DStv Channel Changes From 01 January 2023 To 31 March 2024

2023 had proven to be the least productive year in terms of channel additions as opposed to terminations as MultiChoice continues to review their slate of content and explore other means of keeping viewers entertained.

DStv Access experienced the most wins during this period in terms of expansions as the pay-tv company allocated channels such as E! Entertainment, Trace Urban, WildEarth, ESPN 1 SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Schools and Ignition TV.

They continued their winning streak with new additions Play Room and Zee Zonke.

DStv Easyview didn't get that much limelight as seen in the previous financial period with Magic Showcase and BBC UKTV. However, they were very much present in the new channel circuit with the now defunct brands, NWTV and One Freestate Televisual. 

Consumers leaning toward the Family and Compact Plus tile had recieved the least amount of attention in the current financial period:

• DStv Family only got BBC Lifestyle after being made exclusive to Compact.

• DStv Compact+ welcomed a new channel Qwest TV from multi award-winning artist Quincy Jones.

DStv Compact consumers were the most "fortunate" amongst top to mid tier households. Although no new channels were reported, MultiChoice had extended the reach BBC UKTV which now serves 12 million households in Africa alongside ESPN 2.

Premium households continue to inherit nothing as the market for this audience declines with the last additions dating back to September 2020 with a full-time fliekNET channel and more sports channels. 

Terminations from this period range from channels like Maisha Magic Movies, HONEY, Da Vinci Kids, Deutsche Welle (DW), Emmanuel TV, B4U Movies, People's Weather, NWTV, One Freestate Televisual, Ginx eSports TV, 1Magic and Me:

• DStv Easyview would have lost 4 channels which is the most channels for any package: People's Weather, NWTV, One Freestate Televisual and Emmanuel TV. 

• DStv Access would have come in second with 3 channels: HONEY, Deutsche Welle (DW) and Da Vinci Kids. 

• DStv Compact would come in third with two channels: Ginx eSports TV and Maisha Magic Movies. 

• Other packages would have lost only one channel: 1Magic, Me and B4U Movies. 

Below we present a roundup of 2023 with various developments that took place and beside it the package.

Expansions

ESPN 1 - Compact to Access

WildEarth - Family to Access

Trace Urban - Family to Access

E! Entertainment - Compact to Access

Ignition - Family to Access

BBC UKTV - Easyview to Compact

ESPN 2 - Compact+ to Compact

BBC Lifestyle - Compact to Family

SuperSport Schools - DStv Stream to Decoder (excluding Easyview)

SuperSport La Liga - Family to Access

New channels

Qwest TV - Compact+

Zee Zonke - Access

* One Freestate Televisual - Easyview

Play Room - Access

* NWTV - Easyview

* means channel closed 

Termination

HONEY - Access

Maisha Magic Movies - Compact

Da Vinci Kids - Access

Emmanuel TV - Easyview

1Magic - Compact+

Me - Family

One Freestate Televisual - Easyview

B4U Movies - AddMovies

People's Weather - Easyview 

NWTV - Easyview

Deutsche Welle (DW) - Portuguese

Ginx eSports TV - Compact 

Recap To The Week: 1Max Has Been Excluded From The DStv Compact And Family Packages

During the week, MultiChoice had launched the standalone 24 hour service to Showmax, 1Max. After promising Compact+ consumers a rebranded offering, 1Max debuts on channel 103 with content already seen on 1Magic with a major boost from Me.

After having closed Me on channel 115 which targeted consumers on the Compact and Family packages. MultiChoice had opted alienate them from viewing further shows from M-Net and this includes Yellowstone and The sixth season of The Good Doctor.

Consumers on Compact+ confused and frustrated over the switch to 1Max as various traits from 1Magic had surfaced on the channel. This includes sitcoms Moesha and One And One with further additions of content viewed on Africa Magic and KykNET. 

From what we've grasped, 1Max is a Showmax tailored channel basically BBC UKTV and Nicktoons - secondary network. All the premium bonanza was axed when the premiere of Champions moved from 1Magic to Mzansi Magic. 

Honestly speaking, 1Max's debut on DStv almost seems rushed as the programme guide still includes 1Magic's termination card. On top of that, further details as to the name and programming was only unveiled by yesterday.

MultiChoice in these regards opted to unveil further details about 1Max through content highlights on their website. They didn't think to even brief the media beforehand not even a press release leading some to question MultiChoice's confidence on 1Max.

One of two theories come to mind over the lack of marketing first being its current positioning as the latter is on Showmax. If anything, its likely that the availability has to do with some content viewed on channel like Ted and Red Ink.

MultiChoice Chair To Stay On Until Canal+ Transaction Concludes

Imtiaz Patel will remain as chair of MultiChoice until the conclusion of the Canal+ transaction, the pay-TV operator said on Tuesday.

French broadcaster Canal+ has made a mandatory offer to MultiChoice investors to take up all the shares that it does not already own by April 8.

The MultiChoice board said it had reached an agreement for Patel to stay as the continuity would be beneficial. Patel agreed to extend his tenure until the conclusion of the Canal+ transaction or sooner, depending on the progress of the transaction.

Elias Masilela, a long-standing non-executive director and the chair, became the deputy chair of the MultiChoice board on April 1. He will also become lead independent director in place of Jim Volkwyn, who will step down as lead independent director but remain as a non-executive director.

 

At the start of February, Canal+ made an offer to buy the rest of the company at R105 a share, or just more than R31bn, in what would have been the biggest M&A deal so far in SA in 2024.

The DStv owner snubbed the offer as too low for the business and its prospects, even though it is at the top end of the target price range that analysts and brokers have for the stock. 

Canal+ then raised its offer to R125 per share on March 5, valuing the deal at about R37bn.

Canal+, a top shareholder in MultiChoice that had a 31.67% interest when it proposed the offer, raised its stake to 35.01% after the deal’s announcement earlier in February, just above the threshold that would require the company to make a mandatory offer to shareholders.

The Paris-based company said it would publish a firm intention announcement by April 8.

From Old Favourites Like Moesha And Wura To Originals Like Tracking Thabo Bester And Red Ink: List Of Confirmed Shows For DStv's Newest Addition, 1Max

Not long ago, it was revealed that 1Max was the name of the TV channel set to replace 1Magic and Me on DStv. It is currently unknown if 1Max will also be included on Compact and Family as tests are also being conducted on 1Magic's channel number.

1Max from what we could figure based on the logo is a Showmax tailored channel. Unlike 1Magic which was catered to Southern Africa with a separate feed in West Africa, 1Max seems to be following its streaming counterpart and unifying this lineup.

The West African telenovela Wura after launching on the Africa Magic channels in 2022 will rollout on 1Max. Based on the 1Magic telenovela The River, Wura follows an iron lady who doesn’t care whose ox is gored in her path to get what she wants.

This will be followed by the Afrikaans romcom Troukoors (Wedding Fever) after debuting on KykNET in 2021. Starring an all elite cast, It followed a wedding planner who surrounded by friends and family is on a journey toward self discovery. 

There's also going to be some flash from the past shows from 1Magic such as One On One and Moesha which will form part of a classic sitcom block. Joining this lineup will be Me favourites such as 6th installment of The Good Doctor alongside Yellowstone. 

In hindsight, 1Max is basically 1Magic with a new coat of paint and additional content. Initially structured to offer an independent lineup from M-Net through 1Magic will also serve as an open window to shows exclusive and already seen on DStv Premium.

If we had to guess, MultiChoice will probably be putting more buzz on Tracking Thabo Bester, Red Ink and Sport Wives.

Tracking Thabo Bester is a four part miniseries based on the lives of the titular character alongside medical doctor Nandipha Magudumana. It debuted on Showmax last month and had the most views compared to any other doccie.

Red Ink is a eight-part thriller tells the story of a journalist turned publicist, Lucy Khambule, who is approached by an imprisoned serial killer to tell his story. Followed by Sports Wives, a reality show that follows the lives to wives of South Africa's sporting greats.

Development Alert: MultiChoice And M-Net To Rollout 1Max As A Replacement To 1Magic And Me On DStv

Earlier in the year, it was reported that MultiChoice was currently working on a TV channel with the letter X in its name. Not much details was shared about the content or when this channel would be ready for distribution to consumers.

As reported last month, MultiChoice and M-Net had shuttered the M-Net's Me and 1Magic channel on DStv. As they continue streamlining their portfolio further reducing the amount of linear channels available. 

Not long ago, the pay-tv company had begun experimenting on the reported Channel X brand which we now know is 1Max. It describes itself as the best TV channel for Showmax viewing offering shows such as Tali's #JoburgDiary, Wura and The Good Doctor. 

Considering that M-Net will be merging Me and 1Magic into a single TV channel. It would make a sense for the channel to be available to consumers as Me and 1Magic but MultiChoice had promised this channel would be available to their Compact+ consumers.

There's chances that certain DStv customers might be excluded from this offering. But considering that MultiChoice had failed to address the situation pertaining to the shows chances of that risk 1Max joining the latter to have been axed.

The Possible Damage Awaiting MultiChoice Following The Cancellation Of M-Net's Me And 1Magic On DStv

In a few days, DStv customers will be bidding farewell to two channels, 1Magic and Me. As M-Net further streamlines and consolidate their entertainment offering consumers will be paying more but have less channels at their disposal.

These channels would have joined B4U Movies, Deutsche Welle (DW), People's Weather, Ginx eSports TV, Emmanuel TV, NWTV and One Freestate Televisual to have been axed since the start of the year with WildEarth to follow soon.

MultiChoice in these endeavors have made their closures very distasteful with the lack of marketing to their consumers. Not even a press release on their website to probably explain the matter and what fate awaits the programming on these channels. 

As these channels play an important role in their respective packages and were one of the few reasons anyone would latch on to their consumers. With their inevitable demise,  MultiChoice risks losing more DStv consumers and revenue. 

Amidst these inflated prices, MultiChoice had promised their Compact Plus consumers a rebranded offering. This would see one of their current entertainment channels convert into open window for Showmax originals alongside third party content.

Seeing as it will not launch immediately after 1Magic and Me would depart from several consumers. The channel would have lost an audience as the only means of survival for this brand would be extending its reach to more DStv consumers. 

Not much details has shared on whether the channel would replace Me or if select shows would be accessible on the channel. With the amount of content coming from Showmax not much space would be available to accompany M-Net's existing offering.

Although some programming from Me such as Chicago Med and The Equalizer can be accessible on Universal TV they're lagging behind by several seasons from Me. Aside from that, they haven't obtained nor have plans to broadcast Chicago Fire.

Patrice MotsepeIs In Talks To Join Canal+ In A Bid To Acquire MultiChoice Group

Billionaire Patrice Motsepe is in talks with Groupe Canal+ to join the French broadcaster’s multibillion-dollar bid for broadcaster MultiChoice Group, according to people familiar with the matter.

Bringing South Africa’s richest black man into the deal would likely help the French media conglomerate meet the country’s stringent black ownership requirements, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the information is still private.

Representatives for both Canal+ and Motsepe’s investment company, African Rainbow Capital, declined to comment. Discussions are at an early stage and there is no guarantee that an agreement will be reached, said the people.

Canal+ has built up a holding above 35% in MultiChoice, South Africa’s biggest pay-TV group, triggering a mandatory takeover offer. If the Vivendi Group-owned French broadcaster can navigate the country’s limits on foreign media ownership, it will gain greater access to African markets, home to the world’s fastest-growing and youngest population.

Canal+ is expected to make a formal offer for MultiChoice at R125/share, valuing the company at about R55-billion, before 8 April for consideration by the board’s independent members, said the people. The French company had pushback from MultiChoice on its earlier offer of R105/share.

Formed in South Africa in 1985, MultiChoice expanded across Africa in the early 1990s with packages including live English football matches and local shows. The company was spun off from Naspers in 2019. It also owns Showmax, the popular video streaming service and Netflix rival.

Vivendi aims to combine its local Canal+ operations with MultiChoice, creating a group with almost 50 million subscribers and resources to invest more in local content and sports.  

Credits: Bloomberg and TechCentral

BOMBSHELL. WildEarth Goes On A Rant And Exposes Lucrative Business Deal With MultiChoice's DStv

During the week, it was mentioned by WildEarth's CEO that they have made numerous attempts to in securing carriage fees for their channel on DStv. Following unsuccessful attempts, the company is looking to take their channel off DStv by the end of April.

The only way WildEarth can remain on the DStv platform would be for MultiChoice to pay for the channel and not vice versa.

Earlier the company had mentioned that MultiChoice would rather pay for National Geographic and National Geographic Wild. But through ongoing interaction with viewers some minor details had been revealed about their agreement with DStv.

Here’s a little David and Goliath story - although at this point, it is difficult to see how David is not going to get...

Posted by Wildearth on Tuesday, March 26, 2024

On top of their financial woes, WildEarth has been paying MultiChoice to keep the channel on air. For 4 straight years, WildEarth on top of generating some ad revenue had to split part of those earnings to keep their space on DStv and cover other expenses. 

Taking to account such deals are not unlawful but haven't proven to be favorable either. It's like running your own website where the publisher (DStv) offers ad platforms (WildEarth) a space to promote in exchange for money with ad platforms getting exposure.

Based on circumstances, it's "likely" WildEarth approached MultiChoice and only agreed to this as they were hoping to salvage more out of this. Not a lot of people were familiar with the brand as seen with flagship show SafariLIVE it seems like the only logical conclusion. 

Another would be that MultiChoice positioned WildEarth as a business type channel as seen with former channels VOOV and TV Mall.

MultiChoice had agreed to carry WildEarth as a pop-up channel initially under those terms. Based on figures opted to continue this agreement while WildEarth running on the platform was hoping to join the league of Warner Bros. Discovery and BBC Studios. 

Donate to WildEarth: click here 

Petition to keep WildEarth on DStv: click here 

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

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

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

1Magic

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

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

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

Me

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

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

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

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

Ginx eSports TV 

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

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

WildEarth To Cutback On Live Shows Following Its Possible Exit On MultiChoice's DStv

WildEarth is an interactive wildlife channel which brings viewers closer to nature with live safaris within the hotspot of Africa. Founded in 2007 by Graham Wallington and Emily Wallington, WildEarth has developed a global community of viewers.

Not long ago, it was reported that WildEarth would be looking to take their channel off DStv by the end of April. This comes months after the channel's current CEO was negotiating with MultiChoice over adding carriage fees to the channel.

As some readers are aware, WildEarth hosted a live event where several notable figures were briefing audiences on the future of the brand. Aside from the departure from DStv, they are looking to no longer offer any live content and transition to short form.

This means shows like Sunrise Safari and Sunset Safari will continue to exist but will be pretaped. On top of that airtime for these shows will be further reduced as they try to offer more short form content as they eyeing potential deals who feel the offering is lacking. 

SafariLIVE was one of their signature shows and what helped them garner an online presence. For that to be minimized or possibly scrapped, consumers are led to wonder if this would bring about its end on YouTube where part of their content resides.

They are looking to film some of these shows in other countries as opposed to limiting their stance in South Africa and Kenya. Of course, they'll need further donations to remain on the air and get some of this content of the ground. 

If you're interested in donating: click here

If you're looking to save WildEarth from being removed on DStv: click here

With WildEarth looking to add more variety to their lineup and eyeing potential deals. Some of this content will likely be deprived from consumers if not minimized something that wasn't discussed as much.

Channel Closure: WildEarth Will Stop Airing On DStv By The End Of April, Freeview And ROKU Might Follow Soon

WildEarth is an interactive wildlife channel which brings viewers closer to nature with live safaris within the hotspot of Africa. Founded in 2007 by Graham Wallington and Emily Wallington, WildEarth has developed a global community of viewers.

Since December, the channel's future in Africa came into question after WildEarth uploaded a survey which would help determine if the channel should remain aboard the DStv platform. At the time, the channel didn't share any of their findings on the matter.

This past weekend, WildEarth held a live event which was accessible on YouTube. It was there were more details about their survey had come forward. 

According to the surveys, WildEarth serves as one of the top 3 favourite channels by 76% of its viewers with 90% voting it as one of their favourite local channels. Despite the positive reception, the channel is not able to retain its position on DStv.

Andre Crawford, the current CEO of WildEarth had been engaging conversation with MultiChoice to try and recieve payment for the channel. Unfortunately, they couldn't come to an agreement with the channel looking to exit DStv by the end of April.

WildEarth has been struggling to sustain itself within the current economic climate where platforms like Netflix and TikTok reign supreme. With that in mind, they're look to restructure their business model in the coming months in order to stay afloat. 

If you're interested in donating: click here

Following news of its possible closure on DStv, a viewer had created an online petition which not only requires them to get compensated but keeps them on the air for the foreseeable future: click here for the petition. 

Should MultiChoice not come to a new agreement with WildEarth, this would be the 10th TV channel to have exited their platforms. It would join M-Net's Me and 1Magic alongside Ginx eSports TV channels which had exited a month prior. 

For the full interview

Could PBS Kids Be The Next Channel To Exit The DStv And GOtv Platform?

PBS Kids is an American based children's brand operated by PBS Distribution. Ranked as the #1 educational brand, it invites parents and children to experience this trusted content that helps children learn and grow through shows like Arthur, WordWorld and Molly Of Denali.

The channel was made available in Africa by 2019 and since last year remains the only international market following its departure from Australia. This was after MultiChoice added various content exclusively to DStv Stream as part of an experiment.

This was the feedback given by MultiChoice after adding content from PBS Kids in 2018:

"We received a lot of positive feedback from our viewers when PBS Kids was made available on DStv Now [now DStv Stream] and our parents appreciate the fact that DStv is providing the kind of kids' programming that will help to make them classroom ready, while also keeping them entertained".

Foxtel had opted to discontinue carriage of the channel in Australia two years after it launched in Africa based on performance and popularity of its content. Since then, consumers were recommended to browse shows on Cartoon Network and CBeebies. 

MultiChoice had cutback or lost at least 9 nine TV channels in under 3 months including Emmanuel TV, B4U Movies and People's Weather. No new channels were launched and none of these affected brands were replaced.

Although PBS Kids has brought fun and engaging content, the channel hasn't been productive in terms of new programming. The inclusion of PBS Kids had contributed to MultiChoice's boost in educational content with Moonbug and Da Vinci Kids. 

ROK's Future In Doubt As Canal+ Seeks To Buy Parent Company Of Africa Magic

During the month, it was reported that Canal+ had increased its offer to takeover DStv by 19% with a sum of R35,9 billion. This comes after their initial offering of R32 billion was rejected with the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP) ordering them to propose a new deal.

As some readers are aware, Canal+ owns various properties in parts of Europe and Africa. Some of which clash with MultiChoice's current offering and should Canal+ succeed in their takeover of the pay-tv company various changes could await the content. 

In this instance, Canal+ owns Nigerian film company ROK Studios who manage the ROK channels currently viewed on DStv. The company was founded by Mary Remmy Njoku in 2013 before folding under the Canal+ company by 2019.

For several decades, MultiChoice has operated Africa Magic which serves as a rival offering to ROK Studios with its own lineup of original content. Should the acquisition move forward these two could merge into one entity since they'll be managed by one entity. 

Another would be a potential sale of ROK Studios as a means to keep Africa Magic intact for the foreseeable future. These brands have a lot of history and consumers aren't open to the reality of their assets being merged. 

One thing that comes to mind as a means to keep both brands intact is a restructuring to their demographic. ROK Studios could transition into a youth oriented brand as seen with the likes of 1Magic while Africa Magic caters to millennials and other audiences. 

Recap To Last Month: New Channel With The Letter X In Development For DStv, Could A Second TV Channel Be On The Cards?

1Magic was a BET inspired channel operated by M-Net which would serve the freshest local and international content to premium households. The channel was home to shows such as The Real Housewives, Power, 1802: Love Defies Time and Bel-Air.

During the week, several consumers had spotted a notification on both Me and 1Magic where the pay-tv company inform consumers that these channels would sign off by 31 March 2024. Not only will consumers be paying more by April but getting less channels.

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].

As reported sometime ago, MultiChoice will be giving Showmax an open window to DStv consumers in a standalone channel under the working title Channel X. It would feature a lineup of original productions alongside third party content from other studios. 

This channel will be accessible on Compact Plus in place of 1Magic - a date has yet to be mentioned. With details pertaining to the fate of several programs from Me still underwraps.

If one had to guess, Channel X could also replace Me for Compact and Family consumers. But considering that Channel X will have a lineup of locally produced content there may not be much space to cater for Me leading to a theory of a second TV channel. 

Although MultiChoice has remained very discreet about some behind the scenes developments. The idea of a second TV channel wouldn't seem far fetched as Me also offered a local portfolio such as Reyka and Lioness whose positions have yet to be determined. 

Perhaps with the addition of Channel X, Me could resurface in another form perhaps as a DStv Access type channel probably from a third party brand. This would mean shows like Lioness and Reyka which is on season 2 would restart from season 1.

Could MultiChoice And M-Net Also Look To Close M-Net Movies 3 And M-Net Movies 4 On The DStv Platform?

During the week, it was reported that both Me and 1Magic which serves as secondary channels to M-Net would be exiting the DStv platform by the end if March. Not only are consumers going to pay more for less channels but M-Net is doing away with secondary brands.

Since then, consumers having been going on a downward spiral with some looking to cancel their subscription by the time the new prices come into affect with others downgrading to more affordable packages.

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].

Of course these endeavors does lead some to wonder if more TV channels could be affected particularly M-Net Movies. If M-Net is capable of doing away with a brand such as Me what's stopping them from doing the same with their movie offering.

Ever since M-Net Movies was restructured almost four years ago, M-Net Movies 1 and 2 have been lurking around the same corridor as their lower tiered counterparts M-Net Movies 3 and M-Net Movies 4 which had bombarded with repeats and other older films.

MultiChoice has been looking to further limit amount of repeats seen on DStv. The movie offering has the most repetition before M-Net Movies 1 and M-Net Movies 2 previous iterations were more priotised with fresher releases now that's not the case.

Former DStv Channel: What Happened To The Afrikaans Music Sensation MK?

Musiek Kanaal (MK) was a youth oriented music channel with similar styling to the early 2000s MTV and Channel O. It was distributed by M-Net on DStv channel 324 when it launched by mid-2005 as MK89 with the 89 being its original frequency on the platform. 

As mentioned, MK had the MTV influence and prestige with reality shows like Jol24, Hoeneer and Petrolkop with music from Hoordoosis, Ondergrond and Kraakvars. Aside from catering to a much younger audience it was well known for infusing music genres. 

By 2013, it was announced that MK would be exiting the DStv platform after 8 years with audio version launched in place. M-Net and MultiChoice noticed its strong online presence so kept various social accounts on air in an attempt to build its streaming base.

Prior to its discontinuation, KykNET launched its third spinoff channel KykNET NOU (formerly KykNET Musiek) which is described as a variety channel incorporating music and other programming into the mix.

Although, MultiChoice had the intention of retaining MK through an international service with other content viewed on the audio bouquet. This proved to be unsuccessful as MK barely had much content in the pipeline that it wasn't long till it got discontinued to its entirety. 

To date, MK's content is still accessible on YouTube although owners Google were looking to deactivate millions of inactive accounts. With thousand hours of MK content on the platform one has to wonder how long the brand would continue to be accessible. 

Understanding the downfall of MK

According to MultiChoice, most of its consumers preferred using online platforms than watching outdated television which contributed to its low figures. But that couldn't be any further from reality as a various scenarios could have formed the exiting of MK.

KykNET NOU was introduced as the new kid in the block a year before MK was shut down. Unlike MK, KykNET NOU was grouped alongside KykNET's other linear channels despite offering similar content to MK which was grouped with MTV Base and Trace Urban.

MK was a premium channel while KykNET NOU was available all the way down to Family. KykNET NOU had the figures and combining that with MK put it at a disadvantage so if the problem was viewership they could have restructured the content as opposed to closing. 

From Turkish Galore On Timeless Dizi Channel To Blockbuster Movies On FilmBox: Could Any Of These Channels Rollout On DStv Perhaps?

During the month, it was reported that Canal+ had increased its offer to takeover DStv by 19% with a sum of R35,9 billion. This comes after their initial offering of R32 billion was rejected with the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP) ordering them to propose a new deal.

As some readers are aware,  Canal+ owns various properties outside of Africa part of which are licensed to broadcasters such as StarTimes. Should the acquisition of the DStv parent company move forward these assets could be unified.

Properties owned by Canal+ include the Norwegian based brand, SPI International. Home to the leading entertainment brand for Turkish stories Timeless Dizi Channel ( TDC) alongside FilmBox, FilmBox Action, FashionBox, FightBox, DocuBox and Gametoon. 

There's a lot of conflict in this section as MultiChoice comes with a similar offering. For Turkish fans there's KykNET and for international series and sport fans there's M-Net and SuperSport Action so this would only leaves brands like DocuBox, Gametoon and FashionBox vacated. 

With M-Net serving as a frontrunner behind FilmBox as it houses original productions while as licensing fresher content. It's likely that brands like FilmBox will integrate with other M-Net channels if not close I mean the idea wouldn't seem far fetched. 

With Canal+ small stake in MultiChoice, they were able to distribute channels like Zee World and SuperSport La Liga on their local platforms in Rwanda and Cameroon. Although FilmBox has the reach in other countries it goes unnoticed in Africa. 

That doesn't mean that these channels can't rollout on DStv but with Canal+ assets they could explore other means. With M-Net's Me out of the coop, FilmBox Africa could take up its position and for Ginx eSports TV and People's Weather there's Gametoon and DocuBox. 

With WWE likely being purged to streaming once it's contract with SuperSport ends has FightBox. In short, a majority of Canal+ assets that they acquired in recent years had resurfaced on their platforms with minor variations so MultiChoice wouldn't be any different. 

M-Net's Abandonment Of Me On DStv Explained

M-Net Essentials (Me) was a pay-tv channel that was operated by M-Net that would distributed a variety of South African produced and international content. Curated for Compact and Family, Me would serve as an open window to programs from M-Net and 1Magic. 

Following its decent from M-Net Series Zone, the 24 hour open window will conclude after 11 years by the end of March. With consumers stripped off third party shows like Survivor and House Of Dragons alongside originals like Reyka and Lioness.

Consumers will not longer be paying more for less channels but M-Net would be losing an audience. Although, Me was just another Mzansi Wethu it was the the only reason any of M-Net's shows gained any relevance.

News of 1Magic's demise doesn't surprise a majority of viewers as the channel was struggling to outgrow Mzansi Magic. Although, it offered originals like The River and Unmarried all of this went unnoticed during their run on the channel. 

With M-Net doing away with Me one of several factors could have come to play:

• Competition - after the axing of M-Net City, it was reported by NBCUniversal that Universal TV had seen a surge in viewers. Despite Me getting with the times, it's likely Universal TV and other TV channels edged them out.

• Decline in premium consumption - following the global impact of streaming, M-Net had been stripped off content like Shogun and Only Murders In The Building. As more consumers opt for Disney+ or Netflix it makes M-Net redundant. 

If anything, it does lead one to wonder how long it would be till content from BBC Brit, Universal TV and Comedy Central integrate into Showmax and other streamers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

MultiChoice over the cancellation of Ginx TV:

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

MultiChoice On The Closure Of Me And 1Magic On DStv: "Newer And Fresher Content As Well As Existing Shows Will Be Available On The Remaining M-Net Channels"

During the week, it was reported that both Me and 1Magic which serves as secondary channels to M-Net would be exiting the DStv platform by the end if March. Not only are consumers going to pay more for less channels but M-Net is doing away with secondary brands.

As mentioned, this news doesn't shock a majority as M-Net and MultiChoice tried to scrap last month only for them to get an extended stay. On top of that both brands had been struggling to retain audiences following M-Net's constant restructure of channels. 

Before Me and 1Magic, these two were just one channel known as The Series Channel. But M-Net continously morphed this offering and even went as far as dividing and excluding previously seen content from viewers that more and more people lost interest.

Although, 1Magic was able to garner attraction due to The River most of the attention only came once it debuted on Mzansi Magic. Although Me was able to retain shows from M-Net City and VUZU the whole format was a big turnoff to consumers.

M-Net City and VUZU despite being repeats channels had first run programming and widened its audience to Premium and Compact+. But Me on the other similar to BBC UKTV and KykNET Lekker was catered for low tiered consumers with zero exclusive content. 

In a statement as highlighted below MultiChoice is encouraging viewers of 1Magic to tune into remaining M-Net channels while those on Me would need to upgrade to Premium to watch M-Net or get a Showmax subscription.

MultiChoice is currently working on a TV channel with the letter X in its name. This channel would be based from Showmax and replace 1Magic and Me "soon" although it's not really known whether this channel would be added to Compact and Family.

Considering that two channels are being axed soon, Channel X will more likely serve as an independent brand from M-Net as seen with 1Magic. This means its likely that they won't do catch-up to shows like Reyka and Survivor from M-Net.

This is just mere speculation but it wouldn't seem far fetched as Channel X would feature a mix of international and South African produced content from Showmax. With so much local from 1Magic they wouldn't be much space to cater for Me consumers.

The only theory now would be the launch of a second TV channel by a third party brand either AMC Networks International, Ngwato Nkosi Group or Warner Bros. Discovery. 

With M-Net streamlining, they'll likely divert attention to brands like Comedy Central and Universal TV for which some of Me shows reside in with others on Showmax. Fans of local entertainment can tune into Mzansi Magic as we await news on Channel X.

Press statement from MultiChoice 

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.