The Canal+ Effect: How The French Company Might Arrange MultiChoice Going Forward?

As some readers are aware, Canal+ is looking to finalize a takeover deal with MultiChoice. This sees Mzansi Magic, KykNET and Africa Magic under the management of a French based company Vivendi whose been looking to build their global portfolio. 

There's been many questions as to how Canal+ will align MultiChoice's assets and below is what we believe could be the final outcome:

StudioCanal

As the name implies, StudioCanal is a French based film production and distribution company that currently owns the third largest film library in the world. This is where ROK Studios resided after it was acquired in 2019 with MultiChoice Studios to follow. 

Interesting enough, StudioCanal also offers subsidiaries of the same name within Austria, Germany and the UK. If I had to guess StudioCanal Africa could be on the final piece of this puzzle.

MultiChoice Studios resides within 22 million households while StudioCanal resides within 8 million. Combining this would make it an African powerhouse and probably leading Africa to have its own subsidiary within the French company. 

StudioCanal is also home to the linear ROK channel and will likely be where Mzansi Magic, Africa Magic and KykNET reside.

M7 Group/Canal+ Luxembourg S.à.r.l.

M7 Group is a Luxembourg based and also one of Europe's leading pay-tv operators offering culture and language specific packages in eight countries including Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. 

As we've seen in recent years, Canal+ has been buying out companies as a means to expand. MultiChoice's DStv and GOtv packages would serve as distant relatives and also another means to get the M7 Group services into Africa.

Metropolitan France/Canal+ Premium

This section is dedicated to their linear offering which consist of self titled brands part of which reside in Africa like Canal+ Discover and Canal+ Sport. Even SPI International brands like FilmBox Africa and even FightBox have a dedicated section in this category. 

In terms of content, M-Net and SuperSport will be handled under this section. They are expected to be remain in operation but as far as branding is concerned that is yet to be determined. 

M-Net had been pivoting toward streaming in recent years by reducing their movie offering even shutting down their secondary network Me. If you look at it, M-Net could get a proper send-off or at least by name ideally it could rebrand to Canal+ Premium/Canal+ First.

Thereafter, M-Net could remain as a trademark for a collection of local channels like Pearl Magic, Africa Magic and Maisha Magic. Never got the sense in having M-Net as a singular brand and also for a collection of locally curated channels.

If the plan was to incorporate the Canal+ trademark on sports ideally Canal+ SuperSport would make a lot of sense. This is something that they could apply temporarily and overtime simplify the name to Canal+ Sport to get viewers accustomed. 

Staylive To Distribute WBD Cycling And Motorcycling Content

Spring Media company, Staylive, was first founded in 2013, now delivering over 1,000 live sports events per week to audiences globally.

A selection of WBD Sports cycling and motorcycle sport events will be available on Staylive through pay-per-view and subscription packages in markets independent of exclusive WBD platforms and broadcast partnerships.

The cross-country cycling tournament UCI Mountain Bike World Series which kicked off the 2024 season last week in Brazil is the first sport event to stream on Staylive. The competition will also be available on WBD platforms on Max, Eurosport and discovery, as well as across several local and national broadcasters.

WBD programming also includes the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC), FIM Speedway Grand Prix (SGP) and UCI Track Champions League.

Matt Parker, CCO of Staylive, said: “Partnering with WBD Sports for this historic season of cycling and motorcycling events is a testament to Staylive’s technical capabilities and commercial expertise. We are immensely proud to work with and alongside industry powerhouse, WBD Sports, as they secure new and innovative ways to maximise content distribution and reach. This collaboration highlights our ability to meet the high technical demands of streaming world-class sports events, while enhancing the fan experience across the globe.”

Trojan Paillot, SVP Sports Rights Acquisitions and Syndications at WBD Sports Europe, added: “Our partnership with Staylive demonstrates the commitment of WBD Sports in serving sports fans around the world with premium and diverse content from leading sports formats and properties. Through this partnership, we are not just distributing sports content, we are creating a more accessible and immersive experience for fans, no matter where they are. This is a prime example of how we’re increasing our ability to meet the evolving needs of our audience and to bring them closer to the sports they love.”

Pending Investigation: The Competition Tribunal Orders MultiChoice To Televise Their Sporting Content To Openview Consumers

The Competition Tribunal has granted interim relief to eMedia in its fight with MultiChoice over the carriage of sublicensed sports from the SABC on its Openview free-to-air satellite platform.

eMedia took MultiChoice, which owns SuperSport, to the Competition Commission last year after the pay-television broadcaster refused to allow the SABC to broadcast rugby and cricket games on its channels it broadcasts via Openview.

According to a statement by the tribunal on Monday, eMedia has accused MultiChoice of “abusing its alleged dominant position by concluding anticompetitive and restrictive sublicensing agreements with the SABC”.

“eMedia alleges that MultiChoice prevents the SABC from broadcasting major sporting events (such as rugby and cricket games – including World Cup tournaments), sublicensed to the SABC, on the SABC’s channels carried on eMedia’s Openview platform.”

eMedia lodged a complaint with the Competition Commission last year and subsequently also sought interim relief from the tribunal to “stop MultiChoice from enforcing the restriction in existing sublicensing agreements or including such restrictions in any new sublicensing agreements until the merits of the case are decided”.

“The tribunal has granted eMedia interim relief pending the final determination of its complaint to the commission, or for a period of six months, whichever occurs first,” it said.

Possibly Cancelled??? As Production Is Paused On MTV's Siesta Key After 5 Seasons

Sources connected to the show tell us the series is not considered officially canceled by the network ... as there’s a possibility it could return in the future. Still, the current incarnation of the show has come to an end after 5 seasons.

Many fans online, including several Reddit threads, have been wondering for months when they would get a 6th season of the show -- which hit an all-time ratings low in season 5 before airing its finale in January 2023.

The show came on the air in July 2017 and quickly became a hit in the first 4 seasons, which were filmed in Sarasota County, Florida. In season 5, the show pivoted and documented cast member Juliette Porter and her friends as they moved to Miami.

Longtime cast member Amanda Miller indicated a while back the show was likely canned ... writing on Instagram, "For the last 5 years these people (& a few more) have become more than friends, they’re my family. It’s been an honor doing this show with them by my side and the memories we’ve all made together are unforgettable & I will be carrying them with me forever."

The series had its fair share of off-screen drama ... mainly surrounding former cast member, Alex Kompothecras. After the show's debut, animal rights activists called for a boycott of the show after Alex was associated with a friend group that cruelly dragged a live shark behind a boat.

Alex was later fired from the show in 2020 over past racist social media posts. The show, which was executive-produced by Alex's father, went on without him for 2 more seasons.

 Source: TMZ

Recap To The Past Decade: Warner Bros. Discovery (Formerly Time Warner) Was Looking To Acquire eMedia Investments

e.tv is a South African free-to-air entertainment channel operated by eMedia Investments. Since its inception, it became the second most TV channel in the country surpassing masses like SABC 2 and SABC 3 whose audience has declined in recent years. 

Similar to MultiChoice, eMedia Investments had garnered interest from foreign investors such as TF1 (France), Channel 9 (Australia) and United News Media (United Kingdom) with Time Warner (now Warner Bros. Discovery) owning 20%.

By 2001, South African laws limited foreign businesses hold over to local companies to 25%. Warner Bros. Discovery worried they may never to able to gain full ownership sold their shares to Remgro Limited (33%) and Hosken Consolidated Investments (67%).

Since then, Warner Bros. Discovery had produced various TV series and films alongside distribution of various channels in Latin America, France, India, Asia, Australia and New Zealand and Poland.

If Warner Bros. Discovery had pursued eMedia Investments as originally intended at the time. It's likely that most channels within eMedia's stable like eSeries and eReality would have access to an extensive lineup of content from Warner Bros. Studios.

Warner Bros. Discovery would have served as a competitor to MultiChoice while as licensing brands like Cartoon Network and Discovery to DStv. Their freemium channels would serve as a repeat channels while they continue to build their original content slate.

Canal+ Has Increased Its Shareholding In MultiChoice To 40% As The Two Companies Work On A Takeover

Despite already submitting an all-cash offer worth roughly R54 billion, Canal+ has increased its shareholding in MultiChoice from just over 35% to 40.01%

As per the Companies Act, Canal+ had to make an offer to buy the rest of MultiChoice after breaking the 35% threshold.

Canal+ has offered to buy all the shares at R125 apiece, which is being considered by a newly formed independent board at MultiChoice.

Although Canal+ was given the right to buy more MultiChoice shares earlier this week, should these shares be bought at more than R125 each, the French broadcaster would be obliged to increase the officer price to “not less than the highest consideration paid” per share bought. 

MultiChoice’s share price currently stands at just under R120 a share.

Despite Canal+ already owning 40% of MultiChoice, the latter’s memorandum of incorporation means that a foreign company’s aggregate voting power can not exceed 20% of the total voting power in the group to ensure certain statutory requirements.

Reminder: TLC South Africa Announces The Next Season Of ‘90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?’

TLC Africa has a new lineup of 90 DAY FIANCÉ: HAPPILY EVER AFTER? couples that viewers have come to know and root for over the years. They continue to navigate the highs and lows in their relationships, including everything from preparing for first impressions with the in-laws, to managing significant cultural differences, to working through turbulent family dynamics and more. These couples are kissing the honeymoon stage goodbye as they navigate the next step in their love story. 90 DAY FIANCÉ: HAPPILY EVER AFTER? premieres on Thursday, 11 April at 20:00 CAT on TLC South Africa. 

 

Over the years, the 90 DAY FIANCÉ franchise has helped find love matches all over the world. The show has been filmed in 56 countries, broadcast in 216 territories and translated into 44 languages. When it comes to lasting marriages, 90 DAY FIANCÉ has a 78% success rate – higher than the national average.  

 

Below are the 90 Day couples who will be featured on the upcoming season of 90 DAY FIANCÉ: HAPPILY EVER AFTER? with two more couples to be announced soon!  

 

Kobe (36, Cameroon) and Emily (31, Kansas) (Previously appeared on 90 Day Fiancé): With two kids and her parents in tow, Emily accompanies Kobe on a pilgrimage to his home country of Cameroon for the first time. Emily can’t wait to meet her husband’s family, whom she’s never met before, but soon finds herself hard-pressed to prove she can be an excellent Cameroonian wife. 

 

Michael (35, Nigeria) and Angela (57, Georgia) (Previously appeared on 90 Day: The Last Resort): After years of waiting and multiple visa denials, Michael has finally secured a make-or-break spousal visa interview. Angela joins him in Africa to prepare for the most important day of their lives. But a cascade of unsettling discoveries leaves Angela grappling with the darkest doubts she’s ever faced about her marriage. Will Michael finally get to see Georgia? Can Angela finally exorcise the demons that have shadowed their relationship? Or will she cancel the visa for good? 

 

Alexei (35, Israel) and Loren (35, Florida) (Previously appeared on Loren & Alexei: After The 90 Days): After having three kids in three years, Loren and Alexei are finally ready to hit the brakes on baby-making. But when Loren reveals her plans for a major life overhaul, Alexei worries about losing the balance they’ve finally found. Can the couple find happiness as individuals while keeping their family together? 

  

Mahmoud (31, Egypt) and Nicole (40, California) (Previously appeared on 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way): After four years in Egypt, Nicole has returned to L.A. in hopes that she and Mahmoud can make a life together in America. As Nicole rediscovers herself in Los Angeles, how will Mahmoud cope with the huge cultural differences he’s about to face? Will they be able to find common ground, or are their differences too much to overcome?  

  

Thais (26, Brazil) and Patrick (33, Nevada) (Previously appeared on 90 Day Fiancé): When Thais left Brazil to be with Patrick, she hid from her family that she intended to marry him, which caused a lot of tension during their 90 days. Now, the couple is traveling back to Thais’ hometown for the first time since the birth of their daughter, and they hope they can mend relationships, chiefly with Thais’ father, who still expects Patrick to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage. But things take a turn for the worse when Patrick’s rowdy brother John tags along on the trip, and Patrick's father shows up with some unexpected demands. 

  

Jasmine (36, Panama) and Gino (54, Michigan) (Previously appeared on 90 Day Fiancé): Gino & Jasmine had a rocky 90 days, and now, they both feel betrayed when certain agreements aren’t followed through on, leaving their future hanging in the balance. Will Jasmine stay in the U.S. long enough for the couple to find happiness? Or will Gino’s mistakes drive Jasmine back to Panama? 

 

Liz (31, Arkansas) and Ed (58, Arkansas) (Previously appeared on 90 Day: The Last Resort): Following a successful therapy retreat in Florida, Ed and Liz have settled in Arkansas and are planning the wedding of their dreams. But the two still have a lot to overcome, including making sure Liz’s daughter is well-adjusted in their new home and coping with the mounting financial pressure of a move and a wedding. Will the couple finally walk down the aisle or collapse one last time? 

New Series Alert: Mzansi Magic Presents Ha Molefi, A New Drama About A Father And Son Overcoming Grief And More

This June, Mzansi Magic will premiere Ha Molefi, a drama about a father and son grieving the loss of a Mother and Wife, forcing them to deal directly with the complexities of their relationship.

Thabang Molefi (TJ Mokhuane) is a queer teenager from Pimville, Soweto, who has just lost his mother, Mam’ Linda, and is on a journey of healing and self-discovery. He lives with his father Ntate Molefi (Dingaan Khumalo/DSK) who is also grieving the loss of his wife, and together they set off on a journey of discovery that lays bare their fears and hopes while honoring Mam’Linda’s memory.

Thabang dreams of winning the all-round category at the annual Ballroom/Vogue Nights and he draws inspiration from his late mother, who was a musical sensation in the 90’s, and who always encouraged Thabang to live his truth and follow his dreams. 

Ntate Molefi, on the other hand, loves his son and has accepted him as he is. However, the recently widowed father has to learn that he must go beyond just loving his son but also make the effort to open up to him.

“Ha Molefi is an emotional story about a relationship between a grieving father and son, focusing on the raw and honest emotional turmoil that both face, especially concerning the son’s identity,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels.

“As the home of local, Mzansi Magic is proud to bring this inspirational story to our audiences and we hope that it will inspire. We hope viewers will recognise and appreciate how a parent’s love can manifest in fear and how that can either grow or destroy a relationship.”

Will Thabang realise his dream of celebrating his identity through Vogue/Ballroom while navigating this loving but tense relationship with his mourning father?

Watch this inspiring youthful drama when Ha Molefi premieres on Monday 17 June at 20:00, Mzansi Magic DStv channel 161.

10 TV Channels Exit DStv With More Closures Likely To Follow With Canal+ Acquisition Of MultiChoice

As some readers are aware, MultiChoice had removed 10 TV channels in under 5 months. This includes Deutsche Welle, Ginx TV, Emmanuel TV, B4U Movies, One Freestate Televisual, NWTV, 1Magic, People's Weather and Me with WildEarth to follow.

MultiChoice is in the midst of a possible takeover from French company Canal+ after garnering almost 37% hold of the company. With South African laws forcing them to obtain remaining shares and get approval from legislation or risk termination. 

If this deal goes forward, Canal+ and MultiChoice would be merging their stables with the acquirer Canal+ making some budget cuts. This is a norm when a company undergoes a takeover or merger but how much more turmoil can consumers put up with.

As discussed already, Canal+ assets clash with MultiChoice's current offering as the French company has bought up various properties in Africa. This includes ROK Studios who own the streaming service iROKO TV and linear ROK channels on DStv.

They're basically rivaling with M-Net's Africa Magic and unless Canal+ is looking to sell or restructure these brands they can't just "co-exist". Either ROK Studios will merge into Africa Magic or both will be unified to form another brand in the African market.

Same goes for their streaming services iROKO TV and MyCanal Afrique from Canal+ with DStv Stream and Showmax from MultiChoice. Unless there's no monthly fees attached, iROKO TV could be structured as a Showmax type streamer for Africa Magic.

Lastly, there's pay-tv platforms Canal+ offers to consumers within Francophone Africa while MultiChoice caters to English speaking countries. These serve as the most complicated of the pillar as Canal+ Afrique and DStv would be subjected to a merger.

These include a range of entertainment channels from both parties some of which will likely not form part of the merged packages. Canal+ has its own entertainment they can't just pay for duplicates unless it has appeal or originality in the mix.

Canal+ has stated that merging their assets with MultiChoice would give them a competitive advantage against NBCUniversal and Disney. These cutbacks are likely to hit all corners of DStv.

May 2024 On The Home Channel | New Series Alert: Rochelle Humes Interior Designer in the Making | Returning Shows Including Home Of The Year Ireland And Open Homes | More

Show Title and Season: Rochelle Humes: Interior Designer in the Making

Season 1

Starting Date: Monday, 13 May 2024 at 15:00

End Date: Sunday, 21 July 2024

Broadcast Times: Mon 20:00 & Wed 19:00 | Mon 15:00 | Tue 08:00 | Wed 12:00 | Thu 16:00 & 22:00 | Fri 11:00 | Sat 08:30 | Sun 07:00

The popstar takes her personal passion for all things interior décor into the world of professional interior design. She helps deserving families transform their homes with a life-enhancing makeover that is fit for the 

post pandemic world. Rochelle designs an open-plan kitchen and living space for newly-weds Rob 

and Amie then she helps Jade and Matty come up with a gorgeous scheme that banishes the clutter and chaos of family life. Next, Rochelle turns a rental into a family home as well as designs a master bedroom for Helen and Matt and so much more!

Show Title and Season: Mark Moriarty: Off Duty Chef Season 2

Starting Date: Monday, 6 May 2024 at 12:00

End Date: Sunday, 16 June 2024

Broadcast Times: Tues 18:00 | Mon 11:00 & 22:00 Wed 23:00 | Thu 10:00 | Fri 14:00 | Sat 07:30 & 

20:30 | Sun 14:00 

Award winning and world-renowned chef, Mark Moriarty, is the host of this brand-new TV series. When he’s not working in some of the finest Michelin starred restaurants in Ireland, Mark loves nothing more than cooking everyday meals in his own kitchen. And now, Mark wants to re-ignite a passion for cooking good food at home. For

each episode, Mark will produce a collection of easy-to-follow recipes based around a single food group. Whether it's all about meat one week, or pasta the next, each recipe is simple yet mouth-watering. The best thing is that each recipe features some of those staple ingredients you all have hidden in your kitchen cupboards, making cooking at home as easy as it will ever be.

Show Title and Season: Open Homes Season 5

Starting Date: Monday, 20 May 2024 at 16:30

End Date: Sunday, 28 July 2024

Broadcast Times: Wed 20:30 | Mon 16:30 | Tue 22:00 | Thu 15:30 | Fri 12:30 | Sat 17:30 & 00:30 | Sun 13:00 & 21:30

Take a tour through some of the most awe-inspiring properties you’ll ever see. Join expert designer hosts as they peek through homes with 

endless water views, restored historic mansions, life changing gardens and cutting-edge modern homes. If you’re renovating, building or just addicted to looking through stunning houses - you’re going to love ‘Open Homes’.

Show Title and Season: Home of the Year (Ireland) Season 9

Starting Date: Monday, 27 May 2024 at 10:30

End Date:  Friday, 21 June 2024

Broadcast Times: Mon 19:30 & Thur 18:30 | Mon 10:30 | Tue 14:30 & 22:30 | Wed 11:30 | Fri 23:30 | Sat 10:30 | Sun 09:00

What makes a house a home? Three judges view selected homes throughout Ireland, seeking in individuality, functionality & design in hopes of finding the 'home of the year’. Championing individuality, flair and commitment to design, Home of the Year features homeowners around Ireland who have done something extraordinary to the place they call home. Scoring the homes are design legend Hugh Wallace, award winning 

Architect, Amanda Bone, & award-winning interior designer, Sara Cosgrove winner.

Show Title and Season: Great British Gardens: Season by Season Season 2

Starting Date: Tuesday, 14 May 2024 at 18:30

End Date: Sunday, 1 September 2024

Broadcast Times: Tue 18:30 & 21:30 | Wed 23:30 | Thu 10:30 & 13:30 | Fri 14:30 & 17:30 | Sat 22:30 | Sun 11:00 & 19:30

Renowned horticulturist Carol Klein embarks on another season-by-season tour, visiting some of Great Britain’s favourite and most remarkable gardens, through a whole year. Each episode explores one inspiring garden: from the epic splendour of Arundel Castle Gardens, to the minutely tended borders of Coton Manor, or Wollerton Old Hall Gardens. And from the pioneering plantsmanship at Bressingham Hall and Beth Chatto Gardens, to two jewels in the crown of Wales’ horticultural heritage. Sharing her extensive knowledge, Carol meets the people who care for them, and learns the secrets of some of Britain’s most treasured outdoor spaces.

Show Title and Season: The Home Team

Season 5

Starting Date: Monday, 20 May 2024 at 18:30

End Date: Sunday, 2 June 2024

Broadcast Times: Mon 18:30 & Tue 20:30 | Tue 11:30 & | Wed 10:30 & 15:30 | Thu 14:30 | Fri 16:30 | Sat 10:00 & 20:00 | Sun 08:30

Have you ever wondered how to renovate your bathroom, or how to plant a veggie garden? Do you love seeing DIY projects and before and after reveals? Join Leah and Anthony as they will inspire you with affordable and creative ways to make your home stylish, cozy and sustainable. DIY enthusiasts Anthony and Leah have creative ideas to build the home of your dreams on any budget. Whether it’s getting into the garden for some landscaping or transforming a kitchen in dire need of a rejuvenating, The Home Team have you covered.

Skydance Reportedly Looking To Merge Paramount+ With Another Streaming Service

Last week, merger talks for Paramount Global heated up, with reports that the media company that produces and controls the Star Trek franchise had entered into exclusive talks with Skydance Media. One of the big questions has been how such a deal would impact Paramount+, home to original Star Trek programming. Now a picture of a possible future for the streaming service is starting to emerge.

Skydance wants to keep Paramount+

When the first reports about Paramount Global potentially being sold or merged started in December, industry analysts suggested Paramount+ might not survive the corporate shake-up. While Paramount has seen consistent growth with its streaming service, it has yet to turn a profit. However, now that Skydance Media is in exclusive talks to take over Paramount, they are apparently planning on keeping Paramount+, but will make some changes. The New York Times reports “The plan calls for Skydance to supercharge Paramount’s streaming capabilities, improving personalization with better algorithmic recommendations and making it more efficient through better deals with data providers.”

According to the same report, the post-Skydance/Paramount merger plan would call for teaming up with another major media company for a streaming joint venture in the USA. A new report in Bloomberg confirms Skydance wants to “preserve the Paramount+ streaming service and explore merging it with a peer, such as Peacock or Max.” A deal with Amazon Prime Video has also been considered, according to Bloomberg. Earlier this year, it was reported that Paramount had opened up discussions with Comcast to merge Paramount+ with their Peacock streaming service. The companies already operate the SkyShowtime joint venture in several markets in Europe.

A merged Paramount+/Peacock streaming service could be a winner, according to new consumer research reported today by Variety, 45% of US consumers say they would be interested in such a bundle. Analysis from consulting firm FTI Delta estimates a bundled service could bring in $1 Billion more than the current combined annual revenue of both services.

So if the deal with Skydance happens, it looks like some version of Paramount+ will survive. This would likely continue to be the primary home for original Star Trek television. Being part of a larger service could help ensure funding for more seasons and new Trek series and streaming movies as well.

Of course, none of this is finalized. The first step is for Skydance and Paramount Global to agree to a deal, and any such deal would have to be approved by the board. This can get tricky as the Skydance deal being contemplated is a rather complicated 2-step process, and current Paramount Global investors are expressing concerns over the deal structure being favorable to Shari Redstone, but not regular shareholders. There would also be scrutiny from regulators as well.

Recap To The Week: Canal+ Raises Offer For MultiChoice, Plans JSE Listing

Canal+ has substantially increased its offer for the MultiChoice Group to about R37.7 billion from R31.7bn after the local broadcaster said in February that the initial offer was too low.

MultiChoice’s share price increased 4.16% to R117 yesterday morning after the improved offer was announced. The share later closed the day 4.99% higher at R117.93.

Meanwhile, should Canal+’s own planned European listing proceed, there would be an opportunity for South African investors to become shareholders of the combined entity, as part of a secondary inward listing on the JSE, the companies announced yesterday.

Vivendi, the parent of Canal+, is currently doing a feasibility study to split the company into several separately listed entities. Canal + has 26.4 million subscribers, 17 million of which are outside France. MultiChoice claims 23.5 million subscribers.

The two groups said they had reached an agreement on proceeding and cooperating with the Canal+ takeover bid, that was formally announced on February 1, 2024, following talks between them of over a year.

Canal+’s stake in MultiChoice amounted to 35.01% by February 5, and this stake amounted to 36.6% on April 5.

The offer to MultiChoice shareholders was yesterday increased to R125 per share, from R105 cents when Canal+ first made the offer, which is “significantly above the minimum price of R105.00 required by the Takeover Regulations,” the companies said in a statement.

The new price represented a 66.66% premium to the R75 price on February 1, the last trading day prior to the offer first being made.

Meanwhile, should Canal+’s own planned European listing proceed, there would be an opportunity for South African investors to become shareholders of the combined entity, as part of a secondary inward listing on the JSE, the companies announced yesterday.

Vivendi, the parent of Canal+, is currently doing a feasibility study to split the company into several separately listed entities. Canal + has 26.4 million subscribers, 17 million of which are outside France. MultiChoice claims 23.5 million subscribers.

The two groups said they had reached an agreement on proceeding and cooperating with the Canal+ takeover bid, that was formally announced on February 1, 2024, following talks between them of over a year.

Canal+’s stake in MultiChoice amounted to 35.01% by February 5, and this stake amounted to 36.6% on April 5.

The offer to MultiChoice shareholders was yesterday increased to R125 per share, from R105 cents when Canal+ first made the offer, which is “significantly above the minimum price of R105.00 required by the Takeover Regulations,” the companies said in a statement.

The new price represented a 66.66% premium to the R75 price on February 1, the last trading day prior to the offer first being made.

It is also a 63.96% premium to the R76.24 30-day volume weighted average price on the last trading day, prior to the offer being delivered.

Canal+ has said that its aim is to build a global entertainment leader, with Africa at its heart, combining scale, complementary geographies, and international reach with strong local roots, that will support the development of Africa's sporting and cultural industries, and “take leading and authentic African stories to a global audience.”

Recognising South Africa’s black economic empowerment imperatives, it intends to support MultiChoice’s BBBEE initiatives and the transformation of its South African business.

Canal+ believes the offer would also provide MultiChoice shareholders with an opportunity to realise value at a significant premium, in cash.

“Canal+ believes the competitive landscape for Africa's media and entertainment industry will continue to undergo profound changes as the continent rapidly adopts broadband and mobile internet.”

This allowed international media companies and global OTT platforms (including Netflix, YouTube, Disney and Apple TV+), to use their scale and resources, to expand beyond their existing markets, increasing their focus on Africa and thereby challenging local rivals.

“A combined group would be better positioned to address key structural challenges and opportunities resulting from the progressive digitalisation and globalisation of the media and entertainment sector. This could have significant benefits for the African creative and sports ecosystems, for example, by enabling high-quality content created on the continent to be distributed to an international audience,” the companies said.

Also, through the combination with Canal+, in addition to operating in over 50 countries across Africa, MultiChoice would be part of a broader group, present across three continents: Africa, Europe and Asia. As a result, MultiChoice would benefit from the combined group's scale across its entire footprint.

Credits: IOL

Canal+ Makes Firm Offer For DStv Owner MultiChoice, Eyes Secondary JSE Listing

French media giant Canal+ announced on Monday it has now made a mandatory offer for a takeover of MultiChoice, offering R125 per share. The new offer price is almost 67% higher than the MultiChoice share price just before its first offer in February. 

MultiChoice, Africa's biggest pay TV operator, meanwhile has roped in Standard Bank as an independent expert to give an opinion on the offer, also agreeing to cooperate in ensuring its implementation.

An earlier non-binding offer of R105 per share in February was rebuffed by the board of Africa's biggest pay-TV operator as too low, and Canal+ subsequently upped its proposal in March to its current amount. MultiChoice had closed at R112.33 on Friday.

Canal+, whose parent is Vivendi, operates in 50 countries across Europe, Africa and Asia, directly serving 8 million customers in Africa. It had about 25 million total subscribers as of its 2023 year, while MultiChoice had 23.5 million. Both have serious ambitions for Africa and have acknowledged that scale is necessary in order to take on US giants such as Disney and Netflix.

"Canal+'s ambition is to build a global entertainment leader, with Africa at its heart, combining scale, complementary geographies, integrated and international reach with strong local roots, that will support the commercial development of Africa's sporting and cultural industries and take leading and authentic African stories to a global audience," it said on Monday.

"This long-term vision has its foundation in Canal+'s extensive and successful 30-year history of investing in African creative and sports broadcasting markets."

Vivendi, the parent company of Canal+, is also currently undertaking a feasibility study for the proposed split of the company into several separately listed entities, first announced in December.

Should a planned European listing proceed, there will be an opportunity for South African investors to become shareholders of the combined entity as part of a secondary inward listing on the JSE, the company said

Canal+ added on Monday it understood the imperative of broad-based black economic empowerment, and upon implementation it intends to support MultiChoice in its continued efforts of transformation of its South African business. This is usually also a condition imposed by SA's competition regulators, whose approval is required, while a circular for the offer will be released in due course.

Complicating matters had been SA laws that place limitations on foreign ownership of local broadcast licences. This means Canal+ can increase its shareholding in MultiChoice to any level, but its voting rights are limited to a maximum of 20%. Canal+ also increased its stake in the group to over 35%, which a threshold that triggers a mandatory offer.

However, given the voting cap, the Takeover Regulation Panel was then asked to make a ruling, finding in February that Canal+ must. Following an extension, it was given until 8 April to make its mandatory offer.

MultiChoice has also granted exclusivity to Canal+, which entails not engaging with other competing parties. However, should a better, unsolicited proposal be received, Canal+ will have the opportunity to revise its offer.

"Following constructive engagement with MultiChoice, we are pleased to have issued a joint firm intention announcement to make an offer today, representing a significant premium for the shareholders of MultiChoice," Canal+ chair and CEO Maxime Saada said in a statement.

"Canal+ is confident in making this offer, at a level which far exceeds the minimum required by regulation, due to the incredible future we believe that Canal+ and MultiChoice can build together," he said.

"We are excited about these opportunities, which will be supported by further investment in technology, including the continued offering of a leading satellite service, and rolling out more innovative streaming products."

Paramount Could Soon See Billions Spent To Rebuild The Company Under New Leadership

Over the last week, news has been flying that Paramount is getting closer to a deal to be sold to or merge with Skydance. This comes as, for months now, Paramount has been in talks with multiple companies for a potential sale or merger. This includes talks with Warner Bros. Discovery, Appollo Global Management, and others. Some of these talks have gone well others like Warner Bros. Discovery have walked away from a possible merger with Paramount.

A few days ago Bloomberg reported that a tentative deal has been reached between Paramount and Skydance for a deal that would see the companies merge and Skydance would take a stake in Paramount.

Now Bloomberg says that if the deal happens, David Ellison will become the new head of the combined Paramount. He also reportedly plans to spend billions to rebuild Paramount. Before this could happen though Paramoutn and Skydance media would need to merge.

This comes after last week Variety reported that Paramount Global has turned down an offer to sell itself to Apollo Global Management for $27 billion. This offer was reportedly made over the weekend as a cash deal, but Shari Redstone, the majority owner of Paramount, declined to entertain the bid.

Exact details of the offer have not been disclosed but it is reported that the Redstone family who owns a majority of Paramount are perfering this Skydance deal over other offers.

This comes as The New York Times reportedly this week Paramount and Skydance Media are getting closer to a deal that would see the two companies merge. According to the report, Paramount and Skydance Media are working on a deal to give Skydance a 30-day window for exclusive talks as the two sides try to finalize a deal.

Exclusive windows like this are common in talks like this. Well, it does not guarantee that a deal will happen typically, windows like this happen when both sides think a deal is very possible.

Currently, Paramount Global is controlled by media executive Shari Redstone. Redstone also controls National Amusements, which owns 77% of Paramount’s voting shares. Reportedly, the Redstone family is also looking to sell their 77% ownership of Paramount. With that ownership, the Redstone family needs to be on board with any deal, and it has been reported that they are more interested in a deal like this than other deals, like the offer from Appollo Global Management to buy just the studios.

Any merger seems to need to be for the full Paramount company to include its cable TV networks, which include Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, and multiple movie theaters.

Talks between Paramount and Skydance have reportedly been happening since November 2023.

The news comes as the entertainment industry faces difficult times with cable TV viewership is declining and a majority of streamers struggling to achieve profitability. Paramount’s streaming service, Paramount+, is among the companies fighting to stay afloat.

News Shorts: Monster High Reportedly Cancelled On Nickelodeon, WildEarth Rolls Out A Pay Service Under YouTube Premium And eSeries Launches Classic Sitcom 30 Rock

Lights go out on another program on Nickelodeon 

Last month, Paramount Global removed several original shows from Nickelodeon as part of a tax write off these included shows like Rugrats and Blue's Clues And You. Prior to their inevitable demise some of these shows were canned on Nicktoons for new episodes. 

Now there's reports going around that Monster High might be getting the two seasons treatment. Not due to these write offs or viewership consumption but the controversy surrounding the live-action department following ID's youth oriented doccie Quiet On Set.

Although there's no official confirmation from the network usually third party shows when axed remain on Nickelodeon. Similar scenario occured with Transformers: Earthspark and Regal Academy probably due to them licensing these shows.

WildEarth launches a pay subscription 

Last month, it was reported that the cash strapped WildEarth would be exiting DStv by the end of April. After the channel tried to obtain carriages fees with MultiChoice settling on a sum of R6 million a year only to get sidelined at the last minute. 

Since then, WildEarth has made several changes to their current offering with the halting of live shows. As they're eyeing potential partners who are looking to invest funds to the business provided that they make some changes to the structure of the channel. 

With WildEarth set to exit DStv soon, they'll be looking to make content cuts as they try to stick around for the foreseeable future. 

During the townhall, it was revealed that they'll be rolling out YouTube memberships basically a subscription service. This will be under YouTube Premium which is priced at R72p/m although consumers will still be access the free service.

New show on eSeries

Liz Lemon is head writer and showrunner of the NBC sketch comedy series TGS with Tracy Jordan (originally called The Girlie Show), produced in Studio 6H in 30 Rockefeller Plaza. She supervises cast and crew, including star Jenna Maroney, her best friend, while working with network executive Jack Donaghy and page Kenneth Parcell. In the first episode, Jack forces Liz to hire the unpredictable Tracy Jordan as co-star.

It starred Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer, Scott Adsit, Judah Friedlander, Alec Baldwin, Katrina Bowden, Keith Powell, Lonny Ross, Kevin Brown and Grizz Chapman.

The series starts 8 April at 21:40.

SuperSport Vs. Canal+ Sport: Who Is Likely To Survive Canal+ Potential Takeover Of MultiChoice?

Canal+ Sport is a French based sports broadcaster owned by Canal+ that offers services in parts of Europe and Africa. Similar to the likes of SuperSport, Canal+ Sport also comprises of various linear channels featuring football, rugby motorsport and basketball. 

Last month, it was reported that Canal+ had increased its offer to takeover DStv by 19% with a sum of R35,9 billion. This comes after their initial offering of R32 billion was rejected with the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP) ordering them to propose a new deal.

As some readers are aware, South African laws limit the ownership of businesses to foreign entities with Canal+ voting rights reduced to 20%. Although, they'd have majority stake of the company they wouldn't be able to exercise that level of ownership.

Since news of Canal+ possible takeover of MultiChoice came about, several consumers have been very skeptical about this ordeal. With some very keen on the fate awaiting several brands such as SuperSport for instance.

SuperSport is the biggest player in the world of sports across the African market. It is home to major sporting events such as Premier League, PSL, La Liga, MotoGP, Formula E and WWE most of which aren't accessible on Canal+ Sport.

Even if Canal+ was successful in obtaining MultiChoice most of the company's assets could remain intact this includes SuperSport. It has more reach in the market Canal+ also resides and offers sporting events Canal+ Sport was unable to retain due to exclusivity. 

Regions with Canal+ Sport will most likely see content from SuperSport surface on their channels and overtime fold under the trademark.

Recap To The Decade: TopTV's Abrupt Cancellation And Transition To StarSat + Possible Acquisition By MultiChoice And Zuku TV

With Canal+ looking to acquire MultiChoice there's been concerns from various consumers on the intentions of the French company. Following, StarTimes hold on TopTV (now StarSat), it lurks under the shadow of its previous iteration with less media coverage. 

TopTV was a South African pay-tv platform operated by On Digital Media which served as a rival to MultiChoice's DStv. It promised to offer consumers affordable price rates by letting them pay for a selection of entertainment something not seen on DStv. 

Variety was available across every price plan for R99p/m which was home to free-to-air channels SABC 1-3 and e.tv alongside other entertainment ranging from sports like Eurosport News and Senata Sports and news from BBC News and Al Jazeera. 

These consumers were given an option between Kiss and JimJam from Kids & Music, Discovery Science and FOX Retro from Entertainment & Knowledge, and Showtime and FX from Ultimate Movies.

During its span, TopTV was able to lure at least 300,000 subscribers and got a lot of media coverage. Similar to StarSat, there was a lack of communication with the media over the inclusion of content and TV channels.

Similar to the likes of eMedia Investments, TopTV came with their own branded TV channels such as Top One (general entertainment), Top History (factual), Top Junior (kids) and Top Movies. Most of which were scrapped following the pay-tv company's money woes.

Change in ownership/help from DStv

In 2012, TopTV had gone into business rescue under Companies Act behind on debt and in need of cash needed help from another party which most were eyeing to be South African. 

In 2013, Dynamic TV was the only bidder based in South Africa that was looking to acquire TopTV. It was formed by Given Mkhari's MSG Afrika and Malose Kekana's Falk Trading who had gotten "financial help" from MultiChoice to acquire the pay-tv company. 

It's likely that TopTV could have merged with DStv or rebranded to GOtv as MultiChoice were open to pumping out close to R370 million a year. Other suitors included Zuku TV's owners Wananchi Group meaning they wouldn't have been exclusive to West Africa. 

StarTimes was only successful to acquire TopTV as Dynamic TV and Wananchi Group failed to make their offers on time. Shareholders were desperate for a possible deal and reviewed StarTimes offer before making them their new business partner. 

More battles ahead 

News of StarTimes takeover of TopTV was met with poor reception from workers who feared the overloading of "poor Chinese content". A few shareholders within ODM had taken StarTimes to court regarding its takeover of the TopTV trademark. 

Amidst this StarTimes was looking to unveil the new packages and TV channels set to be rolled out on StarSat. Despite the outcome of the court, StarTimes was able to exercise their 65% hold of the company and unveil the new packages and TV channels to debut.

This garnered a lot of media coverage after reports surfaced of porn being part of this lineup which had heavily been bombarded on TopTV. This consisted of Desire TV, Playboy TV and Private Spice all of which are available at an additional charge.

ICASA saw no problem with the inclusion of porn as it didn't form part of StarSat's other offering with the other pertaining to the broadcast times 20:00 viewed by adults. Other parties such as the Doctors For Life had filed lawsuits with various other law enforcement.

StarSat was forced to pull these channels by 2014 (with license revoked) and they resurfaced sometime later. The Justice Alliance of SA (Jasa) was looking to fine the broadcaster R60,000 but ICASA reduced it to R25,000 as they broadcast without approval. 

Conclusion: TopTV's demise could have been prevented 

TopTV was poorly structured during its run despite housing premium entertainment brands like FX and Showtime. They offered a chunk of add-ons part of which likely went unnoticed by viewers as they continued pumping gas in the fuel tank.

StarTimes had identified these flaws and opted to restructure the packages in a similar form to those viewed in Africa and seen on MultiChoice's DStv. They paid up various debts TopTV owed to various companies and retained part of its offering.

TopTV had about 300,000 subscribers before migrating to StarSat and when you look at it they could have minimized their offering. They were moving very quickly to edge out MultiChoice knowing how little consumption numbers were at the time.

MultiChoice by this period had at least 3 million DStv customers within South Africa. 

Possible Takeover: Canal+'s Investment In Viu Currently Stands At Approximately $300m, With The Option To Increase Its Stake To 50% Retained

France’s pay-TV giant Canal+ has ramped up its investment in PCCW’s pan-regional OTT service Viu, bringing its stake in the company to almost 30%. This development follows Canal+’s previous deal struck last year, where it acquired a 26% stake in Viu, marking a significant step in a $300m staged investment plan. The agreement provides Canal+ with the option to potentially acquire a majority (51%) stake in Viu in the future.

Viu, renowned for its extensive Korean content offering, operates across Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa, boasting over 66m monthly active users and 12m paid subscribers. Notably, its lineup includes popular shows like Nenek Bongkok Tiga.

Last year, media research group Omdia highlighted Viu’s dominance in South-Eastern Asia’s OTT video landscape, capturing a 23% market share in online video subscriptions, outpacing competitors such as Disney+ Hotstar and Netflix.

Since its inception in 2016, PCCW-owned streaming service Viu has solidified its position in the region through a strategic focus on providing Asian and localised content, alongside its own Viu Original series. Its subscription and advertising revenue surged significantly last year, with total revenue increasing by 27% and paid subscribers growing by 10% to reach 13.4m. Viu’s subscription revenue witnessed a remarkable 32% surge, attributed to both subscriber growth and pricing adjustments in selected markets.

Viu’s success is further underscored by a 15% increase in advertising revenue and a substantial user base of 62.4m active users by the end of 2023, along with soaring streaming minutes.

Canal+’s enhanced investment in Viu reflects its strategic vision to capitalise on the burgeoning OTT market and tap into Viu’s strong foothold in the Asian and pan-regional streaming landscape, positioning both companies for continued growth and success in the dynamic digital entertainment industry.

Could DStv And GOtv Undergo A Possible Restructure Following Its Possible Acquisition By Canal+?

For several years, Canal+ has progressively increased its ownership of MultiChoice and with them eyeing a possible acquisition of the pay-tv company. Several aspects from both brands come into question and these include their pay-tv services.

Similar to MultiChoice, Canal+ operates various TV channels and platforms within the African stake. With their 35% stake in MultiChoice, they were able to distribute various DStv exclusive content to their pay-tv platforms of the same name.

These included general entertainment brands Africa Magic Epic, Zee World and Telemundo to movies from M-Net Movies 3 and M-Net Movies 4. Even tailor made sports channels SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport La Liga are also added to the lineup. 

Should this acquisition move forward, we're likely to see some consolidation amongst DStv, GOtv and Canal+. Taking to account, they already offer pay-tv services in parts of Europe without the Canal+ trademark we presume DStv could survive in these endeavors. 

From what is understood, MultiChoice Africa isn't profitable as yet and Canal+ could work on making them cost effective. Either scrapping the Canal+ packages and GOtv in favor of DStv or most probably just phasing out Canal+ trademark in some properties. 

Markets in which DStv doesn't exist but Canal+ does will most probably rebrand while those were there's availability of both will probably be structured into separate DStv package if not GOtv.

Canal+ offers a range of entertainment from self titled channels such as Première, Cinema and Docs to third party brands like Game One, English Club TV and France24. Most of which will likely surface on DStv while other brands exit in favor of other TV channels. 

News Shorts: New 8-Bit Rugrats Game Available For Pre-Order, ‘Mandalorian & Grogu’, ‘Moana’ Live Action & ‘Toy Story 5’ Stake Out 2026 Release Dates And ‘Quantum Leap’ Canceled By NBC After 2 Seasons

Rugrats: Adventures In Gameland Honors The 8-Bit Era

Adventures in Gameland appears to be an old-school platformer where you need to do a little exploring and a little digging (literally) to find your way forward. My demo ended with a dramatic, multi-screen battle against the boss, "Big Boy" Pickles, the imaginary younger brother of Angelica Pickles from the TV show — a nice nod to Rugrats fans.

Last month, at PAX East at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, I was lucky enough to chat with Tomas Guinan, lead developer at The MIX Games, about what went into the creation of Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland. I was also fortunate to demo one of the game's six levels.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland doesn't have a firm release date, but it should arrive by the end of spring, according to Guinan. It will launch on PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and, coolest of all, NES. 

Disney unveils a slate of content 

In big 2026 news, Jon Favreau’s big screen version of The Mandalorian — The Mandalorian & Grogu— is the updated Star Wars title on May 22, 2026. Star Wars films on a theatrical release calendar far far away use to release around Memorial Day weekend. The last one to do so was Solo: A Star Wars Story. No rival wide releases on Mando‘s date.

Toy Story 5 is the title of the untitled Pixar movie on June 19, 2026. Warner Bros/New Line also have this date on hold for an untitled release. The live action version of Moana, impacted by the Thanksgiving release this year of Moana 2, will hulla- dance its way from June 27, 2025 to July 10, 2026. No competitive releases on that date.

The 20th Century Studios Rami Malek thriller, The Amateur, keeps getting kicked around the calendar, it’s moving from Nov. 8, 2024 this year to April 11, 2025. 

Quantum Leap axed on NBC 

NBC has decided not to proceed with a third season of its Quantum Leap reboot starring Raymond Lee. The news comes more than a month after the two-hour Season 2 finale aired Feb. 20.

The development is not entirely surprising as the series, from Universal Television, had been on the bubble. That is in contrast to last season when Quantum Leap received a very early renewal in December 2022.

A follow-up to the original series, which aired on NBC from 1989-93, Quantum Leap is set in present day. It’s been 30 years since Dr. Sam Beckett stepped into the Quantum Leap accelerator and vanished. Now a new team has been assembled to restart the project in the hopes of understanding the mysteries behind the machine and the man who created it.