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Channel Closure: WildEarth Will Stop Airing On DStv By The End Of April, Freeview And ROKU Might Follow Soon

WildEarth is an interactive wildlife channel which brings viewers closer to nature with live safaris within the hotspot of Africa. Founded i...

Showing posts with label Disney Junior. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disney Junior. Show all posts

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Development Alert: Disney Junior To Close In Scandinavia By The End Of March, Merges With Disney Channel

As mentioned moments ago, Disney will continue to reduce their linear portfolio in parts of Europe with Disney Junior exiting Scandinavia by the end of March. This comes a month after the channel closed in Nordic as the latter folds under Disney Channel.

In Africa, these brands will continue to operate separately for another 3 years as Disney and MultiChoice extended their partnership. This also includes factual and wildlife brands National Geographic and National Geographic Wild and the two ESPN channels. 

Press release regarding the closure 

On April 1 this year, the existing channels Disney Channel and Disney Junior will merge, forming a new Disney Channel. The new Disney Channel is described as a flagship channel for all ages, and will, among other things, offer a special Disney Junior block on mornings and weekends.

Series to look forward to on the channel include
"Spidey and his Amazing Friends," "Star Wars: The Adventures of Young Jedi" and "Ariel." 

Hans van Rijn, who is the country manager and senior vice president of The Walt Disney Company Nordic & Baltic, comments on the merger: "We are proud and happy to be able to present the strongest tableau ever during the successful 20 years that the Disney Channel has been in existence in the north. The merger with Disney Junior gives us the opportunity to create an additional fully-fed Disney Channel with the absolute most popular and beloved content for young fans of all ages based on solid viewership analytics and engagement data.”

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Development Alert: Moonbug's Morphle And The Magic Pets To Rollout On Disney Junior And Disney+ Internationally, Zeptolab's Om Nom Stories To Debut On Disney+

Disney+ is getting more involved with internet-native animated series and has picked up global (excluding China) streaming rights to Moonbug’s new series Morphle and the Magic Pets and Europe, Middle East, and Africa rights to Zeptolab’s Om Nom Stories.

It’s little wonder that a mostly kids and family-focused media company looking to bring profitability to its streaming platform would be interested in acquiring web-based animated series. A recent study showed that kids are spending more and more time on gaming platforms and free streaming apps like Youtube, so it makes sense that Disney would be keen to bring some of that platform’s popular content to Disney+.

There is also precedent for this kind of move paying off in a big way. Last year, Netflix shared viewership data from the first half of 2023, which showed that the platform’s most popular animated series was Cocomelon, another Moonbug property that started life as a web series.

Morphle and the Magic Pets
Morphle and the Magic Pets was co-developed by Mark Palmer and Jill Sandford and is being animated by Toronto’s Guru Studio. The show is based on the hit Youtube franchise created by Arthur van Merwijk in 2011. The Morphle TV Youtube channel, launched in December 2011, has 11.7 million subscribers, and its videos have been watched over 8 billion times.

Moonbug’s Morphle general manager Olivia Chausson said of the Disney deal:

We are very excited to expand Morphle’s fantastical world in close partnership with Disney. We have big aspirations for the franchise, fueled by Morphle’s transformational powers and the richness of the magic pet universe. This year, we are supercharging growth across new audience touchpoints and are delighted to share Morphle and the Magic Pets with families across the globe.

Disney Junior senior VP of development, series, and strategy Alyssa Sapire added:

At Disney Junior, we are always looking for new ways to connect with our young audience of preschoolers and their families. We knew Morphle was already a big hit on Youtube with our core audience of kids three to five and were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Moonbug team to build out the world and characters.

Morphle and the Magic Pets will debut on Disney Junior and Disney+ in the U.S. on Wednesday, March 20. International rollouts will begin at a later date.

Om Nom Stories
Disney has picked up all 25 seasons of the Youtube hit series Om Nom Stories, produced by Spanish video game developer and animation studio Zeptolab. The franchise’s main Youtube channel was launched in March 2011 and has 4.11 million subscribers. It hosts more than 2,000 videos which have been watched more than 3.5 billion times. The 250 episodes heading to Disney+ each run 3.5 minutes, and will be presented in a format that accommodates adaptation into 17 languages.

Anna Shchur, executive producer and content distribution director at Zeptolab explained in a release:

The collaboration with Disney+ not only amplifies the reach of Om Nom Stories animation content throughout Europe but also aligns with the family-oriented values synonymous with our beloved Om Nom brand. This shared commitment to wholesome entertainment is of utmost importance to us, and we are excited about the positive impact this collaboration will bring. Moreover, we anticipate that our audience will be overjoyed to experience their favorite Om Nom stories on Disney+, creating an even more delightful and memorable viewing experience for fans of all ages.

Natalia Hebel, senior business development manager at Zeptolab, added:

We are incredibly excited about the opportunity to bring Om Nom Stories to Disney+ in Europe. It’s a fantastic platform with a rich history worldwide, and we are honored to be a part of it. We are committed to providing high-quality content to meet the high standards, and we are looking forward to contributing our share to the magic of Disney+.

Om Nom Stories will debut on Disney+ in Q4 of this year.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Recap To Last Month: Disney Junior Trademark To Be Shortened To DJr

Last month, it was revealed through United States Patent And Trademark Office (USPTO) that Disney had filed a new trademark for Disney Junior known simply as DJr. This would be brand's first official rebrand following its inception back in 2011 in place of Playhouse Disney.

For several years, companies had been simplifying their logos and now they look to expand this to a younger demographic. For starters, there's CBeebies and PBS Kids whose current logos had been aligned to match of existing brands operated by BBC Studios and PBS.

Disney Junior's first logo is currently being used across several platforms with some minor modifications in other countries. Now this one seems bland and lifeless but this is only what's currently seen on paper and may not be the future of the whole brand.

If anything the font and styling used on Junior (Jr) implies that they could some playful aspects. Now with Disney Junior (soon to be DJr) is getting a complete makeover one has to wonder whether some of these aspects could spread to their other channels.

I mean the idea wouldn't seem far fetched, Disney Channel could simply be the "D" while Disney XD is DXD. But then again, the current logo for Disney XD had been simplified from the start while Disney Channel has more of that in Europe than the main market so it's either way.

Interesting to note, DreamWorks Channel and the block DreamWorks Junior have the same initials as Disney Channel and Disney Junior - DC/D and DJR.

Below is an ident to the upcoming rebrand:


Sunday, February 4, 2024

Recap To The Decade: Disney Channel Remains As The Only Disney Branded Channel In Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Brazil And Nordic Regions

Since Disney+ inception, Disney has been moving away from their linear business to prioritise their streaming endeavours. There's been a decline in linear consumption and the idea for Disney+ was to sort of retain these consumers and to monetize on new content.

As mentioned this has led to a restructure of their global business with Asia streaming further content from FOX and National Geographic on Disney+ while most parts of Europe offer a reduced linear portfolio.

Disney Channel serves as one of the last remaining survivors across Europe. The channel is home to series like Hannah Montana, Raven's Home and Amphibia and following closures of Disney XD and some Disney Junior: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, PJ Masks and Big City Greens.

They've also curated (Disney+) original films from High School Musical, Camp Rock, Descendants, Lemonade Mouth, Home Alone, Phineas And Ferb: Candice Against The Universe and Teen Beach. 

In other developments, Disney Nordic had announced the closure of Disney Junior in the region with content migrating to Disney Channel. This closure might affect consumers in the Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden before hitting the rest of EMEA.

Saturday, February 3, 2024

News Shorts: MultiChoice Silently Adds SuperSport La Liga To DStv Access Consumers, Eureka! Cancelled After One Season On Disney Junior And Telenovela Channel Phillipines To Close By The End Of February

SuperSport La Liga on Access

Home of the Spanish La Liga & UEFA Europa League while also showcasing overflow matches from the UEFA Champions League. Several DStv consumers had spotted the channel on their package alongside Zee World, Star Life, and various others.

In an enquiry to MultiChoice, they mention that SuperSport La Liga will be opened until further notice (likely permanent) while all other channels will remain temporarily. Taking to account that NWTV and One Freestate Televisual had closed these channels are probably a distraction.

MultiChoice will be announcing their new annual prices which will come into affect from April. With these recent closures of channels, one has to wonder if MultiChoice has more developments up their sleeves aside from cost adjustments.

Another bites the dust

Eureka! is an American-Irish animated children's television series produced by Brown Bag Films. It premiered on Disney Junior in the United States on June 22, 2022. Set in the Stone Age within the location of Rocky Falls, it followed the eponymous girl Eureka who enjoys going on adventures and building gadgets.

According to Disney TVA News, Eureka! had been quietly cancelled after one season at Disney Junior, many members of the crew moved to Robogobo and non-Disney shows at Brown Bag Films. It would join The Ghost And Molly McGee, Secret Of Sulphur Springs and Bunk'd as shows to have been axed by the network.

Disney is focusing on building out its multicam strategy and that includes prioritising shows that are based on Disney-owned IP, and creating global tentpole programming.

Telenovela Channel Phillipines to go dark

Telenovela Channel served as the first and only telenovela channel in the Phillipines in 2011. Owned by Beginnings at Twenty Plus, Inc. with the partnership of Grupo Televisa would broadcast various Mexican dramas viewed on TLNovelas including Sortilego, La Rosa De Guadalupe and Las Amazonas.

After 12 years, it was reported the channel's website that Telenovela Channel Phillipines will end transmission after 12 years by the end of February which would coincide with the closure of Disney Junior in the Nordic market as further content integrates with Disney Channel.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Disney Shorts: Disney Enterprises Might Be Looking To Rebrand Disney Junior, Disney's Journey Alongside Dog And Frog Animated Series Rumoured To Be In Development For Disney Channel And Disney+

Disney Junior's new look

It appears Disney Junior might be undergoing their first rebrand following its inception back in 2012 as a TV channel and years prior on Disney Channel. Disney had filed a trademark for this design but it has yet to be seen if this will be applied across EMEA following the channel's rebrand in 2022.
Disney adding another animal based program

Following the rollout of Kiff in 2023, Disney appears to be working on yet another possible animated series for the Disney Channel titled Dog And Frog. Not much is known about the project but Thurop Van Orman, Pedro Eboli and Mark Satterthwaite, Raj Brueggemann and Hannah Ayoubi are tied to it.
Disney adapting Dungeon And Dungeons

Following news of Dog And Frog is another animated project described as a Fantasy/Dungeon And Dragons type series titled Journey. It follows the titular character who is described as “always been a little right-brained, a little messy, a little ‘strange.’ Her interests include “Dungeons & Dragons” and fantasy stories.

Another character confirmed for the show, Tunde is “free-spirited, fun-loving, thrill-seeker with magic skills, living a nomadic lifestyle beyond the Dome with his small crew.” Also described as “a champion of peace and love,” the grid literally likens to Bob Marley.

Monday, January 22, 2024

Development Alert: Disney Nordic Announce The Closure Of Disney Junior In Denmark While VH1 Is Being Replaced By NickMusic

Disney is closing more channels

After Disney closed and merged the Scandinavian feed of Disney Channel within EMEA/Southern Africa by 2023. It is was revealed through Digitalt.TV that the company will no longer distribute Disney Junior in Denmark by the end of February with content folded under Disney Channel.

Considering this was a decision made by Disney in the Nordic countries it's likely that Disney Junior could be going off air in Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Of course the pay-tv operator was based in Denmark so nothing can be confirmed as yet.

As mentioned, Disney Channel's feeds in these regions are all aligned with Southern Africa and if anything it's possible that Disney Junior's days for the rest of Europe could be numbered.

Although, it's just mere speculation Disney Channel has been running low on content following cancellations of Bunk'd and The Ghost And Molly McGee. It's basically become a graveyard for Disney+ programming such as Chip 'n Dale: Park Life and Cars On The Road.

NickMusic expands to Denmark

VH1 was an international entertainment channel which was basically a mash up of MTV and BET. It is operated by Paramount Global and over the last decade the company had been dismantling the trademark with various channels closed in most parts of the world.

After a viewer in Denmark had spotted VH1 with no EPG, it lead some to believe in the possible demise of the channel. Now Norlys is reporting that VH1 will fold under Nick trademark with NickMusic despite the existence of MTV.

Nick Music already has a presence in parts of Latin America and Europe broadcasting a large selection of music videos and music-related content for the whole family. By the end of March, Denmark will join these territories as VH1 exits the region.

Could Content Cuts Lead To The Closure/Merger Of Disney Channel And Disney Junior In Europe And Africa Alongside Disney XD In The United States?

Following Disney+ inception, Disney has been consolidating their content thus leading to closures of several linear channels across the world. To date, most of the company's linear offering reside within Europe, Middle East and Africa as the streamer's trail goes dry.

From what was established, Disney's remaining linear offering will stick around for the foreseeable future. This was partially due to the absence of Disney+ in parts of the above-mentioned regions and another income as these brands help sustain Disney+.

As seen in the last few months, Disney Channel has been running low on content with shows like Bunk'd and The Ghost And Molly McGee axed. The channel has become a graveyard for Disney+ with programming like Cars On The Road and Chip'n Dale: Park Life.

Part of this may have to do with the actor's strike back in 2023 but honestly it wouldn't seem far fetched if more consolidation were underway. There's been a decline in linear consumption and also these affects have been underway across the world.

If anything, Disney XD could as well shut down in the United States with content being integrated between Disney Channel and Disney+. While Disney Junior's remaining linear offering in parts of the world could revert back to a mere programming block on Disney Channel.

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

DStv Without Disney Channel??? Wouldn't Seem Like A Far Fetched Idea At This Point

During the week, it was reported various channels from The Walt Disney Company including Disney Channel, Disney Junior, National Geographic and National Geographic Wild had exited the OSN platform in the Middle East and North Africa.

When asked by OSN for comment in regards to the cancellation for these channels:

We periodically review and update our channel lineup based on customer feedback and viewing trends to ensure we meet your entertainment needs. The result of the latest analysis carried out is that it is time to update the channel list and improve the entertainment viewing experience.

These channels are still viewable in the affected regions but on much smaller platforms like YahSat, STCtv and Jawwy TV. On OSN, the provider had replaced them with Cartoon Network and Animal Planet with plans to source more entertainment for the affected channels.

Prior to Disney Channel's reduction, OSN had helped Disney in regards to the distribution of their streaming service, Disney+. On top of that content such as Marvel's Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur shows produced for Disney Channel were folded under Disney+.

MultiChoice currently package both Disney Channel and Disney Junior in a seperate agreement with Disney. Similar to OSN, they too had seen a reduction in programming and investment toward these channels so it's only a matter of time till these channels cease to exist.

Most parts of Europe mainly package National Geographic and ESPN with a few exceptions such as Turkey, Poland and Germany. Honestly, it wouldn't seem far fetched if Disney opted to discontinue the Disney Channels and focused their remaining efforts on ESPN and National Geographic.

Their PR development hasn't been as productive in recent years and all of this could be pertaining to the current state of the linear offering. Disney Channel's viewership had dropped as more consumers opt to streaming and also the last carriage deals had seen companies walk out with less channels.

The only challenge pertaining to Disney right now would be high data prices as a majority of households in Africa can't afford or offer Disney+. But if you've learnt anything from the closure of DW News, some businesses are more eager to handle risks at this point.

Sony Pictures Television once offered channels like Sony Entertainment Television and POP to consumers in Africa as well as a number of linear channels globally. It could have gone bankrupt or possible gotten sold but instead happen to be one of the leading entertainment brands.

In recent conversations with Disney's CEO, he was open to the idea of excluding if not closing Disney+ in countries that aren't profitable. Would it seem far fetched if Disney were to do the same with their linear offering I mean there's still regions that don't offer Disney+.

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

More Channel Closures As The Disney Channel Exits OSN In The Middle East And North Africa, Could More Regions Likely Follow?

Since Disney+ inception back in 2019, Disney has closed various linear channels globally to prioritise their direct to consumer business. With the latter currently situated within Europe and Africa, Disney has slowly but surely further distance themselves from their linear business.

Last year, Disney axed their remaining linear offering seen in parts of Asia by New Year's Eve. They had also managed several linear channels within the Middle East and North Africa through pay-tv operator OSN who had substituted these brands with Cartoon Network and Animal Planet.

These channels are still available in the regions but on smaller platforms which will make it a lot more easier to close.

If there's one thing that's certain here, Disney Channel's days in South Africa and the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa are numbered and although a timeframe has yet to be reached. We presume that Disney will look into closing feeds in the surrounding areas ahead of time.

Similar to MTV and Nick Jr, Disney had been cutting back on localised feeds with the remaining aligning themselves with Southern Africa. It has been somewhat chaotic with shows like Hailey's On It and Disney's Saturdays airing as quadruple on weekdays.

Despite only having less than 13 episodes on air, it has been bumpy ride particularly with their programme guide mislabeling shows and movies. It's clear that all their efforts will be put on Disney+ if the plan would be making an original available monthly on linear platforms.

They had ripped away various originals such as The Owl House and Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure before their final seasons. Disney+ acquired exclusive rights to Marvel's Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur despite being viewed on Disney Channel overseas.

MultiChoice and various other pay-tv operators will have a hard time trying to replace these channels. Speaking as a long time fan, the best option would be having Disney Channel spun off like Sky Kids/Universal Kids have with DreamWorks but for consumers in Africa.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Enjoy Festive Favourite Shows Premieres Across Disney Channels These Holidays Including Brand New Series And Season Premiere In January Across Africa

This holiday season, Disney Channel and Disney Junior promise to deliver a delightful mix of programming for the whole family. Cozy up and experience the magic of the season with beloved classics, new episodes, heartwarming specials, and exciting brand-new shows to warm hearts and spread holiday cheer.

Tune into Disney Channel (DStv Channel 303) and Disney Junior (DStv Channel 309) as the channels bring the joy of the holidays right into your homes. Earlier this month Disney Channel premiered the brand-new, Klik Klub, a series of local shorts. The Klik Klub is a cool after-school club where a group of kids of different ages hang out and invite invitation their favourite influencers and celebrities into their space for a surprise cook-off and interview. You can catch more episodes through December and January every Friday at 16:50.

On Friday, 15 December leap into the adventurous world of Ladybug and Cat Noir in Miraculous World: Paris, Tales of Shadybug and Claw Noir - a special at 17:00. Miraculous holders from another world appear in Paris. They come from a parallel universe where everything is reversed: the holders of the Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous’, Shadybug and Claw Noir, are villains, and the holder of the Butterfly Miraculous, Hesperia, is a superhero. Ladybug and Cat Noir will have to help Hesperia face the attacks of her evil doppelgangers and prevent them from taking over Butterfly’s Miraculous. Can our heroes also help Hesperia make Shadybug and Claw Noir better people?

This special will be followed by Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir Season 5 episodes on Saturday, 16 December from 09:00 and three Miraculous World Specials - Miraculous New York: United Heroez, Miraculous World Paris: Tales of Shadybug and Claw Noir and Miraculous World: Shanghai, The Legend of Ladydragon.

On 22 December, we have a DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie), Once Upon A Snowman at 17:00 - the previously untold origins of Olaf, the innocent and insightful, summer-loving snowman who melted hearts in the Academy Award®-winning 2013 Disney animated feature, Frozen. All is revealed in the all-new Walt Disney Animation Studios animated short that follows Olaf’s first steps as he comes to life and searches for his identity in the snowy mountains outside Arendelle.

For even more DCOM fun, tune in from Monday to Friday from 18 - 22 December from 11:05. Highlights include back-to-back episodes of all the popular Descendants movies. Descendants is the live-action film based on the lives of the teenage children of iconic Disney Villains. Disney Descendants at 11:05, followed by Descendants 2 at 12:50 and Descendants Wicked World at 14:35.

All day-long on Christmas Eve, 24 December, you can enjoy Christmas-themed episodes of all your favourite Disney series, kicking off with Bizaardvark at 06:00 where Paige and Paige invite some deserving kids to Vuugle to celebrate the Christmas holidays.

Expect all the classics including Phineas and Ferb, K.C Undercover, Hannah Montana Forever (Season 4) and Stuck in the Middle. Highlights include the special in Hannah Montana Forever when Miley is recording her Christmas special with Sheryl Crow.

In the New Year, Disney Channel welcomes a brand-new show Cars on the Road, on 1 January from Monday - Thursday at 16:55 – a series that sees Lightning McQueen and his best friend Mater head east from Radiator Springs on a cross-country road trip to meet up with Mater's sister. And then on Friday, 5 January, there’s Lego Disney Princess: The Castle Quest at 17:00 – in this series Tiana, Moana, Snow White, Rapunzel and Ariel must work together to save their kingdoms.

January also brings with it new episodes of Raven’s Home – on Monday, 8 January with Booker, Neil and Ivy entering their senior year of high school; Alice starts middle school and Raven has a chance to go global as her fashion career hits high gear.

For the little ones, Disney Junior has the enchanting shorts, Mickey’s Christmas Tales Monday – Friday from 18-24 December at 09:00. This charming series sees Mickey and Friends have lots of Christmas fun and in the first episode they want to stay up past bedtime, so they can be awake to surprise Santa when he comes down the chimney. But will they be able to stay awake?

Also, from 18-22 December you can find Christmas-themed episodes of The Lion Guard, Doc McStuffins, PJ Masks and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. On Wednesday, 20 December there’s Mickey and Minnie Wish Upon a Christmas at 11:00. After a series of mishaps, Mickey, Minnie and the gang are separated all over the world and must try to get back to Hot Dog Hills by Christmas Eve. A mysterious and jolly stranger shows up to tell them about The Wishing Star, which could be the secret to bringing everybody home in time to celebrate together.

It’s cats versus dogs in January as we kick off the New Year on Disney Junior with back-to-back episodes of Bluey and Super Kitties from 09:00 until 10:30 from Monday – Friday, 1-5 January 2024.

And in keeping with the pup theme, Disney Junior premieres a brand-new series Pupstruction - an imaginative, music-filled animated series that follows the adventures of the Pupstruction team — a doggone hard-working construction crew ranging from some of the brawniest breeds to irresistibly cute and playful puppies. Tune in on Monday, 8 January at 17:30 to catch all the fun.

This holiday season, Disney Channel and Disney Junior invite the whole family to create lasting shared memories with its heartwarming and festive programming. Gather your loved ones, enjoy the laughter, and celebrate the magic of the festive season.

Friday, November 17, 2023

Reminder: Disney Celebrates Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Birthdays This November

Binding generations together more than any other animated characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse are global icons who remind people of all ages of the benefits of laughter, optimism and hope. From 18 November, Disney Junior (DStv Channel 309) celebrates the duo’s birthday with special programming and a unique sculpture activation in Johannesburg.

Remaining the channel home of all things Mickey and Minnie, together with all their friends, Disney Junior will have fun-filled episodes and specials throughout the month. From 07:30 every weekday, Mickey Mouse Funhouse promises amusement for the young ones with Funny, an enchanted talking playhouse that takes Mickey and his pals on adventures to unique lands that inspire the imagination. On Friday, 17 November, there’s a song-filled special, Mickey's Monster Musical at 11:00AM, where Mickey and the gang meet Count Mikula after they are stranded near a castle. On the big day itself, Saturday 18 November, from 10:30AM, there are back-to-back episodes and specials of Mickey Mouse Funhouse and Minnie's Bow-Toons: Camp Minnie.

From Monday 20 November, special episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse will kick off at 11:00AM, with Mickey's Pirate Adventure, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Rally on 21 November, A Goofy Fairy Tale on 23 November and The Wizard of Dizz on 24 November. And finally, on Disney Channel (DStv 303) on 24 November, we have the adorable special, The Wonderful Autumn of Mickey Mouse at 17:00, where Mickey Mouse is determined to undo the failures of his family's past after inheriting a rundown pumpkin farm from a distant relative.

To continue the celebrations, Disney Junior will be at Maponya Mall in Soweto, Johannesburg from 18-30 November with a unique garden installation featuring Mickey and Minnie sculptures. The interactive installation will be open from 9am – 6pm every day and visitors are invited to have their pictures taken with the sculptures. Those who share these pictures on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #HBDMICKEYANDMINNIE will stand in line to win 1 of 20 Disney Junior hampers.

 

So join in on the celebration this month and share your love and birthday wishes with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, tag @DisneyAfrica and use the hashtag #HBDMICKEYANDMINNIE.

 

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Disney Channel And Disney Junior's DISASTROUS 24 Hour Schedule Across Africa In November 2023

Disney Channel

Weekdays
00:00 Disney Saturdays
00:25 Disney Saturdays
00:50 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
01:15 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
01:40 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
02:05 Walk The Prank
02:30 Walk The Prank
02:55 Walk The Prank
03:20 Hamster & Gretel
03:45 Hamster & Gretel
04:10 Hamster & Gretel
04:35 Vikingskool
05:00 Vikingskool
05:25 Vikingskool
05:50 Descendants Wicked World
06:00 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
06:25 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
06:51 The Ghost and Molly McGee
07:15 The Ghost and Molly McGee
07:40 The Ghost and Molly McGee
08:05 The Ghost and Molly McGee
08:30 Big City Greens
08:55 Big City Greens
09:20 Phineas And Ferb
09:45 Phineas And Ferb
10:10 Disney Saturdays
10:35 Disney Saturdays
11:00 Zombies: The Re-animated Series
11:05 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
11:30 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
11:55 The Ghost and Molly McGee
12:20 The Ghost and Molly McGee
12:45 Kiff
13:10 Disney Saturdays
13:35 Disney Saturdays
14:00 Disney Saturdays
14:25 Disney Saturdays
14:50 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
15:15 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
15:40 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
16:05 Big City Greens
16:31 Big City Greens
16:55 Zombies: The Re-animated Series
17:00 The Villians of Valley View
17:25 The Villians of Valley View
17:50 Disney Saturdays
18:15 Disney Saturdays
18:41 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
19:06 Big City Greens
19:30 Big City Greens
19:55 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
20:20 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
20:45 The Villians of Valley View
21:10 The Villians of Valley View
21:35 Phineas And Ferb
22:00 Phineas And Ferb
22:25 Big City Greens
22:50 Big City Greens
23:10 The Villians of Valley View
23:35 The Villians of Valley View

Weekends
Italics for Sundays
00:00 Big City Greens
00:25 Big City Greens
00:50 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
01:15 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
01:40 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
02:05 Walk The Prank
02:30 Walk The Prank
02:55 Walk The Prank
03:20 Hamster & Gretel
03:45 Hamster & Gretel
04:10 Hamster & Gretel
04:35 Vikingskool
05:00 Vikingskool
05:25 Vikingskool
05:50 Descendants Wicked World
06:00 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
06:25 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
06:50 Zombies: Addison's Monster Mystery
06:55 Kiff
07:20 The Ghost and Molly McGee
07:45 The Ghost and Molly McGee
08:10 Phineas And Ferb
08:35 Phineas And Ferb
09:00 Phineas And Ferb
09:25 Big City Greens
09:50 Big City Greens
10:15 Big City Greens
10:40 StarStruck/Kiff
12:20 Hamster & Gretel
12:45 Hamster & Gretel
13:10 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
13:35 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
14:00 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
14:25 Disney Saturdays
14:50 Disney Saturdays
15:15 Raven's Home/The Villains Of Valley View
15:41 Raven's Home/The Villains Of Valley View
16:05 Descendants Wicked World
16:10 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
16:35 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
17:00 Kiff
17:25 Big City Greens
17:50 Big City Greens
18:15 Phineas And Ferb
18:40 Phineas And Ferb
19:05 The Villians of Valley View/Raven's Home
19:30 The Villians of Valley View/Raven's Home
19:55 Phineas And Ferb
20:20 Phineas And Ferb
20:45 Disney Saturdays
21:10 Disney Saturdays
21:35 Big City Greens
22:00 Big City Greens
22:25 Walk The Prank
22:50 Walk The Prank
23:10 Walk The Prank
23:35 Walk The Prank

Notes
> Disney Saturdays consists of 8 episodes meaning Disney Channel is airing the first half of season 1 within 2 days during weekdays.
> Hamster & Gretel continues to airs weekday mornings.
> Wandi & Kabz might be awaiting a timeslot as well in the month.
> Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir gets the most airtime.

Disney Junior

Weekdays

00:00 PJ Masks
00:25 PJ Masks
00:50 PJ Masks
01:15 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
01:40 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
02:05 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
02:30 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
02:55 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
03:20 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
03:45 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
04:10 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
04:35 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
05:00 Eureka!
05:30 Eureka!
06:00 Eureka!
06:30 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
07:00 Eureka!
07:30 Kiya & The Kimoja Heroes
08:00 Bluey
08:30 Superkitties
09:00 Bluey
09:30 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
10:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Space Adventure
11:00 Firebuds
11:30 PJ Masks
12:00 Eureka!
12:30 Kiya & The Kimoja Heroes
13:00 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
13:30 Bluey
14:00 Bluey
14:30 Firebuds
15:00 Firebuds
15:30 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
16:00 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
16:30 Superkitties
17:00 Kiya & The Kimoja Heroes
17:30 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
18:00 Bluey
18:30 Bluey
19:00 Superkitties
19:30 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
20:00 Firebuds
20:30 Bluey
21:00 Bluey
21:30 Superkitties
22:00 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
22:30 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
23:00 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
23:30 Mickey Mouse Funhouse

Weekends
Italics for Sundays
00:00 PJ Masks
00:00 PJ Masks
00:50 PJ Masks
01:15 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
01:40 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
02:05 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
02:30 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
02:55 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
03:20 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
03:45 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
04:10 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
04:35 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
05:00 Eureka!
05:30 Eureka!
06:00 Eureka!
06:30 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
07:00 Eureka!
07:30 Kiya & The Kimoja Heroes
08:00 Bluey
08:30 Bluey
09:00 Bluey
09:30 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
10:00 Firebuds
10:30 Superkitties
11:00 Bluey
11:30 Bluey
12:00 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
12:30 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
13:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Rally/A Goofy Fairy Tale
14:00 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
14:30 Superkitties
15:00 Superkitties
15:30 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
16:00 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
16:30 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
17:00 Alice's Wonderland Bakery/Superkitties
17:30 Alice's Wonderland Bakery/Superkitties
18:00 Alice's Wonderland Bakery/Superkitties
18:30 Alice's Wonderland Bakery/Superkitties
19:00 A Goofy Fairy Tale/Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Rally
20:00 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
20:30 Bluey
21:00 Bluey
21:30 Superkitties
22:00 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
22:30 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
23:00 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
23:30 Mickey Mouse Funhouse

Notes
> Repeats are minimised unlike Disney Channel

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Schedule: Disney Channel And Disney Junior Across Africa In October 2023

Disney Channel

• Schedule takes to affect from 2 October with Saturdays the series from 9 October

Weekdays

00:00 Bunk'd: Learning The Ropes
00:25 Bunk'd: Learning The Ropes
00:50 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
01:15 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
01:40 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
02:05 Walk The Prank
02:30 Walk The Prank
02:55 Walk The Prank
03:20 Vikingskool
03:45 Vikingskool
04:10 Vikingskool
04:35 Kiff
05:00 Hamster & Gretel
05:25 Hamster & Gretel
05:50 Descendants Wicked World
06:00 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
06:25 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
06:51 Hamster & Gretel
07:15 Hamster & Gretel
07:40 The Ghost and Molly McGee
08:05 The Ghost and Molly McGee
08:30 Big City Greens
08:55 Big City Greens
09:20 Phineas And Ferb
09:45 Phineas And Ferb
10:10 Raven's Home
10:35 Saturdays
11:00 Zombies: Shorts
11:05 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
11:30 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
11:55 The Ghost and Molly McGee
12:20 The Ghost and Molly McGee
12:45 Kiff
13:10 The Villains Of Valley View
13:35 Raven's Home
14:00 Raven's Home
14:25 Saturdays
14:50 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
15:15 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
15:40 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
16:05 Big City Greens
16:30 Big City Greens
16:55 Zombies: Shorts
17:00 Saturdays
17:25 Saturdays
17:50 Raven's Home
18:15 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
18:41 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
19:06 Kiff
19:30 Kiff
19:55 Big City Greens
20:20 Big City Greens
20:45 Saturdays
21:10 Saturdays
21:35 Phineas And Ferb
22:00 Phineas And Ferb
22:25 Secrets Of Sulphur Springs
22:50 Raven's Home
23:10 Raven's Home
23:35 Bunk'd: Learning The Ropes

Weekends

00:00 Bunk'd: Learning The Ropes
00:25 Bunk'd: Learning The Ropes
00:50 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
01:15 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
01:40 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
02:05 Walk The Prank
02:30 Walk The Prank
02:55 Walk The Prank
03:20 Vikingskool
03:45 Vikingskool
04:10 Vikingskool
04:35 Kiff
05:00 Hamster & Gretel
05:25 Hamster & Gretel
05:50 Descendants Wicked World
06:00 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
06:25 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
06:50 Zombies: Shorts
06:55 The Ghost And Molly McGee
07:20 The Ghost And Molly McGee
07:45 The Ghost & Molly McGee
08:10 Phineas And Ferb
08:35 Phineas And Ferb
09:00 Phineas And Ferb
09:25 Big City Greens
09:50 Big City Greens
10:15 Big City Greens
10:40 Movie/Marathon
12:20 Hamster & Gretel
12:45 Hamster & Gretel
13:10 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
13:35 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
14:00 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
14:25 Raven's Home
14:50 Raven's Home
15:15 Saturdays
15:40 Saturdays
16:05 Zombies: Shorts
16:10 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
16:35 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
17:00 Kiff
17:25 Hamster & Gretel
17:50 Hamster & Gretel
18:15 Big City Greens
18:40 Big City Greens
19:05 Saturdays
19:30 Saturdays
19:55 Raven's Home
20:20 Raven's Home
20:45 Secrets Of Sulphur Springs
21:10 Secrets Of Sulphur Springs
21:35 Big City Greens
22:00 Big City Greens
22:25 Big City Greens
22:50 Saturdays
23:10 Saturdays
23:35 Bunk'd: Learning The Ropes

Notes
• Lab Rats has been removed from the lineup and won't be substituted with another repeat sitcom but a cartoon, Phineas And Ferb.
• New episodes of Raven's Home commence in week 1 followed by Saturdays in week 2.
• The Owl House has also been removed from the lineup before Disney Channel could air the final episodes. We asked PR about those but still no update as seen with the final season of Big Hero 6 and Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure.
• Unlike Germany, Disney Channel hasn't acquired Marvel's Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur and isn't expected to launch anytime soon. We assume the same fate could await the third and final season of The Owl House.
• Wandi & Kabz is also removed making Descendants Wicked World the only shorts on the channel again.
• As mentioned in previous stories, Disney might be looking to close several Disney Channels. Nothing for certain as to the timeframe, but they have been cutting back on programming and moving the latter to Disney+.

Disney Junior

• Schedule is from last month but carries on through October

Weekends

00:00 PJ Masks
00:25 PJ Masks
00:50 PJ Masks
01:15 Alice In Wonderland Bakery
01:40 Alice In Wonderland Bakery
02:05 Alice In Wonderland Bakery
02:30 Spidey And His Friends
02:55 Spidey And His Friends
03:20 Spidey And His Friends
03:45 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
04:10 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
04:35 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
05:00 Eureka!
05:20 Eureka!
05:40 Eureka!
06:00 Eureka!
06:30 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
07:00 Eureka!
07:30 Kiya & The Kimoja Heroes
08:00 Bluey
08:10 Bluey
08:20 Bluey
08:30 Superkitties
08:45 Superkitties
09:00 Bluey
09:10 Bluey
09:20 Bluey
09:30 Spidey And His Friends
10:00 Disney Junior: Wonderful World Of Songs
10:05 Movie/Marathon
11:00 Firebuds
11:30 PJ Masks
12:00 Eureka!
12:30 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes
13:00 Alice In Wonderland Bakery
13:30 Bluey
13:40 Bluey
13:50 Bluey
14:00 Bluey
14:10 Bluey
14:20 Bluey
14:30 Firebuds
15:00 Furebuds
15:30 Spidey And His Friends
16:00 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 
16:30 Disney Junior: Wonderful World Of Songs
16:35 Superkitties
17:00 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes
17:30 Alice In Wonderland Bakery
18:00 Bluey
18:10 Bluey
18:20 Bluey
18:30 Bluey
18:40 Bluey
18:50 Bluey
19:00 Superkitties
19:30 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
20:00 Disney Junior: Wonderful World Of Songs
20:05 Firebuds
20:30 Bluey
20:40 Bluey
20:50 Bluey
21:00 Bluey
21:10 Bluey
21:20 Bluey
21:30 Superkitties
22:00 Spidey And His Friends
22:30 Disney Junior: Wonderful World Of Songs
22:35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 
22:45 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 
23:00 Alice In Wonderland Bakery
23:30 Mickey Mouse Funhouse

Notes
• Unlike Disney Channel, Disney still hasn't published the channel's schedule for the next month in which new content commence.
• Similar to Disney Channel, Disney Junior has seen a reduction in programming with Bluey serving as a mascot.
• As seen in previous stories, Disney may be looking at closing several Disney Channels in future. We assume similar to Turkey, Disney Junior will be the only Disney Branded Television channel in Africa seeing as it is not regarded as a premium channel and popular to consumers but who knows really.

Why The Disney Channel Could Be Shutting Down On DStv And NOT National Geographic And ESPN?

A few months ago, it was reported by Disney's CEO Bob Iger that the company is looking to sell their linear channels and these include ABC, FX, National Geographic and Disney Channel as these are not seen as part of the core for the brand. Of course, it doesn't include content or the studios they use to manufacture them.

Internationally, the company has shuttered several linear channels across Asia and Europe with more territories set to join by the end of this current financial year. As seen in these markets, further content had been folded under Disney+ with the company looking to exclude the streamer in several countries and to cutback on original programming.

Now in Africa (excluding North Africa), the only known region to distribute the streamer is South Africa and with these recent developments I honestly wouldn't be shocked if Disney+ were to limit their stance in the region perhaps supply selected content to local steamers in the region if not at all.

On the basis of their linear offering, MultiChoice distributes their remaining linear offering which include factual and wildlife brands National Geographic and National Geographic Wild, children brands Disney Channel and Disney Junior and sports brands ESPN 1 and ESPN 2.

As seen in most parts of Europe which is where we reside, these brands have been dying down particularly Disney Channel and/or Disney Junior. The latter had been bombarded with reruns to past programming if not a bulk of content from Disney+ and the other is just clinging around 1 program to build their schedule.

It wouldn't seem far fetched if one or both of these channels were to be on the close down with National Geographic and ESPN serving as the remaining linear offering for not only DStv but the rest of Africa. That's what's currently being seen in the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and Turkey so why not Africa.

The only reason these channels are still on would be for revenue as Disney would need the income to produce shows like Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire and getting these onto their linear platforms would be one way to boost their future endeavours being Disney+. But as seen in a recent interview by Bob Iger that may not be the case here anymore.

Bob Iger was able to brief the media on why these closures are occurring and it doesn't paint a good picture for their channels in Africa as stated below they're seen a decline in revenue for both their local and international channels. They even highlight there's been a major decline in the general entertainment sector.

At Linear Networks, operating income declined versus the prior year by $580 million driven by declines at both domestic and international channels.

It could explain why FOX and Disney XD were ripped away from parts of the world and why ESPN and National Geographic (in Europe) haven't closed off yet as they see more value there particularly with ESPN as they look to restructure the business and turn ESPN into a major powerhouse in sports.

As mentioned, Disney will be closing off more channels by the end of the current financial year particularly in Asia and with MultiChoice's contract set to expire in the coming months I wouldn't be shocked if Disney were remove more channels around the same period across Africa.

The only thing that's certain here is that ESPN and National Geographic could stick around for sometime before closing down as seen in some parts of the world as Disney is looking to go all streaming and this is part of a global effort which has taken longer to subside in several territories.

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Recap To The Year: Disney EMEA Halts Original Programming For The Disney Channels, Further Content Being Distributed By Disney+

A few months ago, Disney Branded Television and Disney Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) took to the stage at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival to announce further projects for Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney+ all of which were divided by their respective region.

Disney Branded Television announced the additions of Ariel, StuGo, Primo, ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series, Playdate with Winnie the Pooh and Disney Junior Wonderful World of Songs. Returning shows include The Wonderful World Of Mickey Mouse, Kiff, Firebuds and Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends.

Disney EMEA announced Magicampers, The Sunnyridge 3, The Doomies, Dragon Striker. The only returning series would be Chip ‘N’ Dale: Park Life. Unlike Disney Branded Television, Disney EMEA hadn't announced any new shows coming to the Disney Channel or Disney Junior as the latter is being distributed by Disney+.

Disney Branded Television handles the linear portfolio as the name implies but Disney EMEA despite serving as an independent unit had often credited these platforms. As seen in this presentation, Disney Branded Television credits their international feeds as "Disney platforms" which could imply several things.

One of which that wouldn't come as a shocker to the majority would be the abrupt cancellation of the Disney Channel and Disney Junior. They've cut off several feeds in Australia, Italy, United Kingdom and there's still plenty of feeds residing in Europe that hadn't lost transmission yet.

We assume it had to do with Disney+ as they didn't have a local presence in most countries and it's still like that to some extent. But it doesn't guarantee that these channels will sit put as some countries to have lost channels (like FOX) are still awaiting a platform if not Disney+ to hopefully view these shows.

As I've seen in the last months, Disney Channel and Disney Junior had been cutting back on programming and promoting a bulk of content from Disney+. So it's only a matter of time till Disney decides to pull the plug on the channels for some if not all these regions.

Another thing that brings about the brand's demise would be their original film segment Disney Channel Original Movies. Since Disney doesn't view their linear business as a priority the latter is distributed by Disney+ as Disney Original Movies while the streamer's current offering would be credited for Disney+.

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Disney Junior Remains As The Only Disney Branded Television Channel In Turkey, Could This Be The Future For The Disney Channels In Africa?

Disney is set to close their remaining linear offering in Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and Korea before the current financial year ends with more channels seen in Europe set to join with rumours swirling about the potential demise of the Disney Junior channel seen in Turkey.

As mentioned sometime ago, the preschool brand home to shows like Alice's Wonderland Bakery, Mickey Mouse Funhouse, Sofia The First and PJ Masks remains as the only Disney branded channel in the region likely due to the ongoing demand for preschool content.

Disney Channel and Disney XD were sacrificed years prior with further content folded under Disney+. Although, there's not much confirmation on if Disney Junior would join the other Disney branded channels, several feeds for the brand had been closed down in other countries.

This is part of a global effort which has taken sometime for Disney to transition into particularly in parts of Europe where most of their linear offering reside at the moment.

Should Disney Junior remain on for another year what fate should await the feed in Africa as both are managed in the EMEA should Disney Channel get the boot as seen in most parts of the world including Turkey.

Similar to Turkey, Disney Junior has garnered a lot of popularity in Africa so much so that it happens to be the leading preschool brand with such content also in demand. Compared to Disney Channel, it covers more households in Africa as opposed to being catered to a premium audience.

Unlike the Disney Channel, the channel's lineup isn't bombarded with reruns or being used a hub to promote further content from Disney+. Much less had their shows and films taken away from them amidst a season finale as seen with another former channel, FOX.

But I can't say it's in the best position to live on for another couple of years as Bluey took over the channel kind of like how a group of superheroes took over a children's channel. I mean these are popular brands but with Warner streamlining some would think this is the end.  

Sunday, August 6, 2023

Disney Channel And Junior Africa's Schedule Dated August 6, 2023

With speculation of a possible closure within the EMEA region, we've monitored their lineup on a month to month basis and compared to previous years it almost looks as if The Disney Channels are prepping for the inevitable.

It's no secret that Disney has been prioritising their direct-to-consumer market or in this case, Disney+. As there's been a decline in households to have viewed their content so Disney+ is one way to keep these consumers onboard.

Of course, it has led to closure of Disney Channels in the UK, Italy, Australia and Asia as they're funneling content away from Disney+ and this has angered consumers so you see where they're getting at in removing these channels.

Below is a weekday schedule for Disney Channel and Disney Junior:

" bold means shows are ending soon or had been cancelled

00:00 The Owl House

00:25 The Owl House

00:50 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir

01:15 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir

01:40 Lab Rats: Elite Force

02:05 Walk The Prank

02:30 Walk The Prank

02:55 Vikingskool

03:20 Vikingskool

03:45 Sydney to the Max

04:10 Sydney to the Max

04:35 Walk The Prank

05:00 Lab Rats: Elite Force

05:25 Lab Rats: Elite Force

05:50 Descendants Wicked World

06:00 Vikingskool

06:25 Vikingskool

06:51 Hamster & Gretel

07:15 Hamster & Gretel

07:40 The Owl House

08:05 The Owl House

08:30 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir

08:55 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir

09:20 Lab Rats

09:45 Lab Rats

10:10 Sydney to the Max

10:35 Sydney to the Max

11:00 Descendants Wicked World

11:05 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir

11:30 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir

11:55 The Ghost and Molly McGee

12:20 The Ghost and Molly McGee

12:45 Big City Greens

13:10 Just Roll with It

13:35 Just Roll with It

14:00 The Ghost and Molly McGee

14:25 The Ghost and Molly McGee

14:50 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir

15:15 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir

15:40 The Ghost and Molly McGee

16:05 Lab Rats: Elite Force

16:30 Lab Rats: Elite Force

16:55 Descendants Wicked World

17:00 Big City Greens

17:25 Big City Greens

17:50 Just Roll with It

18:15 Just Roll with It

18:41 Lab Rats

19:06 Lab Rats 

19:30 Lab Rats

19:55 Sydney to the Max

20:20 Sydney to the Max

20:45 Bunk'd: Learning The Ropes

21:10 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir

21:35 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir

22:00 Lab Rats: Elite Force

22:25 Lab Rats: Elite Force

22:50 Just Roll with It

23:10 Just Roll with It

23:35 Bunk'd: Learning The Ropes 

The longest I've watched Disney Channel they've always been nostalgic repeating their shows from the early 2000s but when it came to newer originals those use to take up majority of the daytime if you count catch-up timeslots now it's only 36,7% and that small stake is used to air their most popular show, Miraculous alongside The Ghost And Molly McGee that there isn't much space to include more from their other shows.

Reruns which takes up 63,3% I mean almost 70% has in some stature very little content but it's amazing how such little can actually get this much airtime compared to Cartoon Network which may come with less variety but have shows like Teen Titans GO! and Power Rangers fill up the daytime which can make up that 63,3%.

00:00 Gigantosaurus

00:25 Gigantosaurus

00:50 Gigantosaurus

01:15 Henry Hugglemonster

01:40 Henry Hugglemonster

02:05 Henry Hugglemonster

02:30 Henry Hugglemonster

02:55 Henry Hugglemonster

03:20 Henry Hugglemonster

03:45 Gigantosaurus

04:10 Gigantosaurus

04:35 Henry Hugglemonster

05:00 Henry Hugglemonster

05:30 Henry Hugglemonster

06:00 Gigantosaurus

06:30 Gigantosaurus

07:00 Bluey

07:30 Bluey

08:00 Superkitties

08:30 Mickey Mouse Funhouse

09:00 Spidey and His Amazing Friends

09:30 Firebuds

10:00 Bluey

10:30 Bluey

11:00 Superkitties

11:30 Mickey Mouse Funhouse

12:00 Alice's Wonderland Bakery

12:30 Bluey

13:00 Bluey

13:30 Firebuds

14:00 Firebuds

14:30 Mickey Mouse Funhouse

15:00 Sofia The First

15:30 Superkitties

16:00 Superkitties

16:30 Alice's Wonderland Bakery

17:00 Bluey

17:30 Bluey

18:00 Spidey and His Amazing Friends

18:30 Spidey and His Amazing Friends

19:00 Mickey Mouse Funhouse

19:30 Bluey

20:00 Bluey

20:30 Firebuds

21:00 Superkitties

21:30 Sofia The First

22:00 Sofia The First

22:30 Mickey Mouse Funhouse

23:00 Gigantosaurus

23:30 Gigantosaurus 

Disney Junior's current format reacts to what's already been the norm of Cartoon Network which means having their most popular show take over the channel or in this case, Bluey. Similar to CN, you're mostly seeing their current shows which is very little take up the channel.

If it's any consolation, Disney Channel looks better in comparison as there's more variety despite the latter being bombarded with shows once offered by Disney XD.

Thursday, July 20, 2023

What's Happening To The Disney Channel On DStv?

During the year, The Walt Disney Company had been strengthening the reach of Disney+ by using their a vast majority of Disney Channel and Disney Junior to promote a variety of content and this includes Chip'n'Dale: Park Life, Lady And The Tramp and Phineas And Ferb: Candice Against The Universe.

As seen in June, Chip'n'Dale: Park Life had been phased out from Disney Channel for more Miraculous Ladybug. If that doesn't get any worse apparently new episodes were slatted to be broadcast this month alongside The Owl House but due to some restructuring within the Disney stable those were delayed.

Similar to Disney XD, The House Of Mouse merged several feeds of The Disney Channel alongside the preschool component, Disney Junior. It's possible that Chip'n'Dale: Park Life was only removed as consumers hadn't viewed the content as yet similar to Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur in Africa.

As to whether these channels are on the verge of closing down, MultiChoice will carry them through (presumably early) 2024 for consumers in Africa but it's unknown whether all the upcoming content such as Zombies: The Re-Animated Series, Primo and even The Little Mermaid will be accessible before that happens.

Another theory is that these channels could live on for a couple more years presumably to just create hype about this content. But I don't think these brands have much of a future as the company hasn't tried distributing their brand to new territories and have other companies manage their content.

I mean if the goal was to keep the linear business alive why not get this content out there, why burden remaining consumers with this offering if you're only intention is to rip it away and divide linear consumers from streaming.

Disney Channel has shaped a lot of childhoods when it launched in 2008 with shows like That's So Raven, Hannah Montana and Phineas And Ferb alongside Disney Channel Original Films like Camp Rock, High School Musical, Cheetah Girls and Teen Beach.

Since it's rollout in 2011, Disney Junior had become the leading destination in preschool entertainment with shows like Doc McStuffins, Sofia The First, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Jake And The Neverland Pirates.

MultiChoice being the distributor of these channels would have to look at possible replacements some brands that come to mind include Kartoon Channel, WildBrain, ZooMoo and hopefully not repeat tainted channels like Nicktoons as seen in some parts of the world.

Another thing that some readers addressed was the backlash on replacements. My idea would be that the Disney Channels discontinuation would be treated as a rebrand sort of get another brand to occupy the space or have some of their content added to the lineup before the swap.

But I'm not expecting that although it would make sense consumer wise. The best option when looking at replacements is to take these brands to account Disney Channel was too mature for their current demographic while as Disney Junior was more entertaining something MultiChoice should look into when deciding replacements.

Sky launched a dedicated kids channel in the UK licencing content from NBCUniversal and featuring original productions. It wouldn't be far fetched if MultiChoice did something similar for consumers in Africa.

Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery aren't really looking to consolidate the content to streaming services but the moment your DStv becomes a VCR or a typewriter they're likely to pull the plug on their channels and get consumers onboard their own platforms.

MultiChoice aligning themselves closer to the kids market wouldn't seem far fetched as the last was with K-TV and Koowee both were handled by M-Net. This channel doesn't necessarily have to be M-Net based but come from another local provider like Ngwato Nkosi Group (Movie Room).

Monday, July 17, 2023

RUMOUR: End Of An Era, Disney Junior To Cease Transmission In Turkey By 2024, Could Africa's Be Next Alongside The Disney Channel?

During the week, it was reported that Disney is looking to sell several linear channels which are no longer core to their business. On top of that, they're looking to close their remaining linear channels in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southeast Asia by the end of 2023.

According to sources, Disney Junior would cease to exist in Turkey by 2024 and this was the last brand under Disney Branded Television following the closures of Disney Channel and Disney XD as further content from all these brands is allocated to Disney+.

Disney Junior launched as Playhouse Disney in 2007 and since then he proven to be a popular addition amongst consumers featuring shows like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Sofia The First, Doc McStuffins, Spidey And His Friends and PJ Masks.

MultiChoice, an outlet seen in Africa to package Disney Junior alongside Disney Channel, National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, ESPN 1 and ESPN 2 had mentioned in 2021 that these brands were extended through 2024. 

With Disney Junior in Turkey set to shut down by the end of 2023 around the time other parts of Asia would be losing their feeds. Could it be possible that the Disney Channels in Africa will join Turkey seeing as they're both operated by Disney EMEA alongside other regions.

Another thing, despite MultiChoice and Disney promise to retain them through 2024. It had mentioned that these channels would stick around for "another two years" bringing up that possible December 2023 closure if not early 2024 presumably before March.