Recap To Last Month: Ginx TV Launches New Streaming Platform In South Africa Following Its Exit On MultiChoice's DStv

A few months ago, it was announced that MultiChoice would be axing Ginx TV from the DStv platform. It joins one of the 11 TV channels to have exited their platforms in under 5 months alongside People's Weather, WildEarth and Africa Magic Urban.

With viewers having no means to view the content, the folks of Ginx TV took it upon themselves to rollout a new streaming hub, Ginx TV+. The downside for existing DStv consumers is that this will require you to add R56 to your monthly expenses.

Below is an official statement 

We’re very excited to announce GINX+ a new one-stop way to watch the entire crew through our brand-new online platform - supported through Patreon.

You'll get access to the same TV feed you had before, a catch-up service of our old content, and exclusive new shows (more on that further down).

That won't be all, as we'll also be running exclusive competitions, and ways to interact with our shows and presenters; Plus. So. Much. MORE!

We also know times are tough, with even Multichoice increasing their prices. So we're keeping GINX+ affordable, with our TV feed starting at the low price of $3 (roughly R56).

Our South African writers reliably inform us that's less than dunked chicken wings, or a trip to the movies. For a 24/7 TV channel, we think that's pretty fair.

Oh, and we forgot to mention that your Patreon sub will also remove a lot (if not all) of the adverts on the ginx.tv website. So whether you're watching our channel, reading our guides, or catching up on old shows, you're getting a great deal with GINX+.

Reminder: M-Net's Me And 1Magic Alongside Ginx eSports TV Will Close On DStv From 31 March 2024 (Schedule Attached)

MultiChoice will be axing M-Net's 1Magic and Me alongside Ginx eSports TV from the DStv platform by the end of March. This would bring the number of scrapped TV channels on the platform to nine joining B4U Movies and People's Weather which exited a month prior. 

Another brand looking to exit DStv soon is WildEarth as both parties failed to reach new agreement. Since then, a petition has been going around to keep it on DStv with the channel seeking donations as they've been going through financial woes.

1Magic

1Magic will end its run with the female led drama Lee Daniel's Star at 23:55 and from what we've seen most shows within that week would end to their climax. With a few exceptions such as Lockdown seeing as those are basically repeats.

According to the pay-tv company, further content from 1Magic would be available on the remaining M-Net channels. That would mean those currently watching 1Magic would have to revert their focus to Mzansi Magic for further content currently viewed on Showmax. 

Unlike most items on the list, MultiChoice had promised to supplement 1Magic with another TV channel known as Channel X. It has no relation to Elon Musk but will base their lineup and identity on Showmax as the revamped streamer also trademarks an X.

Me

Me will ends its run with reality based series The Real Housewives Of Atlanta based from The Real Housewives franchise at 23:10. Most shows within this week would reach their climax including M-Net originals Reyka and Recipe For Love And Murder.

According to the pay-tv company, further content from Me would be available on the remaining M-Net channels. That would mean those watching Me would need DStv Premium to watch the latest international and locally produced content on M-Net.

Although some of the entertainment like Chicago Med and The Equalizer is available on Universal TV with Young Sheldon on Comedy Central. These channels are lagging behind with one of two not having an estimated timeframe on new episodes. 

It's currently unknown whether Me will fold under Channel X or the pay-tv company will look find other means for compensation.

Ginx eSports TV 

Ginx eSports TV will end its run with The Games That Made Me at 23:00. Despite SuperSport handling distribution rights and other technical aspects of the brand, current seasons of programs won't be completed with other portions being repeats.

Unlike the other two, MultiChoice doesn't offer an alternative offering to Ginx eSports TV this leaves WWE as the only sports brand to be grouped under general entertainment section of their platforms. 

Channel Closure: Ginx eSports TV Will Stop Airing On DStv By 31 March 2024

During the week, it was reported that M-Net's Me and 1Magic would exit the DStv platform by the end of March after failing to do so last month. Now MultiChoice will continue their reign of destruction with Ginx eSports TV that serves as the latest victim. 

Available in more than 40 million households, Ginx eSports TV is a UK based esports gaming channel operated by both Sky Group and ITV. It was launched in Africa as an experimental brand on DStv Stream by 2015 before becoming a fully fledged channel by 2017.

Some of the content it would offer includes the doccie series Ginx Docs which would explore several historical facts to the world of gaming. This was followed by Top 10 which would rank some of the best characters or games of certain certain genres genres.

As seen through the programme guide, MultiChoice will be bidding farewell to their 9th TV channel in under 4 months on DStv by the end of March. Ginx TV would join NWTV, One Freestate Televisual, DW, Emmanuel TV, People's  Weather, B4U Movies, 1Magic and Me.

News of its demise isn't shocking as it was long speculated after it switched to a streaming exclusive brand in the UK by 2023 that the same fate awaited consumers elsewhere. Gaming fans aren't reliant on linear TV for gaming but rather watch cartoons or anime. 

MultiChoice over the cancellation of Ginx TV:

The termination is in line with our strategy to continuously review international and local content lineups and optimise the suite of channels on offer on DStv. Due to this ongoing process, we will bid farewell to Ginx eSports channel (DStv channel 127). This is done to ensure we deliver the best content, and that our services cater for the needs and viewing requirements of our customers. We continuously review our channels and content offering based on "viewing trends" and consumer needs, which may lead to channel additions or terminations. 

Ginx eSports TV Reportedly Up For Sale, Could The Channel Go Dark On The DStv Platform?

The Esports Advocate can exclusively report that London-based gaming and esports media company Ginx TV Ltd. is exploring an acquisition or further investment and is being represented by London-based venture capital and private equity firm Capital A. In a perfect scenario—according to what is being pitched to VCs—an investor would acquire the company, keep its full-time staff intact (it lists 21 full-time employees and 17+ people in outsourced roles)— and leave the day-to-day operations in the hands of the current CEO, Michiel Bakker.

According to a document obtained by TEA being shared by Capital A to potential VCs, the unnamed esports media group (which TEA has confirmed is Ginx) is based in London, specializes in “creating and monetizing cross-platform (TV & digital) esports and gaming content,” and is “available to acquire.” Metadata from the document describes it as “GinxTV – Teaser V2” and lists multiple Capital A employees as points of contact.

It also notes that the company’s “experienced hires” have “near full autonomy on a day-to-day basis,” and that the “CEO is looking to stay,” which is a selling point to attract investors who would have concerns that leadership and staff might leave after an acquisition.

Finally, the document notes that the company has its own production arm, which it uses to produce a variety of video and provide content creation services for clients such as “publishers, brands and esports organizations.”

Ginx TV Ltd. CEO Michiel Bakker issued the following statement to TEA on Friday morning via email: “Ginx is always working on its capital structure alongside growing the company. We have built a profitable gaming/esports business with diverse, predictable, and recurring revenue streams. As Ginx becomes increasingly global and digital, as opposed to being a pure-play TV company, we are currently looking to bring on board investors that are aligned with that trajectory and can help us accelerate our growth. We are involved in several discussions, but I am not at liberty to disclose detail.”

Ginx has raised capital from a number of sources over the years including £569.1K ($679K USD) in December of 2015 through an equity crowdfunding campaign with Crowdcube, and undisclosed investments in September of 2016 from UK-based terrestrial TV networks Sky and ITV, who both took “significant minority stakes in the company.”

While Bakker claims that Ginx is a profitable business, the company realized losses of £162.9K ($194.3K) in 2020 and £263.1K ($313.9K) in 2021, according to public filings—Ginx has yet to file its FY 2022 financial report as of this writing. All told, the company has spent approximately £9.99M ($11.86M) since 2010. It is important to note that, due to the British company reporting requirements, a balance sheet loss does not necessarily contradict Bakker’s profitability claim. It should also be noted that the materials obtained by TEA, estimate that the company generated revenue of £2.2M, or $2.5M for FY 2022.

Credits: James Fudge

Ginx eSports TV CEO Steps Down After 13 Years

Long-time CEO of gaming media company Ginx TV Michiel Bakker has announced his departure and is set to leave the company at the end of June.

Bakker made the announcement via LinkedIn, and while he did not share any future plans, he did mention that he is leaving the company with “mixed emotions.”

Founded in 2007, Ginx TV is a media company based in the United Kingdom. The company is known for its television channel, one of the world’s first TV channels focused strictly on gaming content. The company’s main channel has been rebranded to Ginx Esports TV in 2016, reflecting a shift towards esports. Apart from television, Ginx operates a gaming and esports news website, Ginx.tv.

Michiel Bakker first joined Ginx TV when the company was only three years old, in 2010. During his time at the company, Ginx has partnered with numerous esports, gaming, and other brands, and became an international company with a presence in many countries.

Bakker did not explain the exact reasons for his departure, but he did note that it is “high time for a fresh perspective, new ideas, and someone else to take the reins” of the media company. He added that change is a vital part of progress, and that he is proud of the work he did during his time at Ginx.

Ginx TV did not share news of Bakker’s replacement, but he did say that he is now “embarking on a new chapter in life.”

Bakker said the following via social media: “After an incredible 13-year journey at Ginx TV Ltd, it is with mixed emotions that I announce my departure from the company at the end of this month. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as the CEO of Ginx, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together.

“One of the most important lessons I have learned in my professional career is that change is vital for growth and progress. It is high time for a fresh perspective, new ideas, and someone else to take the reins.”

Development Alert: Ginx eSports TV Ends It's Run As A Linear Channel In The United Kingdom, TV Channel To Remain Through On Demand Streaming Services With More Markets Rumoured To Follow

Ginx eSports TV is a UK based gaming channel operated by ITV PLC that promotes all things gaming in the form of news, guidelines and even tournaments. Some of the content viewed on the channel include Top 10, Games Set To Music, Origins and The First Hour.

As reported by Sky this past week, Ginx eSports TV falls out of their offering by the end of June. Although, it would continue to broadcast on Sky Glass which is set to rollout as DStv Glass in South Africa within the next 24 months.

During the year, Sky alongside various pay-tv outlets across the world have been removing non-performing channels. Similar to MultiChoice, they're streamlining their offering and Ginx eSports TV happens to be one of those channels that fall under that criteria.

MultiChoice added the channel in South Africa by 2017 and haven't said much about its viewership or promote it as much as ESPN, WWE and SuperSport. So we only assume that the current scenario seen in the UK is a reflection of what's to come in South Africa at some point.

Ginx eSports TV is kind of niche and considering this is a mid tier channel the viewership has to be below average if not less than M-Net's 8K viewers. Not that the channel is bad but most gaming brands work better as generalists then lifestyle channels.

Prior to its demise in the UK, it's had been long speculated that MultiChoice was looking to scrap the esports channel at some point. But with SuperSportBET also catering to esports gearing up for a fall 2023 rollout we assume something e-sports will be on there.

Maybe this will be one way to retire Ginx eSports TV or give consumers other means to it's offering.

'G4', The American Version Of Britain's Ginx Esports To Go Dark Effective Immediately

Comcast Spectacor, the cable and entertainment giant’s sports and esports division, told G4 TV employees Sunday that the gaming network was shutting down effective immediately. The decision has resulted in 45 staff members of G4 TV losing their jobs.

In a memo, obtained by the press, Comcast Spectacor chairman and CEO Dave Scott cited low viewership and said the network had not achieved “sustainable financial results.”

“Over the past several months, we worked hard to generate that interest in G4, but viewership is low and the network has not achieved sustainable financial results,” Scott wrote. “This is certainly not what we hoped for, and, as a result, we have made the very difficult decision to discontinue G4’s operations, effective immediately.”

Comcast Spectacor in July 2020 said it would reboot G4 TV, which NBCUniversal shut down in 2013 (after the network first launched in 2002). Russell Arons, the former Warner Bros., Machinima, EA and Mattel exec who joined G4 as president in September 2021, left the company two months ago.

The content studio and network officially returned to linear television on Nov. 16, 2021, after more than a year of the group releasing content online to test show new concepts. At launch, G4 TV was available Comcast’s Xfinity TV, Verizon Fios, Cox Communications and internet streaming service Philo. The network’s programming slate brought back fan-favorite legacy G4 shows like “Attack of the Show!” and “Xplay.”

In addition to Arons, Comcast Spectacor had hired two G4 alums: Brian Terwilliger, most recently at WWE and former producer for G4’s “Attack of the Show!”, joined as VP of programming and creative strategy. Blair Herter, who once worked on both “X-Play” and “Attack of the Show!”, had come on board as Comcast Spectacor’s VP of content partnerships and brand development.

G4 had established its own broadcast studio in Burbank, Calif., outfitted for professional esports gameplay. The roster of talent for the short-lived network include returning G4 hosts Kevin Pereira and Adam Sessler; esports personalities Alex “Goldenboy” Mendez (host of NBC’s “The Titan Games”), Ovilee May and Froskurinn; WWE Superstar Xavier Woods (aka Austin Creed); YouTube personalities Kassem G, Jirard “The Completionist” Khalil and Gina Darling; Twitch streamers Fiona Nova and Will Neff; livestreamer CodeMiko; and a “degenerate rat-puppet” named Ratty.

G4’s shutdown was first reported by Deadline.
Read Scott’s Sunday email to G4 staffers:
October 16, 2022

Team:
As you know, G4 was re-introduced last year to tap into the popularity of gaming. We invested to create the new G4 as an online and TV destination for fans to be entertained, be inspired, and connect with gaming content.

Over the past several months, we worked hard to generate that interest in G4, but viewership is low and the network has not achieved sustainable financial results. This is certainly not what we hoped for, and, as a result, we have made the very difficult decision to discontinue G4’s operations, effective immediately.

I know this is disappointing news, and I’m disappointed, too. I want to thank you and everyone on the G4 team for the hard work and commitment to the network. Our human resources team is reaching out to you to provide you with support, discuss other opportunities that may be available, and answer any questions you may have.

Thank you again for all of your hard work for G4.
Sincerely,
Dave Scott
Chairman and CEO
Comcast Spectacor

 

Roundups #91: The Highly Anticipated Series Love By Chance Is Coming To Star Life, MultiChoice To Rollout Spider-Man Pop-Up Channel In Celebration Of 80th Anniversary And Droomvelore To Make A Comeback On eExtra

Destined Love is finally launching on Star Life

Earlier in the year, it was reported that Star Life had picked up rights to Indian drama Love By Chance (initially referred to as Destined Love, Kabhie Kabhie Ittefaq Se) alongside two other series Bold & Beautiful (Divya Drishti) and Unforseen Love (Mehandi Hai Rachane Wali).

Based on the Bengali drama Khorkuto, Destined Love tells the story of a sophisticated upper class girl who gets married to a scholar who lives with a middle-class joint family who educate her about morals and ethics.

The star cast of the show include Yesha Rughani, Manan Joshi, Delnaaz Irani, Yamini Singh and Nishigandha Wad. It airs from September 18th replacing Unspoken Bonds.

M-Net is bringing on the webslinger

To celebrate Spider-Man’s 60th Anniversary, M-Net Movies will be showing all nine Spider-Man movies from Sony Pictures over the course of 10 days, from Friday 23 September – Sunday 2 October on a dedicated pop-up movie channel (DStv 111), streaming on DStv Now and dangling around on DStv Catch Up. The Spider-Man Pop-Up channel 111 will be available to Premium customers and on Add Movies for Compact Plus, Compact Family and Access customers.

Since his debut as a sidekick in Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s Amazing Fantasy #15 anthology comic book in August 1962, Peter Parker has grown from nerdy high school student to troubled college student and from married high school teacher to single freelance photographer – but his mantra that with great power, comes great responsibility has been a constant as he’s used his web-shooters and ‘Spidey senses’ to save the day for six decades.

Starting in 2002 with the most recent instalment in 2021 , the nine films include eight live-action blockbusters and one animated hit: Spider-Man (2002), Spider-Man 2 (2004), Spider-Man 3 (2007), The Amazing Spider-Man (2021), The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). Channel 111 will also broadcast the 30min documentary – Spider-Man: All Roads Lead to No Way Home.

Droomverlore coming soon to eExtra

Last year, it was reported that eMedia Investments had acquired rights to the Turkish romcom Droomvelore (Erkenci Kus) starring Can Yaman and with Demet Özdemir's Verdeelde Liefde scheduled to air on eExtra later in the month.

Sanem is a young girl who works at her father's grocery store in hopes to become a famous writer one day. When her parents give her a choice to either get a proper job or an arranged marriage, Sanem gets a job in the advertising agency her sister works in. From there she meets her boss and love interest, Jan.

Droomverlore is rumoured to replace Begeertes once it finishes on eExtra.

Adult Swim Unleashes Global Rick And Morty Fan Experience: #Wormageddon!

Leading into the season six premiere of Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty, fans around the world are invited to participate in an immersive adventure that brings to life the two-time Emmy® Award-winning animated hit comedy series. #WORMAGEDDON is a global ‘living episode’ and treasure hunt that features 14 unique and immersive scenes that bridge the events from the season five finale episode with the recently announced season six premiere.

The first activation was unveiled on Saturday, 20 August, in Mexico City, with a global treasure hunt to find more #WORMAGEDDON scenes kicking off today. Reaching every continent except Antarctica, spectacular new custom scenes will unfold nearly every day until #WORMAGEDDON concludes with the season six global premiere of Rick and Morty starting on Sunday, 4 September at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT on Adult Swim.

Facing a threat of complete global destruction, the heroes and anti-heroes of Rick and Morty will team up against #WORMAGEDDON.  Between the destruction of the Citadel of Ricks at the end of season five and the beginning of season six, a new threat lands on Earth in the form of a mysterious alien worm that aims to take over the planet.

Featuring 14 custom scenes that showcase the worm’s destructive path and featuring fan-favourite Rick and Morty characters, starting on Monday, 22 August, fans are invited to join the hunt and unlock clues to discover the nine hidden locations in countries around the world. The first fan to find each hidden location in person will be rewarded on the spot with a life-size golden ‘Rick’ head.  Fans can get details and rules on how to participate in the global treasure hunt here.

Today marks the debut of the first custom scene in Casa de Cultura Jesús Reyes Heroles, Coyoacán in Mexico City. This massive build stands 13 feet tall, 12 feet wide, and 14 feet long and depicts Rick and Morty characters, Beth Smith and Supernova, in the fight of their lives to save Earth.

“To celebrate the new season, we are inviting fans around the globe to take part in an immersive experience that allows them to go on a real-life Rick and Morty adventure,” said Tricia Melton, Chief Marketing Officer for Warner Bros. Discovery Kids, Young Adults and Classics group. “Our world is being invaded by alien space worms so menacing that #WORMAGEDDON has been declared on nearly every continent. The first fan to find the hidden battle scenes around the world will nab a golden Rick head, clearly one of the most collectable items in the universe.”

To set the stage for this new adventure, Adult Swim debuted a series of custom animated shorts about the origins of this dangerous alien invasion. Beginning with A Citadel Secret revealed at the Rick and Morty panel at the Adult Swim Festival  Block Party on 6 August, followed by A Journey to Earth released on August 17, Saturday marked the debut of Threat Level: Wormageddon in which Rick is alerted about #WORMAGEDDON and enlists others to join him in the battle against the massive alien monster.

Fans can follow along as the beloved characters from Rick and Morty battle to save Earth from #WORMAGEDDON by visiting the show’s official social channels and on RickandMorty.com.

Rick and Morty was the #1 comedy across all US cable in 2017, 2019, and 2021. Since its launch, Rick and Morty has ranked as one of the top series for HBO Max, both domestically and globally. Lifetime to date, Rick and Morty has been viewed over 10B times globally across linear, digital, and streaming platforms.

Details of where Rick and Morty enthusiasts across southern Africa can catch the new season of the Emmy-winning animated comedy series will be announced shortly – watch this space!

Notes:
·        #WORMAGEDDON is a global ‘living episode’ and treasure hunt that bridges the events from the season five finale episode to the season six premiere
·        Story: Between the destruction of the Citadel of Ricks at the end of season five and the beginning of season six, a new threat lands on planet Earth in the form of a mysterious alien worm that aims to take over. Facing a threat of complete global destruction, the heroes and anti-heroes of Rick and Morty will team up against #WORMAGEDDON. 
·        #WORMAGEDDON features 14 unique and immersive scenes that showcase the worm’s destructive path and feature Rick and Morty characters.
·        Nine locations are hidden in countries around the world, and fans are invited to find them via a social treasure hunt.
·        #WORMAGEDDON scenes will reach every continent except Antarctica.
·        The first activation was unveiled on Saturday, 20 August, in Casa de Cultura Jesús Reyes Heroles, Coyoacán in Mexico City and features Beth Smith and Supernova fighting the alien worm.
·        A global treasure hunt to find more #WORMAGEDDON scenes kicks off today, Monday, 22 August.
·        The first fan to discover these ‘hidden’ scenes will receive a life-size golden ‘Rick’ head.
·        Adult Swim is debuting a series of custom animated shorts about the origins of this dangerous alien invasion.
·        Fans can follow along as the beloved characters from Rick and Morty battle to save Earth from #WORMAGEDDON by visiting the show’s official social channels and on RickandMorty.com.

 

Roundups #85: Live-Action Pac-Man Movie Is In The Works, BET+ Acquired Broadcasting Rights To South African Drama Series Pulse And Doom Patrol Alongside Titans Expected To Be Cancelled

Pac-Man to get feature film

A live-action film is in development based on the classic arcade game character with an endless appetite, Pac-Man.

The project hails from Bandai Namco Entertainment — the company behind Pac-Man, as well as games like Galaga and Tekken — and Wayfarer Studios, the production company founded by Justin Baldoni and Steve Sarowitz.

First introduced in the U.S. in 1980 — and originally called Puck Man in Japan — Pac-Man became a coin-operated staple. The game is set in mazes where Pac-Man has to eat pellets while being pursued by colorful ghosts as the mazes get progressively more difficult.

Pulse is streaming overseas

BET+ has picked up the U.S. streaming rights to South African-produced sci-fi survival thriller “Pulse.”

“Pulse” tells the explosive story of an electromagnetic pulse that disables a secure building and disrupts the bio-electric signals in everyone’s minds, trapping a group of video game designers and turning each floor into a psychotic battlefield. The show questions whether the modern human race can really survive without the technology that defines our way of life today.

The series shot in South Africa as well as Mauritius.

Doom Patrol and Titans have not been cancelled

DC fans were sent into a flurry the past day as a Variety report circulated that Doom Patrol and Titans, two refugee shows from the DC Universe streaming service, were expected to be cancelled.

But now, it has been updated that piece to reflect that a decision has not been made and that “like all shows,” their renewal will depend on the performance of the upcoming seasons that will be out later this year. I think fans were freaked out about maybe even those seasons being not allowed to air, given that anything seems possible after WB killed its finished Batgirl movie in order to take the tax writedown. Nothing feels safe, even if so far, Batgirl and one Kevin Smith project appear to be the only confirmed casualties under the new WB Discovery management.

But even if Titans and Doom Patrol are safe for now, I would be somewhat surprised if that continued into the future, and for me personally, I do expect probably Doom Patrol, and possibly Titans to be canceled as WB tries to rein in its variety of DC universes they have running, whether that’s deserved or not.

Insidus Content Roundups #5: Disney Prepping Roman To The Rescue And More Big City Greens, Earthworm Jim TV Series Is In Development (APK Game Available Inside) And Thomas And Friends: All Engines Go! Coming Soon To Boomerang MENA And Likely Africa - UPDATED

Roman to the Rescue from The Dodo and Group Nine Studios will bow next month on Disney XD and Hulu.

Animal-focused entertainment brand The Dodo is pushing deeper into family-friendly TV programming with the upcoming launch of Roman to the Rescue, a new original live-action series that has been picked up by Disney XD.

Co-produced by The Dodo, Group Nine Studios (Dodo parentco Group Nine Media’s production division) and Nomadica Films, the series tags along with 10-year-old animal rescuer Roman McConn as he teams up with influencers and Disney Channel talent to find forever homes for 17 loveable shelter dogs.

Also read:
- WWE could be put up for sale
- Baby TV could be on the chopping block
- 2022 on HBO Max including Peacemaker and a Batman Christmas special
- Bel-Air streaming this February on Peacock
- Nicktoons upcoming series Big Nate debuting on Paramount+
- 2022 on Paramount+ includes new season of iCarly, Star Trek: Lower Decks and Why Women Kill
- Moon Knight debuts this March on Disney+
- Upcoming programming for Cartoonito in Europe, Middle East and Africa
- TelkomOne reportedly adds two channels: Toonami and Boing

Roman to the Rescue will premiere February 12 on Disney XD and the Disney-owned streamer Hulu on February 16 in the United States.

Big City Greens Plants Fourth Season And Musical Movie Orders At Disney Channel & Disney+

Big City Greens has been renewed for a fourth season ahead of the Season 3 debut on Disney Channel, the show has been described as Disney Channel’s No #1 Hit Animated Series since it’s debut on 2018 beating the likes of DuckTales 2017, Big Hero 6 The Series, Amphibia, The Owl House and The Ghost And Molly McGee.

Big City Greens Season 4 will contain the 100th episode of the series and it has become the fourth original Disney Channel Animated series in making through 4 seasons joining Kim Possible, Phineas And Ferb and Star Vs The Forces Of Evil.

Disney+ has ordered Big City Greens The Movie, a original animated musical film based on the series becoming the 6th animated Disney Channel Original Movie joining Kim Possible: So The Drama, The Proud Family Movie, Leroy and Stitch, Phineas And Ferb The Movie Across The Second Dimension & Tangled Before Ever After.

Also read:
- Kevin 11 series waiting to be get picked up by Cartoon Network and HBO Max
- Why the outdated music brand VH1 Classic was terminated on DStv?
- Could fan made Cartoon Network logo be the future logo for the channel?
- Rio 3 and Ice Age 7 are currently in development for Disney+
- 2022 on Disney+ ahead of launch in South Africa
- Boomerang reportedly closing down across Europe, Middle East and Africa
- Could Galactic: KND be in the works for Cartoon Network and HBO Max?

A new Earthworm Jim animated series is in development

The project hails from Interplay Entertainment Corp., which owns the rights to the “Earthworm Jim” games. Interplay has partnered with APA to bring the project to television.

Like the games, the series would follow the adventures of the titular Jim, a worm in a futuristic robotic suit who fights evildoers. The series will also bring in new characters as they navigate the galaxy, where each planet is home to a race of anthropomorphic animals. Jim’s ultimate quest is to find his true home among the stars: a near-mythical planet called Earth.

The first “Earthworm Jim” game was released on Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo in 1994. You can find the game through the link: click here

Thomas the tank engine sails to Europe

In October 2021, it was announced WarnerMedia EMEA acquired rights to Thomas And Friends: All Engines Go! which serves as a reboot to the Thomas And Friends franchise. As seen in other countries, the beloved tank engine is airing on various Boomerang and Cartoonitos.

WarnerMedia EMEA never specified which brand will air the show amidst the relaunch of Cartoonito and here's the thing. WarnerMedia picked up several preschool content and even specified who gets what but not for this series.

Also read:
- Star Trek: Discovery renewed on Paramount+
- Animated series coming to Cartoon Network, Netflix and a variety of other platforms in 2022
- Jessica's Big Little World and Work It Out Wombat coming soon to Cartoonito and PBS Kids respectively
- Moon Knight debuts this March on Disney+
- As Africa await for their Disney Channels to close in 2024 Latin America starts with Star Life, National Geographic Wild, Disney XD and FX Movies
- Nicktoons upcoming series Big Nate debuts on Paramount+ this February
- Henry Danger movie is in development

Honestly, I believe the show will air on Boomerang presumably in March and thereafter the channel will rebrand into Cartoonito. There's a lot of signs indicating a possible rebrand 1) Dino Ranch debuted last month 2) WarnerMedia picked up several preschool shows for the channel and 3) a lot of programming on the channel can be seen on Cartoonito in Latin America and Italy.

You can also find me through the other platforms by pressing this link in brackets and if you're struggling to share the article through certain platforms use this link (Lnk.Bio).

New Gadgets: Random Posts And Related Posts

We know how some people get irritated by the nearsight of links inbetween a post that's why we begun testing out two new features to help reduce that, Random Posts and Related Posts.

Random Posts can be seen if you switch from the mobile version of our website to desktop (the option can be found below Insidus). As the name implies readers will see links to several articles on our site and it changes everytime a user gets into another link or even reloads the website.

Basically, it doesn't stick to particular articles like Related Posts.

 

 

Related Posts can be seen if you are using the mobile version of our site and entering the post on Insidus. To help readers better understand this tool what it does is source content from the tags seen at the bottom of an article or sidebar on the left through the desktop version of the site.

These two gadgets will replace the "Also read" sections of the post or at least most of it. We know some readers who love Cartoon Network might be interested in what's happening with Nickelodeon so the simple solution would be using the tags as discussed in the related posts paragraph.

Remember

Desktop/web version: Random Posts alongside Popular Posts (now at the bottom of the site)
Mobile version: Related Posts

We also added these gadgets to our gaming blog: Insidus Games.

Prediction: G4 Expands Across The UK, Europe And South Africa Through Ginx Esports TV

G4 is an upcoming gaming brand from NBCUniversal which is scheduled to released by the end of the year in the United States and serves as a rival to SPI International's Gametoons and a spinoff to Sky's Ginx Esports TV.

The revived brand will feature new episodes of past series such as Attack Of The Show!, X-Play, G4TV Esports and Ninja Warrior. They'be even greenlit a new series which stars WWE superstar, Xavier Woods.

Even though, there hasn't been any indicator to a possible rollout it's very likely that it will launch under Ginx Esports TV since Sky is owned by Comcast that also manage NBCUniversal International.

It's also possible that some of the content seen on Ginx Esports TV will be scrapped for 'localised version' of G4's upcoming content seeing as both channels have original content in their respective markets.

Comcast recently partnered up with ViacomCBS International to rollout a new streaming service across Europe called SkyShowcase which will see the best of Peacock and Paramount+ rollout under one brand.

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GINX Esports TV Undergoes Changes On The DStv Platform

GINX Esports TV, the leading TV channel dedicated to esports across the globe, is to move from 240 to 127 on DStv.

From June 25th, the esports TV channel will move from its current position in the sports section of the EPG (Electronic Program guide) to a new home among entertainment and lifestyle channels, channel 127.

Neighbouring channels include global lifestyle channels, BET and MTV. GINX Esports TV is expecting this change to make it easier for new viewers to discover the channel.

“GINX Esports TV’s community is growing every day, especially in South Africa. With this change we expect even more people to discover the channel” said Julia Robson, GINX Esports TV’s Esport Correspondent for Africa.

GINX Esports TV provides unique round-the-clock esports and lifestyle coverage, catering to all esports communities. Some of its iconic programmes include The First Hour, This Week in Esports or Daily Download, a daily light-hearted chat show about what’s happening in the world of esports and gaming.

For more info about the channel and how to watch, visit ginx.tv

About GINX Esports TV
GINX Esports TV is the world’s largest esports tv network and is available in over 40 countries in 55+ million homes internationally including: UK, France, Scandinavia, Middle East, South Africa and a partnership with Super Channel in Canada.

The linear 24/7 channel aims to extend esports’ reach into television and to provide a more mainstream voice in the esports ecosystem. GINX Esports TV is the home of esports on TV.

GINX - Facebook / Twitter

About MultiChoice
MultiChoice Group is Africa's leading multi-channel digital satellite and pay-television destination, offering its 14 million customers access to a world of entertainment, anywhere, anytime. MultiChoice has been in operation for the past 20 years and through its flagship product brand, DStv, the company delivers the latest and most compelling local and international content to millions of households across Africa. The company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and technology advancement resulted in the creation of its iconic high definition PVR decoder, the DStv Explora – which won the Product of the Year for 2015. Through its corporate social investment, MultiChoice actively participates in social transformation, ongoing investment in local content, job creation and skills development - which in turn strengthens the television and broadcasting industry and contributes to the South African economy.

New Supersport Channel Line Up Coming Soon On DStv With New Esports Channel

SuperSport has introduced a new channel line up to give sport lovers a better viewing experience and make it easy for fans to find their favourite sport. DStv customers can look forward to 14 SuperSport and one eSports channel, with less duplication of sports across channels and more predictable scheduling.

DStv customers on all packages can look forward to a rebranded SuperSport Select, now on SS10, and DStv Extra customers will get more sports channels – SS7 and SS8.

Fans of football can follow La Liga on SS7 exclusively, and SS11 (new channel) and SS12 will become permanent events channels to be the home for overflow sport.

“We believe that these changes will give our customers an even better viewing experience, making it easier to navigate our wide variety of sports in the back-to-back channels. As there will be less duplication and repeats of sport, and no impact on live events, the overall sport viewing will be enhanced,” said Gideon Khobane, CEO for SuperSport.

eSports is growing in popularity, so GINX eSports TV that is currently available on DStv Now, will find a home on DStv channel 240. DStv Premium, Extra and Compact customers will be able to enjoy the action on this unique channel.

And of course, most of the channels will be in glorious HD – SS Blitz, SS1-9 and SS11 will be in HD, as will GINX eSports TV. SS8 is currently in SD and will change to HD.

Gideon reassured fans “SuperSport is still the home of the best sporting action on the African continent.”

The new channel line up will take effect on 4 July. Sports fans will start their viewing on Channel 200 on SuperSport Blitz through to SuperSport 12.

DStv customers can go to DStv.com or SuperSport.com to see how the sports are allocated across the different SuperSport channels.

And remember to tune in – at home on your decoder, or through DStv Now online or via the DStv Now app on your tablet or smartphone. DStv Now is available to our Compact, Extra and Premium customers at no extra charge. You don't have to miss a second of the action.

Summary of changes

SS7 and SS8 will go to DStv Extra customers
SS7 will be home of La Liga Football
SS Select will no longer exist on DStv – replaced with SS10 for all customers who currently get it including DStv Select customers
SS11 and SS12 will become permanent events channels – no more overflow channels
GINX eSport, currently available on DStv Now, will be on DStv channel 240
12 HD channels available – SS Blitz (to all DStv customers), SS1-9, SS11 and Ginx eSports. SS8, currently in SD, will become HD.

SuperSport Channel Optimisation FAQ’s

What is happening to the SuperSport channels?
SS7 and SS8 will go to DStv Extra customers
SS7 will be home of La Liga Football
SS Select will no longer exist on DStv – replaced with SS10 for all customers who currently get it including DStv Select customers
SS11 and SS12 will become permanent events channels – no more overflow channels
GINX eSport, currently available on DStv Now, will be on DStv channel 240
12 HD channels available – SS Blitz (to all DStv customers), SS1-9, SS11 and Ginx eSports

What is the benefits of the optimization to customers?
Fewer repeats and less duplication of sports
Predictable events channels on SS11 and SS12
Know which channel you can find your sports – SS7 dedicated to La Liga

Which channel will be rebranded?
SuperSport Select will now be called SS10. All customers who received SuperSport Select, will get SS10.

Which new channels are being added?
SS11 is being added as an event channel for overflow sport for live events.
Also GINX eSport is added to DStv channel 240.

Are any channels being changed?
SuperSport 12 - currently a 24-hour La Liga (Spanish football) channel - will become an events channel like SS11. La Liga will find a permanent home on SS7.

When do the changes come into effect?
The new line-up will come into effect on Tuesday, July 4.

Do customers need to do anything?
No need to do anything as the changes will happen automatically on 4 July. We encourage customers to go to DStv.com and SuperSport.com to familiarize themselves with where they will find their favourite sport.

What will be the total number of channels available on SuperSport after July 4?
14

Which DStv package will carry which channel?
Blitz: On all packages, Premium, Extra, Compact, Select 1, Select 2, Family, Access and Easy View.
SS1: Premium only
SS2: Premium only
SS3: Premium, Extra and Compact
SS4: Premium, Extra and Compact
SS5: Premium only
SS6: Premium only
SS7: Premium and Extra
SS8: Premium and Extra
SS9: Premium, Extra and Compact
SS10: Premium, Extra, Compact, Select 1, Select 2 and Family, Access.
SS11: Premium only
SS12: Premium only
Maximo: Premium only
GINX eSports: Premium, Extra and Compact

This means our Extra customers get 3 more sports channels – SS7, SS8 and GINX
Our Premium customers get 2 more sports channels – SS11 and GINX
Our Compact customers get 1 more sport channel - GINX

In the repurposing, will there be any SD channels upgraded to HD?
Yes. SS8 will be upgraded to an HD channel, this will bring the total number of HD channels available to 12.

New 24/7 Esports Channel, Coming This May On DStv

In a first for South Africa, DStv and the UK-based GINX.tv will be launching a full 24/7 Esports and Gaming network, to be available over DStv Now and SuperSport website from 1st May 2017, with SuperSport also set to simulcast games over their DStv channels. It was revealed that SuperSport and DStv, and new partners GINX.tv, were working on some sort of Esports channel.

Now there's further details of the channel as well as when it will be available to the nation. In a email conversation with Gideon Khobane, CEO of SuperSport, Khobane spoke of the benefits of the the new partnership saying: “The deal with GINX is a massive leap forward and signals our intention to embrace the newest sport out there. There is a real buzz around eSports and we want to be part of that.” With Esports continuing to grow at such a rapid rate worldwide, news of this kind of exposure on a local front is extremely exciting and should assist in further fueling the growth of the sector as the extra exposure will surely please potential sponsors, who will be more inclined to inject even more money into the industry, resulting in more tournaments, more incentive to grow talent pools and thus feeding back into the entire ecosystem.

Telkom Gaming reached out to GINX.tv CEO Michiel Bakker for more information on the channel, which is set to be available from 1 May 2017:

Telkom Gaming (TG): What titles and games do DStv and GINX (you) plan to broadcast?

Michiel Bakker: “One of our earliest mantras at GINX esports TV was “All the games, All the time”! It really is still at the heart of who we are and everything we do. We aim to be a broad church for our esports audience and we focus on the current games at the centre of the biggest esport events as well as those nibbling on the edges. Right now we are covering Activision’s Call Of Duty World League (CWL) as well as Blizzard’s APEX Overwatch tournament from Korea and gearing up for Valve’s DOTA 2 Kiev Major.

GINX esports TV has recently covered CS:GO, Overwatch, League of Legends,
World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, StarCraft II, FIFA and Street Fighter V as well as titles such as SMITE, Paladins, Rocket League, Smash Bros., Heroes of the Storm and Vainglory. So our collective mission is to continue to walk that talk.” An extremely impressive amount of titles to be covered, even if I am a predominantly CS:GO fan, and this is still a giant leap forward for our local gamers and fans. Being able to watch esports on TV will not only increase viewers, but will also promote growth in our own South African competitive scene.

TG: Are there any South African or African matches you are going to cover?

Bakker: “As a consequence of our launch in Africa, we’d love to get more involved in the local African esports world. We haven’t covered South African matches so far, but we’d love to consider the option if given appropriate access and opportunity. It is very much in our DNA to cover global as well as local events and showcase local events on our international feeds. We are just as interested in grassroots esports events as we are in covering the Majors.”

TG: What is the initial plan or schedule for broadcasting? Will it be game highlights or live services?

Bakker: “Our initial agreement with DStv involves the delivery of our channel as a linear 24/7 service. Our channel includes live tournament coverage and tournament highlight programming from events such as the Call of Duty World League, ELEAGUE and Dota 2 Majors for example. We also produce many hours of esports entertainment programming such as The First Hour twice weekly live studio show ‘The Bridge’. Our agreement also includes a provision for some of our content to be showcased on one of the Supersport channels.”This would not be the first time SuperSport has tried their hand at Esports, having broadcast highlights from last year’s IEM Katowice CS:GO event on the channel last year, though this only left true fans begging for more. This time, it seems, we will be getting the full coverage we hoped and dreamed about.

TG: Will there be a whole separate channel dedicated to esports?

Bakker: “Yes! GINX esports TV is a 7-day-a-week, 24-hour-a-day TV channel dedicated to esports, coming to DSTV! I don’t think we have been allocated an EPG number (Electronic Programing Guide) yet, but news on that will follow shortly. Right now we are making the necessary technical preparations to deliver the channel to DSTV’s uplink in SA.”

TG: Are you working with any other African brands to promote esports?

Bakker: “It is early days, but we are really keen to explore local collaborations. We’d love to work with African as well as with international brands to promote esports locally as well as around the world. On top of our new DSTV households in Africa, GINX esports TV reaches over 36 million homes worldwide, so we are hopeful there will be many opportunities to work with local partners to grow the esports ecosystem. We are open to explore cross-media partnerships with African online esports media, hopefully including your good selves. Being on TV brings a different, more mainstream, audience into esports, which should be complementary to existing media.”

GINX eSports TV will be available to DStv Access, Family, Compact, Extra and Premium customers, as well as to Compact, Extra and Premium customers on the DStv Now service online and on the application.