Development Alert: MTV 80s And MTV Hits UK Have Been Merged With The EMEA Feeds

With Skydance currently undergoing a potential takeover of Paramount after receiving approval from Shari Redstone. The merged seeks reduce costs which amount to $2 billion dollars which may include retrenchment, possible sale of assets and as seen with Paramount+ content cuts.

In the UK, it had revealed by a viewer that MTV Hits and MTV 80s are both receiving the same frequencies as those seen in other parts of Europe (EMEA). For those who aren't familiar with these brands, MultiChoice once carried the pop centered MTV Hits before replacing it with jazz infused Qwest TV.

Canal+ who similar to Skydance are looking to also gobble up an existing company or in this case MultiChoice also distributes MTV Hits for consumers in Ethopia and alongside MultiChoice offer MTV, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. 

Prior to these takeovers, Paramount was doing a lot of budget cuts take for instance the main MTV channel which had been unified across Europe. These endeavors had also reached kids brands Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. with MTV Base, BET and Nicktoons being exempted.

The UK has seen more cord cutting in recent months while Paramount only phased the localized versions of MTV's music offering. Channel 4 that serves as a local broadcaster in that market went as far as closing stations KISS, Magic, The Box and 4Music as low revenue was being generated. 

August 2024 On MTV Across Africa | Returning Shows Including Teen Mom UK: Next Generation | Continuing Shows Including Catfish: The TV Show | More

Teen Mom UK: Next Generation S2

Tuesday, August 6th @ 22:00

Episodes 201 - 208

Teen Mom: Next Generation is back, From rocky relationships to new arrivals, there's never a dull moment as we follow the highs and lows of their mum life, love life and work life.

Ridiculousness With Jersey Shore Cast

Monday, August 12th @ 20:40

Episodes: 3816, 3817, 3819, 3822, 3826, 3827, 3828, 3832, 3833, 3837

On an all-new episode of Ridiculousness, Rob, Steelo, and Nina Agdal welcome Jersey Shore's Angelina to grab a bite with some DINER DRUNKS, check their heads after getting NOGGIN KNOCKED, and go down and get mad with FALL FURIOUS.

Help! I'm in a Secret Relationship S3A

Monday, August 26th @ 19:50

Episodes 301 - 310

Follow hosts Rahne Jones and Travis Mills as

they help distraught partners uncover why their significant others are hiding them from family and friends. What will they uncover? Will the secret bring these couples closer together or tear them apart?

Continuing Shows

Jersey Shore Family Vacation

Episodes: 701 – 716 + Specials

Mondays @ 22:00

Caught in The Act S1

Episodes: 101 - 106

Fridays @ 22:00

The Challenge: All Stars S2

Episodes 201 - 210

Wednesdays @ 22:00

Catfish: The TV Show S9

Episodes: 901 - 911

Monday's @ 19:50

Ridiculousness S36

Episodes 3601 - 3642

Mon-Thu @ 21:40

Ink Master S8

Episodes 801 - 816

Thursdays @ 22:00

Love & Hip Hop Atlanta S11B

Episodes 1115 - 1130

Sundays 22:00

Skydance Media Plans To Merge Their Operations With Paramount Global, Could This Have An Everlasting Affect On Nickelodeon And MTV?

As some readers are aware, Shari Redstone is looking to sell her shares in Paramount Global home to MTV and Nickelodeon. Currently, Skydance Media and Sony Pictures Television in a joint bid with Apollo Global Management are battling it out.

The Sony-Apollo deal has garnered a lot of media scrutiny as insiders report a possible dismemberment of their linear portfolio. With Paramount Studios being merged onto Sony Pictures Television current offering and studio lots auctioned off.

Skydance Media proposal is said to be favorable because unlike Sony-Apollo they wouldn't go through any regulatory hurdles for foreign ownership. Their plan would be to merge their operations with Paramount Global of course the finer details haven't been outlined. 

From what several sources uncovered, Skydance Media is planning to merge/bundle Paramount+ with another streaming service. It is no secret that Netflix and Disney+ have been edging out the competition so it's likely they're looking after Paramount’s interests. 

Skydance Media has worked with Paramount Global on several projects such as Mission: Impossible, Transformers, Top Gun, Jack Reacher and Star Trek.

If anything, we presume a possible merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global could lead to a reduction of content or at least for its linear portfolio. As mentioned, Skydance wants to merge Paramount+ with another streaming service. 

On top of that they've got several projects in development and with Paramount Pictures they'll expand on that. Prior to acquisition talks, Netflix had licensed various content from Nickelodeon like Saving Bikini Bottoms: The Sandy Cheeks Movie and Fairly OddParents: A New Wish.

Although Sony-Apollo would lead to the purging of TV channels outside of regulatory confinement. These channels could lose credibility under Skydance Media and serve as second fiddle to the endeavors licensed to Netflix or even Apple TV+.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Source: TMZ

News Shorts: Twilight Animated Series In Development With Daria Spinoff Jodie Cancelled, And Avatar: The Animated Series Renewed On Netflix For Season 2 And Season 3 With Monsters At Work Moving To Disney Channel For Season 2

Twilight Animated Series In Development 

Michael Burns, vice chairman of Lionsgate, shared the news during a Q&A at the Morgan Stanley media conference on Tuesday, revealing, “We’re going to go out with the ‘Twilight’ series, an animated series, I think there’ll be a lot of interest in that.”

The animated series would be based on the Stephanie Meyer book series of the same name, which was previously adapted into a film franchise, starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.

There were four “Twilight” novels — “Twilight,” “New Moon,” “Eclipse” and “Breaking Dawn” — published between 2005 and 2008. In 2015, Meyer released the book “Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined,” which gender-swapped the two main characters, Bella and Edward. Meyer then released “Midnight Sun” in 2020, which told the story of the first book from Edward’s perspective rather than Bella’s.

Jodie axed on MTV

The long-gestating project first began as a series that would feature Daria and Jodie, and then was narrowed to just focus on the latter character. In 2020, Comedy Central picked up the adult animated show from creator and head writer Grace Edwards and MTVE Studios with hopes to pair it with South Park.

Two years later, it morphed into a movie.

“Jodie will not be moving forward at MTVE Studios,” said an MTVE Studios spokesperson. “We have loved working with Tracee, Grace and the whole team on creating a film that is full of joy and genre-bending fun with an inclusive, diverse, and incredible cast.  We are fully supportive of them finding a home elsewhere and look forward to partnering with them in the future.”

Avatar: The Last Airbender cancelled on Netflix

Netflix announced that it has greenlit Albert Kim’s take on Avatar: The Last Airbender for another two seasons that will “bring The Legend of Aang to its proper conclusion.”  Netflix also shared a new teaser image suggesting that, like the animated series, the live-action show’s second and third seasons will focus on Team Avatar’s adventures in the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation, respectively.

There’s no word yet on when production on the new seasons will begin or when we might expect to see them on Netflix.

Monsters Inc. coming to Disney Channel 

The second season of the animated series “Monsters at Work” will premiere April 5 on the Disney Channel, and begins streaming on Disney+ May 5 in the United States. With the first reason rolling out in Africa by March 25 on Disney Channel. 

Based on Pixar’s “Monsters” franchise and a sequel to Monsters, Inc., the series follows a maintenance crew at the monsters factory as it transitions from scaring kids to making them laugh to generate energy for the city of Monstropolis.

The first season won an Emmy for Individual Achievement in Animation.

Byron Allen Looking To Make MTV, Nickelodeon And Comedy Central "Cost Efficient", How Does This Impact Paramount Global's Linear Channels?

Last year, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global were reportedly in talks for a potential merger. Fast forward to the present, Shari Redstone is looking to sell her shares at Amusement Park with Skydance that has collaborated with the company on various films making their bid with Byron Allen topping them.

As reported sometime ago, Allen Media Group made a proposal to acquire Paramount Global for $30 billion (R562 billion) part of which helps them cover up pending debts. Should this deal move forward, they would keep TV channels and the Paramount+ streaming service intact while selling off film studios and other intellectual properties.

The impact on TV channels in the United States

Byron Allen, the founder of Allen Media Group is looking to make these brands cost effective. Selling off "film studios and other intellectual properties" is another way to minimise expenses. It's not really known whether Allen will look to retaining various content from Nickelodeon and MTV.

Similar to CW, it's likely that we'll be seeing Nickelodeon and MTV relying more on third party content and possibly distributing even lesser originals. As mentioned, he was looking to run them on a more "cost-efficient basis". Nickelodeon has garnered popularity for shows like SpongeBob SquarePants and The Loud House, MTV on the other features shows like Teen Mom and Ridiculousness.

The impact on TV channels on a wider spectrum

With Nickelodeon and MTV getting less content, Paramount will likely look into closing channels across the country. This was likely implied when they mentioned selling off "film studios and other intellectual properties" I mean the company in question doesn't have much international presence.

There's always chances that they could retain a portion of channels such as Comedy Central and BET while secondary networks like Nicktoons and MTV Base cease to exist as they won't be much content to supplement the existing line-up of channels.

But then again Sony once offered linear services across the country before closing down most feeds while a few such as the UK were put under different management. Disney had been reducing the carbon footprint for Disney Channel while it continues to operate in the United States.

The future of SpongeBob SquarePants and Ridiculousness

As mentioned, Allen is looking to sell their film studios and it's possible that they could retain the more relevant brands such as Nickelodeon Animation Studios and sell majority of Paramount Pictures. There's been various companies that had their eye on their studios such as Netflix, Skydance, Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney perhaps one of them could look into acquiring.

As for the content in general, Paramount's remaining offering could be licenced to various local broadcasters I mean should these channels not have much of a presence globally.

Rumour: Paramount Global Could Soon Integrate MTV Latin America Within Europe, Middle East, Africa And Asia (EMEAA)

Following Paramount Global's strategy to centralize its cable signals, the next channel that could be affected is MTV for all of Latin America, according to the company's plans. It is expected that the administration of the signal will be carried out from Europe, following an approach similar to that adopted by Nickelodeon Latin America months ago.

In the case of MTV Brazil, the programming grids of the new European signal have already been loaded into the Paramount EMEAA (Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia) system, with a start date of Tuesday, February 20. 

Among the most notable differences for the new signal is the return of Ridiculousness to the programming, and the elimination of the MTV Hits block. Changes are also observed in the time distribution, such as the expansion of the Naninha MTV block, which will now be broadcast from 3:20 a.m. m. instead of 4 a.m. m., and the transfer of the Tudão MTV night block to the mornings, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. m. to 9 a.m. m. 

At the same time, the absence of programs such as RuPaul's Drag Race, Drag Race Brasil and Tinder Apresenta - MTV Beija Sapo on the new European signal is striking. However, there is a possibility that these programs will eventually be reinstated, since programming grids are always subject to change.

Despite these slight modifications, the new signal largely retains MTV's current programmatic structure, maintaining a combination of music and reality blocks. The most obvious changes seem to focus more on technical aspects, since Paramount is migrating the operation of its channels to the Netherlands as part of its centralization strategy.

Thanks to the Paramount EMEAA system, we also know that the company plans the same fate for Comedy Central Spain in the near future. It should be noted that MTV in Brazil has already adopted the European schedule structure for some time, without round schedules, possibly preparing for the transition to the new signal without it being abrupt for viewers. 

It is important to clarify that, although there are already programming grids for this new signal in Brazil, the case of Nickelodeon's recent European signals must be considered, whose grids were loaded into the system several days before being officially placed on the air. 

For example, Nick Panregional began broadcasting in October, but its grids were first published in August. The same happened with Nick México, whose grids were loaded in October before its start of transmission in November. In this context, there is still no definitive date for the change in MTV Brazil. In addition, there is also information about a new European signal from MTV Latin America, for which grids have not yet been loaded. 

MTV carried out a reduction of feeds last year, when it began to have a single signal for all of Latin America, in addition to the Brazilian signal. In that process, Feed Sur, which previously offered 18 hours of music daily, was eliminated. Now, there is only the so-called Feed Norte, with a few hours of music in the morning, while the rest of the programming is mainly made up of series and reality shows such as Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, The Challenge and Acapulco Shore, among others.

Sources: TVLaint

More Cord Cutting Might Await Brands Like Nicktoons And MTV Base If Merger Between Paramount Global And Warner Bros. Discovery Moves Forward

During the week, it was reported that Paramount

Global and Warner Bros. Discovery were exploring a potential merger. For now, Warner Bros. Discovery can't look at merging with another entity until April 2024 and talks are said to be in the early stages so it's not known whether they'll go through with the plan.

For a while now, we had explored a variety of outcomes pertaining to the offering on Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network. Not long ago, expanded into the general entertainment section with Smithsonian Channel alongside MTV and Comedy Central with this article pertaining to secondary brands.

Paramount Global operates brands like Comedy Central Extra, BET Gospel, BET Hip-Hop, MTV Base, MTV Hits, Nick@Nite, TeenNick and Nicktoons while Warner Bros. Discovery offers Discovery Family, Real Time, Discovery Max, Boing and Toonami.

With Paramount's possible downsizing to Warner Bros. Discovery, the latter might not have much content left for all these channels and might look into closing them down if not merging in some countries.

Take for instance Nick Jr., Paramount Global was able to operate the channel separately from Nickelodeon with its own slate of content and with this consolidation the latter similar to Nicktoons will most likely cease to exist if not merge under Nickelodeon.

Considering that a ton of archived projects would be available at hand, it's possible the Nicktoons concept could remain intact and looking at the size of Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount maybe Boing/Boomerang could become a worthy successor to Nicktoons.

Nicktoons doesn't serve much purpose especially if they're not looking to produce animation under Nickelodeon. Warner's portfolio has more consumption than Paramount and shows like Paw Patrol and SpongeBob would get more exposure on Cartoon Network.

Despite not as big of an consumption, these channels do have plenty of exposure in other countries so much so that Paramount Global could explore a potential sale to these channels.

How The Possible Merger Of Warner Bros. Discovery And Paramount Global Could Dismantle MTV And Comedy Central?

MTV and Comedy Central are general entertainment brands operated by Paramount Global that distribute a variety of content ranging from reality shows, sitcoms, films and animation. They have garnered traction for productions like Ridiculousness and South Park.

As seen in the last decade, their linear counterparts had been reduced to waste. If you tune into MTV, the youth oriented brand airs Ridiculousness for most of the day which serves as the Teen Titans GO! of the network while Comedy Central is slumped over shows like The Big Bang Theory and Two And A Half Men.

During the week, it was reported that Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery were exploring a potential merger. For now, Warner Bros. Discovery can't look at merging with another entity until April 2024 and talks are said to be in the early stages so it's not known whether they'll go through with the plan.

Ideally, if a merger were to happen MTV could be dismantled or revert back to being a music oriented brand and take up the identities of the current MTV Base and MTV Hits channels across Europe. Award shows and live performances could remain intact on this restructured brand.

Warner Bros. Discovery doesn't offer a music brand or at least not on cable or streaming and MTV would be one way to sort of expand on that. They operate a number of TV channels most of which could be purged if not sold if this merger moves forward.

Then shows like Catfish: The TV Show and Ridiculousness could fold under HBO adult centred line-up while The Challenge could compliment Discovery's existing portfolio. TLC could inherit Ex On The Beach, Jersey Shore, Love And Hip-Hop and Teen Moms.

Comedy Central had become the Adult Swim of Paramount Global with South Park laying out most of the punches. All of this could as well be folded under Adult Swim and Cartoon Network with live-action residing on HBO leaving the linear component to serve only reruns to sitcoms.

HBO could even give the brand a dedicated block and use it as a trademark for sitcoms produced under their brand.

Paramount, Home To MTV And Nickelodeon Reportedly Up For Sale or Merger

Recently, Paramount, the parent company of Nickelodeon and Paramount+, has been looking to sell some of its assets and make cuts to others. Now, according to a report from CNBC, Shari Redstone, president of National Amusements and controlling shareholder of Paramount Global, is open to a merger or selling the company if the price is right.

Shari Redstone owns roughly 80% of Paramount Global voting stock and was reportedly the main force behind merging CBS and Viacom back in 2019. That merger resulted in the company we now know as Paramount.

Paramount holds a lot of assets that would attract many potential buyers. Its local affinities and the CBS network alone are highly attractive, especially for their NFL contract. However, the company has a lot more to offer, including Nickelodeon, Paramount+, MTV, Pluto TV, Comedy Central, Showtime, and more. This also includes popular shows and franchises like SpongeBob SquarePants, Star Trek, South Park, and more.

In recent years, most media companies, including Paramount, have been struggling with the growth of  cord cutting. Paramount’s market capitalization has reportedly dropped to $7.7 billion as 2023 hit many media companies hard. That is the lowest level it has been at since the 2019 Viacom and CBS merger. That drop could make the company a target for a merger or a sale.

According to CNBC’s sources, any potential deal for Paramount would have to be at a good price or the Redstone family wouldn’t accept it. Exactly what that price is was not disclosed in the report.

Paramount has a lot going for it right now, with Paramount+ hitting 61 million subscribers, a number that other major streaming services could only dream of. It also has very lucrative sports deals, including the NFL, March Madness, and a new deal with the Big Ten that will see more college football and basketball games on CBS. This could help Paramount outlast any further drop in the market, but it also makes it very attractive to potential buyers.

Some outsiders have said they believe Paramount is too small in the long run, though, to compete with Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, NBCUniversal, and a growing number of streaming companies like Amazon along with Apple. Even with its large catalog of shows and networks Paramount is facing massive companies like Disney and the newly merged Warner Bros. Discovery.

For years we have heard predictions that there would be consolidation in the market because of cord cutting. Disney’s deal to buy 21st Century Fox was likely only the start of what could be a number of big mergers. We also saw Discovery and Warner Media merge recently. Now, there are rumors that Warner Bros. Discovery and even NBCUniversal could be interested in buying up some or all of their competitors. Could that mean they are looking at Paramount? For now, we will have to wait and see.

News Shorts: Showmax Debuts Another Original Animated Series Twende, Once Upon A Studio To Rollout On Various e.tv And Disney Platforms And Help I'm In A Secret Relationship Returns For New Episodes On MTV Across Africa

Meet ‘Twende,’ Showmax Africa’s First Original 2D Toon

Showmax has released a trailer for Twende — the first Showmax Original 2D animated series. The show follows a pangolin — an endangered species which is the slowest on the savannah and the most-trafficked type of animal in the world — who makes up for his natural lack of speed by driving a motorcycle taxi.

Twende will premiere on Showmax across Africa on December 4. New episodes will roll out on Saturdays.

Once Upon A Studio debuts in Africa

Featuring 543 characters from more than 85 Disney feature-length and short films, Once Upon a Studio welcomes heroes and villains, princes and princesses, sidekicks and sorcerers - in all-new hand-drawn and CG animation - to celebrate 10 decades of storytelling, artistry and technological achievements.

Will be on Disney+ from 09h00, Disney Channel from 16h55 and on e.tv at 18h20.

Also on OpenView at these times:

- eExtra: 17h50

- eSeries: 18h15

- eToonz: 18h50

- eReality: 18h50

- eMovies: 19h50

- eMovies Extra: 19h50

- ePlesier: 20h00

November on MTV

Help, I'm In A Secret Relationship S2B

Monday, November 27th @20:00

Episodes 211-224

The broken hearts professionals are back in action! In season 2 of HIIASR, Travis and Rahne return to the streets to help suspicious and confused partners find out why their relationship’s being kept secret. But with the trend of hiding more prevalent than ever…they’ve got their work cut out for them this around.

On season 2 of HIIASR, our hosts are dealing with wilder stories, even crazier twists, and more jaw-dropping, shocking reveals than they’ve ever encountered before.

Foxtel To Close Down MTV In Australia Amidst Streaming Shift

This development follows the recent news that viewers will also miss out on children’s favourites, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.

MTV has been a beloved destination for fans of reality TV series such as Geordie Shore, Teen Mom, and The Hills New Beginnings. The distribution of all three channels to Foxtel was overseen by Paramount ANZ.

A Foxtel spokesperson explained the decision, noting the drastic shifts in viewing patterns over recent years.

“With audiences flocking to on-demand and streaming options, and an increasing array of third-party apps now a part of Foxtel, our channel offerings have been adapting to reflect these new habits,”

While MTV’s reality content may be departing, music enthusiasts can take solace. MTV’s musical channels will continue to be accessible to Foxtel subscribers, with MTV Classic set to undergo a rebranding as ‘MTV 80’s’ from the start of August.

The departure of MTV reality programming from Foxtel comes at the same time industry speculation is indicating Channel 10 is preparing to add a dedicated MTV to its 10play streaming platform.

A spokesperson told sources,

“All the MTV content that audiences know and love will now have a home across all Paramount’s owned and operating platforms.

Further details will be made available soon.”

The reduction in channels at Foxtel comes as the pay-tv platform looks to offset its significant programming costs by moving toward an aggregation model.

Such moves underscore Foxtel’s approach of embracing third-party services, allowing them to forego the need for exclusive content investments. In a telling statistic, over two-thirds of Foxtel subscribers also use at least one other streaming service.

The company’s data highlights a shift from traditional channels to an increasing preference for On Demand.

“A diverse pipeline of content is slated for on-demand, from our international studio partners, as well as a burgeoning array of Australian originals.

Foxtel’s IQ set-top boxes now offer 14 integrated apps, reflecting this trend, with more additions anticipated soon. The seamless incorporation of services like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and ABC Kids, among others, demonstrates Foxtel’s commitment to keeping pace with the ever-evolving entertainment sector.

Paramount Division Run By Chris McCarthy Lays Off 25% Of Domestic Staff; MTV News Among Units Shut Down

In the latest wave of industry layoffs, the recently combined Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios as well as Paramount Media Networks, overseen by the division’s President and CEO Chris McCarthy, is reducing its domestic team by 25% today. McCarthy addressed the cuts, which he called a “very hard but necessary decision”, in a company memo.

According to sources, the basic cable networks were most heavily impacted, with a number of units being shut down as part of consolidation, mostly on the operations side.

Also folding is MTV News, the news production division of MTV, which was launched in the late 1980s. The unit already had undergone significant downsizing over the last six years. MTV News staffers took to social media to share the layoff news.

Among the senior-level executives impacted are Jessica Zalkind, SVP, Talent and Series Development, MTV Networks, and Todd Radnitz, SVP of Original Unscripted Series at MTV Entertainment Group and Paramount+, we hear. East Coast casting is being folded into the West Coast operation.

Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, has been largely spared this time, I hear, after it was hit hard in February when the two studios were combined, with Showtime taking the brunt of the cuts.

“This is a tough yet important strategic realignment of our group,” McCarthy said. “Through the elimination of some units and by streamlining others, we will be able to reduce costs and create a more effective approach to our business as we move forward.”

The new wave of cuts comes on the heels of Paramount Global falling way shy of Wall Street forecasts last week when the company reported a loss of $1.1 billion for Q1, leading to a 25% stock price drop.

Here is McCarthy’s full note:

Team,

As we finalize the integration of SHOWTIME and continue to transform our business for the future, we have set a great foundation for continued success by consolidating our group into two functions:

• Studios – integrating SHOWTIME and MTV Entertainment Studios into one powerful studio team
• Networks – combining nine separate teams into one portfolio group

This combination has resulted in an incredible track record of hits including Yellowstone, 1883, Tulsa King, South Park, The Challenge, Teen Wolf, 1923, Drag Race, Mayor of Kingstown, Your Honor, George & Tammy and Yellowjackets – which, taken together, drove record subscribers across Paramount+ and Showtime and helped Paramount+ lead the industry in new subscriber growth.

However, despite this success in streaming, we continue to feel pressure from broader economic headwinds like many of our peers. To address this, our senior leaders in coordination with HR have been working together over the past few months to determine the optimal organization for the current and future needs of our business.

As a result, we have made the very hard but necessary decision to reduce our domestic team by approximately 25%. This is a tough yet important strategic realignment of our group. Through the elimination of some units and by streamlining others, we will be able to reduce costs and create a more effective approach to our business as we move forward. Today we will notify employees whose positions are being impacted with leaders communicating the news directly to those teams/or individuals. These meetings will be followed by individual 1:1s with our HR partners.

I realize these decisions will be very hard for everyone, most of all, those who will be leaving. It’s not something we take lightly. We have some of the most passionate and dedicated team members, who bring their full selves to drive our brands and business forward. This is why it’s so difficult to say goodbye to our friends and colleagues. To those impacted, we deeply appreciate the passion and creativity you have brought every day. I want to thank you for your many contributions.

Our leadership team and HR partners are committed to ensuring this process is done with empathy and respect.

Sincerely,
Chris

Rumour: Paramount Global To Be Closing More MTV Feeds Internationally

Paramount Global has been active across the market for almost a year. Prior to the time it was known as ViacomCBS, they have been various adjustments and now that we've managed to wrap up 2022 we can finally see the extent and the justification to all that.

For those who watch MTV and Nickelodeon (or in this case Nick Jr.) may have noticed some a number of changes. For starters, MTV became a music channel once more with a bit of Catfish and Ridiculousness while as the preschool hotspot Nick Jr. has learnt a number of new languages.

As mentioned sometime ago, Paramount is cutting back on costs for their linear offering and these two were a result of that. My guess has to do with Paramount+ I presume they want to get as much fresh content onboard to attract potential clients.

Although there has yet to be confirmation of a closure, I wouldn't be surprised if we got to that position already Nickelodeon has been scrapped in most of Asia and i have seen various MTV channels mostly irrelevant close in various parts of Europe.

According to sources, Paramount might be looking into closing down MTV in the coming future (2023/4). Not sure whether this would affect their music portion but I don't see why it should as it's more like what NBCUniversal got with Peacock and it's linear offerings - variations.

As mentioned, I wouldn't be surprised if it were true especially with various local feeds merging which was the case for Disney XD before closing down. In the end, I do feel shows like Ridiculousness would make a perfect fit on Comedy Central and BET.

Compared to MTV, these two function in a way that doesn't collide with Paramount+ I mean one has The Nanny And Modern Family on repeat while the other offers All Of Us and plays second fiddle with The Neighborhood and Martin.

Paramount Is Moving Around A Number Of Its Unscripted Shows From VH1 To MTV

VH1 series including Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, Couples Retreat and Caught In The Act: Unfaithful are moving to MTV.

The company said it was looking to find new audiences for these shows, which are all being produced by Lashan Browning’s Antoinette Media, which Paramount recently invested in. The move comes as it is exploring a sale of BET Media Group, which now includes VH1, meaning that it will keep a number of its biggest titles on its other network.

The biggest move involves Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, which is going in to its 11th season. It premiered on VH1 in 2012.

Season 11, which will air this summer, is being rebooted and will follow a more “docu approach to storytelling” as it documents the lives of women who have built their empires in Atlanta.

The series is now produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and Antoinette Media, which the company recently invested in and is exec produced by Sitarah Pendelton and Jubba Seyyid for MTV Entertainment Studios and Lashan Browning, Donna Edge-Rachell, Paris Bauldwin, Daniel Wiener, Alissa Horowitz, Mimi Adams, Gavin Lee Jones, and John Crenny for Antoinette Media.

“On the heels of launching Antoinette Media with Lashan Browning, we’re thrilled to continue fueling our robust unscripted slate of hits on MTV and introduce new audiences to the cultural phenomenon Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta as well as fan favorites like Couples Retreat and Caught in the Act: Unfaithful,” said Nina L. Diaz, Chief Creative Officer and President of Content, Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios.

Kicking off the block later in the year is Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta “Run it Back”, a clip-show, where cast members of the reality show rewatch moments from the first season of Atlanta and share behind the scenes stories.

It will be followed by MTV Couples Retreat, which has previously run for two seasons as VH1 Couples Retreat. The series follows couples attending a retreat, who are putting all of their chips on the table in Vegas, and they will be forced out of their comfort zones to rediscover each other with the help of unconventional, high-octane guest experts. This includes ziplining through the Vegas Strip, survivalist training in the wilderness with an expert ninja survivalist, trapezing with former Cirque du Soleil performers, to herding cattle and untamed bulls.

MTV Couples Retreat is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and Antoinette Media and exec produced by Sitarah Pendelton- Eaglin and Jubba Seyyid for MTV Entertainment Studios and Lashan Browning, Donna Edge-Rachell, Paris Bauldwin, Daniel Wiener, Mimi Adams, Michael Carrozza, Gavin Lee Jones, Alissa Horowitz, and Michelle Kongkasuwan for Antoinette Media.

Finally, also launching in the year is the second season of Caught in the Act: Unfaithful, which also debuted on VH1. The show follows host Tami Roman as she continues to help suspicious lovers catch their cheating partners in the act. Once the investigation is complete, the suspicious lover can choose to team up with their partner’s other lover or take them both down in an undercover ambush.

Caught in the Act: Unfaithful is executive produced by Sitarah Pendelton-Eaglin, Jennifer Aguirre, and Executive in Charge of production Liz Kim for MTV. Lashan Browning, Donna Edge-Rachell, Alissa Horowitz, Daniel Wiener, Maricarmen Lopez, and Rich Allen are executive producers for Antoinette Media. Tami Roman also serves as consulting producer.

Paramount+ Updates: Sylvester Stallone To Make His Reality TV Debut, Paramount+ Removes Several Content From The Platform Following Showtime Merger And Paramount+ To Rollout In South Africa Later In The Year

Sylvester's Stallone’s Family To Star In Docuseries For Paramount+

Sylvester Stallone is expanding his footprint at Paramount+. The streamer has picked up The Family Stallone, a new docuseries featuring the star of Tulsa King, along with his real-life wife Jennifer Flavin Stallone and their daughters Sophia, Sistine and Scarlet.

The eight-part series will premiere exclusively on the service later in the year. In the new series, Paramount+ promises to “offer a seat at the table of one of Hollywood’s most famous families” by showing how the Oscar-winning actor is simply Dad at home.

The Family Stallone is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, with Benjamin Hurvitz, Jessica Zalkind and Nadim Amiry as executive producers. Julie Pizzi, Farnaz Farjam and Jonathan Singer serve as executive producers for Bunim-Murray Productions, with Lauren Goldstein, Valana Hunn, Chris Ray and Jason Williams as co-executive producers.

Video Entertainment:
- Rumour: SuperSport Schools to get a dedicated channel on the DStv platform
- Disney Junior and Disney+ to debut new Star Wars series in May
- Paramount+ set to merge with Showtime
- eVOD has yet to offer linear channels as promised in 2021

The Warner Bros. effect reigns on another company

During the month, Paramount+ became the latest streaming service to remove original titles from its platform. The streamer has removed a raft of titles including Real World: Homecoming.

Other titles include Jordan Peele’s reboot of The Twilight Zone, which ran for two seasons between 2019 and 2020, Peter Sarsgaard-fronted true-crime drama Interrogation, Michael Chiklis’ Coyote, comedy series No Activity, Kate Beckinsale’s dark comedy Guilty Party and animated series The Harper House.

It comes days after sister company Showtime, which is in the process of being rebranded and merged with Paramount+, removed a slew of titles including Kidding, Super Pumped, On Becoming A God In Central Florida and American Rust.

It joins with streamers such as HBO Max, which removed titles such as FBoy Island and Westworld.

Paramount+ might miss their early debut in South Africa

Paramount+ will join the existing streaming services already present in South Africa, all battling to grow their market share and to scale their subscribers bases like Disney+, Netflix SA, Amazon Prime Video, MultiChoice's Showmax, Apple TV+, eMedia's eVOD, SABC+, VIU  and Britbox.

The South African launch of Paramount+ will be as a stand-alone app and through connected TV sets, but will very likely also be in partnership with the MultiChoice Group, which has existing deals to carry Netflix and Amazon Prime Video as apps on its DStv Explora Ultra decoder.

Paramount, already has so-called "hard bundle" deals in place with pay-TV operators like Comcast's Sky in the United Kingdom carrying Paramount+, and Sky Showtime as a joint venture in Europe with Comcast and Vivendi's Canal+.

Paramount+ made several consumers sign up through email for more updates on the streamer in South Africa and as we're close to the end of the first quarter of 2023. There hasn't been any updates not even a glimpse of what we already know about the platform.

Video Entertainment:
- BBC to close linear channels and focus on digital future
- HBO Max no longer produces live-action programs for kids and family
- Triggerfish working with Disney+ on a Star Wars project
- Virtual reality opportunities for African filmmakers

Comedy Central, MTV, Qwest TV And M-Net's Magic Showcase: Here's What We've Heard So Far About These DStv Channels

Earlier in the month, MultiChoice launched a new preschool channel Moonbug Kids home to YouTube sensations Blippi and CoComelon. They also plan to launch a new jazz infused channel Qwest TV by Quincy Jones by the end of the year.

BET which was exclusive to consumers on the Compact, Compact+ and Premium package has been added to consumers on the Family and Access packages. Now we got word from Paramount that more of their channels will find their way to more households.

To top it off, MultiChoice will be rolling out another new channel Magic Showcase ahead of the launch of Qwest TV. Here's a look at the 4 channels:

1. Comedy Central
Channels: 122
Current packages: Premium and Compact+
Additional packages: Compact from 1st November

Home to shows such as The Daily Show With Trevor Noah, viewers will also get access to The Carbonaro Effect, Impractical Jokers, Just For Laughs and Two And A Half Men.

2. MTV
Channels: 130
Current packages: Premium, Compact+ and Compact
Additional packages: Family from 1st November

Home to shows such as Ridiculousness, Catfish, The Challenge, Ex On The Beach, Teen Moms and Geordie Shore alongside award shows like the MTV EMAs and VMAs.

3. Magic Showcase *NEW*
Channels: 143
Packages: Premium, Compact+, CompactEasyview from 1st November

Basically another Real Time which gives certain DStv customers access to dramas such as Legacy, Rionaand The Imposter alongside reality shows such as The Marriage Counsellor, Being Bonang and Survivor SA.

4. Qwest TV *NEW*
Channels: 330
Packages: Premium, Compact+ and Compact by December 2022

A jazz infused channel home to legends such as Billie Holiday, Esperanza Spalding, Sun Ra, Kamasi Washington, Bill Evans and Flying Lotus. It also features documentaries, interviews, concerts and archived material.

Alternatives For The Deceased DStv Channel, MTV Hits

MultiChoice and Paramount decided to call it quits for the underperforming pop brand, MTV Hits with the channel set to go off air by 31 October 2022. Neither brand is willing to acknowledge the brands existence as the pay-tv brand gears the launch of the jazz infused channel, Qwest TV.

Qwest TV as mentioned is a jazz infused channel by none other than Grammy awarded musician Quincy Jones featuring content that resonates with fans of R&B, Soul and Gospel. Basically geared to a new audience and MultiChoice's way of making up for MTV Hits.

As advised a while ago, MTV Hits won't be supplemented by another channel with similar roots so we looked up a batch of alternatives. Not saying it will be the same or any better but it's better than nothing basically.

Here are some of the alternatives we were able to find for MTV Hits:

1. TRACE Urban

We are very much aware that most music channels on DStv are reaching to MTV Base's standards and tragically this channel fell prey to all that. If it's any consolation, there's still plenty of international to go around although I wouldn't say it appears as frequently as MTV Hits.

2. SoundCity

Yep, the Nigerian based music channel does offer a variety of international hits and yes it's reasons for functioning like MTV Base is justified. But viewers should turn their attention to a weeknight slot usually 9pm as they often to international countdowns and add City Divas to the mix on Sunday mornings.

3. DMX

We are aware all channels aren't dedicated to the talents of Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande so we were able to list some of the channels where you can listen to a variety of pop hits: Adult Contemporary, Today's Hits, Y2K Hits.

4. Social Media

These are one of the many ways I've managed to keep up with most music trends these days. I dwell on sources such as Pop Crave, Billboard and Rap-Up if I ever want to keep tabs on current favorites and explore new artists.

5. Streaming services

For those who can afford to binge an entire season of Grey's Anatomy then this is for you, the world of iTunes, Apple Music, JOOX and Spotify is in your hands and I hear SoundCloud is where several rising stars like Doja Cat promote their music.

DStv Updates: Comedy Central And MTV To Be Made Available To More DStv Customers And Rumoured Developments For Nickelodeon And The Upcoming Pan-African Channel, Magic Showcase

Comedy Central to be made available to DStv Compact with MTV added to DStv Family from 1st November

Last month, MultiChoice hosted an open window for BET to their DStv Family and Access customers and it wasn't until October that it had been announced that the channel would be made available to consumers full-time. Now more of Paramount's channels are set to reach more DStv customers.

Comedy Central which is home to The Daily Show which was only seen on DStv Premium and Compact+ will now be made available to Compact and the Compact exclusive channel MTV will be available to consumers on the Family package.

It means DStv Compact customers will now have to access to Trevor Noah before he leaves his post alongside endless repeats of The Big Bang Theory, Two And A Half Men and Friends with Family customers being introduced to Ridiculousness, Ex On The Beach and Teen Moms.

While this may as well be good news to some customers. It kind of makes you wonder what could become of Premium and Compact+ now that there's less exclusivity amongst packages and this news will just make more consumers downgrade or cancel their subscription.

With MultiChoice attempting to rollout an unbundled package it wouldn't be shocking if they were to merge these packages or replace it with DStv Flex as those packages alongside Compact haven't seen much success in the recent financial year.

Now that Comedy Central, BET and MTV reach more DStv customers it means MultiChoice and Paramount are leaving Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. to die out like Nicktoons and MTV Base is doing alright wouldn't make much difference to me.

Rumoured developments for both Nickelodeon and Magic Showcase

According to sources, Nickelodeon which is currently available on DStv Premium and Compact+ in South Africa was said to be added to DStv Compact, Family and Access as seen in various regions but this might be due to the recent developments with Nicktoons.

Nicktoons has been on autopilot for several months as Paramount hasn't tried updating the schedule with more content and seem to be adding more content which ended or are on the verge of ending on Nickelodeon with SpongeBob and The Casagrandes carrying the channel.

The Casagrandes could be a supplement for The Loud House seeing as it has been deemed offensive as other regions usually have their most popular shows on during the day as seen with Cartoon Network and from the looks of it ALVINNN!!! is one of them.

Magic Showcase is said to be a Pan-African entertainment channel

Reported here first, MultiChoice and M-Net will be sourcing out more content from their archives for yet another channel as if viewer's aren't seeing plenty of rebroadcasts on Mzansi Wethu and Novela Magic but cable is dead at this point so why bother.

Magic Showcase is gearing to launch by November 1st but MultiChoice had already delayed launches of Moonbug Kids and INX Prime so here's hoping that there's a bit of accuracy coming forward with this brand.

The channel is said to be available to all customers but catered to DStv Access for Legacy and Survivor SA and mostly Easyview getting the full pie as they don't have any means to view the bulk of local entertainment such as Being Bonang and The Imposter.

As for the channel number, nothing has been mentioned but my guess would be channel 159/169.

Paramount Africa's Future Is Up In The Air As Several Of Their Websites Have Shut Down

For several months, Nicktoons has become a waste featuring mostly SpongeBob SquarePants and The Casagrandes with the Nick Jr. block adopting to a similar format with Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol. Basically, it appears as if Paramount is ready to call it quits.

But that's not the only thing that seems bizarre about Paramount as several brands ranging from Comedy Central, MTV, BET and Nickelodeon all once operated a regional site which gives you details about some of the content seen on the channel and was usually a place fans would engage.

Now just like Nicktoons, Paramount Africa's websites appears to have been discontinued as several consumers are redirected to a European based website.

Sure Paramount in Africa is managed by the folks in those regions but there is so much of a variation on which the company seems to have cut down with MTV and Nick Jr. But the brands in question had a lot of variation during their run.

Comedy Central, MTV Base and Nickelodeon have all been redirected to the Netherlands. Take into account, there's a slight variation aside from content there's the matter of language of which not a lot of viewers are very much familiar with.

Even the media sales website had been listed as spam or a rejected website which could be another indicator that Paramount is distancing their focus away from their linear channels and more to Paramount+.

Interesting to note, My5 a UK based streaming service is managing the once available BET Africa website. This is the brand that took away the linear feed to the channel within that region which kind of raises questions over Paramount's linear offering.

Although there's no definite release date, several Nickelodeon feeds (including Nicktoons and Nick Jr.) had been renewed through at least 2027 which is likely where Paramount MIGHT start pulling the cord on some if not all their linear channels.

I mean Asia did lose a Nickelodeon while as Latin America lost a Nicktoons perhaps a couple of feeds could join before that time but with the recent developments I wouldn't be all that shocked if Paramount followed their competitors in moving their content to streaming.

Links

Comedy Central: click here

Nickelodeon: click here
MTV and MTV Base: click here

BET: click here