Update: Da Vinci Kids To Remain Aboard The DStv And GOtv Platform

During the week, it was reported that MultiChoice was planning to remove Da Vinci Kids after placing a channel terminaton banner on all their platforms on top of providing a detailed statement with the channel that was initially slated to end on 15 October.

Now that won't be the case as MultiChoice confirmed to sources that after seeing feedback from several customers that they opted to keep the channel onboard meaning consumers will be able to view Operation Ouch and Xploration DIY SCI.

Moonbug Kids is still slated to launch on their platforms in the coming weeks as MultiChoice has shared several adverts regarding the brand. But questions amount to the positioning of the channel.

We all know now that Da Vinci Kids will stay put and Moonbug Kids won't be taking anyone's spotlight but how are we not sure that MultiChoice or any of their partners don't have another channel up their sleeve that is set to leave the platform.

As seen these past months, Paramount has further distanced themselves from Nicktoons only referencing them on the basis of NickMusic. Their partners, AMC International has been reviewing their linear offering which could spell trouble for consumers in Africa mostly for CBS Justice.

 

SHOCKER (MAYBE NOT)!!! Da Vinci Kids Is The Next Channel To Exit The DStv And Likely GOtv Platform Across Africa

From October 15th, MultiChoice will be breaking hearts of several children and family members as Da Vinci Kids is scheduled to exit their platforms after 3 years with the pay-tv operator failing to communicate with the media beforehand about the changes.

Da Vinci Kids was added in 2019 on the DStv platform in the midst of a carriage feud with A+E Networks for Lifetime and History with CuriosityStream (now Curiosity Channel) and CBS Justice added in the midst of that dispute.

The channel was once available on the Openview platform and was much repetitive but thanks to its acquisition in 2020. Da Vinci Kids managed to be an elite with shows like Odd Squad, Animal Rescue, Xploration DIY SCI, Bajillionaires and Detention Adventures.

Unfortunately all of that wasn't enough to retain the channel on their platforms as some sources mention that the channel didn't fit into their 5 year content strategy whatever that is but it's closure brings the total number of terminations on the platform to 9.

Last month, they unveiled a new preschool channel Moonbug Kids home to shows viewable on Cartoon Network and Boomerang like Supa Strikas and CoComelon alongside other content like Oddbods, Mia's Playground and Gecko's Garage.

I guess my hunch was right Moonbug Kids was coming to kill but I'm sure no one expected it to be Da Vinci Kids perhaps JimJam as the content seems out of style while others are duplicated on DreamWorks Channel and CBeebies.

Over whether MultiChoice will use channel 318 for anything similar to Da Vinci Kids that remains very much a mystery I mean there's a couple of channels I'd recommend BBC Kids or Kartoon Channel but as of right now you can view the channel on StarSat or through the app.

 

What To Know About Da Vinci Kids' Preschool Offering Under New Company Macademia?

Azoomee is a global media company and app development studio focused on engaging entertainment applications for kids. Available across connected devices and platforms, Azoomee offers a vast library of inspiring and imaginative TV shows that foster curiosity and wonder in kids.

Some of the programming available on the brand include Superhero Sprinter Galore, Marvelous Makes, Angry Birds Toons, ALVINNN!!! And The Chipmunks and already mentioned Search It Up and Marvellous Makes.

 

BAFTA-nominated and winner of multiple awards, the Azoomee app delivers a unique selection of action-packed games, brain teasers, puzzles and creative activities, so kids can build their imaginations and sense of wonder. Everything’s handpicked so kids are safe to explore.

Azoomee is loved by children worldwide and can be downloaded for free from the App Store and Google Play store, and found on connected TVs and via our partnerships with Amazon, O2, Vodafone, as well as many other platforms around the world.

Da Vinci Kids Rebranded Last Year That's Why The Channel Has Been Loading Up On Fresh Content

A new kids’ content initiative rolled out in Asia, delivering learning in multiple formats and promising a positive, safe and ad-free environment for children across the region.

The move is part of a global expansion strategy, follows the consolidation of global educational assets – Da Vinci Media’s Da Vinci Kids and Azoomee – under newly formed holding company, Macademia.

Additional acquisitions are being planned in the continued drive to consolidate the EdTech and edutainment kids’ segments, says Macademia’s co-founder and chief operating officer, Estelle Lloyd.

Lloyd says the company’s mission is to “help parents raise exceptional humans”.

 

Macademia is best known for its selection of STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Art & Math) programming, including award-winning TV shows, documentaries and educational games for kids 4 to 12.

“Our mission is to unlock children’s full potential by igniting a passion for discovery and imagination through inspiring videos and games,” Lloyd adds.

A core part of the ambitious new plan, the latest iteration of Da Vinci Kids includes a completely revamped mobile streaming app, a library of educational games, as well as an upsized linear channel. Da Vinci Kids targets 6+ year olds and adults.

Sister platform, Azoomee, targeting kids below six years old, debuted in Asia. Globally, Azoomee is available in 125 countries through its partnership with Huawei, which bundles a one-year pre-paid Azoomee subscription with Huawei tablets.

 

Expanding Da Vinci Kids’ content has been a key focus of the new strategic direction, Lloyd says, adding that topics range from science, technology and nature to history and arts, among others.

Recent video series acquired included "The Fixies", "Darwin & Newts" and "A Week to Beat the World", which is exclusive to Da Vinci Kids. These join titles such as "Operation Ouch", "Science Max", "Pin Code" and "Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch".

“Our goal is to provide a variety in content mix and an alternative to the pure entertainment and ratings-driven channels that occupy the vast majority of the kids and documentaries channel landscape,” Lloyd adds.

Linear remains a crucial part of the bundle.

“Da Vinci Kids delivers a content curation strategy focused on range, diversity and quality. We are providing a meaningful viewing experience to kids and families, which we know is very important to parents,” Lloyd says.

 

Between them, Da Vinci Kids and Azoomee are distributed to a global audience of 60m kids and families on 550+ pay-TV and streaming platforms, telcos and OEMs. In addition to Huawei, partners include Vodafone, Telefonica/O2, MultiChoice, Apple, Sky, Roku and Amazon.

Moving forward, Macademia plans to ramp up its investment in original productions and games, building upon segments such as Marvelous Makes (arts and crafts), Search It Up (digital literacy) and Tech Will Save Us (technology).

“As much as we want children to have fun, to be carefree and happy, we also want them to develop into curious and critical thinking people, to open their minds to new ideas,” Lloyd says, adding: “We are going to be there for them.”