How Google Is Becoming Another DStv?

Not long ago, I reported that Google blacklisted thousands of independent and small sites prioritising big brands, affiliate links and forums such as Quora and Reddit. Insidus forms part of those sites that were affected by Google's core updates but alas they don't owe us anything in the end.

Remember when eMedia Investments was fighting to retain their 4 Openview channels on DStv. Think of it like this we were eMedia we made several changes to try and enhance reader's experience but in the end MultiChoice who is Google haven't acknowledged these updates.

MultiChoice has stated in court that eMedia has Openview for those looking to watch Elif and Teletubbies but the reality revenue wise would lead a company to scale back on content. This is what happened in Insidus, although all keywords I ranked on were axed the only search queries are those linking back to our website.

Simple terms: User A would type "eExtra" or "SABC" then several pages from my website would come on now that's been reduced to the website name and link which BTW made up a fraction. While some users would discover a brand by name a majority rely on content which is what Google killed off.

When a user types "Bloedspoor eVOD" in the search engine the first thing to pop-up will be videos of Isitha: The Enemy and Kelders Van Gehieme. Although all three are distributed by the same company it has nothing to do with Bloedspoor.

Now the next results are very accurate with the search term but the problem this comes from social accounts two of which are mine but the reality how many Googlers will even click those links. There has been a talk amongst publishers about zero click results.

In recent months, Google has filled it's pages with ads, affiliate links and sponsored content that there has barely been much visibility for actual content outside Quora and Reddit. This is what consumers have felt about DStv's entertainment offering as MultiChoice cuts channels and continues inflating costs.

Similar to how various outlets had stated DStv is losing its prestige as Netflix banks on NFL and WWE with DAZN that acquired FIFA. Google is facing competition from ChatGPT and TikTok as these platforms have found simpler ways to distribute information and aren't clustered with ads.

Even X (Formerly Twitter) could be branded as off as a Google competitor as it's the top platform for micro blogging a sector which Google is destroying and following Musk's takeover offers monetisation features and Grok that would rival with AdSense and Gemini.

DStv's Linear Offering Reaches A Time Of Uncertainty

For those who have been following DStv's journey through the year would have noticed the lack of additions so far there was only 1Max which substituted 1Magic. Then followed by Arise News for Southern Africa with further expansions of La Liga to DStv Access with Nickelodeon on DStv Compact but was 2024 really the year of DStv???

MultiChoice removed about 12 channels from their platforms most of which were local and now with the company looking to complete it's takeover by Canal+ by April 2025. Former Telkom CEO, Sipho Maseko is also in talks to join the transaction either in a managerial position or a shareholder.

There's been a lot of fear for sometime about Canal+'s next steps should this deal moves ahead one of which includes existing agreements with Disney, BBC and Warner Bros. Discovery. In France, Canal+ has lost exclusivity to the Disney Channels as the content integrate with Disney+ in 2025.

Another Canal+ already offers it's ROK channels on DStv with, Marodi TV, Zacu Entertainment and France24 that reside in Africa. With this transaction, wouldn't they want to give these brands more exposure within the African market as seen with Africa Magic and Mzansi Magic.

Speaking of Africa Magic, ROK has been rivalling with the broadcaster since it's inception in 2016 and Akwaaba Magic when it launched in Ghana by 2021. What is to become of these entities once Canal+ claims the crowns of supposed rivals does ROK become an import of the two as seen with Magic Showcase.

If DStv's matters doesn't worsen, Warner Bros. Discovery and Comcast are shifting away from their cable networks and we're only left with questions about what could be left of Discovery Family. If TLC and Discovery have been serving as imports for the bulk of channels ranging from HGTV, Investigation Discovery, Animal Planet and Food Network.

Then there's Telemundo, how is Comcast's upcoming spin-off going to retain the channel in Africa because the company has a history of discarding their cable networks e.g. Style Network. SpinCo has been the one calling the shots in Africa now this one will be not be affiliated with Comcast.

Comcast has NBC Studios, Universal Pictures, Telemundo Studios and DreamWorks Animation. From what I can recall, M-Net, SABC and eMedia Investments have been licensing select content for consumers in South Africa and this part has only been focused on these regional networks for  growth.

2025 could shape up one of DStv's most dramatic years as MultiChoice faces a lot of uncertainty not only with the arrivals of new owners but some corporate changes. It could be like analysts have said on various occasions MultiChoice will now unrecognizable in the coming years.

Important Notice: ROK Can Also Be Seen On DStv Family And Access Packages In South Africa Alongside WildEarth On Easyview

MultiChoice has silently added the ROK channel to DStv Access customers after being made exclusive to Compact customers. The channel is owned by ROK Studios that serves as a division of Canal+ who is currently looking to acquire MultiChoice ahead of their split from Vivendi in the coming weeks and only time can tell what awaits Africa Magic.

ROK has become a profilic producer of original content with shows like Festac Town, Khutam, Banks Chronicles and Bloodline alongside Nollywood films like Man Pikin and Strings Of Love. Considering Africa Magic Family is viewable on Access in other African markets we can only assume ROK holds that position in South Africa.

Maybe it won't be over and out for the channel just yet it could as well be restructured into some repeats channel for imports from Africa Magic.

Another development comes from the Easyview package as WildEarth also forms part of their package after being exclusive from Access to Premium consumers. Some tabloids even marked WildEarth as a "new channel" when in reality it only counts if you're an Easyview consumer while others its seen as a relaunch.

Easyview consumers had already lost 4 channels within the year including People's Planet, NWTV, One Freestate Televisual and Emmanuel TV. If anything, WildEarth could as well be interpreted as a replacement to People's Planet as the channel in question had already been distributing content from WildEarth.

This would leave the higher paying consumers being Compact to the full library of children's shows as MultiChoice added Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. to their lineup. According to a statement, the launch on DStv Compact is there to help commemorate SpongeBob Squarepants' 25th anniversary. 

SURPRISE!!! Paramount Africa Is Making Nickelodeon And Nick Jr. Available To DStv Compact Customers In South Africa

 

Get ready for a playful and fun festive season filled with joy, laughter, and one last 25th anniversary hurrah from SpongeBob SquarePants! From 6 December 2024, Nickelodeon (DStv 305) and Nick Jr. (DStv 307) will both be available on DStv Compact permanently, gifting more children and families across South Africa access to the very best in family entertainment.

 

As part of this exciting move, Nickelodeon, the number one entertainment brand for kids, invites everyone to celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants’ 25th anniversary with a festive extravaganza like no other. From exclusive new episodes and Nickelodeon favourites in isiZulu and Afrikaans to Zee Nxumalo’s Amapiano remix of the SpongeBob SquarePants theme-song! This holiday season promises something for everyone.

Nickelodeon (DStv channel 305) December Highlights

SpongeBob SquarePants Christmas Special – 21 December | Saturday at 12:30

The Loud House Christmas Special – 21 December | Saturday at 14:10

Young Dylan Christmas Special – 21 December |

Saturday at 18:30

The Patrick Star Show from 2–13 December at 15:00

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from 23 December, weekdays at 19:45 

Nick Jr. (DStv channel 307) December Highlights

Rubble & Crew (new episodes) from 02 December, Monday-Friday at 17:30

DORA (new episodes) from 09 December, Monday-Friday at 18:00

Nick Jr’s Holiday Stunt Premiere episodes: Paw Patrol, Rubble and Crew, Hamsters of Hamsterdale, The Adventures of Paddington, The Tiny Chef Show from 21 December at 12:00

Nick in Your Language Continues to Shine

Nickelodeon’s commitment to inclusivity continues with the Nick in Your Language initiative, offering local language episodes of beloved shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, DORA, Rubble & Crew, Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and PAW Patrol in local languages. Catch these dubbed favourites on Nicktoons (DStv channel 308), weekday mornings at 7:30–9:00, and afternoons at 15:00–16:00. 

January 2025: Start the New Year with Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.!

  

Transformers: EarthSpark S3 (new season) on 11 January at 11:00 on Nickelodeon (DStv channel 305), Baby Shark’s Big Movie! 5 January at 12:20 on Nick Jr. (DStv channel 307), Baby Shark’s Big Show S3 (new season), weekdays at 16:30 on Nick Jr. (DStv channel 307), starts 6 January. 

Dance in to the holidays with SpongeBob and Zee Nxumalo

To make this holiday season even more exciting, Nickelodeon has partnered with Amapiano sensation Zee Nxumalo for a special Amapiano remix of the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song, soon to be available on Spotify. Fans can join the #DanceLikeASpongeChallenge on TikTok and be part of the fun.

Follow @Nickelodeon_Africa for more information.

“At Nickelodeon we put kids first and we believe in the power of fun to bring families together. What better time to celebrate fun than during the holidays? As we mark SpongeBob SquarePants’ 25th anniversary, we’re thrilled that Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. content is now accessible to even more families, solidifying our mission to provide inclusive, world-class entertainment.” says Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Paramount Africa.

 

“We’re thrilled to make Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. available to DStv Compact viewers,” says Melusi Sibisi; Acting Head of 3rd Party Channels and Partnerships for the Multichoice Group. “This move underscores our commitment to ensuring that more families across South Africa have access to premium kids’ entertainment. With Nickelodeon’s rich line-up and beloved characters, this holiday season will undoubtedly be one to remember.”

 

This holiday season, Nickelodeon promises a Nicktastic Festive! Soak up the fun! Join SpongeBob, Patrick, the Ninja Turtles, and more as they bring endless joy and adventure to your screens.

Sipho Maseko, Former Telkom CEO Is Also Reported To Be Joining Canal+/MultiChoice Deal

Canal+ is currently engaging with local regulators over the proposed transaction to acquire the remaining shares in MultiChoice of which they hold 45%. Vivendi, who serves as the parent company for the broadcaster is looking to spinoff Canal+ with a meeting of a proposed split being held in the coming weeks.

Canal+ is using this proposed transaction to increase its consumer base with them and MultiChoice looking to scale up over giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. For several months, they've been trying to navigate restrictions over foreign investors and other exclusive undertakings.

It was previously reported that South Africa's richest black man Patrice Motsepe was in talks to join the bid to help meet the country's black ownership requirements. Since then, it was stated that the French broadcaster was looking for someone else other than Patrice to help them finalize the deal.

According to another report from Africa Intelligence, Sipho Maseko who served as the former chief executive officer at Telkom could be joining in Canal+'s pursuit over the pay-tv company. Sources familiar with the transaction say he could become a shareholder taking up a stake or a director of the merged entity.

Both companies have given themselves until April 2025 to finalize the transaction and meet all the necessary requirements to get this transaction approved. Should it be greenlit, Canal+'s consumer base would extend to over 40 million households making Africa it's largest market with over 27 million subscribers.

Why Disney Channel's Move To Channel 315 Is Bad News For DStv Customers?

During the month, MultiChoice Africa announced that Disney Channel would be moving from channel 303 to 315 on DStv and these changes were applicable to consumers in Southern Africa. This is most likely due to a change in legislation in some countries if some remember Cameroon and Uganda instilled some very rules over LGBTQ.

This is what prompted Nurses to suddenly get yanked from Telemundo only for it to make a name a comeback with censorship. The laws in these countries were so severe that broadcasters like Telemundo would have lost their licenses to operate in these regions while some could be fined or detained.

MultiChoice may say that Disney Channel had moved to a new channel number and that consumer's viewing experience would remain unhinged. But that's not the case here at all, they took what you know as channel 303 and restricted it's access to consumers in South Africa where the restrictions are lighter.

They acquired Disney Channel's feed used in the East and Western parts of Africa and launched that on channel 315. For those who aren't aware, MultiChoice has two transponders one that covers Southern Africa and another the rest of Africa so they can basically make local variations with channels.

Considering South Africa shares their feeds with other countries residing within Southern Africa including Malawi and Zimbabwe they had to launch duplicate feed but block certain consumers from particular regions from seeing it. Similar to what you have with Moja 9.9. as consumers would have viewed the content on its premium counterpart.

Similar to TLC Africa, this feed viewed outside of South Africa is kind of depressing remember Marvel's Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur the show that DStv had advertised across their platforms for viewers in Africa for November 25. This managed to debut on the channel in South Africa alongside various European markets.

This has not been made available to consumers outside of South Africa and I would like to believe that MultiChoice Africa and Disney will try to air it at a later stage but heck even Walk The Prank is not airing. Instead in the slots where these shows would appear would be reserved for more Big City Greens or Phineas And Ferb. 

Disney Channel's moves to channel 315 as MultiChoice Africa wants to put it or the expansion of Disney Channel Africa which is what I'd call it is bad news for DStv consumers. Imagine this scenario already happened with Nickelodeon and The Loud House after Nigeria put up a ban Paramount opted to censor the show.

But when further complaints came from other African countries they took out The Loud House completely yet they're willing to air it's live-action counterpart and The Casagrandes. To top it off, Paramount+'s original film The Loud House: No Time To Spy wasn't made available for these consumers.

The results to these restrictions is more zombie TV which is what's seen on Nickelodeon and TLC with Disney Channel joining the ranks.

Despite the tight restrictions, there are consumers in these markets that wouldn't mind watching Marvel's Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur or The Loud House despite them featuring same sex couples. Disney Channel separating it's operations within in Africa means more content is likely to be divided away from Africa like Andi Mack and The Owl House.

MultiChoice And SABC Settle Dispute With eMedia Investments Regarding Sports

As some have already read, eExtra alongside eMedia's other Openview channels such as eMovies, eMovies Extra and eToonz won't be exiting DStv anytime soon as MultiChoice and eMedia Investments have come to an agreement. Although, the finer details of this transaction have yet to be known by the media.

Another topic that was addressed within eMedia Investments annual results for 30 September 2024 was the matter of the Rugby World Cup. This was something eMedia Investments had been battling to get onto Openview after MultiChoice denied other platforms aside from that of SABC's DTT the right to view the content.

This led SABC to change transmission for these channels once these games come on through platforms outside SABC's DTT and DStv which is what prompted this battle. MultiChoice accused eMedia Investments of free riding and wanting to broadcast the content without paying a cent.

eMedia Investments had pitched a sum in which MultiChoice deemed too low and from what other sources mention SABC's bid was a lot higher. It took local legislation to pressure these broadcasters into reaching an agreement which saw these games getting reduced even further.

When MultiChoice blocked other platforms from getting rugby it was so that SABC could pay less and get the bulk of content associated with a free-to-air broadcaster. Then after eMedia Investments came into the picture it has been theorised that MultiChoice had to reduce the amount of games given to the SABC.

Now all three parties have settled the matter of course it's not really known how they managed to settle the matter but it isn't something that they can keep secretive forever. MultiChoice has been in such disputes with both parties several times and this isn't something you'd expect to go away that easily.

eMedia Investments And MultiChoice Silently Settle Dispute Over e.TV's 4 Channels On DStv

As some readers may have remembered from the last time we had posted eMedia Investments' 4 TV channels namely eExtra, eMovies, eMovies Extra and eToonz were all slated to be removed from DStv by August 2024. Several months had already passed and these channels continue to distributed on DStv.

MultiChoice made the decision by March 2022 that they didn't want to include these channels on any of their platforms which led to the discontinuation of e.tv's African feed eAfrica. At the time, eMedia Investments had stated that they're changing their distribution strategy for these consumers while in South Africa they took the matter to court.

According to MultiChoice, eMedia Investments 4 TV channels had a lot of duplicate content and also the matter of transponder constraints led to the decision to terminate these services. The free-to-air broadcaster stated otherwise as they showed 2 out of the 4 channels had local content and that MultiChoice had plenty of space for more channels.

To top it off, MultiChoice forged ahead and allocated several placeholders on each DStv package: Movie Room (Access), DreamWorks (Compact), PBS KIDS (discontinued, Easyview) and KIX (Access). They even ramped up a rival offering to eExtra's Kuiertyd with the addition of Turkish dramas on KykNet & Kie.

In the financial year results ending 30 September of this year, eMedia Investments had confirmed that they've reached a settlement with MultiChoice after two and a half years. This means eExtra, eToonz, eMovies and eMovies Extra will remain on DStv but what's odd about this is the lack of engagement by both parties.

eMedia Investments didn't want these channels removed now they're getting what they asked for but still you'd think they'd be a celebratory mood. But questions amount to what prompted MultiChoice to suddenly join hands as eMedia Investments mentioned paying significant costs in legal fees.

In a couple of days, MultiChoice will be reinstating WildEarth to their platforms which served as one of the 12 TV channels to exit the company's platforms in the year. If one had to guess maybe the transaction to have Sanlam acquire majority stake in NMIS Insurance Services helped them build up their capital.

Another could as well be the onslaught of TV channels to have exited their platforms during the year with One Freestate Televisual, NWTV and People's Planet being based in South Africa. Maybe eMedia's 4 channels are being used as leverage for the fallen either that or the drastic takeover by Canal+ which is awaiting approval.

WildEarth Relaunches On MultiChoice's DStv From Sunday, 1st December

WildEarth, often referred to as the biggest safari vehicle in the world brings viewers closer to nature on an African safari like no other. Following constructive discussions since the channel left the DStv platform earlier this year, WildEarth will resume broadcasting on 1 December 2024 on DStv channel 183.

Andre Crawford-Brunt, chair of WildEarth, acknowledges, "We are thrilled to be back on DStv. Our transition from MultiChoice was deeply emotional for everyone involved, reflecting the genuine passion and dedication we all feel toward bringing wildlife into people’s homes. In the heat of this change, there were moments when things were said that, in hindsight, would have been better handled privately. In this regard I express regret and thank MultiChoice for the willingness to re-engage and find a way forward. Our shared vision for connecting people with nature remains, and we look forward to exploring new ways to bring this vision to life.”

Calvo Mawela, CEO of MultiChoice Group, stated, "We’re pleased to have WildEarth back. Local, African-centred content has always been a focus of MultiChoice, and the unique programming on WildEarth is one of the ways we’re fulfilling our priority of delivering the best and most inspiring local entertainment to our customers.”

Just in time for the December holidays, the channel’s return is a win for DStv subscribers – especially nature lovers and their families, who can go on a never-ending safari, exploring the beauty and mercilessness of the African wilderness, without leaving their home. For new and longtime DStv customers alike, this channel offers an authentic, unscripted experience where nature never disappoints. It’s the world’s best unscripted drama – not a documentary, but a true “what you see is what you get” journey into the wild.

WildEarth will be available on DStv Channel 183 from 01 December 2024 on all DStv packages.

MultiChoice Heading To Court Over Controversial SABC Deal

 MultiChoice is currently appealing a ruling from South Africa’s Competition Commission, which stated that its 2013 agreement with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) constituted an unreported merger. The deal, which centered around the distribution of television content between the two companies, has sparked controversy due to its involvement in the ongoing digital terrestrial television (DTT) migration and its clauses that allegedly influenced SABC’s stance on encryption.

The Competition Commission found that the agreement, particularly its encryption clause, effectively restricted competition by protecting MultiChoice’s dominant position in the pay-TV market. The SABC had previously alternated its position on encryption, but in the agreement, it committed to not encrypt its free-to-air channels on the DTT platform, thus preventing new competitors from entering the market. This influence over the SABC’s policy constituted a merger, according to the Competition Act, which requires such mergers to be notified and approved by the competition authorities before implementation.

MultiChoice insists that the 2013 agreement was a typical business arrangement and that it should not be categorised as a merger. They argue that no anti-competitive intent was involved, and that the deal was in line with standard content-sharing practices. However, the Competition Commission has recommended that the Competition Tribunal treat the agreement as a merger and seek regulatory approval, further proposing potential proceedings against both MultiChoice and the SABC for failing to adhere to the notification requirements.

The ongoing appeal highlights tensions between corporate interests and regulatory oversight in the South African broadcasting sector. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of digital migration, competition laws, and the relationship between public broadcasters and private media giants.

This case has been under scrutiny for several years, with earlier efforts to challenge the deal dismissed due to insufficient evidence. However, new investigations have provided fresh insights that suggest the agreement warranted closer examination under competition law. As the case develops, it will continue to be a focal point for both industry watchers and regulators.

How Comcast Plans To Ditch Several NBCUniversal Channels Affects DStv?

MultiChoice currently supplies channels like Universal TV, E!, Telemundo, Studio Universal, DreamWorks, CNBC and MSNBC from NBCUniversal. As reported, NBCUniversal's parent company Comcast is planning to ditch these channels and make them into a separate company.

Similar to how Naspers dumped MultiChoice and Irdeto now that is being eyed by French broadcaster Canal+. The same potential owner is also being abandoned by its parent company with some of its shareholders joining the spin off and what do all these entities have in common - TV channels.

There are some former DStv customers celebrating right now that more people will likely abandon the platform if these channels ceased to exist when this plans enter fruition. But this is a bad thing yes some would prefer Wednesday or Squid Games on Netflix but there's plenty of people that are still in it for DStv particularly these channels.

Now that Comcast from the looks of things are dumping NBCUniversal probably even Sky Group as majority of their existence centers on these channels. Questions amount to how E! and DreamWorks will survive such in a transaction even Telemundo are their existence centred on originality.

E! has been winding down it's operations in parts of Europe and I can imagine various shareholders in this spun off company looking to simplify it's operations. Then there's DreamWorks even if the plan was to retain the channel it would look unrecognizable in the coming years relying on imports.

Sure Cartoon Network has been doing this for several years but a majority would expect 100% DreamWorks from its own channel. I expect once this spinoff happens for brands like DreamWorks to undergo a name change. This is what happened when Disney acquired FOX they didn't own the trademark like they did it's studios and channels.

Presuming DreamWorks will morph into Universal Kids but then again it all depends on what the higher ups decide at this point I can imagine them looking to simplify their operations. E! has closed down in the UK and parts of Europe more could follow maybe Telemundo as they prioritize other brands.

MultiChoice had already dealt with such a blow from Disney after it closed FOX, FOX Life and Disney XD. None of these brands were replaced leaving an empty void on top of the recent bloodbath of Me as it merged with 1Magic to form a premium channel known as 1Max, we could just be dealing with even less content.

Comcast Plans Massive Cable Spin-Off, Separating USA, MSNBC and More From NBC, Theme Parks

Comcast is planning to spin off most of its cable television networks, including MSNBC and CNBC, into a separate publicly traded company, according to executives with knowledge of the plan.

The spinoff is expected to be formally announced on Wednesday. The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the impending announcement on Tuesday evening, said the involved channels also include USA, Oxygen, E!, Syfy and Golf Channel.

Comcast’s NBCUniversal division is keeping Bravo, the NBC broadcast network, the Peacock streaming service, and all of its other assets, like NBC Sports and the Universal theme parks.

The separate cable channel company will have the same sort of ownership structure as Comcast, but will have its own management team, led by NBCUniversal Media Group chairman Mark Lazarus, who will become CEO of the new venture.

While observers may view the spinoff as an attempt to shed cable channels that are losing value in the streaming age, the channels still contribute strong profits to Comcast’s bottom line. The company’s executives are expected to portray the spinoff as a growth opportunity for an industry in transition, with an eye toward acquiring other channels in the future.

Of course, the standalone cable network venture could also attract buyers as well as sellers. Wall Street analysts are predicting further consolidation of major media companies in the years ahead.

Comcast president Mike Cavanaugh foreshadowed the spinoff during a conference call with investors last month. He said the company was going to study whether it was a good idea to create “a new well-capitalized company that would go to our shareholders” comprised of “our cable portfolio networks.”

The study evidently did not take long.

Craig Moffett, an analyst with MoffettNathanson, told Variety that “investors have yearned for exactly this, or at least something close to it, for years.”

Notably, the spinoff will cleave MSNBC and CNBC, two profitable parts of the NBCUniversal News Group, away from the core news-gathering operation of NBC News. In recent years NBC has tried to bring its broadcast and cable news operations closer together. Now they may be peeled back apart.

WildEarth Might Be Looking To Relaunch On DStv Before The End Of November

During the week, it was reported that MultiChoice might be looking to relaunch a former channel to the DStv platform after removing it alongside 11 other channels during the year. The company has been in pursuits by the French broadcaster Canal+ whose parent company Vivendi is looking to divest from the brand.

Canal+ also offers services in Africa particularly francophone regions where WildEarth is being distributed on those platforms in a separate agreement. Other brands such as Telemundo, Africa Magic Epic, SuperSport La Liga and M-Net Movies 3 and 4 form part of an add-on known as DStv English.

Based on some recent sitings, it appears MultiChoice is looking to add WildEarth to the platform before the end of November as several promotional banners had popped up all of which are slated for the month. We can only assume that they'll be an announcement about the relaunch in the coming days or so.

It wouldn't even surprise me if MultiChoice just placed WildEarth on its channel number and made the announcement on the day it went live. 

This looks to be an exciting development for those who watched the channel but for the rest of the media we're only left with questions. Firstly, why would MultiChoice engage with a company that slandered them on multiple platforms after failing to secure funds to continue packaging the channel through DStv.

Now we're just expected to see all of this unfold without any clear answers on the matter I can only assume that MultiChoice is paying for the carriage of WildEarth. With the brand also offering a streaming hub on YouTube I can only assume with DStv they're probably turn the channel into a promotional window.

Maxime Saada On The Attempted Takeover Of MultiChoice And Canal+'s Rise To Global Dominance

The irony that a French company is set to become the largest flotation in London for more than two years, a time when homegrown corporate successes have shifted to the US, has not been lost on bankers in the City. 

Canal+ is not just any French company, but one that carries deep “cultural significance” across the channel, according to Maxime Saada, who heads the streaming giant and film producer that is part of Vivendi, the media conglomerate controlled by the billionaire Bolloré family. 

Coming just weeks after Canal+ put on the Paddington in Peru premiere in London, the UK stock exchange has rolled out its own version of a red carpet after ministers overhauled and streamlined listing rules for the first time in 30 years this summer. Saada said that London’s markets revamp “to make it as easy, as smooth as possible” was a major factor in picking the UK capital.

Canal+, which has a book value of close to €7bn, is expected to have a market capitalisation of between €6bn and €8bn, said people close to the listing. This would make it the largest primary listing in London since Haleon was spun out of GSK in 2022 at a market valuation of about £30bn, during a period of remarkable drought for a global stock exchange that led to concerns over its rules and lack of domestic UK investor appetite. 

Canal+, which has produced hits including Versailles, is the largest of three businesses being spun out of Vivendi. If a $2.9bn deal to acquire South Africa’s MultiChoice completes early next year, the combined business could be worth as much as €10bn, according to those close to the deal.

With the Bollorés having long argued that the French market’s valuation of the Vivendi business is less than the sum of its parts, the split will test how much more the company’s divisions will be valued separately.

Saada now needs to convince UK investors that Canal+ — like Paddington — has found its right home in London, with plans to use the country as a launch pad for global expansion that he hopes could double the size of the business.

There have been just over a dozen primary listings in London this year, according to data compiled by MKP Advisors, the biggest of which was Raspberry Pi at about £540mm. Bankers struggle to remember the last time that a major French company has crossed the channel for London.

Speaking in an office in the Parisian suburb of Issy-les-Moulineaux that will continue to be the headquarters for Canal+, Saada admits that the decision to relocate the company’s ownership to the London stock exchange disappointed some in the Elysée.

He has sought to allay concerns in France — where it will also continue paying tax — but has also made it clear that the future of the company lies elsewhere, with London bringing greater visibility as a global company and access to international investors. 

“I believe [the French authorities] are relieved that the company headquarters and tax structure is [in] France. We’re not the first French company [to list elsewhere]. Of course, there are some adverse reactions and some people are disappointed. But when we tell our story . . . they understand.”

Canal+ has close to 27mn subscribers to its streaming and TV platforms across 50 countries, of which about 60 per cent are outside France, alongside a TV and films studio arm. In the first nine months of 2024, the company reported a 3.2 per cent rise in revenues to €4.72bn.

“When we look at the path for the future, the partners, the competitors, the markets, the investors, almost all of them are English speaking,” said Saada.

“We used to be a French company, completely relying on the French market for its revenues, its profits, its rights and most of its stuff. And we have transformed into a company that is now international. I cannot say global yet, but that’s the plan.”

M&A will form part of this plan. Adding MultiChoice’s African business, Canal+ will have more than 40mn subscribers; Saada wants to take this to 100mn.

“We don’t want to overextend ourselves, and we’re very careful on the way we spend money. But we need scale. At 27mn [subscribers], you are already a sizeable player. At 40mn/50mn, you are definitely a contender. Higher than that, it’s interesting. That is the only topic.”

Canal+ is already considering taking a majority stake in Asian streamer Viu, while Saada says that Viaplay, the Scandinavian steaming service, could be another potential target. 

Vivendi became the largest shareholder after an emergency recapitalisation of the Nordic media company this year, although it has signed a standstill agreement with the second-biggest investor, the Czech group PPF.

“It’s a possibility. And there are others. If you look at significant pay TV players in the world, there are others. I want to be in a position where we can be a consolidator,” said Saada.

He says that the company was attracted by the new flexibility in rules for the London stock exchange, with the company in effect set to operate a hybrid of French rules allowed under its incorporation in that country and London’s regime.

“We started speaking [with the LSE] about what it means to be a company headquartered in France and listed in the UK. We are the only of our kind, I believe. So it means that not all rules will apply to us.”

These include London’s rules that board members be subject to re-election annually, he said, with Vivendi instead implementing the French standard of more than three years. The Bolloré family will also retain a stake of about 30 per cent in London-listed Canal+, equivalent to what it owns in Vivendi.

As a result, Canal+ is unlikely to be eligible for inclusion in the FTSE 100 rankings. But Saada said that the company was already attracting interest from investors in the UK, even if the company was still not clearly understood by all in the market. He pointed to the need to show the capabilities of the company’s streaming platform, which bundles together content from most of the large US streamers as well as hundreds of live channels and sports. 

Not all existing investors are happy, however. Paris-based asset manager CIAM has raised concerns that minority shareholders will take a hit and that the plan will not close the conglomerate discount. It also warned that the family could also increase its stake without launching a full takeover.

Vivendi declined at the time to comment but a person with knowledge of the situation said the group’s plan “was built on shareholder democracy”.

Saada added: “My focus is, and I believe that is what the Bollorés have proven in the past, to increase the valuation of the company for all shareholders.” 

The decision to split Vivendi is subject to a shareholder meeting on December 9, which requires two-thirds of votes to pass. Saada is confident that it will.

By mid-December, he hopes to be at the front of London’s stock exchange to celebrate its first day of trading. And, despite requests, he says Paddington and his marmalade sandwiches will not be with him this time.

This article was published on Financial Times

"Time Is Of The Essence": Canal+ And MultiChoice Are Rushing To Finalize Acquisition Terms With Local Legislation

MultiChoice continues to struggle financially, and while there are some green shoots, the company is relying heavily on its deal with Canal+ as its future.

However, this deal faces several hurdles, and if it can overcome these challenges, it will take years to go through.

MultiChoice’s results for the six months through September 2024 revealed that the DStv-owner’s struggles persist.

Revenue for the six months declined by 11% to R24.8 billion, operating profit declined by 49% to R2.5 billion, and its loss increased by 102% to R1.8 billion.

The balance sheet also worsened, with MultiChoice remaining technically insolvent. The company’s negative equity increased by 155% to R2.7 billion in the six-month period.

In addition, MultiChoice’s DStv and other subscribers plummeted from 16.7 million to 14.9 million over the last year. This includes a 5% reduction in South Africa and a 15% decline in the Rest of Africa.

MultiChoice has identified some silver linings, and plans are in the pipeline that could improve this situation.

For example, the company is set to close a deal with Sanlam soon that will significantly improve its balance sheet and wipe out MultiChoice’s negative equity.

MultiChoice expects to recognise an accounting gain of R2.6 billion to R3.3 billion from this deal.

In addition, the company said Showmax has reached its investment peak and should soon start to make a positive contribution to the group’s results.

MultiChoice’s streaming platform has been a drain on its results for years, and its recent rebrand saw the company burning cash to make it happen.

In this six-month reporting period alone, MultiChoice invested an additional R1.6 billion in Showmax, even though the streaming platform has yet to break even.

Another major concern for the company is its declining DStv subscribers. For years, MultiChoice has seen its pay-TV subscribers dwindle.

MultiChoice CFO Tim Jacobs told Daily Investor that this was largely driven by pressure coming from the middle market.

This segment has been significantly strained in recent years, as the high cost of living left them little discretionary spending. This saw thousands of households dump or downsize their DStv packages, hurting MultiChoice’s income.

Therefore, MultiChoice needs to make significant changes to remain sustainable, much less return to profitability.

Luckily for the technology giant, it has a potential lifeline – French media giant Canal+, which has offered to buy MultiChoice for an estimated R55 billion.

Canal+ is a significant MultiChoice shareholder and has steadily increased its stake over the past few years.

The company hit the 35% shareholding threshold at the beginning of this year, triggering a mandatory buyout offer. 

After some back-and-forth, Canal+ offered MultiChoice R125 per share, valuing the company at around R55 billion.

Due to its already substantial stake – Canal+ currently owns around 45% of MultiChoice – the buyout will cost Canal+ an estimated R30 billion in cash. 

This cash injection would not only solve many of MultiChoice’s financial woes but also leave the company with a significant sum of cash to reinvest in its business.

In addition, the synergies between Canal+ and MultiChoice’s operations could see the companies rule pay-TV in Africa.

MultiChoice already has substantial reach in Africa, and Canal+’s presence in the continent’s Francophone countries would allow them to essentially control Africa’s pay-TV market.

MultiChoice and Canal+’s current reach in Africa can be seen in the image from The Outlier below. This makes it clear that combining their forces would make both companies the undeniably dominant provider in Africa’s satellite TV market.

Therefore, this Canal+ deal presents a lifeline for the struggling MultiChoice. However, making this deal happen is easier said than done.

For one, Canal+ is a French company, which triggers specific concerns under South African law.

Specifically, the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) is the most important regulatory hurdle that has plagued Canal+ since it started buying up more MultiChoice shares.

The ECA limits foreign control of commercial broadcasting services through strict ownership rules

- A foreigner may not, whether directly or indirectly, exercise control over a commercial broadcasting licensee.

- No more than 20% of the directors of a commercial broadcasting licensee may be foreigners.

Previously, MultiChoice and Canal+ have been able to work around these restrictions through a Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI), where voting rights for foreigners collectively are limited to 20%.

However, a complete takeover of the kind MultiChoice and Canal+ are looking to make happen is an entirely different story.

While not insurmountable, the ECA presents a significant hurdle for this deal.

Another hurdle for this deal will be convincing the Competition Commission that it would not hinder competition in South Africa’s pay-TV market.

MultiChoice has already submitted its application for this deal to the commission.

Jacobs told Daily Investor that MultiChoice is also now in the process of working with Canal+ and the Competition Commission to submit applications in other jurisdictions where this deal would apply, mostly in Africa. 

“There’s no overlap in many of the markets that we operate in. So, we’re not anticipating this being anticompetitive, but we also are aware that the CompCom process takes quite long,” he said.

Looking at previous similar deals that have been through the Competition Commission, it could take years for MultiChoice and Canal+’s deal to be approved or rejected.

Earlier this month, Vodacom received a blow when the Competition Tribunal issued an order prohibiting its investment in Vumatel and DFA-owner Maziv.

While there is still a possibility that Vodacom may appeal this decision, just reaching this point took the competition authorities three years and several hearings spanning 26 days.

This long waiting time is also the case for deals that are not considered anti-competitive.

Heineken’s acquisition of Distell, one of South Africa’s largest alcohol producers, was a major deal that took about two years to gain full approval from the Competition Commission and Tribunal. 

The transaction was first announced in November 2021, with Heineken planning to buy Distell and Namibia Breweries and then merge these assets into a new joint venture. 

After detailed scrutiny and several rounds of negotiations, the deal was finally approved by the Competition Tribunal in March 2023, and the deal finally closed in April 2023.

Therefore, even if MultiChoice and Canal+’s deal gets the green light from both a foreign ownership and competition perspective, it will take years to reach that point.

However, Jacobs said the companies are working with CompCom and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to streamline the process and try to close the deal as quickly as possible.

“We don’t think that we need to do any approvals through ICASA, but we are in discussions with them to bring them along the journey and make sure that that their understanding and our understanding are the same,” he said. 

“So, we’re basically working with with both sets of regulators at the moment and just making sure that that everyone is comfortable with what we’re doing.”

Regardless, until this deal is approved or rejected, MultiChoice will need to ensure that its financial position is more sustainable than shown in these latest results since its lifeline may take years to arrive.

This article was originally published by Daily Investor 

Development Alert: WildEarth To Relaunch On MultiChoice's DStv???

During the year, MultiChoice removed a total of 12 channels as the board tries to finalize the pending takeover by Canal+ with local regulators. Some channels to have been removed include One Freestate Televisual, NWTV, People's Weather (now People's Planet) with Me and 1Magic that merged to form 1Max.

WildEarth which formed part of the dozen TV channels to have exited the pay-tv company opted to dissolve themselves from the platform after failing to come into an agreement with MultiChoice. The wildlife channel was facing financial constraints and entered a deal with the company where they could pay for the channel.

After MultiChoice was declared technically insolvent they couldn't keep up to their end of the deal leading to WildEarth's dismal from the platform. Since then, WildEarth continued its operations in the UK and other parts of the world with SafariLIVE distributed on People's Planet.

WildEarth also offers a YouTube subscription similar to the current structure of DStv where consumers are required to pay a fee to get additional content alongside the ad free version.

Now it appears MultiChoice may be looking to reinstate WildEarth as several consumers by had already spotted the feed for the channel on our decoders. We can only assume that MultiChoice might have managed to get their finances in order and could as well look to reinstate another channel e.g. One Freestate Televisual.

Another may be the pending takeover by Canal+, WildEarth serves as one of the various TV channels from DStv distributed by the broadcaster in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa. Other channels on their platform include M-Net Movies 3 and 4, Africa Magic Epic, Studio Universal and Star Life, and part of this had to with its stake in the company. 

If this deal is finalised, we can only assume that the French would want to align/consolidate their content with that of MultiChoice cause with them acquiring they'll obviously want to wind down on expenses. Usually these cuts come from the acquired company with Canal+ that will substitute these cuts with their own endeavours.

As for WildEarth, I can only assume they'll announce something in the coming weeks if not sooner. It is expected to be available on the same packages it was on when it was removed and this includes DStv Premium, Compact+, Compact, Family and Access consumers on channel 183.

MultiChoice Working On Getting Deal With Canal+ Approved

 MultiChoice Chief Executive Officer Calvo Mawela is preparing to take on US streaming giants as the African TV company works to get its approximately $3 billion deal with Vivendi SE’s Canal+ over the line with regulators. 

“A combination gives us a better chance to compete against the global giants,” Mawela said in an interview with Bloomberg TV. “Scale matters in this industry, then you are able to negotiate better rates for content and you are able to generate more revenues, especially with one party operating in French-speaking Africa and one in the English speaking part of Africa.” 

The company has been losing subscribers and struggling with currency depreciation across many of its markets, especially Nigeria, that’s hitting profits and customers’ spending power. A deal with France’s Canal+ would help scale a combined entity to better compete for content and technology needed when going up against dominant platforms like Netflix Inc. and Amazon.com Inc., Mawela said. 

While the companies have been in talks with regulators in South Africa, where local ownership rules may prove to be a serious regulatory hurdle to the deal, the French broadcaster has continued to slowly up its stake in MultiChoice. 

“We put something together that should be acceptable for the regulators, and engagements are ongoing,” he said. “We believe it’s a good story for Africa.”

Africa has a young and fast-growing population that’s an attractive market for streamers, although the continent also struggles with uneven internet access, low incomes and currency volatility. A combination of Canal+ and MultiChoice would create a group with nearly 50 million subscribers and the resources to invest more in local content and sports. 

Multichoice is already working with Canal+ on new productions and the South African company, known for its sports content, is providing its partner with access to English Premier League football matches, said Mawela. The company hopes to boost its sales to $1 billion from its Showmax service in the next five years, he said.

French billionaire Vincent Bolloré’s Vivendi is the a process of breaking up his sprawling media and entertainment empire, and Canal+ is actively preparing its own listing in London. The newly spun-off company may also have a secondary listing in Johannesburg. 

Could Canal+'s Potential Listing On JSE Have Any Implications On MultiChoice?

As some readers are aware, Canal+ is currently finalizing their transaction with MultiChoice after the independent board within the company accepted their transaction to acquire remaining shares of the company. Vivendi, which serves as the parent company to the French broadcaster is looking to divest from the brand by the end of 2024.

Canal+ had promised MultiChoice shareholders an opportunity to invest in the combined entity if their transaction is approved by local legislation before the split occurs. Basically shareholders will be given an opportunity to make more money outside of the Randburg based company which does bring up another agenda - MultiChoice.

If shareholders are able to invest this combined entity with a secondary listing how is one sure that the current structure of MultiChoice will be preserved. Aside from DStv, there's also gambling (BetKing), insurance (NMIS Insurance), streaming (Showmax) and cybersecurity (Namola) and as we all know they're technically insolvent.

Let's say they do end up getting their money's worth through this secondary listing and similar to what Naspers did with MultiChoice by given them an independent listing on the JSE. Whose to say that these investors won't want to reduce their losses.

Canal+ is acquiring MultiChoice and this secondary listing could as well be one way to align M-Net, SuperSport and DStv to the services of its pay-tv operations in other countries as well as StudioCanal. They made it evident since this transaction came forward that they're putting their focus towards content.

Shareholders being investors in the combined entity I doubt they'd object to a merger as Canal+ is putting 45% of their investment towards MultiChoice and also shareholders are making money which is the whole point to all this. 

Die Agentskap 2nd December 12PM

MultiChoice Facing Challenging Period Ahead Of Canal+ Takeover

South Africa’s MultiChoice Group, itself now considerably under the influence of Canal+, has admitted it is facing financial headwinds. It will publish its full numbers on November 12th, but in a trading update issued on November 7th it said it has moved from a profit at the same time last year to a loss now.

The first half of the 2025 financial year, it said, was “negatively impacted by severe pressure in the macroeconomic, foreign exchange rate and consumer environment in key markets, most notably Nigeria and Zambia”. Those headwinds include the pay-TV streaming efforts of Netflix, Prime Video and other on-demand rivals.

MultiChoice, which owns the DStv portfolio of channels as well as SuperSport and Showmax options, described the operating environment as “the most challenging” in the group’s history. Adding to the financial pressures is the huge investment the group has made – and continues to make – in Showmax, its streaming competitor.

“MultiChoice has entered the peak investment cycle of Showmax and expects losses and headline losses per share to increase as a result of the early life cycle of the Showmax business,” it said in the trading update.

Canal+ currently owns a 45.2 per cent stake in MultiChoice and will take full control once the take-over is approved. and is backing the plan to use a combined MultiChoice/Canal+ to create a programming power-house for Africa and beyond.

Canal+ and MultiChoice made a joint ‘merger control filing’ to South Africa’s Competition Commission in October and are discussing the merger with the country’s Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and other regulatory authorities.

The article was originally published by Advanced Television

How SABC's Proposal To Let MultiChoice Collect TV Licence Affects DStv?

For several years, SABC has been working on a turnaround plan as the company remains technically insolvent one of which the collection of TV licenses through a pay-tv company. MultiChoice remains firm in their decision to prevent such massacre from moving ahead as it would lead to dire consequences for the average DStv consumer.

What prompted SABC to rely on MultiChoice for disposable income is simple as they already make a half a billion in advertising revenue with 4 channels alone compared to eMedia's R140+ million figure. They also have the watched channels not only in South Africa but to DStv consumers.

Even though these channels do add some value to the average DStv consumer MultiChoice created the platform particularly for those hoping to view content from another perspective. Even though Mzansi Magic is lagging behind SABC 1 in numbers, they could as well be at an advantage point if you had to divide those numbers amongst packages.

On the basis of TV license, if the government were to approve plans of enforcing TV licenses to a platform like DStv as mentioned this will lead to dire consequences not only to the average DStv consumer but MultiChoice.

As we've seen in recent years, MultiChoice continues to bleed in DStv consumers as subscriber numbers had dropped to under 8 million subscribers and enforcing this would lead to additional fees. A lot of DStv consumers had been complaining about the rates and these fees will lead another drop and probably destroy the whole DStv structure.

MultiChoice trying to balance DStv and SABC paying consumers will likely have to cutback on content and lose out on potential revenue if it means retaining their consumers. The public broadcaster had stated that the current rates of TV licenses have yet to be adjusted so whose to say that this may not lead to the closure of certain DStv packages.

One of those reasons MultiChoice proposed a household levy in which SARS will take responsibility. But then again this wouldn't help DStv as the average taxpayer will most definitely want to wind down on expenses and who better than DStv as some have stated we pay DStv which carries SABC so there's your TV licence. 

But this is due to the mangled must-carry regulations which hasn't benefited SABC on a fundamental level but to a consumer's standpoint.