What You Might Expect On DStv's New Addition To The School Of Laughter, Zoomoo?

MultiChoice had a virtual showcase on August 19th and at that period they unveiled 5 new channels for their viewers including KIX which was overhyped for a while now then there's Zoomoo which is known as a pop-up kiddies channel.

These new channels were just sneak peeks as MultiChoice hasn't officially announced them through their outlets and these might not be only channels coming to the platform for the rest of the year as Wild Earth is launching tomorrow and that wasn't unveiled in the showcase.

As most people noticed most of the new channels added to DStv have been labelled as pop-up channels before becoming permanent channels for some reason particularly in South Africa and Lesotho like Da Vinci and AfricaNews, WWE Channel, PBS Kids and ESPN (discreetly before being snubbed).

Zoomoo (DStv 314) is a Canadian kids' channel that delivers a unique mix of live-action combined with animation and puppets - it's the world's first fully-interactive pre-school channel dedicated entirely to animals and nature, aimed at kids aged 2-7 years old. The channel is accompanied by a free ZooMoo App, which completes the multi-screen environment, synchronized on a real-time basis with the channel. It launches as a pop-up channel on DStv, which will be available from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021 presumably for South Africa and Lesotho.

Zoomoo is owned by Blue Ant Media that also supply StarTimes with Love Nature and The Smithsonian Channel it wouldn't be shocking if StarTimes or OpenView supplied Zoomoo soon. This kids channel launched earlier in the year in some parts of Africa through Zuku TV.

Zoomoo carries original content alongside acquired series which can be found on their YouTube channel and some streaming platforms.

Here's a list of confirmed programs for the channel so far:
- TEDDIES, stars four teddy bear friends- Dom, Meeks, Sparky and Tizzy- who live
in the wonderful world of Teddytown! Like kids, they’re learning what it’s like to grow up; making friends, being kind to others, helping out, making mistakes and respecting and appreciating others. Aimed at the pre-school market, this entertaining and endearing series also assists children in their development of social and emotional skills.
- THE HIVE, is a colourful animated series for kids all ages introducing life to early learners with the Bee Family. This series is about the everyday things that concern small children such as playing, being friendly, spending time with your family, getting along, and finding out all about the world and how it works.
- LEO, THE WILDLIFE RANGER, Join Leo and friends as they go on exciting adventures around the world and explore exotic locations and learn fun facts about animals and nature!
- JELLY JAM, takes places on a colorful planet called Jammbo. The series follows the adventures of seven characters: Bello, Goomo, Rita, Mina, Ongo, King and Queen; who live on a planet named 'Jammbo'. The planet has a music factory where all music in the universe originates from, and this music is produced continuously through bubbles. If this factory stopped, the characters would turn grey and apathetic, lose their memories and then simply stop moving at all.
- KOOKI'S CRAFTY SHOW, is a live-action pre-school series that empowers young children to unleash the wild side of their creativity through the magic of crafting. Hosted by a semi-suited, cheeky and playful red panda named Kooki, the series will feature two different crafts per episode. Projects will include recyclable crafts, painting and origami, with one craft always incorporating an animal theme. Kooki’s actions will be guided by the voice of a child who will ask Kooki to make things, explaining the process along the way.

5 New Channels Coming Soon To DStv Plus More

DStv is ramping up its offering with five new channels across packages. From gripping telenovelas, to kids' entertainment, to action and Korean dramas.

tlnovelas (DStv 133) runs September 2020, with a huge array of English-dubbed Mexican telenovelas from Latin America's second-largest producer, Televisa.

ZooMoo (DStv 314) is a Canadian kids' channel that delivers a unique mix of live-action combined with animation and puppets - it's the world's first fully-interactive pre-school channel dedicated entirely to animals and nature, aimed at kids aged 2-7 years old. The channel is accompanied by a free ZooMoo App, which completes the multi-screen environment, synchronized on a real-time basis with the channel. It launches as a pop-up channel on DStv, which will be available from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021.

KIX (DStv 114) is the ultimate destination for Action Movies in Africa. A customized and dedicated service, KIX offers fans a high-octane blend of martial arts, action and thriller movies from the East and West, all presented in English. KIX Launches on 1 October.

Timeless Drama Channel (DStv 123) a Turkish Novella channel comes to DStv in November 2020, with high-quality glossy telenovelas and costume dramas.

tvN (DStv 134) opens up the world of Korean drama to DStv customers, on the back of rapidly-growing global interest in the quirky world of K-Pop and all things Korean. The channel is from the Oscar-winning producers of Parasite, featuring shows produced by some of the biggest players in the Korean drama industry and serving up glossy, powerful content, which customers can look forward to, in November 2020 on DStv.

BONUS:
- SABC Education will carry educational programming from the department of education, archived shows from the SABC library, as well as educational programmes seen and available on SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3.
- Wild Earth broadcasts LIVE wildlife content from all over the world. WE are a community of passionate nature lovers. Launches 25 August.

The "It's Complicated" FOX Life Africa Turns 4 In October

FOX Life a channel operated by Disney, will be 4 years old from 3rd of October on MultiChoice's DStv and ODM and StarTimes Media SA' Starsat platform.

The channel made its controversial African debut back in 2016 replacing not one but two channels which were FOX Crime and FX. The idea was to launch the channel as a female BET/Lifetime channel with African programming.

At launch, the channel did somewhat opposite the local stuff was there as mentioned everything else not really. All the crime, action, scifi, sitcoms and animation went to FOX and with FOX Life getting reality, local, telenovelas (not Turkish) and almost all of FOX there which included exclusive content that was created specifically for FOX.

At the time FOX Life pulled a large amount of viewers from my perspective I'd say 55% were females and 45% were male.

In 2017, through a series of announcements and promos all the FOX originals which were canned to FOX Life moved to the main channel. All this channel had left was reality shows (mostly African), telenovelas, one sitcom and international drama timeslot.

With those changes put in place mostly females were glued to that channel (75%) as opposed to males which was (25%). In that same year it was revealed the channel is doing well with these changes.

Lodestar, Heartbeat, Matter of Respect and Black Money Love made their way to the channel. These shows generated a huge fanbase in the African market and some even went on to create social groups dedicated to these shows. Pretty much, they were the only few platforms serving these type of programs.

Now the trouble started brewing a year later when the channel cut almost all their Turkish shows short which angered a lot of viewers. Instead of sourcing out more seasons they repeated the 1st season over and over again.

In that same year, the African lineup deteriorated - Nigeria's Top Weddings, Lira: Dream Chasers, Dentaa Takes Africa and Cuppy Takes Africa hit the repeat button and remained that way for the course of the channel's existence. Even the international reality lineup is no different Married to Medicine and WAGS are still on the 1st season while Vuzu and E! dish more seasons.

FOX is similar to these regards look at The Simpsons they're still on Season 27 while the United States got past Season 30. It's natural for all channels to have repeats at least FOX had a pulse FOX Life had none of that at all.

2020 arrived and there's a pandemic, around that time FOX Life abandoned the Turkish market and introduced four new Mexican telenovelas from Televisa. Giving the once reigning Telemundo a run for their money since their focus is mainly on action and often night owls.

Starsat launched three telenovela channels this year. One of these channels also supply content from Televisa basically it's owned by them even. The channel is known as Televisa Novelas (TLNovelas). Of course, TLNovelas in Africa hasn't aired any of their shows currently seen on FOX Life yet. There has been rumours that DStv will be adding the brand really soon.

If the rumours are true, FOX Life's time might be running out and there's chances that it already has. They recently promised to air The Candidate after Secrets At The Hotel and that got replaced with a double bill of Along Came Love. Then out of nowhere, Rode To Destiny is now airing double bill as well.

What are the chances that a new program will take up their slots now. The channel is pulling an eBella on viewers before everyone got the news that the eBranded channel was being discontinued a lot of new shows were expected to air on the channel before shoving them onto eExtra.

Both Along Came Love and Rode To Destiny are speculated to end next month since then no news of a replacement has surfaced like eExtra had The Wild and when that ended, viewers didn't get another local drama after that. If a show ends, it's natural for a channel to just mention the replacement's name through the media but if they're not mentioning anything it probably means they got nothing new to offer.

Now a channel like FOX Life going through that again when they won a lot of viewers over only because of those shows only to find out that they have no options once more after it ends.

FOX Life seemed unnecessary to me the channel was meant to be a placeholder for 2 general entertainment channels maybe there was a reason FOX might have felt that they wanted to focus on less brands and try their best not to duplicate entertainment so they canned FX and Crime might have been costly so they took that one away as well which is what led to FOX Life.

FOX was following their owners Disney footsteps in eliminating the competition. Disney Channel had Disney XD till they turned it into a reruns graveyard then you have National Geographic which is factual and explore wildlife with National Geographic WILD expanding the second part of the main channel in short Disney/FOX is restructuring their brands.

FOX Life was an absolute failure it wouldn't shock me if it shuts down in September or October on DStv and Starsat/StarTimes. The channel did shut down in Italy recently and failed in most parts of Europe.

There is another chance it can be saved as well. Perhaps this channel shouldn't rely heavily on telenovelas it's been proven countless of times by them just look at how all the Turkish programs ended up and how the current telenovela lineup looks now. There's even other platforms that offer these shows which reduces the credibility.

Instead of offering 4 hours of telenovelas reduce it to just 2 hours. Build up a 2 hour timeslot for international dramas you have one which can repeat during the daytime (Criminal Minds from FOX) while the other is night owls (Killing Eve, Star and Empire from FOX). The rest can be used for reality shows and at times sitcoms.

FOX mostly has dramas, animation and sitcoms, and occasionally reality shows. They could try and add telenovelas onto that channel again for 1 hour at least and possibly all fragments of Life onto that channel on a limited basis then FOX Life wouldn't pose much of a threat.

FOX Life would partially be a reruns channel at times you'd see the main channel having animation, supernatural or extraordinary shows like The Simpsons, The Walking Dead and Ghosted now this new FOX Life will have none of that only shows that will live up to the name Life which are Grey's Anatomy, Hawaii Five-O, Atlanta and Empire.

The telenovela lineup will be similar in the repetition FOX Life will add two new telenovelas with the main channel getting one. By the time Life wraps up one of their telenovelas they begin repeating the one put on FOX while the other slot remains with new telenovelas and often repeats.

The only thing that gets less repeats is reality I believe they can make reality #1 if they get the right programs onboard and invest in local programs viewers will entertain viewers and make a major impact instead of joining a hundred other platforms and create informative programming.

In the end FOX will be the home of reality, drama, horror, action, crime, comedy, animation and telenovelas with Life getting reality (large portion), drama, comedy (occasionally) and telenovelas. In short FOX will be the fiction and non-fictional channel with Life's focus on the non-fiction part and perhaps even expanding in those few areas with repeats still being these channels profession. Life had all I was suggesting at launch except their programming had a target audience which led them to have 3 lineup changes since the channel aired time will only tell how this channel copes with society.

Updated (21/08/2020): MultiChoice To Add Wild Earth As A New Wildlife Channel On DStv

MultiChoice will add the South African based platform Wild Earth on their DStv platform later this month.

The news was shared in one of their outlets in Africa. Most of the time South African media outlets avoid channel related news from other markets but the reason this one gets attention is the platform is based in South Africa.

WildEarth broadcasts LIVE wildlife content from all over the world. WE are a community of passionate nature lovers. They are also the geniuses behind SafariLIVE.

safariLIVE has been broadcasted to National Geographic WILD for over four years both on the internet and television, Since the relationship started in late 2014, safariLIVE has broadcast over 100 hours of television to National Geographic WILD including an 8 week primetime series. Furthermore, our safaris have been licensed to other broadcasters like the SABC and CGTN Africa (an international channel of China’s CCTV).

Wild Earth runs a YouTube channel so the channel will more likely source out content from that area and if possible content that aired on other channels that have their banner.

According to that outlet which is not in South Africa, the channel launches Tuesday, 25 August next to Nat Geo Wild on channel 183 and will be made available to DStv Premium, Compact+, Compact and Family customers. The availability differs in each market so no one knows how the availability will be handled in other countries. South Africa might add it and make more accessible at this moment the availability is quo for South Africa.

MultiChoice SA seems clueless about Wild Earth that doesn't mean they will be clueless forever. They are having a showcase next week so this channel will more likely be mentioned around the time.

Launches 25 August on DStv Premium and Compact+

Read Also:
- TLNovelas might be launching soon on DStv
- fliekNET unveiled its movie lineup ahead of their return
- BBC First stops airing on DStv
- M-Net Movies downsizes the number of movie channels and MultiChoice adds two more movie channels
- MultiChoice Africa unveiled more details about KIX

Tellytrack Moves To A New Channel Number On DStv Ahead Of SuperSport New Themed Channels

Tellytrack, South African horseracing’s exclusive channel on DStv, will be moving from channel 239 to channel 249 from Monday 24 August.

DStv will be streamlining their channels to sports themed channels on SuperSport as of 1 September.

Tellytrack is currently positioned after the Máximo channel and these two channels will move by several slots to allow for additional SuperSport channels.

Read Also:
- TLNovelas might be launching soon on DStv
- fliekNET unveiled its movie lineup ahead of their return
- BBC First stops airing on DStv
- M-Net Movies downsizes the number of movie channels and MultiChoice adds two more movie channels
- MultiChoice Africa unveiled more details about KIX

MultiChoice Africa Seemingly Confirmed More Details For The Asian Channel, KIX

On top of the reconstruction of M-Net Movies they'll also be two new movie channels making their way to the platform fliekNET (SA only) and KIX.

So far only details about fliekNET have surfaced the web like the movie lineup with KIX on the other hand both MultiChoice and Celestial Tiger Entertainment remained discreet about the channel such as the channel number and the launch date as they only promised to have it available by October.

KIX (as DStv website mentioned) offers the best of all Martial Arts movies. This channel promises to bring all the viewers the best scenes from all-time favourites, from Jackie Chan to Bruce Lee – the family will definitey have to dedicate a day of the week to all the action.

A bunch of films for the channel surfaced the web most thought the channel will only be playing Chinese films but if you visit the article regarding the lineup you'll find Gallowwalkers (Starring Wesley Snipes, American and Western horror) and Female Fight Club (Starring Briana Marin, Colombian).

Through an updated article in one of their websites KIX is listed for DStv Compact, Compact+ and Premium customers on channel 114. Next week, MultiChoice is having an upfront so they might give an update regarding the channel and if possible TLNovelas.

New Channel Alert: TLNovelas Coming Soon To DStv?

At this point its kind of a rumour but it seems MultiChoice will be adding another telenovela channel to the lineup soon and it's known other than TLNovelas.

TLNovelas (Televisa Novelas), a Mexican entertainment channel from Televisa which launched earlier in the year on Starsat alongside several other channels on that platform. It's even been running on Portuguese speaking markets on DStv for years now but the rumored one is in English. The channel just like Telemundo has original programming.

The funny thing is FOX Life already has Televisa soaps running on their channel so if the rumours are true how long do you suppose it will be till both StarTimes and MultiChoice feel a channel like FOX Life is no longer needed now that Televisa has its own channel in the African market for all these telenovelas.

TLNovelas currently offers telenovelas such as Pasión Y Poder (Passion And Power), Teresa, Corona De Lágrimas (Crown of Tears), La Doble Vida De Estela Carrillo (The Two Lives Of Estela Carrilo) and Mi Corazón Es Tuyo (My Heart Is Yours). So if these operators were to do away with FOX Life viewers will have to wait a while till all the Televisa soaps on FOX Life eventually make their way to the TLNovelas.

TLNovelas will be a rival to existing telenovela channels on the DStv platform such as Telemundo and Eva which has been bombarded with repeats for a while now. It won't be long till this channel joins the other channels with repeats.

My presumed guess would be the channel occupies Eva and it's sister channel Eva+ on channel 143 or perhaps it takes up FOX Life on channel 126 or takes up channel 128 where WWE used to be till it gets shoved to channel 236. Right now it's too early to tell with all the changes occurring on DStv.

The questions remain:
- Is the channel's presence on DStv real and if so what position does TLNovelas have, what will happen to FOX Life after its launch, will it launch as a new channel or a replacement for Eva+ (repeats channel) or FOX Life (airs soaps from Televisa)

Update: 14 September until August 2021

Read Also:
- BBC First stops airing on DStv
- SuperSport reconstructs their channels
- M-Net Movies downsizes the number of movie channels and MultiChoice adds two more movie channels
- KIX movie lineup unveiled ahead of its October launch on DStv

fliekNET Launches This September On DStv And Here's A List Of Movies Speculated For The Channel

fliekNET will launch as a full-time Afrikaans movie channel on the DStv platform from September on channel 149.

KykNet seemingly unveiled a bunch of movies under their label it's natural for movies to air on the channel but they unveiled so much movies which takes up a full channel so this has to be for fliekNET

The list goes as follows:
- Axis Mundi
- En Die Wiele Van Die Bus
- Invloed
- Biker
- Janneman
- Buiteperd
- Kloof
- Binnielandse Sake
- Tekkies Vir Trevor
- Maan Val Bewusteloos
- Like My Profile
- Onderspit
- 'n Liefdeslobotomie
- Nama Swaan
- Verkfointein
- Skoon
- Versnel
- Benjamin
- Soldaat
- Totsiens Pa
- Soos Gister
- Melusie Van Arcadia
- Sweisbril
- Jan Umkwhetha
- Vlees Van My Vlees
- Nommer 37
- Lakens
- Vossie Vergas
- Ben Se Begrafnis
- Slaaf
- Vuil Wasgoed
- Agterplaas
- Laaste Ure
- Rooilug
- Hartloop
- Gebles
- Dominee Truuks
- Damduikers
- Plankekoors
- Van Nasionale Belang
- Kromkierierfontein
- Ongenoodies
- Oedipus
- Fluit Fluit
- Die Beleefnis
- Bloedson
- Kombie Kameelperd En 'N Camcorder
- Op Theefontein Final
- Swaaibraai
- Kleingeld
- Eenrigting
- Ek Het Joy Gemaak
- 36 DDD
- Nantes
- Neem My Saam
- Bach Motief
- Prinses
- Agterplaas
- Die Buurtwag
- Sussie
- Vennie Olga
- Dis Hoe Ons Rol
- Trippie
- My Gelykenis
- Begrafnis
- Bullets Oor Bishop Lavis
- Miemie
- Iemand Anders
- Onthou
- Vashou Ding

Please make sure to visit this article I might add more to the list.

BBC First Gets The Boot On DStv

MultiChoice has announced that it will discontinue its BBC First channel on DStv, effective from 1 September.

The company said that this change is part of a “refresh of its British entertainment lineup”, with a selection of the British drama continuing on BBC Brit.

“Customers can continue to enjoy an increased range of British content on DStv’s suite of popular BBC channels as well as on M-Net, Catch Up, and Showmax,” the company said.

British shows that will continue include The Chase S13, Love Island UK S6, Britain’s Got Talent S14, The Bay S1, and The Capture.

“We are putting compelling drama and variety in one place and on one BBC channel and have increased acquisition of British content by adding titles to M-Net,” said MultiChoice Group CEO Yolisa Phahle.

“This will reduce the repeats on M-Net and strengthen our daytime schedule.”

In addition to this channel cut, MultiChoice also announced that M-Net’s first daily drama in more than 10 years – Legacy – would be screened from the end of September.

The new 13-part female-driven M-Net drama Inconceivable also launches in September, MultiChoice said.

“We would like to thank viewers for their support of BBC First over the past five years,” said BBC Studios EMEA executive vice president Nick Percy.

“BBC Brit will continue to offer some drama series as part of its schedule, and we will be looking for new opportunities that will allow us to continue to bring drama fans the full range of quality productions coming out of the UK.”

“We have operated BBC branded channels on the DStv platform for over 20 years and remain committed to bringing our viewers the very best programming from the BBC and leading UK production houses,” Percy said.

MultiChoice said it remains committed to maintaining its long-standing relationship with the BBC and will continue work with the broadcaster to ensure the best British entertainment for its customers.

READ ALSO:
- KIX, New Action Movie Channel Launching On DStv In October
- M-Net Restructures Their Movie Channels From September
- SuperSport Revamps It's Sports Channels Which Also Includes More Sports

Why The Kids Lineup Is Still Tiresome On DStv?

During the pandemic, DStv has been trying to keep the entertained and educated at the same time and that has proven to be a major bust on some viewers angle.

They recently added the German-based educational channel Da Vinci Kids and Mindset's Pop Primary. So far those channels are getting good reviews since their educational and that's where most of the applause is coming from.

MultiChoice has also invested locally with several other markets launching a regional educational channel. There's SABC Education for South Africa, Edu TV for Kenya, ZNBC Education for Zambia and Ghana Learning for Ghana. If you look at all these brands owners they offer a ton of propaganda but as long as they're trying to keep kids educated some will give it a pass.

Now the kiddies entertainment lineup needs improvement. MultiChoice stated that kids can tolerate repeats more than adults well there's plenty of kids that are bored with the current offering.

Problems:
Cartoon Network has 2-4 shows airing everyday so what if they're popular no one can survive with only those shows. The channel was #1 because it had variety, their content wasn't only for boys but for kids in general now that version of is dead. Boomerang  can go 6 months with nothing but marathons and new movies and still dominate the screens like most people grew fond of Boomerang because it followed the US counterpart before they decided to make it into a family friendly channel something Cartoon Network lacked. With Mr. Bean gone from Boomerang the lineup is dryer than ever with HBO Max making it painful since most content for Cartoon Network and Boomerang will likely air there first with no timeframe on when viewers can or ever will see it on those stations.

Disney Channel has mostly sitcoms as opposed to animation the problem with that is animation is kids #1 and you can salvage more episodes and storylines in one season which is why Cartoon Network is even #1 then there's Disney XD, the sinking ship and Disney Channel's conqueror ever since the network decided to put it's focus on the main channel, Disney+ and Junior the channel hasn't added any new shows but air new episodes of their remaining shows and repeat animated originals from the main channel. Lastly, Disney Junior there's nothing wrong with the most watched most watched preschool channel on DStv only it's superior which Disney Channel.

Nickelodeon has too many watchable repeats, the live-action is running smoothly while the animation is cut short which was their downfall. Nicktoons carries mostly preschool animation when the channel was invented to air reruns of older cartoons from Nickelodeon what makes this one bad is the animation is dull. Nick Jr is poorly managed there's mostly repeats and when a new preschool series comes in like Peppa Pig and Corn & Peg they dump that on Nicktoons I know they aren't Nickelodeon originals but even the main channel airs non-originals.

Solutions:
Boomerang's current and upcoming programs move to Cartoon Network to revive the variety on that channel. Boomerang gets the boot or reverts to back to being Cartoon Network plus channel (Boing).

Disney XD and Disney Junior get the boot with one channel similar to Nicktoons taking its position leaving Disney Channel with all the premieres.

Nick Jr. gets the boot with Nickelodeon and Nicktoons taking full responsibility for all its shows after all the channel has a programming block in the mixture.

If you look at it there's:
Premiere channels - Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon
Repeat channels - Nicktoons, Disney XD and Boomerang
Other channels - CBeebies, JimJam, Da Vinci Kids and PBS Kids
Alternative channels: BabyTV, Universal Kids and DreamWorks Channel

READ ALSO:
- August on Cartoon Network and Boomerang
- August on Nickelodeon
- August on Nicktoons
- September on Nicktoons
- September on Nick Jr
- September on Nickelodeon

SuperSport Follows M-Net And Restructures All Their Channels As Well

This thinking has driven SuperSport's decision to drop the numbering system it has used for its channels for more than two decades, replacing them with channels themed around individual sports to ensure it is easier for viewers to find their favourite sports.

From September 1, SuperSport viewers on DStv will be able to enjoy special dedicated channels for leagues and sports, among them the PSL, the Premier League, La Liga, rugby, cricket, golf, tennis, motorsport and several others, which will now have a home to call their own.

Not just live sport will be housed in these channels: supplementary programming such as magazine shows and highlights will add to the overall package.

New Grandstand channel

New to DStv subscribers across the continent will be the launch of the SuperSport Grandstand channel, immediately after Blitz at the front of the line-up. This flagship channel will host the best of any live curated sport available to Premium customers at any one time, including football, rugby, cricket, golf and tennis.

There will be multiple themed channels, including a "Variety" channel offering. Beyond this, DStv’s new sport line-up includes ESPN and ESPN 2, on channels 218 and 219.

"This is a landmark decision in SuperSport's history and one we are convinced will add a fresh and invigorating dimension to our broadcasts," said Gideon Khobane, chief executive of SuperSport.

“The changes will mean that additional SuperSport channels of local and international sporting content will be added to the DStv package. Genre channelling will no doubt increase awareness of a broader range of content, which may have always been on the platform, but wasn’t necessarily easy to discover. This signals a radical change designed to make content discovery more seamless.”

SuperSport broadcasts more live sport than any other broadcaster internationally and as much as these options are incredibly valuable to fans, the depth and breadth of content can make it difficult to find what they’re looking for. Exhaustive market research has shown that fans would prefer to enjoy the sport of their choice on a dedicated, named channel.
-------FAQs---------
What are SuperSport Thematic Channels?
SuperSport is changing its channel line-up by giving it a major refresh and renaming the channels for the dedicated sport they carry, in a shift away from the current number-based system. For example: The new channel called SuperSport Motorsport will now carry only motorsport content whereas, in the past, motorsport would have been found on multiple different channels.

Why are the channels being renamed and why is my favourite sport moving to a different channel number?
The changes promise easier navigation and an easier viewing experience.
SuperSport broadcasts more live sport than any other broadcaster in the world, and as much as all these options are incredibly valuable to fans, the sheer depth and breadth of content can make it difficult to find what they’re looking for.
Fans of rugby, cricket, English Premier League and PSL are used to finding their favourite sport on specific channels, but other sporting codes tend to be broadcast on different channels, depending on the time and day. Exhaustive market research has also shown that sports fans would find it easier to enjoy the sport of their choice on a dedicated, named channel.

When will the changes take effect?
September 1.

What are the channels going to be called and where can I find them on my DStv decoder?
The new strategy will more closely align channel names in South Africa and across the rest of the continent and will indicate a clear destination for fans’ favourite sports.

How many options will I have?
There will be multiple themed channels, including a "Variety" channel offering.
Beyond this, DStv’s new line-up includes ESPN and ESPN 2, on channels 218 and 219.
Different packages have access to different channels (see images above).

As a lower-tier DStv customer, will I now see less sport?
No, the broad content offering remains the same. None of the packages will be worse off. In fact, it will make your viewing experience much better by giving you a clear understanding of what content you will receive on the channel.

What is the new Grandstand channel?
A new Premium channel, SuperSport Grandstand, will become the home of the day’s most important live sport.
What this means is that Grandstand will host the best of any live sport available to the Premium customers at any one time, including rugby, cricket, golf and tennis, which will be found on this channel.
Grandstand will be hosted in studio on weekends and will be positioned immediately after Blitz at the front of the new line-up.

Why have rugby and cricket been moved so far out, to channels 211 and 212?
This was done to align the channels across the entire African continent and ensure consistency across all markets. There is no less focus whatsoever on these channels. It does also allow for all the Premium channels to be grouped together between 211 and 215. Please remember that the best of any rugby and cricket will also be found on SuperSport Grandstand on channel 201.

Where can I watch Champions League?
The first choice UCL game will be on the Premier League channel (203).
Additional games will be catered for as follows:
•Variety 1 (206)
•Variety 2 (207)
•PSL (202)
•Football (205)
•LaLiga (204)

Why does cycling not have its own dedicated channel?
We don’t have enough content for cycling to have its own dedicated channel. However, cycling will be scheduled consistently on Variety 1, so it will have a consistent channel where cycling fans will be able to find the content. The major cycling events like the Grand Tours will also likely be broadcast on SuperSport Grandstand.

Now that you’ve got specific sport channels, will I be able to buy just what I want?
No. Our packages will remain the same in terms of Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family & Access. Our aim is to provide our customers with the best in entertainment, at affordable prices. To make our service cost effective, DStv channels are bundled into packages so we can spread the costs across these.

What if my chosen sport has two or three live matches on simultaneously?
There aren't many instances where more than two or three matches take place at the same time in the same league. However, when this does occur, the Variety channels can accommodate the overflow ensuring all live broadcasts are on SuperSport.

Are the channels 24 hours/day?
Yes.

What are the Variety channels?
These are exactly what they say – they house content for a variety of different sports where we don’t have enough for a dedicated channel of its own. Specific sporting codes will, however, be broadcast on specific variety channels, like cycling, for instance, which will be found on Variety 1.

I am a Premium subscriber - will I be losing any content?
No, only the channel identities will change to the thematic genre. Also, the addition of the Grandstand Channel as well as the recent addition of two live ESPN channels on DStv ensures a greater breadth of sport content than ever before. We have listened to feedback from our customers in implementing these changes to make it easier to find what you would like to watch.

As a Compact Plus subscriber, how will the changes affect me?
There is no change to the number of channels you receive. We are now simply making it easier for you to find the sport that you want to watch.
The number of sport channels (13) remains as before. Only the channel identities will change to the new thematic genre. In this instance, you currently receive the following channels: Blitz, SS3, SS4, SS7, SS8, SS9, SS10, SS11 (Pop up channel), SS12 (Pop up channel), SS13 (Pop up channel), ESPN 1, ESPN 2 and WWE. These channels will be collectively renamed Blitz, the PSL channel, the Premier League Channel, the LaLiga channel, the Football channel, Variety 1, Variety 2, Variety 3, Variety 4, Action, ESPN 1, ESPN 2 and the WWE channel.

As a Compact subscriber, how will the changes affect me?
There is no change to the number of channels you receive. We are now simply making it easier for you to find the sport that you want to watch.
The number of sport channels (9) remains the same as before. Only the channel identities will change to the new thematic genre.
In this instance, existing channels Blitz, SS3, SS4, SS7, SS9, SS10, SS11 (Pop up), ESPN 1 and WWE will be collectively renamed Blitz, the PSL channel, the EPL channel, the LaLiga channel, the Football channel, Variety 3,Variety 4, ESPN 1 and the WWE channel.

As a Family subscriber, how will the changes affect me?
There is no change to the number of channels you receive. We are now simply making it easier for you to find the sport that you want to watch.
The number of sport channels (5) remains as before. Only the channel identities will change to the new thematic genre.
In this instance, existing channels Blitz, SS7, SS9, SS10 and WWE will be collectively renamed Blitz, the LaLiga channel, the Football channel, Variety 4 and the WWE channel.

As an Access subscriber, how will the changes affect me?
There is no change to the number of channels you receive. We are now simply making it easier for you to find the sport that you want to watch.
The number of sport channels (2) remains as before. Only the channel identities will change to the new thematic genre. In this instance, existing channels Blitz and SS10 will be collectively renamed Blitz and Variety 4.

SABC Education Might Be Available In August On DStv And Possibly Starsat

SABC launched an educational channel back in May on DTT and online platforms with more platforms scheduled to add it later.

SABC Education has been seen on the test channel section through DStv channel 950 for almost two months now alongside Starsat platform where it's numbered through their website on channel 313 and available to those who carry the Max, Special and Super package.

Recently, a viewer noticed that the channel no schedule on DStv starting from the 1st of August leading that individual to believe and possibly some viewers to believe that the channel will be made available on DStv by then.

Both DStv, Starsat and SABC were asked on the status of the channel on the platforms with DStv redirecting clients to SABC, Starsat with its "stay tuned for more information" and SABC with its constant silence.

My guess would be SABC Education launches tomorrow or sometime this month on channel 314 or more likely 316 and is made available to Easyview if not all customers with Starsat adding it around the same time if not sooner.

M-Net Restructures It's Movie Channels On DStv From September, With Two New Movie Channels Expected To Launch Soon

From Tuesday 1 September, DStv’s six existing M-Net Movie channels will be re-organised and consolidated into four slick, fuss-free channels.

Get ready for streamlined M‑Net Movies channels, new Asian channel KIX, FliekNET and much more

Call it Movies 2.0! Or: The streamlined upgrade of the M‑Net Movies channels on DStv. Come Tuesday 1 September the current six M‑Net Movie channels will be re-organised and consolidated into four slick, fuss-free channels .

To keep it simple, these four carefully curated channels, with its array of must-see films, will be known as M‑Net Movies 1, M‑Net Movies 2, M‑Net Movies 3 and M‑Net Movies 4.

Even though DStv have streamlined the M‑Net channels, this will not impact the number of movies on the DStv packages, audiences will benefit from a leaner, spruced-up M‑Net slate.

But that is not all, the popular holiday pop-up channel FliekNET will become a permanent fixture on the platform from 1 September as well.

Adding to this, is the new KIX channel launching in October this year, bringing viewers the best of Martial Arts from the old-time favourites such as Jet Li, Jackie Chan and more. Film fanatics can also rest assured that DStv and M‑Net team will continue to create popular pop-up channels built around popular franchises or themes.

“It’s important for us to facilitate the best possible viewing experience for our DStv customers in our ever-evolving world of entertainment”, says MultiChoice SA CEO, Mark Rayner. “ While the proposition of the current six movie channels - M‑Net Movies Premiere, Action Plus, Action, Smile, Zone and All Stars – made perfect sense when they launched years ago, recent comments and requests from our movie-loving DStv audiences indicated that it was time for a reboot.”

According to Yolisa Phahle, CEO of General Entertainment and Connected Video at MultiChoice Group, this is just the beginning – the first step onto an exciting planned journey of developments on the film front. “In our quest to remain Africa’s most-loved storyteller, innovation and quality will always be key. Local movies will also play an increasingly important role, alongside screening handpicked Hollywood films first on all our platforms.“

MultiChoice Group’s platforms include DStv satellite television, Showmax, Box Office, DStv Catch Up and DStv Now.

The streamlined M‑Net Movie channels arrangement for different DStv audiences will make it easier to find the right movie, at just the right time:

M‑Net Movies 1
(Channel 104 on DStv Premium)

This is the new number-one destination for the latest local and international feel-good, wholesome movies for the entire family. Those who loved the kid-friendly Animania festivals on M‑Net Movies Smile, as well as blockbuster romcoms and gripping dramas, will need an ample supply of popcorn for the good times ahead.

M‑Net Movies 2
(Channel 106 on DStv Premium)

Buckle up! M‑Net Movies 2 will unleash an adrenaline rush with recent heart-pumping, explosive action films. The schedule will be packed with all kinds of adventures and thrills and spills at maximum velocity!

M‑Net Movies 3
(Channel 107 on DStv Premium, Compact)

Welcome to the place where all the movie heroes and heroines hang out, either saving the day in adventure classics, or inhabiting the imaginary worlds of sci-fi and fantasy. Sometimes, they even tickle the funny bones in star-studded comedies, or show off their acting chops in gripping dramas.

M‑Net Movies 4
(Channel 108 on DStv Premium. Compact, Family, Access)

The world’s biggest blockbusters, as well as their prequels and sequels, are lined up here. While movie franchise lovers can enjoy great movies for hours on end, friends and family can join all the action and fun too.

FliekNET
(Channel 149 on DStv Premium)

This channel will be showcasing locally produced blockbuster movies, classic favourites and a variety of Afrikaans film formats such feature films, short films, story films, made-for-TV movies and documentaries. The channel will also feature new straight-to-kykNET films produced by South African filmmakers as part of the continuous investment in the local film and television industry.

KIX
(Channel number to be confirmed)

Everybody was kung-fu fighting on this channel. The best of all Martial Arts movies will live here. This channel promises to bring all the viewers the best scenes from all-time favourites, from Jackie Chan to Bruce Lee – the family will definitey have to dedicate a day of the week to all the action.

M‑Net Movies Pop-Up
(Channel 111 on DStv Premium)

To keep it fresh and exciting, there will be a host of festivals and themed surprises on these channels. Furthermore, the M‑Net Movies team will continue cooking up more binge fests with M‑Net Movies Pop Up channels. In future, these pop-up delights will be served on DStv Channel 111.

FAQS: DStv spruces up its movie offering
Why is MultiChoice making changes to the M-Net channels on DStv?
We are reshuffling our channels as part of our business strategy to enhance our offering to customer and responding to their needs for fresher content and greater viewing experience. There will also be focus more on local content investment which will will see a launch of local channels in March 2021 for Ghana, Ethiopia, Angola and Mozambique. Another benefit is a more streamlined content making it easier for our customer to navigate and content discovery of their favourite international series and movies.

When are these changes taking place?
On Monday 31 August 2020 and Tuesday, 1 September 2020.

How are you changing the M-Net channels and where can I now find the M-Net Movies Channels?
- M-Net Movies 1 replaces M-Net Movies Premiere & M-Net Movies Smile Channel 104/5 for DStv Premium
- M-Net Movies 2 replaces M-Net Movies Action+ on Channel 106 for DStv Premium
- M-Net Movies 3 replaces M-Net Movies Action & M-Net Movies All Stars on channel 107 for DStv Compact
- M-Net Movies 4 replaces M-Net Movies Zone on Channel 108 for DStv Access & GOtv, DTT
- M-Net Movies Pop Up will run occasionally on channel 111

Why are there now only four M-Net Movie channels instead of six?
M-Net Movies has streamlined its movie offering to ensure that we schedule the freshest and latest movies from local and international studios. Viewers can also look forward to more seasonal pop-up channels as well.

What type of movies will I find on each of the M-Net Movie channels?
- M-Net Movies 1 (Previously M-Net Movies Smile): Family, Animation, Kids, Comedy, Romance, Drama
- M-Net Movies 2 (Previously M-Net Movies Action+): Action, Fantasy, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller
- M-Net Movies 3 (Consolidation of Previous M-Net Movies Action & M-Net Movies All Stars): Action, Fantasy, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Family, Local, Drama
- M-Net Movies 4 (Previously M-Net Movies Zone): Action, Comedy, Family, Animated, Drama, Local

Why do I still pay the same for fewer channels?
M-Net Movies has streamlined its movie offering to ensure that we schedule the freshest and latest movies from local and international studios. Viewers can also look forward to more seasonal pop-up channels, like the recent M-Net Movies Blackout channel and last year’s massively successful M-Net Movies Tom Cruise pop-up channel.

Does this mean that there will be no more repeats on DStv?
No. This channel revision will only reduce the duplication of content across channels with similar genres. Unfortunately, not everyone has the freedom to watch what they want, when they want to. Each of our subscriber leads a busy life – some work during the day while others work at night, and others are just too busy to watch their favourite show when it goes on air. That’s one of the reasons why we give our customers more than one opportunity to watch what they want. Some channels, like M-Net 101, are specifically chosen for the DStv Premium package. These channels offer the latest shows and movies, sometimes even at the same time as the US (as with our Express from the US service). Our DStv Premium customers see the latest shows, first.
These same shows and movies will be screened a few months later on channels that are available on other packages. This means you may have seen a show or movie on DStv Premium, and will come across it again when it is broadcast on a channel that serves DStv Compact customers. Offering shows and movies across our channels on all packages means that, sooner or later, everyone gets a chance to see it and enjoy it.
All channels, especially movie channels, need to offer a mix of new and repeat content. Hollywood makes about 600 movies every year – that’s roughly 1 200 hours of movies. A single movie channel needs 8 760 hours to fill up the schedule every day for a year. It is for this reason that you see a mix of brand-new movies and old favourites on our movie channels.

What will happen to my PVR recordings after the channels are terminated?
Any recordings of shows from the terminated M-Net movie channels will remain on your PVR until you delete them, so they will still be available for you to watch.

Will I get a discount on my subscription?
No, subscribers will not receive a discount. MultiChoice does not adjust its price every time a channel is added or removed from the DStv platform.

ABOUT FLIEKNET FAQs
Where can I find Afrikaans movies?
We are proud to announce the upcoming launch of FliekNET as an official channel on our movie channels slate

What happens to all the other Pop-up channels?
Viewers can still look forward to more seasonal pop-up channels as well like the Marvels & Tom Cruize Pop-up channel.

When will FliekNET launch?
FliekNET will be available for viewers from 1 September 2020

Will I have to pay more for FliekNET?
No, MultiChoice does not adjust pricing every time a channel is added or removed from the DStv Platform

What content can I expect on FliekNET?
The popular holiday pop-up channel FliekNET will become a permanent fixture on DStv channel-149 showcasing locally produced blockbuster movies, classic favourites and a variety of Afrikaans film formats such feature films, short films, story films, made-for-TV movies and documentaries. The channel will also feature new straight-to-kykNET films produced by South African filmmakers as part of the continuous investment in the local film and television industry.

New Channel Alert: KIX Coming Soon To DStv Part 2

Few weeks after I broke the news that KIX as MultiChoice describes as a action movie channel is launching later on DStv. More details regarding the channel's lineup.

KIX is the ultimate destination for Asian action movie channel owned by Celestial Tiger Entertainment. The channel airs a combination of Asian movies alongside Western films targeting male viewers.

The following films are set to air on the channel:
- Once Upon A Time In China (1991)
- Female Fight Club (2016)
- Gallowwalkers (2012)
- City Hunter (1993)
- Helios (2015)
- Game Of Death (1974)
- The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin (1973)
- God Of War (2017)
- Three (2016)

Judging by the reveal my presumed guess would be that MultiChoice will begin rolling out the channel mid August to early September.

BayTV Is Now Known As Mpuma Kapa TV

After 7 years, Bay TV has been scrapped for a more stronger and at close at home branding, Mpuma Kapa TV.

Bay TV launched as a free-to-air community television channel in Port Elizabeth and surrounding areas in Eastern Cape before making its way to DStv. It features local news, sport, youth, children, women's issues, current affairs, education, music and local culture.

The channel lost their analogue licence years back that's why it can only be found on DStv besides that they also need the funds to stay open.

Before it's rebrand, the channel was mostly carrying pastor and church based programming like a few other community channels on DStv. This new brand has opened up their doors for content proposals.

Mpuma Kapa TV will more likely be no different to Bay TV at launch. The channel will still be representing Eastern Cape hopefully with more variety and not only church shows.

MultiChoice South Africa On The Catholic Channel, EWTN

EWTN offers family-oriented, spiritually-enriching programming from a Catholic point of view. The Networks’ diverse programs include live talk shows, news programs, original series and documentaries, teaching series with noted theologians, children’s shows, live coverage of the Pope, a live daily Mass, and much more.

The channel launched 9 years ago for the rest of Africa on MultiChoice's DStv excluding South Africa. EWTN is also available on StarTimes (ROA) and StarSat (South Africa).

During those nine years, A lot of angry DStv customers approached MultiChoice over the possibility of adding EWTN to DStv's South African platform and as always we'll forward your suggestion to a relevant department.

They even created a petition and page to help get the channel to the market seeing as StarSat which is located in South Africa also packages the channel.

Two years ago, I contacted someone with regards to the channel and this is what DStv told them and what they're trying to do:
DStv: Currently it is VERY expensive to get
EWTN on DSTV
The Individual: I have made contact with a representative from EWTN in USA to see how we can get this going, he is currently meeting with the powers that may be to see how we can get the funds available and if it is viable to do so in South Africa.

And two years have passed and EWTN is only available on StarSat. Do you believe MultiChoice South Africa will get this channel they were able to get Da Vinci Kids and AfricaNews on board so anything is possible.

Ebonylife Is Being Removed From MultiChoice's DStv From The End Of July, StarSat And StarTimes Might Follow

TV show host, Mo Abudu has revealed that EbonyLife TV will no longer function as it is now becoming a video-on-demand service called EbonyLife ON.

She also revealed that most of the contents offered by the channel will now be uploaded EbonyLife ON which will be available on iOS stores and Google.

She said: “Remember when we used to wait a whole week to watch our favourite TV shows? Well, those days are gone forever! Now, we can binge on the whole series if we want to. Therefore, we have decided that EbonyLife TV will no longer be available on DStv from 31st July 2020.”

EbonyLife TV was launched by Multichoice in 2013 and operated on DSTV. The deal ended in 2018 and Mo Abudu partnered with Startimes to broadcast the channel.

If you read the first paragraph nicely the channel will no longer function as it used to. They recently signed a content deal with Netflix and with it going dark on DStv in the rest of Africa.

Apparently Ebonylife made the choice to can the channel from DStv so it's likely that StarTimes (ROA) and StarSat will follow as well since Ebonylife might transition into becoming an online platform once their contract expires.

New Channel Alert: Kix Coming Soon To DStv

KIX is the ultimate destination for Asian action entertainment. KIX offers action fans a mix of heart-pumping action movies, fun celebrity game shows, compelling reality series and Asian-focused fight events, bringing on-screen excitement to every home!

The channel is owned by Celestial Tiger Entertainment . Its programming is targeted towards 18- to 45-year-old adults. The channel airs a combination of Asian content (notably Korean shows) with Western programs and attracts a core target audience of international viewers skewed toward male viewers.

This was one of the channels being hyped about from MultiChoice including the the four local channels alongside Netflix and Amazon partnership.

According to the info provided by MultiChoice, they describe it as an action movie channel. So ir might be used for englEng dubbed Japanese action movies or action movies in general. There's no details on when the channel is expected to launch on the platform or channel number

MultiChoice To Add Netflix And Amazon Video Prime Streaming Services For Subscribers And Plans To Launch More Channels

MultiChoice will soon add both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video as global video streamers to its DStv platform, with the pay-TV operator that continues to show growth - adding roughly another 900 000 DStv and GOtv subscribers over its last financial year.

The subscriber tally according to its latest 2019/2020 financial results released on Wednesday, is now 19.5 million.

MultiChoice already runs Showmax its own subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) streaming service.

By adding international streaming services to it's existing DStv platform MultiChoice has now clearly decided that it will go the "super aggregator" way, similar to what pay-TV services ranging from the United States, United Kingdom, and New Zealand have done over the past year.

In this way, existing subscribers get access to further streaming services through DStv, paying their monthly bill in local currency for the add-ons, lessening payment friction and providing one place for subscribers to find and watch the content they like.

"We have long been a content aggregator, and this is proof of our aggregator model at work – providing simplicity, choice and convenience for our customers," says Calvo Mawela, MultiChoice CEO.

"As our industry evolves, we believe that we are well-positioned to benefit from both worlds – a large, growing pay-TV market in Africa, as well as an emerging over-the-top (OTT) opportunity, where our own OTT services and aggregation capabilities can drive success."

MultiChoice has shown a 5% increase in subscriber growth in its 2019/2020 financial year, taking its total pay-TV subscriber base to 19.5 million households.

South Africa still represents MultiChoice's biggest and most powerful market, with 8.4 million pay-TV households, while the rest of Africa combined represents 11.1 million households.

Besides adding two global streaming services, MultiChoice is also getting ready to roll-out and launch its as-yet-unnamed "DStv dishless", stand-alone DStv streaming service that will mimic its existing direct-to-Home (DTH) service but without the need for any installation.

MultiChoice added that over the last financial year it has produced 3 850 additional hours of local content with its local content library that now exceeds 56 800 hours. This means local content now accounts for 40% of its total content spend.

The company plans on doing two new co-productions, Blood Psalms and Rogue, launch four new local content TV channels including a new action movie channel and plans to further ramp up local content production in 2021.

ViacomCBS Will Be Launching A New Channel Carrying Content From BET And Showtime, Will This Perhaps Get Added On StarSat Or Serve As A Replacement To BET Africa On DStv?

ViacomCBS is to launch SHO*BET by the end of the year to do that it's taking up Showtime's Showcase channel in the United States.

The company is planning to relaunch the channel, which currently airs films, documentaries and comedy specials, with scripted series from both Showtime and BET.

It is the latest example of synergies between Viacom and CBS since its merger in December.

President and CEO Bob Bakish, speaking on the company’s investor call following its fourth-quarter financials, said, “We see an even bigger opportunity to grow Showtime subscribers by making better use of its plex channels, some of which are currently underutilized. To that end, we will be rebranding and relaunching Showcase as SHO*BET this summer featuring AA scripted series from Showtime and BET.”

He added, “We see this as a compelling value creation play that will allow us to benefit from the growing demand for premium, African American content across platforms.

Now in Africa, where the channel can be seen through MultiChoice's DStv platform. It's currently stuffed with movies leaving less space for all the crappy and decent programming.

BET Africa, has become a strong brand in the market with its local productions like Black Tax and iSono so the chances of them replacing it is very little at the same time these brands merged so anything is possible.