Developing Story: MultiChoice Bids Farewell To Both M-Net Essentials (Me) And 1Magic On DStv By The End Of March

Earlier in the year, MultiChoice sent notifications to selected DStv customers that both 1Magic and Me would be exiting the DStv platform by early February. Time passed and those channels remained on air with MultiChoice silent on further developments. 

During that time, MultiChoice unveiled the new Showmax streamer which would serve as a joint venture with NBCUniversal. This partnership would lead to an extended library of content from NBCUniversal alongside further upgrades to Showmax's frequencies.

Amidst that time, 1Magic had converted to a Showmax repeats channel featuring shows like Outlaws and Adulting. With speculation going around that MultiChoice only extended this offering as a means to promote the newly revamped Showmax. 

With 1Magic set to go dark after 6 years with Me after 3 years by the end of March. The pay-tv company had issued a statement about the latter although not acknowledging Me.

M-Net is streamlining its channel offering to provide a more seamless entertainment experience for DStv customers. After a comprehensive analysis of our content strategy, we have made the decision to terminate 1Magic [and Me].

While some of our popular telenovelas and shows have come to an end, newer fresher content as well as existing shows will be available on the remaining M-Net channels and platforms such as DStv Stream, Catch Up and Showmax.

It is currently unknown how MultiChoice plans to supplement this offering to consumers without M-Net and Showmax. But for more medical and crime shows viewers are encouraged to watch Universal TV and Comedy Central with further local content on Mzansi Magic.

New channels

Although 1Magic and Me are set to be going dark on the DStv platform by the end of March. MultiChoice is currently working on a TV channel curated on Showmax which will feature a mix of South African produced and international shows.

But in a recent enquiry, it seems like this reported channel which would replace both 1Magic and Me ""might" not be available once these channels goes dark as sources tell Insidus to keep tabs on their social platforms for further updates on a new additions. 

Could WildEarth Also Be Looking To Exit DStv As Broadcaster Hints At A Streamlined Portfolio?

WildEarth is a interactive wildlife channel which brings viewers to closer to nature with two daily live safari shows within the hotspots of Africa. Aside from DStv (Africa), the channel can also be viewed on Sling TV (USA), Freeview (UK and Ireland) and Samsung TV Plus (Global).

Viewers across Africa! We need your help with this hugely important survey. Link in the comments below.

Posted by Wildearth on Saturday, December 16, 2023

In December 2023, WildEarth held a survey for consumers across Africa in regard to its future within the DStv platform. In a statement to fans, they mentioned these questions will determine whether the channel would be removed from the pay-tv platform.

Consumers expressing worry and grief had requested that the channel remain onboard their platforms. Although WildEarth has yet to share it's findings on the matter the mere thought of it exiting/consolidating within DStv wouldn't seem far fetched.

In recent months, MultiChoice has been removing various local channels on their platforms: Maisha Magic Movies, HONEY, People's Weather, ROK GH and NWTV. As part of a streamline/cost cutting attempt, these closures were said to be building the lineup for their current offering.

Prior to People's Weather closure, they had forged a content deal with WildEarth extending the reach of the brand to free-to-air households. Other broadcasters to have offered programming from WildEarth include National Geographic and SABC 3.

Development Alert: Arise News Coming Soon To DStv And GOtv In More African Countries

Arise News is a London based television network that offers news and current affairs to audiences across the United States, Europe and Africa. It is operated by Arise Broadcasting Ltd., which is owned by Nigerian media mogul Nduka Obaigbena.

It offers programs such as Arise 360, Global Business Report, Arise Newshour and Daybreak Nigeria. This is accompanied by a streaming service known as Arise Play in 2021 with select titles can be live streamed with content from BBC Studios.

Since 2017, Arise News was only viewable on DStv Channel 416 and GOtv 24 in Nigeria. By 2020, Arise News can be found streaming on Freeview via its own service on Channel 269 and formed part of the Visiontv line-up on Channel 264.

As seen not long ago, MultiChoice might be looking to allocate Arise News in more African countries through DStv. This was after the channel had been spotted by several viewers taking up transmissions formerly occupied by B4U Movies.

The inclusion to more DStv customers doesn't seem far fetched a stretch as they offered news centres in Johannesburg and Lagos. The only mystery now is why they'd wait 11 years after it launched to expand to other markets with 5 years in Nigeria.

Development Alert: Canal Plus Increases Offer To Buy MultiChoice For R35.9 Billion

French media giant Canal+ has increased the price it is offering to buy DStv owner MultiChoice by about 19% to R125 per share.

The companies said in a joint statement on Tuesday morning, a day after Canal+ said it was granted an extension to April to make a mandatory offer, that the European company had also been granted exclusivity as the company considers its offer. An earlier non-binding offer of R105 per share, was rebuffed by the board of Africa's biggest pay-TV operator in February as too low.

This effectively values MultiChoice at over R55 billion on the JSE.

"Once the mandatory offer is made, the independent board of MultiChoice will be constituted and will, after receipt of the independent expert's opinion, provide its opinion and recommendation on the mandatory offer," the parties said in the statement.

Last week, the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP) ruled that Canal+ had to make the offer "immediately" after concluding SA's restrictions on foreign ownership don't sterilize all of its voting rights.

On Monday, Canal+ said it applied for and received an exemption from the TRP from adhering to the timing requirements and was given an extension of 25 working days. This means that it will have to make the offer on 8 April.

Canal+ also recently increased its stake in the group to over 35% from 31.7%, just above a threshold requiring the company to make a mandatory offer to shareholders. Complicating matters, however, is the fact that SA's Electronic Communications Act of 2005 limits foreign ownership of local broadcast licences. This means Canal+ can increase its shareholding in MultiChoice to any level, but its voting rights are limited to a maximum of 20%.

MultiChoice then applied to the regulator to make a ruling on whether an offer must be made, with deputy executive director Zando Ntuli concluding in a ruling that it must.

Canal+, whose parent is Vivendi, operates in 50 countries across Europe, Africa and Asia, directly serving 8 million customers in Africa. It had about 25 million total subscribers as of its 2023 year, while MultiChoice had 23.5 million.

Development Alert: Canal+ Has Until Early April To Make A Mandatory Offer To Acquire DStv And GOtv Parent Company, MultiChoice

Shareholders are referred to the announcement released on the Stock Exchange News Service on 28 February 2024, informing the market of a ruling by the Takeover Regulation Panel (“TRP”) that required Groupe Canal+ SA (“Canal+”) to make an immediate mandatory offer to all ordinary shareholders of MultiChoice in terms of section 123 of the Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008. MultiChoice notes the announcement made today by Canal+ that the TRP has granted it an extension of 25 business days, until 8 April 2024, to make the required mandatory offer. 

The MultiChoice board of directors (“the Board”) will continue to act in the best interests of the 

Company and its shareholders. Shareholders will be updated should there be any further 

developments.

The Board accepts responsibility for the information contained in this announcement as it relates to the Company and confirms that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, such information relating to the Company is true and that this announcement does not omit anything likely to affect the importance of such information. 

Important notice 

Shareholders should take note that, pursuant to a provision of the MultiChoice memorandum of 

incorporation, MultiChoice is permitted to reduce the voting rights of shares in MultiChoice (including MultiChoice shares deposited in terms of the American Depositary Share ("ADS") facility) so that the aggregate voting power of MultiChoice shares that are presumptively owned or held by foreigners to South Africa (as  envisaged in the MultiChoice memorandum of incorporation) will not exceed 20% of the total voting power in MultiChoice. This is to ensure compliance with certain statutory requirements applicable to South Africa. For this purpose, MultiChoice will presume in particular that:

• all MultiChoice shares deposited in terms of the MultiChoice ADS facility are owned or held 

by foreigners to South Africa, regardless of the actual nationality of the MultiChoice ADS 

holder; and

• all shareholders with an address outside of South Africa on the register of MultiChoice will be deemed to be foreigners to South Africa, irrespective of their actual nationality or domicilium, unless such shareholder can provide proof, to the satisfaction of the MultiChoice board, that it should not be deemed to be a foreigner to South Africa, as envisaged in article 40.1.3 of the MultiChoice memorandum of incorporation.

Shareholders are further referred to ruling issued by the Takeover Regulation Panel on 27 February 

2024, which ruling deals with the MultiChoice memorandum of incorporation. Shareholders can access the ruling on the Company's website at https://www.investors.multichoice.com/regulatory.php. 

If shareholders are in any doubt as to what action to take, they should seek advice from their broker, attorney or other professional adviser

Estimated Guess On The Future Of Disney Channel Africa By 2027 And Beyond, Disney+ Absence In Europe And Africa

During the week, it was reported that Disney Channel and Disney Junior would remain in Africa on MultiChoice's DStv for another three years. As Disney extended the agreement with the pay-TV company which include channels from National Geographic and ESPN.

This comes prior to the closure of Disney Junior in parts of Europe as further content folds under Disney Channel. With Africa and a few other parts of Europe retaining the most linear channels one has to wonder how long it will be till these channels get purged. 

As some readers are aware, Disney had closed several channels across the world including the big 3 in Australia, UK and Ireland and Italy. With general entertainment brands in FOX in most parts of Europe while some retain it as FX or Star in that matter. 

While there may not be any definitive time frame on when Disney Channel will end transmission in Africa. Unlike feeds of Germany or Nordic, the Southern African feed of the brand had been redundant in the last few years this was picked by viewers.

Marvel's Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur which had managed to air on Disney Channel in the United States and the above-mentioned regions became a Disney+ exclusive in Africa. Final seasons of Big Hero 6, The Owl House and Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure were also excluded.

On top of that, Disney Channel had been distant to older seasons of most of their shows like Bunk'd and Raven's Home. There was even a point where all shows aired one season on loop which was somewhat hazardous.

All of this leads me to believe that Disney could be looking to alienate these channels from Africa as seen in other countries. I mean why else would shows move to streaming when others can view it on Disney Channel or better yet why reduce Raven.

I know Disney+ is not viewed in some of the regions which offer these brands. But Disney+ hasn't been profitable in the United States and a few other markets with speculation going around about its abrupt end in part of these regions should the matter not improve. 

As seen with Paramount+, Max and Peacock, the idea of Disney+ being consolidated in parts of these regions wouldn't seem far fetched. Not long ago, MultiChoice had relaunched Showmax housing content from these brands same with Sky in the UK.

While Netflix and Amazon Prime Video were able to sustain themselves in the main market. This wasn't the case in other countries with them either licensing content to other broadcasters if not excluding content from certain countries. 

Canal+ Forced To Acquire Remaining Shares In MultiChoice

The Groupe Canal+ approach to MultiChoice Group has taken a dramatic turn: the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP) has ruled that the French broadcaster must make a “mandatory offer” to the JSE-listed firm’s shareholders.

MultiChoice had earlier spurned the Canal+ offer and told its shareholders that they no longer had to exercise caution in trading in the group’s shares.

“Shareholders are advised that the TRP issued a ruling on 27 February to the effect that Canal+ has acquired 35.01% of the voting rights in MultiChoice and, accordingly, a mandatory offer in terms of section 123 of the [Companies Act] has been triggered,” MultiChoice said in a statement to shareholders on Wednesday.

Canal+ is required to make the mandatory offer immediately, in line with the requirements of the act

“Canal+ is therefore required to make the mandatory offer immediately, in line with the requirements of the act and the regulations,” the parent of DStv and Showmax said.

On 6 February, the TRP said it was investigating the offer made by Canal+ after MultiChoice ended potential buying talks with its largest shareholder.

On 1 February, Canal+ said it had offered R105/share for every MultiChoice share it did not already own. It said the offer — worth an estimated R31.7-billion, and representing a 40% premium to MultiChoice’s closing share price of R75 on 31 January.

The offer price was rejected by the continent’s biggest pay-TV company, saying it significantly undervalued the group. MultiChoice said, however, it was open to talk to anyone about any deal provided it was at a fair price.

Threshold

By buying a stake beyond 35%, Canal+ had exceeded the threshold at which South African law requires a company to make a mandatory offer to shareholders. However, MultiChoice asked the TRP to make a ruling on whether such an offer was required.

“The TRP contended that the publication of…the announcement without the approval of the TRP was unlawful, being in contravention of the act and the regulations, and issued a compliance notice against MultiChoice,” the broadcaster said in its statement on Wednesday.  

Development Alert: YouTube Kids Currently Seen On DStv Explora Ultra Is Being Discontinued On Various Platforms

Google integrated YouTube Kids directly inside the main YouTube app for TVs last year. However, the company has continued up until now to run the standalone YouTube Kids app on smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles.

In July, though, Google will pull the plug on the standalone YouTube Kids app on those devices. According to 9to5Google, the outlet confirmed with the company that the YouTube kids app will be pulled from smart TVs as well as streaming devices and game consoles.

YouTube Kids will continue to exist as a standalone app on iOS and Android devices. 

Google's move to remove the YouTube Kids app from those platforms comes shortly after other big changeups in kids-oriented platforms and apps. 

Earlier this year, Paramount completely killed off its standalone Nickelodeon app, where kids were able to watch clips and full episodes of their favorite Nick Jr. and Nicktoons shows. A pop-up message told users that they would need to go directly to the Nickelodeon website to continue to access their content. Following that move, Paramount also shut down the standalone subscription platform for Noggin, a Nickelodeon-affiliated brand that provided content for preschool-aged children, earlier this month.

Unlike those platforms, YouTube Kids is not going away entirely. Parents will be able to set YouTube Kids profiles in the main YouTube app and then select that profile in the "Who's watching" section in order to access the YouTube Kids platform. Parental control settings and other YouTube Kids features will still be available within those profiles.

News Shorts: MultiChoice Rumoured To Be Adding Crown TV To The DStv Platform And Dora To Premiere On Nick Jr. Channels Globally By April 15th

Crown TV to rollout on DStv

Crown Television is Zambian based TV channel operated by Crown Communications that is female managed and consists of young journalists. Since it's inception by February 2021, the channel is currently packaged on TopStar and the StarTimes app.

The channel is more familiar with their impartial, authentic and independent news slots Truth To Be Told and Grand News. It also features reality and drama series like Four Doors, Uwauma Nafyala, Rhumba Show, The Royal Breakfast Show and Valor Woman.

This past week, several consumers had spotted Crown TV under the test card for CBC on DStv leading some to believe that a partnership could be brewing between Crown Communications and MultiChoice.

Dora makes a landing

Paramount+ celebrates the triumphant return of iconic Latina heroine Dora the Explorer with the reveal of the official trailer and key art for the upcoming original preschool series DORA. Produced by Nickelodeon Animation and featuring 26 CG-animated 11-minute episodes, DORA will premiere on Friday, April 12, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia. Twenty episodes will be available to stream in all Paramount+ international markets outside of France and Japan on April 12. The series will also air on Nick Jr. internationally.

With all-new CG animation and imaginative character-driven storylines, the upcoming DORA series follows everyone’s favorite bilingual explorer, Dora (Diana Zermeño), and her best monkey friend, Boots (Asher Colton Spence), as they embark on epic adventures in a fantastical rainforest. Guided by trustworthy Map (Anairis Quiñones), Dora and her friends must work together to overcome many obstacles while being challenged by the sneakiest fox, Swiper (Marc Weiner). Kathleen Herles, the original voice of Dora the Explorer, returns to the new series as Mami, and Mike Smith Rivera joins the cast as Papi.

Paramount Global To Launch Paramount+ Branded Destination With Multichoice In Africa

Paramount Global Content Distribution announced a licensing deal today with MultiChoice to create a Paramount+ branded destination on the pan-African platform. This agreement is part of Paramount's strategy to expand the Paramount+ brand in more ways around the world, including making it available as a direct-to-consumer streaming service, through bundled partnerships in key markets as well as through branded destinations in local markets through licensing deals. Branded areas are currently available via Cosmote in Greece, Streamz in Belgium, Blast TV in Philippines, JioCinema in India and more to come.    

 

The branded destination offers African audiences’ direct access to new and returning television series as well as feature films and marks the debut of the Paramount+ brand in pan-Africa. MultiChoice viewers will have access to world-class content from CBS, Paramount+ Originals, SHOWTIME®, Paramount Pictures, and they will find iconic films and hit television series such as YELLOWSTONE, 1883, 1923, POKER FACE, SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS, LAWMEN: BASS REEVES and upcoming new series LANDMAN as well as returning series like SURVIVOR.

 

“The expansion of our long-standing relationship with MultiChoice from a traditional licensing deal to a fully dedicated, Paramount+ branded destination on the platform is a testament to the tremendous effort of Paramount Global to continue to build the offering from multiple content pillars,” said Lisa Kramer, President, International Content Licensing, Paramount Global Content Distribution. “Consumers in the growing African market already equate Paramount with quality entertainment and we’re thrilled to now offer them a devoted space in which they can both access their favorite programming and discover new hit titles.”

 

"MultiChoice is excited to expand our partnership with Paramount Global to bring the Paramount+ brand to African audiences through our platform,” says Nomsa Philiso, CEO: General Entertainment, MultiChoice South Africa. “This agreement reflects our commitment to providing our viewers with world-class entertainment options and expands our offering with iconic content. We are proud to offer African viewers direct access to a dedicated space where they can enjoy their favourite programming and discover new hit titles, further enriching their entertainment experience."

BBC UKTV Reaches 12.9 Million Viewers In Africa

BBC Studios in Africa has revealed that its multi-genre channel, BBC UKTV, has attracted record numbers, reaching over 12.9 million people. Viewers have grown by 135 per cent and the channel share has increased by 99 per cent among all individuals since launching on DStv in December 2022.

BBC UKTV features a range of genres scheduled for all ages, from Lifestyle programming, Come Dine With Me South Africa S1 and 10 Years Younger to soaps Eastenders, Doctors and Casualty, entertainment Total Wipeout: Freddie & Paddy Takeover, dramas The Mallorca Files, Call the Midwife and Shakespeare and Hathaway and factual series including Life Below Zero.

Since launching in 2022, audiences have tuned into the daily schedule and Secrets of the Supercars, Come Dine With Me, Bake-Off Crème de la Crème, The Musketeers (pictured) and The Great South African Bake-Off have become the most viewed shows to date.

Pierre Cloete, Commercial Director at BBC Studios in Africa, commented “BBC UKTV has seen incredible growth over the past year, I am so proud that over 12.9 million people have watched our shows. We crafted the channel to match the viewing habits of families in Africa and give more people access to our high-quality shows. With a variety of genres available for all age groups to enjoy, it’s amazing to see how many families are tuning in. We have committed to the future of BBC UKTV and can’t wait for DStv audiences to explore even more of BBC Studios’ award-winning catalogue.”

BBC UKTV (DStv channel 134) is available on DStv Compact, DStv Family, DStv Access and DStv Easy View.

MultiChoice Might Be Looking To Close The Two SWITCH'D ON Channels On DStv

Following the impact of the load shedding, MultiChoice curated two catch-up channels for DStv consumers in South Africa and Lesotho. SWITCH'D ON channel 109 would be available to consumers above Compact while channel 110 would cater for Family and Access.

These two channels would offer content viewed on channels offered under Mzansi Magic and kykNET a few hours after it aired. It was met with praise by various DStv consumers but as seen in 2023 it didn't retain their remaining consumers with MultiChoice reporting zero growth.

During the week, MultiChoice adjusted the prices for each DStv package which comes to effect in April. They've also unveiled several attractions like La Liga and ESPN on Access with Compact Plus customers set to get revamped offering curated on Showmax.

According to News24, they're also working on adding power banks to their decoders this way consumer's entertainment can still be enjoyed even after load shedding. If anything, it's likely that they'll look to phasing out older decoders and replacing them with these modules. 

This potential feature could help retain existing consumers and also assist in growing their consumption base. With more integrating with this offering, MultiChoice will most likely close SWITCH'D ON as less viewers tune in or when these products are on market.

Freeing up SWITCH'D ON will open the door for more channels as some readers are aware that MultiChoice has been battling with transponder constraints. For all we know, they could even revive M-Net Movies pop-up channels as they haven't launched one in 2023.

Channel X: MultiChoice Teases The Launch Of A Revamped Showmax Curated Offering On DStv

During the week, MultiChoice adjusted the prices for each DStv package which comes to effect in April. They've also unveiled several attractions like La Liga and ESPN on Access with Compact Plus customers set to get revamped offering curated on Showmax.

As reported moments ago, the offering in question is most likely 1Magic as MultiChoice had planned to axe the channel earlier in the month. But it turns out only the first run offering was what shuttered as Champions debuted on Mzansi Magic after being greenlit for 1Magic.

This has left readers curious on MultiChoice's next phase of action for 1Magic. In a story published on News24, it had been revealed that MultiChoice has a project in development known simply as X (working title).

Channel X has no relation to Elon Musk as the name implies and if anything is based off the new Showmax logo. The project is set to reboot one of M-Net's linear channels and assist with the promotion of Showmax with a lineup of locally produced and international content.

There's still no word on Me

As mentioned, Me channel would have exited alongside 1Magic earlier in the month. As seen with the latter, Me has expanded catch-up to weekdays with 5 episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles for 5 straight hours something that most linear channels would confine on weekends.

On top of that several primetime shows like Tulsa King and Based On A True Story are seeing doubles. There's lots of theories going around as to why this may be the case one of which is that M-Net could be looking to merge Me with X seeing as both are second fiddle.

1Magic has a variety of content that would probably conflict with Me and therefore limit the airtime for several shows. Another theory that comes to mind here is that M-Net could look to restructure Me's programming (if not package) even throw a new coat of paint.

Mzansi Magic gets front row seat

Mzansi Magic has been evading shows from 1Magic with The River moving to 18:30 while Adulting which was slated for 2023 debut launching on 1Magic. Maybe Me will expand their catch-up offering outside of Housewives to include shows like The Mommy Club and Outlaws.

With the way some content rollout on Me, it's only a matter of time till there's not much catching up left for the channel so getting these shows away from Mzansi Magic would probably help build up the ratings.

Development Alert: MultiChoice & Disney Africa Sign Multi-Year Distribution Renewal Through 2027

The Walt Disney Company Africa and MultiChoice Group have signed a multi-year distribution deal for Disney’s portfolio of linear channels on DStv until 2027. National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, Disney Channel, Disney Junior as well as ESPN and ESPN2 will continue to be carried by DStv for the next four years.

 

The channels will continue to be available on the following DStv packages:

• National Geographic: Family and up

• National Geographic Wild: Access and up

• Disney Channel: Compact and up

• Disney Junior: Access and up

• ESPN: Access and up

• ESPN2: Compact and up

 

Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa, says: “This distribution renewal ensures that we will be able to continue bringing our six 24-hour channels to audiences across the continent and marks another proud milestone in our long-term relationship with the MultiChoice Group. With a strong foundation of creativity, story-telling, exploration and multi-generational emotional connection, we are proud to continue offering DStv viewers the very latest from our high-quality, premium kids, factual and sports content.”

 

"Championing our mission to enrich lives and elevate entertainment experiences, we're thrilled to ensure our customers can savour their favourite shows and movies effortlessly, anytime, anywhere, thanks to our state-of-the-art platforms. "Extending our Partnership with The Walt Disney Company and the incredible linear channels on DStv elevate our offering and amplifies the joy of entertainment!" Nomsa Philiso, CEO: General Entertainment, MultiChoice South Africa.

 

The Walt Disney Company operates on 24-hour channels in Africa, in both English and Portuguese across the portfolios of family (Disney Channel and Disney Junior), factual (National Geographic, National Geographic Wild) as well as sports (ESPN and ESPN 2).

 

Disney Channel (CH 303) celebrates friendships through feel good, fun stories infused with music. It’s a place where young viewers can be themselves amongst extraordinary friends. Disney Junior (CH 309) invites kids into a magical world of fun and imagination, featuring the characters they love.

 

With a promise to inspire the explorer in everyone, National Geographic (DStv CH 181) pushes the boundaries of exploration through ground-breaking storytelling, offering viewers the opportunity to go further. National Geographic WILD (CH 182) is dedicated to providing a unique insight into the natural world and the amazing creatures that inhabit it. From the most remote jungles to the forbidding depths of our oceans, to the protected parks on our doorsteps, National Geographic WILD uses spectacular cinematography and compelling storytelling to unveil the mysteries of the natural world. 

Development Alert (Rumour): 1Magic To Undergo Yet Another Rebrand Before April With M-Net's Me "Likely" To Exit DStv Possibly For Channel 111 (NBC)

Update: the channels will close 31 March 2024 and for an updated statement: click here 

Earlier in the month, MultiChoice would have removed both 1Magic and Me from the DStv platform. Following their release from possible execution, 1Magic became a Showmax repeats channel moving further exclusive content like Champions to Mzansi Magic.

Prior to this fallout, MultiChoice had removed various local TV channels including Maisha Magic Movies and ROK3 as their content integrate with other brands. It is believed that they're prioritising their streaming endeavours as they plan to boost local spend on Showmax.

Not long ago, MultiChoice had announced their price adjustments for each package and it was mentioned by the pay-tv company that Compact Plus would have a "rebranded set of channels" curated on Showmax. 

It is evident here that 1Magic is one of the TV channels MultiChoice is looking to revamp soon. As seen by some DStv consumers, all the local content such as The Real Housewives Of Lagos, The Mommy Club, Adulting and Outlaws are all based from Showmax.

Not only that but 1Magic doesn't have a programme guide for the next month as the channel lists its name with no content present. That only leaves further questions as to what plans MultiChoice has for Me as it was the only means for viewers without M-Net. 

During the week, MultiChoice had begun work on a channel 111 which was always curated for M-Net Movies pop-up channels. But this channel had the working title NBC HD imprinted leading to some theories that this could serve as a predecessor to channel 115.

In an enquiry about Me and 1Magic, it was very much mentioned that Me would be exiting soon but a date had yet to be reached while more details were still awaiting 1Magic. 

This recent developments lead us to believe that NBC could be reference to the American company NBCUniversal which has minority stake in Showmax. Maybe Me and Universal will merge into one channel featuring content from M-Net and NBC for lower packages.

It could explain why MultiChoice was looking to throw away the only channel low tiered consumers would have access to local content like Reyka and My Kitchen Rules South Africa alongside international titles like The Voice and FBI: Most Wanted.

MultiChoice South Africa Has Announced Its Price Adjustments For 2024, Which Will Take Effect On 1 April

MultiChoice South Africa has announced its price adjustments for 2024, with increases higher than in recent years – although the broadcaster said the adjustments are “fair” given the added value on offer.

CEO Marc Jury told the media in an interview on Monday that the company is also guaranteeing that customers won’t pay more than they are now for the next 24 months – provided they agree to be locked into a contract for that period. There are no additional fees, such as the decoder access fee, but only for those who elect to sign the 24-month agreement.

For those not taking advantage of the “price lock”, the annual price increases, which take effect on 1 April, are:

• DStv Premium: R929 (5.7% increase, from R879 previously)

• DStv Compact Plus: R619 (4.5% increase, from R579 previously)

• DStv Compact: R469 (4.5% increase, from R449 previously)

• DStv Family: R329 (3.1% increase, from R319 previously)

• DStv Access: R139 (7.8% increase, from R129 previously)

• DStv EasyView: R29 (no change)

Jury encouraged consumers to take advantage of the “price lock” discounts to avoid any price increases or additional fees over the next 24 months.

“Given that we understand consumer spending is under more pressure than it has been for quite some time, this is a big part of our communication this year…especially as we have renewed the English Premier League, the Champions League and LaLiga, and have extended [our agreement] with SA Rugby. Premium customers will continue to have all the best sport.”

The price lock means Premium customers will continue to pay R879/month for 24 months

The price lock means DStv Premium customers will continue to pay R879/month for 24 months, and the “access fee” of R120/month normally payable will be included in that price, too. After 1 April, however the “price lock” price will increase to R899 – again, with no additional fees – provided a 24-month contract is signed. Showmax will continue to be available as a free value-add to Premium subscribers, said Jury.

No changes will be made to pricing for the new DStv Stream internet streaming packages launched last year. These plans offer access over broadband internet lines only, and not via the traditional satellite delivery platform.

News Shorts: SuperSport Motorsport Opens Up To DStv Compact And Compact Plus Customers In Time For The F1 Season, Undercover Billionaire Returns On Discovery Family For Season 2 And PBS Kids Loads Up On Civics And Media Literacy With New Shorts

Undercover Billionaire returns for season 2

With just $100 in their pockets, three business titans are dropped in unfamiliar cities, stripped of their names, money and contacts and given a simple challenge: Build a $1 million business in just 90 days.

First TX: 13 March 

TX Day: Weekdays 

TX Time: 19:40

SuperSport Motorsport opening up to more DStv customers

The 2024 Formula 1 season will be the longest campaign on record with 24 races and six Sprint events from March 2nd to December 8th. There were 24 races planned for 2023, but the cancellation of the Chinese GP due to COVID-travel restrictions and Emilia Romagna due to floods reduced the number to 22.

MultiChoice will be making the F1 on SuperSport Motorsport accessible to DStv Compact+ and Compact from 28 February to 11 March.

PBS KIDS enters the classroom

PBS KIDS has commissioned a collection of themed content touching on civics and media literacy in order to address a learning gap that isn’t being well-served by the US school system.

On the greenlit list is Sesame Workshop’s new series of 20 Together We Can music videos for four-to-eight-year-olds, exploring topics such as rights, voting and what it means to be part of a community. 

PBS KIDS is also reupping its civics-focused City Island series of three-minute shorts for a second season, plus working on a City Island Sings spinoff (10 music videos). The next batch of 20 City Island episodes will tackle media literacy topics like news, advertising and fact-based reporting for six to 10s in an expanded 2D-animated story world.

Why MultiChoice Has Been Removing A Lot Of Local/African Channels On DStv And GOtv In Recent Months?

2023 had been proven to be one of the most challenging years for consumers and businesses. On top of less channel additions, MultiChoice had experienced zero growth in DStv consumption in the top tier market part of which has to do with the impact of load shedding.

But one thing that caught several readers attention was and appears to be an ongoing matter with the company is the reduction of TV channels. Some memorable TV channels included M-Net Edge, Animal Planet and Disney XD.

As seen in 2023, MultiChoice has been slowly reducing its local footprint with the closure of Maisha Magic Movies, HONEY and ROK3. This pandemic had carried itself over to the new year with NWTV and People's Weather with 1Magic on hold for the time being.

This has led to some ongoing fear from consumers of The Home Channel and various other brands with some threatening to cancel if they lose out on Gardening 101 and Real Health.

Similar to secondary networks like M-Net City and VUZU, MultiChoice is probably streamlining it's local endeavours in a major shakeup. Warner Bros. Discovery halted production of original content for TNT and TBS as the latter is folded under HBO and the Max streamer.

Throughout 2023, this was what was kind of analysed Maisha Magic Movies reverted to Maisha Magic and Pearl Magic while HONEY's remaining offering merged onto Showmax. Downside to cable, regional restrictions as this content is less accessible now.

Looking at this, its likely MultiChoice is prioritising existing IPs like Mzansi Magic and stripping off loss makers/non-performing brands like 1Magic. This doesn't mean there won't be any local investment as Zee Zonke and Play Room launched with a minimal line-up.

Channel Closure: People's Weather Will Stop Airing On DStv By Early March, Remains On Openview For The Time Being

People's Weather is Africa's first and only environmental and wildlife channel since 2007. After launching as a weather service, MultiChoice would move it away from the news section of the DStv package and group it alongside Curiosity Channel, BBC Earth and National Geographic.

The channel would extend its reach to free-to-view consumers by 2015 with eMedia Investments' Openview platform. 

As seen on the programme guide, the channel is scheduled for deletion on the DStv platform by the 1st of March. Although, the channel would remain on the Openview platform the decline in linear consumption will likely lead to content cuts and revenue loss.

People's Weather had hit a repetitive slope rehashing old content as it tries to build its primetime offering. Last year, The Denver Naicker Talk Show was revived on the network following Glow TV's exit from linear TV and since December content from WildEarth had formed part of its line-up.

 

According to MultiChoice, the decision to terminate People's Weather was to find new and innovative ways to work together. What that could imply is select shows from People's Weather will probably resurface on other TV channels.

This would be the fifth channel to have exited DStv in the year with B4U Movies also scheduled for deletion in March. Other channels to have exited DStv so far include the controversial Emmanuel TV by TB Joshua alongside community channels One Freestate Televisual and NWTV.

New Channel Alert: Wedding Channel, MultiChoice Launches Africa's First Dedicated Channel For Weddings In Nigeria

Mallgoers were treated to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience, courtesy of MultiChoice Nigeria. The event, which took place at Rufus and Bee, Twinwaters, Lekki, provided an atmosphere of fun, laughter, and sportsmanship, with mouthwatering prizes for everyone who took part in the games. The venue buzzed with lively energy as attendees, regardless of their relationship status, bonded over the shared enjoyment of the activities.

Participants engaged in a diverse array of entertaining games, each offering the chance to win exciting prizes, from delectable cupcakes and chocolate treats to the highly coveted jackpot prize. Classic favorites like Snake and Ladder, alongside rapid-fire trivia questions testing knowledge of DStv and GOtv services, kept the excitement palpable.

The popular Spin the Wheel added an extra layer of anticipation, with a variety of gift items up for grabs, ensuring there was something enjoyable for everyone.

The event was a gesture of love from MultiChoice, to build better connection and reaffirm the notion that Valentine’s Day transcends romantic love to celebrating the joy of togetherness and friendship.

Overall, MultiChoice Nigeria’s Valentine’s Day celebration left participants with lasting memories, gifts, and a renewed appreciation for the spirit of camaraderie and positive relationships.

The Valentine’s celebration continues throughout February with love-themed shows on DStv and GOtv, including a new Wedding Channel (DStv 176).