greens or Phineas And Ferb. 

Disney Channel's moves to channel 315 as MultiChoice Africa wants to put it or the expansion of Disney Channel Africa which is what I'd call it is bad news for DStv consumers. Imagine this scenario already happened with Nickelodeon and The Loud House after Nigeria put up a ban Paramount opted to censor the show.

But when further complaints came from other African countries they took out The Loud House completely yet they're willing to air it's live-action counterpart and The Casagrandes. To top it off, Paramount+'s original film The Loud House: No Time To Spy wasn't made available for these consumers.

The results to these restrictions is more zombie TV which is what's seen on Nickelodeon and TLC with Disney Channel joining the ranks.

Despite the tight restrictions, there are consumers in these markets that wouldn't mind watching Marvel's Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur or The Loud House despite them featuring same sex couples. Disney Channel separating it's operations within in Africa means more content is likely to be divided away from Africa like Andi Mack and The Owl House.

eMedia Investments And MultiChoice Silently Settle Dispute Over e.TV's 4 Channels On DStv

As some readers may have remembered from the last time we had posted eMedia Investments' 4 TV channels namely eExtra, eMovies, eMovies Extra and eToonz were all slated to be removed from DStv by August 2024. Several months had already passed and these channels continue to distributed on DStv.

MultiChoice made the decision by March 2022 that they didn't want to include these channels on any of their platforms which led to the discontinuation of e.tv's African feed eAfrica. At the time, eMedia Investments had stated that they're changing their distribution strategy for these consumers while in South Africa they took the matter to court.

According to MultiChoice, eMedia Investments 4 TV channels had a lot of duplicate content and also the matter of transponder constraints led to the decision to terminate these services. The free-to-air broadcaster stated otherwise as they showed 2 out of the 4 channels had local content and that MultiChoice had plenty of space for more channels.

To top it off, MultiChoice forged ahead and allocated several placeholders on each DStv package: Movie Room (Access), DreamWorks (Compact), PBS KIDS (discontinued, Easyview) and KIX (Access). They even ramped up a rival offering to eExtra's Kuiertyd with the addition of Turkish dramas on KykNet & Kie.

In the financial year results ending 30 September of this year, eMedia Investments had confirmed that they've reached a settlement with MultiChoice after two and a half years. This means eExtra, eToonz, eMovies and eMovies Extra will remain on DStv but what's odd about this is the lack of engagement by both parties.

eMedia Investments didn't want these channels removed now they're getting what they asked for but still you'd think they'd be a celebratory mood. But questions amount to what prompted MultiChoice to suddenly join hands as eMedia Investments mentioned paying significant costs in legal fees.

In a couple of days, MultiChoice will be reinstating WildEarth to their platforms which served as one of the 12 TV channels to exit the company's platforms in the year. If one had to guess maybe the transaction to have Sanlam acquire majority stake in NMIS Insurance Services helped them build up their capital.

Another could as well be the onslaught of TV channels to have exited their platforms during the year with One Freestate Televisual, NWTV and People's Planet being based in South Africa. Maybe eMedia's 4 channels are being used as leverage for the fallen either that or the drastic takeover by Canal+ which is awaiting approval.

WildEarth Relaunches On MultiChoice's DStv From Sunday, 1st December

WildEarth, often referred to as the biggest safari vehicle in the world brings viewers closer to nature on an African safari like no other. Following constructive discussions since the channel left the DStv platform earlier this year, WildEarth will resume broadcasting on 1 December 2024 on DStv channel 183.

Andre Crawford-Brunt, chair of WildEarth, acknowledges, "We are thrilled to be back on DStv. Our transition from MultiChoice was deeply emotional for everyone involved, reflecting the genuine passion and dedication we all feel toward bringing wildlife into people’s homes. In the heat of this change, there were moments when things were said that, in hindsight, would have been better handled privately. In this regard I express regret and thank MultiChoice for the willingness to re-engage and find a way forward. Our shared vision for connecting people with nature remains, and we look forward to exploring new ways to bring this vision to life.”

Calvo Mawela, CEO of MultiChoice Group, stated, "We’re pleased to have WildEarth back. Local, African-centred content has always been a focus of MultiChoice, and the unique programming on WildEarth is one of the ways we’re fulfilling our priority of delivering the best and most inspiring local entertainment to our customers.”

Just in time for the December holidays, the channel’s return is a win for DStv subscribers – especially nature lovers and their families, who can go on a never-ending safari, exploring the beauty and mercilessness of the African wilderness, without leaving their home. For new and longtime DStv customers alike, this channel offers an authentic, unscripted experience where nature never disappoints. It’s the world’s best unscripted drama – not a documentary, but a true “what you see is what you get” journey into the wild.

WildEarth will be available on DStv Channel 183 from 01 December 2024 on all DStv packages.

How Comcast Plans To Ditch Several NBCUniversal Channels Affects DStv?

MultiChoice currently supplies channels like Universal TV, E!, Telemundo, Studio Universal, DreamWorks, CNBC and MSNBC from NBCUniversal. As reported, NBCUniversal's parent company Comcast is planning to ditch these channels and make them into a separate company.

Similar to how Naspers dumped MultiChoice and Irdeto now that is being eyed by French broadcaster Canal+. The same potential owner is also being abandoned by its parent company with some of its shareholders joining the spin off and what do all these entities have in common - TV channels.

There are some former DStv customers celebrating right now that more people will likely abandon the platform if these channels ceased to exist when this plans enter fruition. But this is a bad thing yes some would prefer Wednesday or Squid Games on Netflix but there's plenty of people that are still in it for DStv particularly these channels.

Now that Comcast from the looks of things are dumping NBCUniversal probably even Sky Group as majority of their existence centers on these channels. Questions amount to how E! and DreamWorks will survive such in a transaction even Telemundo are their existence centred on originality.

E! has been winding down it's operations in parts of Europe and I can imagine various shareholders in this spun off company looking to simplify it's operations. Then there's DreamWorks even if the plan was to retain the channel it would look unrecognizable in the coming years relying on imports.

Sure Cartoon Network has been doing this for several years but a majority would expect 100% DreamWorks from its own channel. I expect once this spinoff happens for brands like DreamWorks to undergo a name change. This is what happened when Disney acquired FOX they didn't own the trademark like they did it's studios and channels.

Presuming DreamWorks will morph into Universal Kids but then again it all depends on what the higher ups decide at this point I can imagine them looking to simplify their operations. E! has closed down in the UK and parts of Europe more could follow maybe Telemundo as they prioritize other brands.

MultiChoice had already dealt with such a blow from Disney after it closed FOX, FOX Life and Disney XD. None of these brands were replaced leaving an empty void on top of the recent bloodbath of Me as it merged with 1Magic to form a premium channel known as 1Max, we could just be dealing with even less content.

Comcast Plans Massive Cable Spin-Off, Separating USA, MSNBC and More From NBC, Theme Parks

Comcast is planning to spin off most of its cable television networks, including MSNBC and CNBC, into a separate publicly traded company, according to executives with knowledge of the plan.

The spinoff is expected to be formally announced on Wednesday. The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the impending announcement on Tuesday evening, said the involved channels also include USA, Oxygen, E!, Syfy and Golf Channel.

Comcast’s NBCUniversal division is keeping Bravo, the NBC broadcast network, the Peacock streaming service, and all of its other assets, like NBC Sports and the Universal theme parks.

The separate cable channel company will have the same sort of ownership structure as Comcast, but will have its own management team, led by NBCUniversal Media Group chairman Mark Lazarus, who will become CEO of the new venture.

While observers may view the spinoff as an attempt to shed cable channels that are losing value in the streaming age, the channels still contribute strong profits to Comcast’s bottom line. The company’s executives are expected to portray the spinoff as a growth opportunity for an industry in transition, with an eye toward acquiring other channels in the future.

Of course, the standalone cable network venture could also attract buyers as well as sellers. Wall Street analysts are predicting further consolidation of major media companies in the years ahead.

Comcast president Mike Cavanaugh foreshadowed the spinoff during a conference call with investors last month. He said the company was going to study whether it was a good idea to create “a new well-capitalized company that would go to our shareholders” comprised of “our cable portfolio networks.”

The study evidently did not take long.

Craig Moffett, an analyst with MoffettNathanson, told Variety that “investors have yearned for exactly this, or at least something close to it, for years.”

Notably, the spinoff will cleave MSNBC and CNBC, two profitable parts of the NBCUniversal News Group, away from the core news-gathering operation of NBC News. In recent years NBC has tried to bring its broadcast and cable news operations closer together. Now they may be peeled back apart.

WildEarth Might Be Looking To Relaunch On DStv Before The End Of November

During the week, it was reported that MultiChoice might be looking to relaunch a former channel to the DStv platform after removing it alongside 11 other channels during the year. The company has been in pursuits by the French broadcaster Canal+ whose parent company Vivendi is looking to divest from the brand.

Canal+ also offers services in Africa particularly francophone regions where WildEarth is being distributed on those platforms in a separate agreement. Other brands such as Telemundo, Africa Magic Epic, SuperSport La Liga and M-Net Movies 3 and 4 form part of an add-on known as DStv English.

Based on some recent sitings, it appears MultiChoice is looking to add WildEarth to the platform before the end of November as several promotional banners had popped up all of which are slated for the month. We can only assume that they'll be an announcement about the relaunch in the coming days or so.

It wouldn't even surprise me if MultiChoice just placed WildEarth on its channel number and made the announcement on the day it went live. 

This looks to be an exciting development for those who watched the channel but for the rest of the media we're only left with questions. Firstly, why would MultiChoice engage with a company that slandered them on multiple platforms after failing to secure funds to continue packaging the channel through DStv.

Now we're just expected to see all of this unfold without any clear answers on the matter I can only assume that MultiChoice is paying for the carriage of WildEarth. With the brand also offering a streaming hub on YouTube I can only assume with DStv they're probably turn the channel into a promotional window.

Development Alert: WildEarth To Relaunch On MultiChoice's DStv???

During the year, MultiChoice removed a total of 12 channels as the board tries to finalize the pending takeover by Canal+ with local regulators. Some channels to have been removed include One Freestate Televisual, NWTV, People's Weather (now People's Planet) with Me and 1Magic that merged to form 1Max.

WildEarth which formed part of the dozen TV channels to have exited the pay-tv company opted to dissolve themselves from the platform after failing to come into an agreement with MultiChoice. The wildlife channel was facing financial constraints and entered a deal with the company where they could pay for the channel.

After MultiChoice was declared technically insolvent they couldn't keep up to their end of the deal leading to WildEarth's dismal from the platform. Since then, WildEarth continued its operations in the UK and other parts of the world with SafariLIVE distributed on People's Planet.

WildEarth also offers a YouTube subscription similar to the current structure of DStv where consumers are required to pay a fee to get additional content alongside the ad free version.

Now it appears MultiChoice may be looking to reinstate WildEarth as several consumers by had already spotted the feed for the channel on our decoders. We can only assume that MultiChoice might have managed to get their finances in order and could as well look to reinstate another channel e.g. One Freestate Televisual.

Another may be the pending takeover by Canal+, WildEarth serves as one of the various TV channels from DStv distributed by the broadcaster in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa. Other channels on their platform include M-Net Movies 3 and 4, Africa Magic Epic, Studio Universal and Star Life, and part of this had to with its stake in the company. 

If this deal is finalised, we can only assume that the French would want to align/consolidate their content with that of MultiChoice cause with them acquiring they'll obviously want to wind down on expenses. Usually these cuts come from the acquired company with Canal+ that will substitute these cuts with their own endeavours.

As for WildEarth, I can only assume they'll announce something in the coming weeks if not sooner. It is expected to be available on the same packages it was on when it was removed and this includes DStv Premium, Compact+, Compact, Family and Access consumers on channel 183.

How SABC's Proposal To Let MultiChoice Collect TV Licence Affects DStv?

For several years, SABC has been working on a turnaround plan as the company remains technically insolvent one of which the collection of TV licenses through a pay-tv company. MultiChoice remains firm in their decision to prevent such massacre from moving ahead as it would lead to dire consequences for the average DStv consumer.

What prompted SABC to rely on MultiChoice for disposable income is simple as they already make a half a billion in advertising revenue with 4 channels alone compared to eMedia's R140+ million figure. They also have the watched channels not only in South Africa but to DStv consumers.

Even though these channels do add some value to the average DStv consumer MultiChoice created the platform particularly for those hoping to view content from another perspective. Even though Mzansi Magic is lagging behind SABC 1 in numbers, they could as well be at an advantage point if you had to divide those numbers amongst packages.

On the basis of TV license, if the government were to approve plans of enforcing TV licenses to a platform like DStv as mentioned this will lead to dire consequences not only to the average DStv consumer but MultiChoice.

As we've seen in recent years, MultiChoice continues to bleed in DStv consumers as subscriber numbers had dropped to under 8 million subscribers and enforcing this would lead to additional fees. A lot of DStv consumers had been complaining about the rates and these fees will lead another drop and probably destroy the whole DStv structure.

MultiChoice trying to balance DStv and SABC paying consumers will likely have to cutback on content and lose out on potential revenue if it means retaining their consumers. The public broadcaster had stated that the current rates of TV licenses have yet to be adjusted so whose to say that this may not lead to the closure of certain DStv packages.

One of those reasons MultiChoice proposed a household levy in which SARS will take responsibility. But then again this wouldn't help DStv as the average taxpayer will most definitely want to wind down on expenses and who better than DStv as some have stated we pay DStv which carries SABC so there's your TV licence. 

But this is due to the mangled must-carry regulations which hasn't benefited SABC on a fundamental level but to a consumer's standpoint.

MultiChoice Teasing Something Regarding To M-Net 101 And SuperSport For DStv Compact Consumers

As some users had already seen on DStv's social platforms, the pay-tv platform had begun teasing something new for their Compact consumers in November using the hashtag #GetMoreWithDStv. If you look at the teaser below Dune: Prophecy and HBO's Penguin has been spotted alongside SA Cricket.

Kukhulu this November on DStv Compact. 🤩 Stay Connected to #GetMoreWithDStv. 🎁 pic.twitter.com/GaYcvuAyW7

— DStv (@DStv) October 21, 2024

After MultiChoice and M-Net decided to axe/merge both Me and 1Magic to form 1Max consumers on Compact have been left with no alternative options to access the content on DStv. This has led to an onslaught of angry consumers wondering how they'll view content like The Block or Why Women Kill.

With M-Net likely being spotted in this promo, we could only assume that MultiChoice is giving Compact consumers an open window to the channel (if not permanent) as Dune: Prophecy is slated to rollout on the channel in that month. Another would be a possible extension of M-Net's Open Time which takes up half an hour on the platform.

Like we mentioned, MultiChoice had axed Me and I get it all the focus is going to Showmax and Netflix controls how you view TV but DStv still has competition i.e. Openview. Despite offering older seasons to shows like The Voice and 9-1-1, this is currently the only other way DStv consumers without Showmax can access the content.

So why pay for something others can get for free??? All in all this teaser involves M-Net 101

As for SA Cricket, this is something MultiChoice televises on SuperSport Cricket or SuperSport Variety 2 so I can only assume one of the two are going to DStv Compact likely Variety. MultiChoice Africa had merged what we know as Variety 2 onto SuperSport Action during the month.

Then again, SuperSport La Liga is scheduled to air 1 rebroadcast of SA Cricket so I doubt it's that especially with the amount of publicity they're giving this promotion. It would have to be something more meaningful and what better way then the possible extension of Variety 2 to DStv Compact.

Interesting to note, Disney Channel is also said to be undergoing changes in the month of November similar to that of TLC and Nickelodeon. This saw the feed within South Africa divided from MultiChoice's operations in other countries it's what led to a delay in Disney Channel's November highlights in parts of Europe.

Rumour: "Disney Channel Africa" Might Be Rolling Out On DStv Very Soon, Here's Why

As readers have been made aware, TLC Africa was launched on channel 125 for consumers in Southern Africa (not South Africa) after being made available in West and Eastern parts of Africa. This left the main TLC brand on channel 135 to offer a broader range of content such as the transgender reality show I Am Jazz.

Now it appears as if Disney Channel might be also be going under the knife as a duplicate channel had been spotted on the iPlate section. This is where MultiChoice tests out potential DStv channels or upgrades an existing service and of course this version of the channel has slight variations.

Take for instance, Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir and Big City Greens those are currently in their first seasons while the current feed viewed by consumers are on much later seasons. Monsters At Work and Jessie are currently on the network while this feed has supplemented those with Amphibia and Lab Rats: Elite Force.

If I one had to guess, MultiChoice is probably to separate the operations for these brands as seen with Nickelodeon, M-Net and not long ago. Best case scenario is that this channel will probably be referred to as Disney Channel Africa and occupy channel 313 while the main feed for SA consumers resides on channel 303.

I think the only thing here that has yet to answered is which feed MultiChoice has in development the one I presume will occupy channel 313 or perhaps takeover channel 303. As mentioned, it offers a program like Gravity Falls something that was banned in some parts of Africa of course the channel doesn't have a full schedule.

From the looks of it, this feed will probably takeover whatever is left of channel 303 from 1st November as no EPG had been provided for the channel unlike Disney Junior. Another scenario here is that they're probably going to move channel 303 to 313 for neighbouring countries while introducing this feed on channel 303 in South Africa.

How DStv Easyview Tries To Compete With Openview When It Comes To Sports?

Despite MultiChoice attempts to lure consumers to their most cheapest package this has proven to challenging as Openview has over 20 channels which incorporate telenovelas, movies, reality shows and drama series. Easyview is still reliant on provincial and news brands despite the inclusion of TNT and Real Time.

One of the main factors that drive people away from Easyview would be sports as eMedia Investments distribute SABC Sport on Openview and all Easyview has got is Blitz their news channel. One could as well establish that Blitz is superior for its news coverage for which SABC Sport lacks but from a consumers perspective live sports is a necessity.

Openview draws over 3 million households of course when it comes to viewership particularly sports it is estimated to reach 50000-100000 viewers and although MultiChoice hasn't mentioned Easyview consumer numbers their lower mass market which include Access and Family amount to 4 million.

When it comes to sports, MultiChoice injects a lot of funding there which is the main factor to the inflation rates on the Premium to Access packages. If or when MultiChoice decides to offer sports on the Easyview package full-time they'd be various challenges awaiting them one would be keeping the rates intact.

DStv Easyview was R39 per month before it dropped to R29 as MultiChoice was struggling to retain consumers and part of the blame went to Openview. As mentioned, despite the package seeing an increase in content is under threat and although being the most affordable it isn't the most attractive of packages.

One way Easyview is able to give a channel like SABC Sport a run for their money would be provincial stations. Despite being the reliant on when it comes to premium entertainment has seen a number of events under their wing including DStv Diski Challenge, World Wrestling Professionals RPT and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

During certain sporting events, SuperSport either launches a dedicated TV channel or temporarily opens up an existing channel to their consumers.

Heck even the movie channel TNT had opted to offer sports with the inclusion of wrestling promotion, All Elite Wrestling. If anything, I think the only other way MultiChoice can help Easyview compete even further with SABC Sport is by licensing some of its content from SuperSport to Magic Showcase. 

Magic Showcase broadcasts 16-18 hours a day and one way they could help extend those hours would be the inclusion of sporting event like Betway Premiership and compliment this with Jambo WWE. The content would broadcast on Magic Showcase weekly and could as well help them minimize costs.

MultiChoice's DStv And The SABC Are Becoming A Thing Of The Past

As some are aware, SABC and MultiChoice are on the brink of collapse as their financial woes continues to accelerate. The SABC find themselves having to use most of their income to pay expenses while MultiChoice is trying to find another money maker through Showmax as the pay-tv market deteriorates.

A financial transaction between Canal+ and MultiChoice is the only lifeline for the company so should this deal not move forward it could prove to be challenging to keep the company afloat. Aside from DStv, MultiChoice has other titles under their belt including M-Net, SuperSport, Showmax, Irdeto and Namola. 

As for the SABC, they've been grasping through straws relying on sponsors and other companies to manage the expenses for shows like The Masked Singer SA and Deal Or No Deal SA. Since then, they've been various proposals on how to get the company out of financial turmoil one includes a household levy with another a sale of assets.

While MultiChoice has gambling, cybersecurity and insurance the SABC only rivalled offering for the company is content which in recent years has been under threat. Before a large number of households relied on these companies for a portion of their lineup now there's Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and even TikTok.

Yes, TikTok has become another alternative from DStv and the SABC cause the reality is their lineup don't cater that much to Gen Z and Gen A as these consumers prefer the internet for their indulgence. DStv can say they offer Cocomelon but you get that on YouTube freely while there's a whole generation of viewers estranged to the SABC.

With Canal+ in pursuit of MultiChoice, I think the big question is how they'll be able to grow its value especially with its recent performance. Because of how cable is at this stage, a lot of investors would probably want out of this venture as seen already MultiChoice is eyeing Showmax to manage those losses in DStv consumption.

SABC is planning to introduce some cost cutting mechanisms although they haven't been detail oriented on how they'd go about it I presume one would have to deal with Deal Or No Deal SA which is funded by Primedia Studios. Another would be Muvhango cause after the show was cancelled only to be revived it's production budget was reduced.

Could Openview Get More Subscribers Than DStv?

As some people may have already seen, DStv has lost over 400000 in the last financial year leaving their consumer base to plunge from 8 million to 7.6 million. This is due to the current economic climate which has the average consumer having to wind down on expenses which has becoming an epidemic in other parts of the world.

Netflix would release an entire season of Wednesday or He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe and consumers would try to stream as much of it within a short pan of time. This has even splashed onto DStv when consumers would resubscribe when a major sporting event is on or Big Brother Naija.

Even with Canal+ having to acquire DStv's parent company MultiChoice this wouldn't necessarily improve these numbers but rather lead MultiChoice to rationalize on things like TV channels. These numbers are anticipated to decline which could lead other competitors such as Openview to edge out DStv numbers.

Openview is operated by e.tv's parent company eMedia Investments and has since seen a lot of growth in recent years with its activations reaching over 3.5 million homes almost half of DStv's consumer base. This does lead some to wonder if Openview could eventually have an advantage over DStv with numbers.

Free-to-air broadcasters already dominate the viewership spectrum I mean e.tv pulls over 5 million households and MultiChoice had already been accustomed to not having these figures on any of their brands but DStv was one way to exercise their dominance. So with Openview having close to half these figures could this edge out DStv.

Free viewing hasn't really slowed down in most parts of the world of course that doesn't mean its dependency remains under siege as Netflix continues to be a money grabber. In the UK, Freeview which serves as a free tier has its services in over 18 million homes while Sky the pay-tv counterpart has only 12 million.

Content wise you find that Sky continues to be a dominant player if you're used to getting the freshest content but if you're more prone to a selection of this lineup then Freeview is the best option.

Reminder: MultiChoice Africa Will Be Axing SuperSport Variety 2-4 By Next Week, When Or If MultiChoice South Africa Will Follow?

A few weeks ago, it was reported that MultiChoice Africa will be axing SuperSport Variety 2-4 on DStv after being introduced to consumers in September 2020 alongside SuperSport Select 1-3 on GOtv. The switch is expected to go live from October 9th with SuperSport Action being added to DStv Compact.

SuperSport Africa formerly SuperSport Variety 4 will offer football, athletics, MMA, boxing and wrestling to GOtv Lite and DStv Access consumers on channel 227. While SuperSport Africa 2 formerly SuperSport Variety 3 will launch on channel 228 which offers mainly football to DStv Family and GOtv Max consumers.

SuperSport Variety 2 will be merged into a new repositioned SuperSport Action channel which moves from channel 230 to 226 to DStv Compact consumers. This channel is currently residing on the Compact+ and Premium bouquet offering mixed martial arts and MMA will offer cricket, rugby and tennis.

Questions flooding is how MultiChoice Africa was able to do this without any input from MultiChoice South Africa which is simple as SuperSport maintains two feeds one for Southern Africa with the other for the remaining parts. The content and pricing differs immensely for these regions which brings up another agenda.

SuperSport Variety existence in South Africa could be numbered I mean this is what happened to Novela Magic and Maisha Magic Movies. These were brands that were stripped from consumers within Southern Africa before migrating to other parts of Africa and MultiChoice has a tendency of making changes in phases.

If I had to guess why SuperSport Action is not coming to DStv Compact or SuperSport Variety switching to SuperSport Africa or simply SuperSport has to deal with the content. MultiChoice is probably trying to piece out the structure of these brands and will probably announce it in the coming months if not 2025.

But what's certain here is that MultiChoice may not refer to them as SuperSport Africa but simply SuperSport and revert back to the numbering system if not a local trademark like SuperSport Mzansi. MultiChoice Africa has a lot of channels under its belt with the Africa trademark including TLC, Nickelodeon and M-Net Movies.

Could DStv Be Closing Down In Some Countries?

A few months ago, it was revealed that both Canal+ and Bruh Entertainment PLC that launched a rival platform to StarTimes and DStv in Ethiopia back in 2021 will be closing down by 31 December 2024. This is due to the dominance of free-to-air operators in the region with the French broadcaster putting more focus on existing agreements with BeMedia.

This had led to further speculation that a similar fate could be awaiting DStv as Canal+ tries to completes it's acquisition of MultiChoice. Let's remember, Canal+ is also in pursuit of a rival pay-tv platform in Mauritius after increasing its hold in MC Vision to 75% which is awaiting regulatory approval as well.

Whenever there's a clash it always lead to one of the two getting closed if not sold which is what could be awaiting MultiChoice in the region. Canal+ could look into merging both DStv and MC Vision and build a localized feed as seen in South Africa with their broadcasting license limited to 20% needing local partners to have indirect influence over it's operations.

MultiChoice Africa hasn't been profitable in a long while and on top of massive layoffs Canal+ could as well look into minimizing the pay-tv company's presence in some markets. You'll find some like Mauritius offering MC Vision that could as well be the only reminisce of MultiChoice as they look to package certain brands on those platforms.

Then there could be an instance where MultiChoice follows a similar route as Sony Pictures Television and BBC Studios and explore partnerships to retain portions of DStv I mean the idea wouldn't seem far fetched a stretch. As Canal+ has adopted to similar mechanisms in the areas they reside being both content and pay-tv provider.

MultiChoice Africa To Make UFC Available 24 Hours A Day To DStv Compact With The Inclusion Of SuperSport Action, Also Planning To Replace SuperSport Variety 2-4 With SuperSport Africa 1 & 2

After MultiChoice and SuperSport announced plans to revamp its sporting lineup from September 2020 which saw sporting events PSL and La Liga alongside other sports like tennis and cricket get its own branded TV channel. The broadcaster is said to be making some adjustments to this offering by October 9th particularly with SuperSport Variety.

SuperSport Variety comprised of 4 overflow channels served featuring various sporting events from other SuperSport channels alongside other content that don't have a channel of its own like swimming and hockey. These were the only brands of SuperSport that followed that previous iterations and retained the numbering system.

The pay-tv company had already lost 12 channels including PBS Kids, People's Weather, WildEarth, Ginx TV, B4U Movies and Emmanuel TV. By adding SuperSport Variety 2-4 should it include South Africa would skyrocket to 15 making it the biggest loss they've experienced throughout its existence.

According to various consumers, they received a notification on their decoders alerting them to the cancellation of SuperSport Variety 2-4 as these would be replaced by SuperSport Africa 1 and Africa 2 (SS Africa 1 & 2). This changes will also be reflected on GOtv's SuperSport Select channels.

• SuperSport Africa 1 (formerly SuperSport Variety 4) will be available to GOtv Lite packages going up 

• SuperSport Africa 2 (formerly SuperSport Variety 3) will be available to Family packages going up

SuperSport Action will also be allocated to DStv Compact with a major revamp after being made available to Compact+ and Premium meaning 1 more channel for them and 1 less for those paying more. DStv's lower mass market aren't getting much here either except for a new fur coat.

So I think the bigger question is why SuperSport Variety 1 is not part of this restructure as it leans towards the same path as it's other comrades (repeats). Theoretically, we believe similar to what M-Net did when merging Me and 1Magic to form 1Max a similar outcome awaits Variety 1 and Variety 2.

SuperSport had commissioned content for Variety 3 and 4 so maybe they'll string those along to what's left of SuperSport Variety 1 and Variety 2. In the end, it's the lesser paying customers that are losing out.

As for the demise of Variety and Select, SuperSport is likely streamlining their operations and trying to reduce duplications for which these brands had a lot of especially during live WWE events. They probably feel that by doing this, the remnants of these channels will get more exposure plus a channel like WWE doesn't have much live content.

How DStv Will Be Impacted By Canal+?

Canal+ is currently finalizing a new structure after obtaining a 45% stake of MultiChoice making them one of company's largest shareholders. After their initial bid of R29 billion was turned down earlier in the year the French broadcaster had up it's bid to R32 billion with an interim board deeming it "fair and reasonable".

Something that various readers had asked me in the past months is how this impacts DStv and whether they could be any content changes once the takeover concludes by April 2025. Although, there's not much details about their plans with that platform even GOtv there is some differences between MultiChoice and Canal+.

Firstly, MultiChoice is content oriented this was seen when eNCA made less money than the former Gupta owned news channel ANN7 despite having more viewers. Then there's BBC Lifestyle, Food Network and HGTV all of which come with their own set of content for viewers.

Then you turn to Canal+ which operates in bulk or in large quantities as seen with Canal+ Sport and Foot alongside international brands Eurosport and DAZN. If you turn to their services within Africa similar to France and Europe, a large portion of their international offering isn't American so neither MultiChoice or viewers are familiar with the content there. 

There's FilmBox which is based in Netherlands alongside DocuBox followed by India's TravelXP, Asia's A+ Kids and Belgium's W-Sport.

Imagine once this takeover concludes what could as well transpire is some of these efforts Canal+ has built within Europe and France ends up being splashed onto DStv. Before any of that could enter fruition, Canal+ will look into making MultiChoice close a couple of channels as a means to increase profitability and reduce redundancy.

Take for instance the movie offering which has the most repeats amongst channels what MultiChoice could do here is focus more on IPs and that would be TNT, Studio Universal and Movie Room. With M-Net streamlining, they could as well scrap their remaining movie offering from M-Net Movies particularly M-Net Movies 3 and 4.

Then there's CineMagic and Magic Showcase with them being constrained to Easyview consumers in South Africa and Access and GOtv Lite consumers in other countries there's probably not much viewers meaning little to no income is being generated so what could transpire is a possible merger of this offering to enhance viewer's experience.