News Shorts: German Based Broadcaster Deutsche Welle Shutters It's Linear Operations Across Europe And Africa, National Geographic And ESPN Have Been Added To Zuku TV And A Rebroadcast Of Dayan, Destructive Beauty Launches On eExtra

DW goes dark across Europe

The move is part of a package of measures presented by DW director Peter Limbourg to the DW broadcasting council in Berlin on March 17, 2023.

“We will no longer broadcast linear programming in German after the changeover, but we will offer singular content on digital platforms,” the DW spokesman said. The date for the closure of the German TV channel has not yet been set. “I’m not able to provide a specific date at this time,” he added.

With the package of measures as part of the 2024 budget planning, Limbourg wants to drive the digital transformation of the German international service. Included are savings, budget shifts from linear to digital offerings and to regional languages, as well as investments in digital working environments.

Zee TV dying down on eExtra

After cutting down on primetime for more Annekan Die Swa Kry and axing Naagin much earlier than anticipated. A rebroadcast of Dayan, Destructive Beauty is expected to join the channel's line-up in the coming weeks replacing the timeslot of Naagin supposedly.

Dayan, Destructive Beauty was the first and probably last Bollywood drama to have been made exclusive to eVOD before being added to linear platforms. Now eVOD's international drama lineup outside of Kuiertyd is revolved on content viewed on eSeries and eExtra.

It follows Janvi Maurya, a well-educated and family oriented girl hailing from Ujjain, stumbles upon a dangerous ploy by an evil force as many unusual and mysterious happenings occur in her hometown. With a threat to her life, she must unmask the identity of a Daayan.

Sports makes a comeback on Zuku TV

Last year, it was revealed through several social outlets that Zuku TV will be relaunching National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, Baby TV and ESPN 1 after removing them back in 2021. The only difference FOX and ESPN 2 aren't part of this offering.

These channels were replaced with Animal Planet, Discovery and TLC from Warner Bros. Discovery, Filmbox from SPI International and Planet Fun years prior. But the pay-tv platform failed to substitute the sporting line-up with any chances of a replacement likely dead at this point.

Possible Channel Termination: Could National Geographic Wild's Content Get Migrated Onto National Geographic And Disney+?

A few months ago, Disney and Spectrum renewed their agreement which saw brands like ABC, Disney Channel and National Geographic remain onboard their platforms while secondary channels like FXX, Disney Junior and National Geographic Wild went dark on their platforms.

Since then it has brought a lot of questions regarding the future of these brands as well as others distributed by NBCUniversal, Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. Disney on the other hand had explored the possibility of selling some of their linear channels.

Current properties like Disney Star is said to be acquired by Reliance with Disney said to be holding minority stake in the company and a similar fate is said be awaiting both ESPN and National Geographic of course we've received an update on one of the latter channels.

According to sources, Disney is looking to sell or better yet fold National Geographic under A+E Networks. Home to factual brands like HISTORY, Lifetime and Crime + Investigation, it serves as a joint venture between Disney, Sky (Europe) and Hearst Corporation.

The idea of possible sale of National Geographic came through a recent survey into the market which revealed that ABC, FX and Disney Channel were priority brands for audiences especially Disney when it pertains to profit making National Geographic and Disney Junior obsolete.

A+E Networks operates a number of singular brands as mentioned above so wouldn't seem far fetched if National Geographic Wild were to merge onto National Geographic and Disney+ seeing now that the main channel is not viewed as a priority brand on both cable and streamer.

National Geographic would remain intact for the time being but overtime they'd be shortage in programming which could lead to more cord cutting or in this case National Geographic Wild. As the content from Wild would help build the lineup of the main channel.

HISTORY vs. National Geographic

As mentioned, HISTORY which operates under A+E Networks is a factual entertainment channel which offers programming based on mechanical and civil engineering, science, mystical creatures and organised crimes part of which resides within National Geographic.

With National Geographic Wild possibly on the chopping block perhaps the main National Geographic channel will take up the identity of Wild and focus solely on wildlife and natural history programming as seen with rival brands like BBC Earth. 

Another would be the company's property being distributed on National Geographic as a means to get more recognition for their portfolio.

In other developments, Disney is set to close their remaining linear offering in parts of Asia by the end of December and this includes National Geographic and National Geographic Wild as the company is putting more emphasis toward the direct to consumer business.

Recap To The Month: National Geographic And National Geographic Wild MENA Had Been Merged With EMEA, FOX Might Close Within The Region

Following the inception of Disney+, multiple Disney Channels have been closing down across the world as the company looks to consolidate their content to the streamer. They've also been looking at possibly selling their linear offering of course this is applicable to the United States.

But from what this entails, Disney is working towards a deadline to the remaining linear offering with Asia set to close theirs by the end of the year with a lot of European countries still harvesting most channels and other regions which have yet to receive Disney+.

Last month, Disney closed a number of linear channels across Asia and this included National Geographic and National Geographic Wild. They also managed the brands of the same name whose feeds had since then been managed within EMEA following these closures.

Despite having its operations merged with Africa, National Geographic Wild to date still has varied offering from the rest of Europe which brings to question it's future as a pay-tv channel. 

From what we've heard, Disney EMEA now takes charge of National Geographic Wild but unlike Disney Channel it appears Disney Asia still maintains control of the channel. Either National Geographic Wild will integrate probably by 31 December 2023 or close down to its entirety.

Prior to the demise of Disney MENA, the FOX channel remain intact within these regions. Considering that Disney in Asia and EMEA no longer supply the FOX brand as further content has been integrated to Disney+ it's likely that the channel will close down.

Another theory that would come in mind would be having Disney merge the FOX MENA (Arabic) with the ones seen in Portugal and Mozambique (Portuguese). Seeing as most FOX channels such as FX and FOX Movies trace back to these territories its the only liable option.

Why The Disney Channel Could Be Shutting Down On DStv And NOT National Geographic And ESPN?

A few months ago, it was reported by Disney's CEO Bob Iger that the company is looking to sell their linear channels and these include ABC, FX, National Geographic and Disney Channel as these are not seen as part of the core for the brand. Of course, it doesn't include content or the studios they use to manufacture them.

Internationally, the company has shuttered several linear channels across Asia and Europe with more territories set to join by the end of this current financial year. As seen in these markets, further content had been folded under Disney+ with the company looking to exclude the streamer in several countries and to cutback on original programming.

Now in Africa (excluding North Africa), the only known region to distribute the streamer is South Africa and with these recent developments I honestly wouldn't be shocked if Disney+ were to limit their stance in the region perhaps supply selected content to local steamers in the region if not at all.

On the basis of their linear offering, MultiChoice distributes their remaining linear offering which include factual and wildlife brands National Geographic and National Geographic Wild, children brands Disney Channel and Disney Junior and sports brands ESPN 1 and ESPN 2.

As seen in most parts of Europe which is where we reside, these brands have been dying down particularly Disney Channel and/or Disney Junior. The latter had been bombarded with reruns to past programming if not a bulk of content from Disney+ and the other is just clinging around 1 program to build their schedule.

It wouldn't seem far fetched if one or both of these channels were to be on the close down with National Geographic and ESPN serving as the remaining linear offering for not only DStv but the rest of Africa. That's what's currently being seen in the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and Turkey so why not Africa.

The only reason these channels are still on would be for revenue as Disney would need the income to produce shows like Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire and getting these onto their linear platforms would be one way to boost their future endeavours being Disney+. But as seen in a recent interview by Bob Iger that may not be the case here anymore.

Bob Iger was able to brief the media on why these closures are occurring and it doesn't paint a good picture for their channels in Africa as stated below they're seen a decline in revenue for both their local and international channels. They even highlight there's been a major decline in the general entertainment sector.

At Linear Networks, operating income declined versus the prior year by $580 million driven by declines at both domestic and international channels.

It could explain why FOX and Disney XD were ripped away from parts of the world and why ESPN and National Geographic (in Europe) haven't closed off yet as they see more value there particularly with ESPN as they look to restructure the business and turn ESPN into a major powerhouse in sports.

As mentioned, Disney will be closing off more channels by the end of the current financial year particularly in Asia and with MultiChoice's contract set to expire in the coming months I wouldn't be shocked if Disney were remove more channels around the same period across Africa.

The only thing that's certain here is that ESPN and National Geographic could stick around for sometime before closing down as seen in some parts of the world as Disney is looking to go all streaming and this is part of a global effort which has taken longer to subside in several territories.

New Snakes. New City. New City. Snakes In The City Returns This SSSSeptember On National Geographic Wild Across Africa

National Geographic Wild's "Snakes in the City" has maintained its status as a cherished favourite among audiences for years. The exhilarating show features herpetologists Simon Keys and Siouxsie Gillett, who respond to calls for assistance in capturing and releasing snakes from homes and buildings in and around Durban. Last season, the pair were joined by local snake wrangler Mbali Mtshali. When the ninth season premieres across Africa on Sundays at 18:00 (CAT) from 3 September, the team will extend their abilities facing new snakes, in a new city, in eight new episodes. 

The bustling, coastal metropolis of Durban was once a lush jungle, teeming with black mambas, spitting cobras, green mambas, huge pythons, night adders, bush snakes and boomslangs. It’s their territory and humans built a city right on top of it. Today, the jungle may be gone, but the snakes are here to stay! In the height of Summer, the heat and humidity bring thousands of snakes out of hiding, into direct conflict with the 3.5 million inhabitants of this city. To the relief of those who call, Simon, Siouxsie, and Mbali, experts in animal behaviour, track down and capture some of the world’s most venomous snakes. 

They’re on call 24/7 and are there to help. Whether it’s a harmless house snake, a garden hose or a deadly black mamba, each and every call is answered. Once the snakes are caught, they’re checked, nurtured and rehabilitated before being releases back in the wild - far away from humans! 

This season, Simon and Siouxsie receive a call for help from the residents of the beautiful and historical city of Mysore in India. Here, they join forces with renowned local snake enthusiast, wildlife conservationist and lecturer, M. S. Balasubramania, popularly known as ‘Snake Shyam’. The team assist Shyam on his daily callouts for problem snakes found at people’s homes farms, offices and factories during the monsoon season. Simon and Siouxsie will go up against snakes they’ve never dealt with before - including the common krait, the saw-scaled viper, the Russel’s viper, Indian cobras, enormous, reticulated pythons and the infamous King cobra!

Back home, Mbali holds the fort and continues to provide snake support for Durban residents. In the process, she faces new challenges, and goes on to catch her first spitting cobra and her first black mamba on her own, a feat for any snake catcher. 

Snakes in the City is produced by Earth Touch for National Geographic.

How to tune in:

National Geographic Wild: 

DSTV: Channel 182

StarSat: 221 on DTH, 210 on DTT (250 on DTT in Uganda)

Reminder: Disney To Close Their Remaining Linear Channels Across Asia In The Coming Months, More Markets Likely To Follow

Disney is to close its six remaining linear TV

channels in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan

and Korea as the conglomerate puts a greater

emphasis on direct-to-consumer streaming.

The channels concerned are National Geographic,

National Geographic Wild, Star Chinese Movies,

Star Chinese Channel, Star Movies and Star World.

Linear services will end from September in

Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Korea, and by

December in Taiwan.

The group expects to retain a streamlined

television portfolio with channels in Japan, China,

Australia and New Zealand for the time being.

Consumers can continue to access content from

these channels on the conglomerate’s Disney+

and Disney+ Hotstar streaming platforms, which

are now fully rolled out within the Asia-Pacific

region, except China. The twin platforms carry

movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star

Wars, National Geographic and Star, Disney’s

general entertainment brand.

While the moves may help reduce costs and push

consumption onto its D2C businesses, sources

close to the group say that Disney still expects to

grow its media and entertainment businesses –

D2C, theatrical, consumer products and theme

parks – in the region.

The moves were foreshadowed by similar moves

in 2020 and 2021 . Disney closed its sports

channels in Taiwan in 2020. In September 2021, it

closed Fox, Fox Crime, Fox Life, FX, and Channel

V; movie channels Fox Action Movies, Fox Family

Movies, Fox Movies and Star Movies China; sports

channels Fox Sports, Fox Sports 2, Fox Sports 3,

Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2; kids channel Disney

Channel and Disney Junior; factual services Nat

Geo People and SCM Legend. Many of those

channels had been brought into the Disney group

by the 2018 acquisition of 21st Century Fox.

In the five largest markets of Southeast Asia

proper (Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore

and the Philippines) SVOD subscriptions reached

49 million at the end of the first quarter, according

to data from research house Media Partners Asia.

It estimated that, in terms of subscription

numbers, the leading platforms in the first quarter

were Disney+ and Disney+ Hotstar with 9.4

million, Viu with 8.5 million, Netflix with 8.0

million and Prime Video at 1.3 million. (A

categorization by revenue might produce a

different ranking.)

Other recent reports have pointed to U.S.-

produced content accounting for only 20% of

video viewing time in the region, eclipsed by

Korea content at 30%. However, since the launch

of the streaming platform, Disney has become a

significant investor in locally-made Asian content.

Could National Geographic And The Disney Channel Also Be Shutting Down Across Africa By The End Of 2023?

Last month, it was reported that The Walt Disney Company plans to shutter the remaining linear offering in Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and Korea by the fourth quarter of the year with several content being integrated to Disney+ as the streaming service becomes their top priority.

During the week, it was learnt by Bob Iger, the current CEO of The Walt Disney Company that a possible restructure could be underway for their linear offering which could see some brands under their care being sold to foreign companies if not closed down as seen internationally.

MultiChoice extended their agreement with them for their remaining linear offering through 2024 and this included factual brands National Geographic and National Geographic Wild, sports brands ESPN 1 & ESPN 2 and children's channels Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

It's likely that these channels might be going dark by the end of the year if not later in 2024. Taking to account, the previous terminations: Disney XD closed September 2020 which coincides with the UK's Disney Channels followed by the FOX feeds in Africa, Germany and Asia in 2021.

Another thing, although MultiChoice states these channels will be carried through 2024 it's clearly stated in their 2021 press release that these channels stick around for "another two years" possibly hinting at a December 2023 closure which coincides with Asia.

Although not much has been confirmed on an end date, the blue brands favourite months for such escapades are January, February, June, September and December - kind of seasonal when you look at it.

In the past months, Disney Channel has been promoting a bulk of Disney+ content as well aired rebroadcasts of Walk The Prank and Lab Rats. Disney Junior schedules on the other hand is overcrowded by Bluey with some repeat variety in between.

Marketing for these brands had been downsized with further feeds seen internationally being merged as seen with Disney XD before it's demise.

Disney Branded Television Could Be Put Up For Sale

Disney CEO Bob Iger sat down with CNBC's David Faber at Allen & Co.'s annual conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, on Thursday.

Disney announced Wednesday that it was extending Iger's contract by two years through 2026. Iger returned to the helm of Disney late last year. The company has since undergone thousands of layoffs and cut billions of dollars in spending, including from content.

Disney CEO Bob Iger on media landscape: Challenges are greater than I had anticipated

DisneynhhCEO Bob Iger opened the door to selling the company's linear TV assets as the business struggles during the media industry's transition to streaming and digital offerings.

Iger appeared Thursday on, the morning after the company announced it would extend his contract by two years through 2026. He returned to the helm of the company in November after Disney's board ousted Bob Chapek with a two-year contract through 2024 and plans to find a next successor.

"After coming back, I realized the company is facing a lot of challenges, some of them self-inflicted," Iger told David Faber at Allen & Co.'s annual conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, noting he's accomplished a lot of work in seven months but there's more to be done.

At the top of the list is assessing the traditional TV business, Iger said. Disney owns a portfolio of TV networks, from broadcast station ABC to cable TV channels like ESPN. 

Disney is going to be "expansive" in its thinking about the traditional TV business, leaving the door open to a possible sale of the networks. "They may not be core to Disney," Iger said, adding the creativity that has come from those networks has been key for Disney. 

On Thursday, ABC News President Kim Godwin to employees expressed support for Iger's contract extension, according to a person familiar with the matter. Godwin encouraged ABC staffers to focus on their work and audience, the person added.

Cable TV channel ESPN is in a different bucket, however. On that front, Iger said Disney is open to finding a strategic partner, which could take the form of a joint venture or offloading an ownership stake. 

Iger said when he had left the company he had predicted the future of traditional TV and had been "very pessimistic," and has found since his return that he was right in his thinking, adding it's worse than he expected. 

When Iger last spoke with Faber in February, soon after announcing a major restructuring at the company, he said that he felt "a sense of obligation" to return to Disney and that his preference was to stay for his two-year contract.

"We've gotten a lot done very quickly, significant cost reductions and significant realignment of the company," Iger said. "But dealing head on with some of our biggest challenges."

The appearance in February came shortly after Disney announced a sweeping restructuring that included thousands of layoffs and billions of dollars cut in spending.

The reorganization warded off a potential proxy fight with activist investor Nelson Peltz.

Disney reorganized into three segments: Disney Entertainment, which includes most of its streaming and media operations; an ESPN division; and a parks, experiences and product unit.

These were some of Iger's most significant actions in the months after his return. Disney revealed it would cut $5.5 billion in costs, consisting of $3 billion from content, excluding sports, and the remaining amount from noncontent costs. The company earmarked 7,000 layoffs.

In addition to looking for his next successor, Iger has been tasked with bringing Disney's streaming business to profitability. In the last year, media executives across all companies have focused on how to make streaming profitable, particularly after behemoth Netflix lost subscribers early last year and since instituted an ad-supported tier and a crackdown on password sharing to drive revenue.

While the company posted revenue and profit in line with Wall Street estimates last quarter, it saw a loss of 4 million subscribers at its flagship streamer Disney+.

Those subscriber losses were offset by price increases, which Iger said in May weren't to blame for the lower numbers. Instead, he said it showed room for further increases when it comes to streaming, and pushing customers toward the ad-supported tier, with the aim of reaching profitability.

In an effort to bulk up Disney+ and attract more subscribers to its cheaper, ad-supported tier – which it launched last year – the company announced last quarter it would add Hulu content to Disney+.

Disney has been weighing whether it should buy all of Hulu, as it owns 66% and Comcast

 owns the rest. It's likely Comcast will sell its Hulu stake to Disney at the beginning of 2024, CNBC previously reported.

Iger said Thursday that since he returned to Disney, he ultimately concluded the company is "better off having Hulu." 

He added the combined Hulu and Disney+ offering would be available by the end of the calendar year, and the upcoming negotiations with Comcast over valuation wouldn't prevent that. 

"The combination of those apps is designed to obviously help the [streaming] business become profitable," Iger said.

The Walt Disney Company To Close 11 Channels In Taiwan, Could Africa Follow Perhaps?

In 2021, The Walt Disney Company unveiled plans to close 100 international channels so there was a lot of fear for the Disney Channels in Africa following the closure of Disney XD and FOX but MultiChoice managed to secure rights for these brands through 2024.

Fast forward to 2023, The Walt Disney Company had confirmed the closure of more channels with consumers in Taiwan set to lose out on a number of brands including National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, Baby TV, Star Entertainment and Star World.

Disney+ launched in 2019 and has since then become a top priority for the blue brand. Not much investment is going onto Disney Channel or National Geographic as the brands being used to promote the bulk of content seen on the streaming service.

Following the demise of these channels in Taiwan, there's now a lot of fear for these channels in Africa and I know MultiChoice had managed to carry Disney Channel, Disney Junior, National Geographic and National Geographic Wild through 2024.

But for all we know these channels could go dark by the 31st December 2023 at 23:59 which rounds up to 2024 as seen in Taiwan. It had been speculated that most of The Walt Disney Company"s linear offering won't leave past 2025 in European territories.

Disney XD was terminated in Africa alongside the United Kingdom's Disney Channels in 2020 followed by FOX which saw the brand exit Germany, Asia and Africa by 2021. Now there's rumours swirling that the brand would be closing channels across Africa by early 2024.

Recap To The Decade: Love Nature Was Ripped Away From StarSat, Could MultiChoice Perhaps Get It A Replacement To National Geographic Wild?

Love Nature is a Canadian based channel owned by Rock Media Holdings. It broadcasts documentaries and television series based on wildlife and nature. It features shows such as Amazing Animal Friends, Battle of the Alphas and Operation Maneater.

Love Nature launched on StarSat in December 2019 alongside The Smithsonian Channel as a replacement to National Geographic and National Geographic Wild operated by The Walt Disney Company respectively amidst their carriage dispute with the brand.

Few months later, both channels were reinstated on the platform and as of 2021 the replacements were axed with the latter expected to return on Paramount+ when it launches in South Africa later in the year while Love Nature remains with no outlet.

In 2021, The Walt Disney Company unveiled plans to close 100 channels in the coming future and this included a range of Disney Channel and National Geographic channels with the brands currently seen on both DStv and StarSat anticipated to go dark in 2024.

With both platforms expected to look at suitable replacements for National Geographic Wild. What are the chances that Love Nature won't just be added onto MultiChoice's DStv?

Several channels currently and formerly on StarSat can be viewed on DStv including Discovery Family, Investigation Discovery and Real Time from Warner Bros. Discovery and DreamWorks from NBCUniversal.

It's the only brand I can think of that might as well rollout under National Geographic Wild as Animal Planet comes out as a premium channel and with most of its content already viewed on Discovery Channel and Real Time perhaps this would be something suitable for StarSat.

In Celebration Of Earth Day, Secrets Of The Elephants Lands On Disney+ As Well As A Special Broadcast On National Geographic Wild

Elephants are powerful, loving and wise, but we are only starting to unlock their deepest secrets. The ground-breaking, award-winning natural history franchise Secrets Of returns this Earth Day with its next installment, Secrets Of The Elephants, with a premiere on Disney+ as well as across Africa on National Geographic Wild (DStv 182, StarSat 221).

From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer-at-Large James Cameron, the series travels the world — from the Savannahs of Africa to the urban landscapes of Asia — to discover the strategic thinking, complex emotions and sophisticated language of elephants, shaping a unique and dynamic culture. Narrated by Academy Award®-winning actress Natalie Portman and featuring renowned National Geographic Explorer and elephant expert Dr. Paula Kahumbu, the four-part series not only reveals the extraordinary lives of different families of elephants but also highlights how similar they are to us. Secrets Of The Elephants will change everything you thought you knew about elephants forever.

Elephants have long been a source of wonder and mystery with their rich emotional lives and almost supernatural ways of navigating the world. In Secrets of the Elephants, we travel the globe to meet different families of elephants ― desert elephants, forest elephants, Asian elephants and African savannah elephants. Each with their own specific set of cultural behaviours passed between them, has an incredible story of intelligence, grace and survival to tell.

They are powerful, loving and wise but only now are we starting to unlock the deepest secrets of the elephants. Their strategic thinking, complex emotions and sophisticated language has created a unique and dynamic culture making them more like us than we ever thought possible

The four-episode series that explores the courage, tenacity and complexities of elephant life in these unique contexts will land on Disney+ on Earth Day, as well as in a special back-to-back broadcast on National Geographic Wild from 18:45 – 22:00 (CAT), providing viewers with a larger-than-life viewing experience. The four episodes – Desert, Savanna, Asia and Rainforest – will take families on a journey across the globe, providing insight into the fascinating creatures like never before.

Several National Geographic explorers including Dr Paula Kahumbu (winner of the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year 2021), Sandy Oduor, Shane Campbell-Staton, Dominique Gonçalves and others, collaborated on the research behind the production to uncover new dimensions of elephants’ remarkable lives, to unlock their secret worlds and to understand how each sub-species has adapted to their unique environmental context in the face of evolving climate change. Additionally, the latest science and camera technology helps portray not just how truly extraordinary they are in their own right, but also how similar they are to humans.

“With an over 135-year-old legacy in natural history content, we’re just as passionate about who’s telling our stories as the stories we tell, "said National Geographic Content President Courteney Monroe. “Whether it be our onscreen scientists in Secrets Of The Elephants, our narrators like Natalie Portman, or our filmmakers like Jim Cameron, we have become a port-of-call for best in class talent who want to tell meaningful stories that inspire a deeper connection to our world.  Our Secrets Of franchise reinforces our commitment at National Geographic to remaining THE leader in natural history storytelling," she concluded.

For Secrets Of The Elephants, Emmy Award-winners James Cameron and Maria Wilhelm for Earthship are executive producers. Lucinda Axelsson is the executive producer for Oxford Scientific Films. Her credits include “China: Nature’s Ancient Kingdom,” “Serengeti,” “Wild Brazil,” “Elephant Diaries,” “Elephants of Samburu,” “Meerkat Manor,” “Spy in the Wild.”

Episodes include:

Desert
This episode reveals the secrets of Namibia’s last remaining desert elephants. When droughts, sandstorms and even floods threaten them, their shared knowledge passed down from generation to generation keeps them alive. This is the toughest place on earth to be an elephant, and their story is one of triumph in a land of extremes.

Savanna
Big families and strong relationships are the basis of success for savanna elephants. As we uncover their secrets, we start to understand their remarkable language. It’s not just noise; they communicate like us. Good leadership and close friendships help them through the hard times as they scale cliffs, find their place in the hierarchy and mourn their dead.

Asia
As humans encroach ever further into their environment, Asian elephants are learning to adjust to the challenges facing them. They know how to use tools to break down electric fences, strike deals with farmers, and develop a cooperative arrangement on tea plantations where they do the weeding without damaging the crops.

Rainforest
The Congo rainforest is home to one of the world’s most elusive species, the African forest elephant. Everything about them—their bodies, their behaviors, their families—is adapted to life in the rainforest. But surviving here means more than just adapting. These elephants have shaped the forest around them to their needs and, in doing so, have created a habitat unlike any other on Earth.

How to tune in:
DSTV: Channel 182
StarSat: 221 on DTH, 221 on DTT (250 on DTT in Uganda)

Big Cat Sundays This February On National Geographic Wild

This February on National Geographic Wild, (DStv 182, Starsat 221) Sundays are dedicated to the fiercest felines, creatures of magnificent strength, ferocity and beauty, many of which face extinction. With visually impressive and powerful stories from around the world, Big Cat Sundays will showcase the most magnificent creatures from lions, tigers, cheetahs and leopards, to the most unknown and forgotten such as the serval, the African wildcat or the caracal, every Sunday from 6:00 PM (CAT).

Big Cat Sundays programming line-up includes:

Sunday 5 February
18:00 – Sri Lanka, Leopard Dynasty
Sri Lanka’s lowlands are home to one of the highest leopard populations on earth. It’s in these lowland jungles the Sri Lankan Leopard – the apex predator of the country – resides. Learn more about these fascinating creatures and their remarkable lives in this country, abundant with rich biodiversity.

18:45 Animal Travels
Migrating creatures wage incredible journeys risking it all to survive.  What drives them is a remarkable mix of instinct, wisdom, and sheer will.  In Africa, massive herds of animals chase the rains to form one of the largest migrations on earth.  Newborn Wildebeest, Zebra and Elephants find their footing in a world surrounded by millions of other animals preparing for an epic journey.  Urged forward by the seasonal rains, perhaps led by herd elders, and always trying to stay one step ahead of lions, hyenas, cheetahs and crocodiles, this herd Migration is fraught with every kind of obstacle.  Along the way our focus animals’ cross paths with fellow travelers like the lesser ngos, kob, baboons and hippos.

19:35 Eternal Enemies: Lions and Hyenas (revealed)
The Joubert’s Emmy winning film is back with stunning remastered footage. Propelled by Jeremy Irons gripping narration, Eternal Enemies reveals the story of conflict between lions and hyenas, relatively unknown or even suspected in the scientific world before this. The intense relationship and enduring rivalry between the two species play out in a battle of survival. Narrated by Jeremy Irons.
 
Sunday 12 February
18:00 - Sri Lanka: Leopard Dynasty – Premiere
Sri Lanka’s lowlands are home to one of the highest leopard populations on earth. It’s in these lowland jungles the Sri Lankan Leopard – the apex predator of the country – resides.

18:45 Russia’s Wild Tiger
Russia's Wild Tiger records the battle for survival of the big cats and reveals intimate details of their lives. The animals they prey on are also in the film: tigers couldn’t survive without sika deer, Altai wapiti, wild boars and Asian black bears. A young tiger, born in a conservation area, will guide the viewer through the film. Russia's Wild Tiger accompanies him throughout the year after he leaves his mother. His search for a territory reveals the problems facing tigers in Russia‘s Far East, and the conflicts that arise when he strays into human settlements. The young tiger takes the viewer to places where the fate of Siberian tigers will be decided: vast forests, remote villages and the cities at the edge of the wilderness.

19:30 Living With Big Cats
Dereck and Beverly Joubert lead viewers on their incredible journey with big cats-from the first time big cats captured their hearts, through their boundless dedication to protecting these iconic predators. This story explores how the Jouberts got started and delves into their personal lives as National Geographic filmmakers and explorers.
 
Sunday 19 February
18:00 - Cecil: The legacy of a king
Hwange's lions are rumored to be some of the biggest wild lions on the planet. One magnificent beast was destined to become one of Africa's most famous animals. He was known as Cecil. While his demise at the hand of hunters was splashed across the media, sparking fury in all who heard his tale, Cecil's story before he was posthumously iconized is worthy of celebrating.

18:45 The Living Edens - Cougar Country
Planet Earth is still home to places so pure they have become precious reminders of how all the world - the ancient, timeless Earth - once looked. From the icy mountains of Denali to the aqua blue seas of Costa Rica, we witness dramas unfold among the animal inhabitants as they have since the beginning of time. Through the expertise of world-acclaimed natural history filmmakers, we experience the magic of each Living Eden as it is captured on film for future generations.

19:30 Diary of a Teen Leopard
Pemba is a Mamma's Boy! At two-years old, he should be independent, but he's still living at home! Like most teenagers, he's impatient and headstrong, which makes him bad at stalking and hunting, so Mom provides all their meals. But when Mom is injured Pemba is forced to grow up fast in order to survive! Can he sever those apron strings and face his fears to launch into adulthood?
 
Sunday 26 February
18:00 - Soul of the Cat
Most people in the world who know a domestic cat understand the wild look in their pet's eye. This film will look at those thinly veiled behaviors between domestic cats and their wild cousins and ancestors, specifically to draw those parallels and to explain to 'owners' what they are seeing when they watch their cat. We will use big cat footage of lions and cheetah hunting and show cats playing or hunting. There will be scenes of cats leaping, landing, running up trees like leopards and all the behavior we are used to seeing in domestic cats, but drawn exactly from the wild equivalent.

18:45 Regime of the Queen
With a mash-up of some of our most popular and iconic big cat stories - we will explore the world of feline motherhood.

19:30 Attack of the Big Cats
There are nearly 40 different species of cats running around out there, but only four make it into the big cat club. The lion, tiger, leopard and jaguar. And they're armed with an arsenal of weapons and bulk to back up one hell of an attitude. In their world, nothing is small and many things are surprising. So, get ready to find out what really makes a big cat a big cat. It's not always all about size, you know!

How to tune in:

DSTV: Channel 182
StarSat: 221 on DTH, 210 on DTT (250 on DTT in Uganda)

National Geographic’s Team Sayari To Broadcast On Disney Channel From 12 December 2022

The Walt Disney Company Africa, along with its partners the US Department of State, The U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), and WildlifeDirect, are pleased to announce that Team Sayari will air on Disney Channel, (DStv 303) at 14:05 (CAT) from Monday 12 December 2022, with one episode airing each day from Monday to Friday.

This announcement follows the successful launch and first run of the entertaining and educational program, Team Sayari, on National Geographic Wild, in response to requests from those that didn’t get the opportunity to see it and for those that would like to enjoy it again over the holidays. 

This innovative, children’s documentary series is produced by Kenyan production company, White Rhino Films and aims to celebrate, encourage and inspire the next generation of environmental champions to interact with, look after, and safeguard the environment and its resources. The series aims to instill knowledge and encourage actions to conserve the world’s biodiversity in a fun way.

The series is hosted by Mysha Hodson (13), Marita Lucas (12), Shanah Manjeru (14), Railey Mwai (10) and Adarsh Nagda (12) and incorporates a team of brilliant youngsters as field reporters from various parts of Southern, Eastern and Western Africa, to provide Team Sayari viewers with an engaging and diverse experience.

South African viewers will be able to follow the adventures of a range of kids from across the continent, including three home-grown presenters. Nature enthusiasts Atule Mazane (13) and Khahliso Khojane (14) hailing from the Western Cape and Thandolwethu Fani (15) from Gauteng, feature as field presenters in the programme. In Team Sayari, they travel to wilderness areas and interview experts on the ground to learn and share what is needed to conserve our natural world, reporting into Sayari Base Camp in Kenya.

Team Sayari is the result of a collaborative effort between National Geographic, The Walt Disney Company Africa, USAID, the U.S. State Department and WildlifeDirect.

International: Disney To Close A Further 3 Channels This Month

Last year, The Walt Disney Company unveiled plans to close a further 100 channels globally as more content goes onto the streaming service, Disney+. With MultiChoice carrying parts of these channels through 2024 means viewers have more time to unwind until the same occurs as seen in these regions.

Later in the year, it was reported that FOX in Turkey the only International feed to offer original content part of which has been supplied to e.tv such as Dokter Ali (Mucize Doctor), Doodsondes (Yasak Elma) and DisComplicated (Sen Çal Kapımı) will go off air by 2023.

Ahead of its demise, FOX Crime will suffer the chop by the end of this month which kind of coincides with FOX and FOX Life's termination in Africa as both were shuttered within the same period just years apart from each other.

In Italy, Sky was able to confirm that both National Geographic and National Geographic Wild will also go dark by the end of the month not only on their platforms but the whole region. This comes as the operator in that region just like DStv has seen a loss in channels.

Although it's not the distributor's fault when a supplier stops supplying a certain product. It is however their job to keep viewers entertained although the sad part about that is the alternatives will be nothing like these channels and viewers only hope at this point is Disney+.

With several households struggling to get fibre even a platform like DStv and Sky. Viewers will have to make due with what's already available to them.

National Geographic Channels Reveal Spring/Summer 2022 Content Slate

National Geographic and National Geographic Wild to take viewers further this Spring and Summer, with premieres of several premium productions.

Channels now broadcast in high-definition
Highlights include Team Sayari, America’s National Parks, Running Wild with Bear Grylls: The Challenge, Europe From Above S4, Tut’s Toxic Tomb, World of Flavor with Big Moe Cason, Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted Showdown and Critter Fixers S2

The Walt Disney Company Africa today announced the upcoming content slate for both National Geographic and National Geographic Wild for Spring/Summer 2022. With a promise to ignite the explorer in all of us, and with a 133-year legacy, viewers across the continent will also be able to immerse themselves in the very latest and ground-breaking storytelling in stunning high definition for the very first time, taking them further than ever before.

Featuring the best and brightest scientists, explorers, photographers and filmmakers in the world, the coming months’ content highlights offer something for everyone, as several new natural history series, feature documentaries, and programming stunts will showcase the wonder of the natural world, take them on exhilarating adventures and illuminate historical figures who epitomize the strength and triumphs of humankind.

In National Geographic’s first locally produced pan-African children’s production, Team Sayari, viewers will follow a group of young conservationists, along with Akili – an AI computer represented as a large DNA helix – as they become Africa’s protectors, working from a fun and high-tech base known as Sayari basecamp. Airing each Saturday at 13:00, Team Sayari premieres on Saturday 24 September and each episode promises adventures and investigative missions, visiting exciting places across Africa, meeting interesting people, sharing knowledge about the continent’s biodiversity and exploring the need to become champions for conservation.

Fan-favourite survivalist Bear Grylls is back with Running Wild With Bear Grylls: The Challenge. Premiering on National Geographic on Wednesday 28 September at 21:00, Bear takes the daring adventures up a level by teaching celebrity guests, such as Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Simu Liu, Anthony Anderson and others, essential survival skills that they will have to master and then prove they can use in a high-stress situation.

Viewers will enjoy a new perspective of Europe through the changing seasons across a year in Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Romania Serbia and Scotland when Season 4 of Europe from Above premieres on Wednesdays at 19:00, from 28 September, revealing how tradition, engineering and natural wonders have shaped this fascinating continent, in a vibrant portrait of the region and the people who keep it alive.

In Lost Treasures Of Arabia, premiering Friday 28 October at 19:00, we investigate AlUla’s unsolved mysteries and unravel the many dramas that played out on this ancient stage. This television special features reveals the historical heritage, exquisite natural assets and the immense legacy of art that continues to inspire future generations in this middle eastern city.

King Tutankhamen, or King Tut as he is commonly known today, was relatively unknown to the world until 1922, when his tomb was discovered by Howard Carter 100 years ago. To celebrate the centennial anniversary of this remarkable find, National Geographic will premiere Tut’s Toxic Tomb on Friday 18 & 25 November at 19:00, with library content King Tut in Color, on Friday 4 November at 19:00 and Tut’s Treasures, The Golden Pharaoh on Friday 11 November at 19:00, to further explore the many facets of the great Pharoah’s life and legacy.

In November, two sumptuous programmes will take the adventure from the wilderness into the kitchen. In Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted Showdown, premiering Wednesdays at 21:00 from 9 November, the multi-Michelin star chef and Ironman athlete Ramsay faces off against those closest to him. including going head-to-head with his daughter Tilly in a culinary showdown. Later that month, Navy veteran Big Moe Cason leaves his culinary comforts behind and embarks on an epic journey to seek out the most mouth-watering dishes cooked over an open flame. World Of Flavour With Big Moe Cason premieres on Wednesdays at 21:00 from 30 November, exploring the connections between American barbecue and cultures around the world.

Meanwhile, 100 miles south of Atlanta, Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson are two longtime friends who own and operate the Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital. Between emergency visits to the office and farm calls throughout rural Georgia, the Critter Fixers and their loving staff are constantly bombarded with unique cases only seen in the country. Critter Fixers S2 premieres on Fridays at 18:00 from 11 November on National Geographic Wild.

For the world’s top adventure athletes, the line between triumph and tragedy is sometimes razor thin. The epic 10-part series, Edge Of The Unknown by Academy Award®-Winning executive producers E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, will takes audiences inside the minds of pioneering adventure athletes as they recount the most consequential moments of their lives on their journey to perfect the mastery of their craft, will premiere Sundays at 21:00 from 25 December on National Geographic.

“The exciting line up of National Geographic programming delivers on our core purpose to tell exceptional stories that ignite wonder and inspiration for people of all ages, enabling them to better understand the world and their place in it,” said Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa. “We can’t wait to bring these wildly entertaining documentary series, feature documentary films and extraordinary natural history shows from the best storytellers in the world to viewers across the continent, and especially in HD for the very first time.”

Rumour: MultiChoice To Add A Further Two HD Channels To The Existing Rumoured Batch

Earlier in the month, MultiChoice had begun testing out the homegrown lifestyle channel The Home Channel from Arena Holdings and Christian channel TBN from the company of the same name known as Trinity Broadcasting Network for a possible HD feature.

After a few days, they've began adding two channels to the existing batch National Geographic and National Geographic Wild from The Walt Disney Company although children's brands Disney Channel and Disney Junior haven't been seen on the section just yet.

But from what most remembered The Walt Disney Company is moving their content to Disney+ therefore closing a further channels with about 100 channels planned to go off-air in the near future with Disney XD, FOX and FOX Life to have tragically joined the list.

So my question is why now especially when you know you'll have these channels for another year or two. Several consumers have demanded to have these channels in HD but were reluctant to get any of that.

And I'm certain several consumers will be more than happy now that their prayers have been heard but again why now couldn't it have happened sooner I mean first minute you're watching Snakes In The City in crystal clear HD next minute the whole channel goes dark.

Nearly 30 Hours Of New, Epic Programming And Over 60 Hours Of Enhanced Content Will Span Four Weeks Across National Geographic Wild Africa

This year, SHARKFEST makes a splash to celebrate a decade of the toothiest and truthiest shark content with the most immersive and massive programming experience to date. The only shark event that proves truth is stranger than fiction will take viewers up close and personal with one of nature’s most feared predators, swimming across National Geographic Wild (DStv 182, StarSat 221) every Saturday and Sunday from 18:00 (CAT) this July, and for the first time, viewers can feast on even more much-loved shark series and specials on Disney+.

Viewers can sink their teeth into almost 30 hours of original programming and over 60 hours of enhanced content featuring captivating science and stunning visuals of the iconic apex predator. SHARKFEST not only shines a light on the science of sharks, giving audiences a better understanding of the ocean’s most misunderstood predator but also showcases their true beauty, power and mystery.

This year’s lineup offers a treasure trove of new original content that dives into details on over 15 different shark species and features footage from all over the world, including South Africa, the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Australia, Hawaii, The Maldives, California, Massachusetts, Maine, Florida and more.
SHARKFEST is the must-sea shark event of the year and sheds light on one of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. What makes this year’s fin-tastic lineup so special and unlike any other is the devotion to factual science paired with the stunning visuals captured by some of the best ocean videographers in the business.
 

Disney+ viewers can enjoy hours of specially curated shark content from National Geographic on the platform, which includes Great Shark Chow Down, Secrets of the Bull Shark, What the Shark?, Sharkatraz, Journey to Shark Eden, Sharkcano, Sharks of the Bermuda Triangle and more.
National Geographic has also partnered with Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS) to encourage diversity and inclusion in the shark sciences field and inspire the next generation of scientists. This collaboration lends MISS experts — such as Candace Fields, a Ph.D. student studying the population dynamics and geographic population structure of large predators; Carlee Jackson, marine biologist, sea turtle conservationist and shark expert; and Jasmin Graham, who specializes in elasmobranch ecology and evolution — as on-screen talent for this year’s SHARKFEST, as well as consultants for programming and development of shows.
The scientists and sharks have always been and continue to be the stars of SHARKFEST.

Our featured shark experts this year include the following:

Gibbs Kuguru, a Kenyan shark scientist who works with great whites and studies the DNA of sharks
Candace Fields, a Ph.D. student studying the population dynamics and geographic population structure of large predators
Carlee Jackson, a marine biologist, sea turtle conservationist and shark expert who is championing diversity in the world of science
Jasmin Graham specializes in elasmobranch ecology and evolution. She is the project coordinator for the MarSci-LACE project, which is focused on researching and promoting best practices to recruit, support and retain minority students in marine science
Alison Towner is a senior white shark biologist and Ph.D. student examining driving factors of movement in white sharks
 

Dr. Mike Heithaus, the executive dean of the College of Arts, Sciences & Education (CASE) and professor in the department of biological sciences at Florida International University (FIU)
Sara Casareto, a graduate student at Florida International University, working on her doctorate focusing on shark biology and behavior
Melissa Cristina Marquez, a Puerto Rican marine biologist and science communicator studying chondrichthyan fishes, such as great white sharks
Ryan Johnson, a marine biologist and world-famous documentary host

“Camo Sharks is an investigation on what shark skin does and how their melanin behaves. It’s two scientists crafting lofty ideas, making failures, and trying again. Many of the experiments you will see are done for the first time by us, so we had no idea how this was going to turn out, but that’s what makes it so riveting!” said Gibbs Kuguru. “Camo Sharks is just one of the many specials included in this year’s Sharkfest, all of which share fascinating insights about these remarkable creatures and why they need our protection,” he added.
This year’s SHARKFEST will make waves with something for everyone, from shark novices to shark enthusiasts. Highlights from this year’s SHARKFEST lineup include: 
CROC THAT ATE JAWS ENHANCED
Saturday 2 July at 17:15
Around the world, crocs and gators are moving out to sea and deep into shark territory. With reports of clashes on the rise, scientists are sending cameras to investigate what happens when two of the deadliest predators on the planet match bites! Biologist and host Mike Heithaus investigates whether these predators are facing off more often than we realize and who comes out on top when they do.

JAWS VS. BOATS
Saturday 2 July at 18:00
All across YouTube, viral videos abound of great whites and other sharks attacking boats with a ferocity and anger that has never been seen before. The question is, why? Is this simply a case of more people having cameras to video the behavior, or is something else happening? Dr. Mike Heithaus and Ph.D. candidate Sara Casareto set out to investigate what’s causing this clash between sharks and boats.

BABY SHARKS
Saturday 2 July at 18:45
Even the biggest, fastest and fiercest predators start as babies. Baby sharks are cute, but they need to grow up fast because out of more than 500 species of sharks, not one parent sticks around to help raise them. Sharks are found in every ocean across the planet and have evolved in extraordinarily different ways to carry their young and give birth and for baby sharks to thrive.

CAMO SHARKS
Sunday 3 July at 18:00, repeats on 3 July at 20:20 and 4 July at 9:35.
Can sharks change color at will to enhance their predatory abilities? Through groundbreaking experiments, revered shark biologists answer this evolutionary question. Shark scientists Dr. Ryan Johnson and Ph.D. candidate Gibbs Kuguru hope to capture real-time pigmentation changes to understand how these apex ocean predators manipulate their skin’s dermal cells to activate camouflage.

COUNTING JAWS
Sunday 3 July at 18:45
Shark encounters off the coast of California are skyrocketing. Now, a team of researchers is on a mission to investigate a newly discovered white shark hot spot close to popular beaches and determine how many great whites are out there. Their expedition will bring them face-to-face with some of the biggest sharks on the planet.

JAWS INVASION
Saturday 9 July at 18:00, repeat at 20:20
Big and dangerous predators are invading unexpected waters, from golf courses and swimming pools to lakes and backyard keys. Through analyzing user-generated footage, shark experts get to the bottom of how and why sharks seem more willing than ever to meet us on our own turf. In a bizarre twist, people encountering sharks in unexpected places are called to urgent action.

MAUI SHARK MYSTERY
Saturday 9 July at 18:45
Every year tiger sharks gather in big numbers in Maui. What’s the cause? It’s a mystery that’s a decade in the making. Now, a team of fearless shark scientists gets hands-on with one of the ocean’s largest predators to find out. That means free diving, face-to-face and unprotected. But these young women will do whatever it takes to get the data they need to crack the case.

SHARK SIDE OF THE MOON
Sunday 10 July at 18:00
The moon has an impact on animal species around the globe, but there’s never been a connection drawn between the lunar cycle and sharks. One scientist thinks the moon plays an important role in the migration and life cycle of the scalloped hammerhead, and he’s on a mission to see if his hypothesis is true. If there’s a tie between the hammerhead shark and the moon, there could be a tie with other shark species as well ... with a profound impact on both shark science and conservation.

SHARK QUEENS
Sunday 10 July at 18:45
In the animal kingdom, males are often presumed to be the most dominant. But in the ocean, does this presumption hold water? Scientists search for answers to understand if the biggest and baddest sharks of them all are female. From the great white sharks of South Africa to the tiger sharks in the Maldives, the team seeks to uncover the ultimate rulers of the waves.

SHARKS THAT EAT EVERYTHING
Saturday 16 July at 18:00
Dive into the jaw-dropping stories of anyone and anything that’s found themselves prey to the deadliest, toothiest terrors of the sea. The boundless hunger and curiosity of sharks can lead them to chow down on the most unexpected things, such as big game like hippos and crocs or inanimate objects like kayaks, cages and chicken coops.

WORLD’S BIGGEST HAMMERHEAD?
Saturday 16 July at 18:45
Numerous reports of giant great hammerhead sharks, up to twenty feet in length, have put the actual size potential of this species into question. A team of scientists from Florida International University is now on an expedition off the Florida coast to try and find the world’s biggest hammerhead, taking them from the numerous bridges of the Florida Keys to the sharky waters of the Bahamas.

 

SKY SHARKS
Sunday 17 July at 18:00
If you go down to the beach today, you could get a big surprise! Drones are revolutionizing everything that we thought we knew about sharks. And the biggest surprise? That many sharks live closer to our shores than we might like to imagine. It’s time to look behind you; the ocean’s top predator could be much closer than you think!

SHARK SUPERPOWER
Sunday 17 July at 18:45
Two teams of experts go to extraordinary lengths to take shark science into the wild as they investigate two of the most iconic shark superpowers: speed and bite force. In California, the race is on as Andy Casagrande attempts to reveal the top speed of the world’s fastest shark. And in the Bahamas, Brocq Maxey gets much closer than most to investigate the power in a shark’s bite.

GAME OF SHARKS
Saturday 17 July at 19:30
It’s time for sharks to face off in the ultimate species competition with the greatest matchups the ocean has ever seen. In ten nail-biting competitions, we’ll prove once and for all which shark is the MVP of the open sea. The great white is favored, but can it beat the shortfin mako in the 100-meter dash? Or out-jump the thresher shark? Can it keep up with the appetite of the whale shark? An underdog might just swim into first place!

GREAT WHITE VS. TIGER SHARK
Saturday 23 July at 19:35
The two biggest of the BIG THREE — great whites and tiger sharks — are two of the most dangerous predators in the ocean. And they get BIG, up to 20 feet and 18 feet, respectively. But can they grow even larger than that? Where can we find the world’s biggest? Two teams of scientists are diving in to uncover the secrets of these powerful and majestic creatures.

BACKYARD BULL SHARKS
Sunday 24 July at 19:30
Bull sharks are invading in a big way. Their bullish behavior in oceans worldwide has made them famous from coast to coast. The seven seas aren’t enough; they’re taking over brackish waters and rivers too! Warmer waters due to climate change mean bull sharks can expand their range even further … so the more we learn about them now, the better.

SHARKS VS. THE WORLD
Sunday 31 July at 17:15
Ever feel like the world is working against you? Try being a shark! These predators of the deep have some serious beef with just about everyone. Whales, tuna, surfers, swimmers, they’re at odds with them all. In face-off after face-off, sharks prove they are the ULTIMATE survivors.

WHEN SHARKS ATTACK (Six-Episode Series)
Shark attacks seem to be on the rise in North America and beyond! But what’s causing the alarming uptick in human and shark encounters? Scientists investigate first-hand accounts, uncovering clues and details that will unravel the mystery behind the terrifying shark attack spike. The answers will impact beachgoers around the globe.

Part 1 (Carnage in California) – Saturday 2 July at 19:30 (Repeat Saturday 9 July at 17:15)
Los Angeles is home to beautiful beaches and Hollywood blockbusters, but in the Summer of 2007, a dark story emerged from the depths.  Four shark attacks occurred in just four months off the coast of Malibu. With the cause of the spike a mystery, scientists investigate the case and what they discover could impact beachgoers around the world.

Part 2 (Hawaiian Night Fright) – Sunday 3 July at 19:30
The Hawaiian Islands are known as a place of beauty and tranquility. But in 2019, a rare shark emerged from the depths, attacking three swimmers in under five months. With only one other recorded attack from this rare shark species in Hawaii’s history, experts consider all clues to find the cause of the brutal attacks. Can they find the answer before this terror awakens again from the deep?

Part 3 (Space Coast Scare) - Saturday 9 July at 19:35
In 2003 along Florida’s Space Coast, the power of rockets above are rivaled by the terror of the depths down below. Locals and visitors alike are shocked by ten shark attacks in just eight months, more shark attacks than in the entire previous decade. Investigators race to find answers and the cause will shock beachgoers around the globe.

Part 4 (Twice Bitten) - Sunday 10 July at 19:35

Part 5 (Gulf Fear) - Saturday 16 July at 19:35

Part 6 (Paradise in Peril) - Sunday 17 July at 19:35

SHARK ATTACK FILES (Eight-Episode Series)

Part 1 (Food Fight) Saturday 23 July at 18:00
Part 2 (Stealth Hunters) Saturday 23 July at 18:45
Part 3 (Taste for Men) Sunday 24 July at 18:00
Part 4 (City Bites) Sunday 24 July at 18:45
Part 5 (Growing Pains) Saturday 30 July at 18:00
Part 6 (Get Smart) Saturday 30 July at 18:45
Part 7 (Unusual Suspects) Sunday 31 July at 18:00
Part 8 (Wrecked) Sunday 31 July at 18:45

Scientists use cutting-edge technology to investigate startling new theories about the world’s most dramatic shark attacks. Why are sharks drawn to shipwrecks? Are sharks entering urban environments? Are pregnant sharks more likely to kill? Can humans outsmart sharks? Why do sharks prefer to attack men? New footage, survivor accounts and hands-on testing drive us toward stunning conclusions.

Mbali Mtshali Joins Snakes In The City To Co-Host New Season Together With Simon Keys And Siouxsie Gillett

National Geographic Wild’s Snakes in the City has long been a viewer favourite as herpetologists Simon Keys and Siouxsie Gillett respond to call outs to catch and release snakes from homes and buildings in and around Durban. When the eighth season premieres across Africa on Wednesday 6 July at 18:00 (CAT), the two will be joined by local snake wrangler Mbali Mtshali.

Born in Limpopo, Mtshali moved to Kwa Zulu-Natal at young age and had her first exposure to working with reptiles while volunteering at a non-profit organisation. She later cut her teeth handling snakes while assisting at a reptile park. She has since learnt to handle venomous snakes. This dynamic lady also conducts tours at the facility, is full of energy and is a dedicated body builder. 

 

 

In Snakes in the City, our streetwise snake-catchers race across “Snake City” (Durban) to face some of the world’s deadliest snakes in the most bizarre situations and release them back into the wild. When Mtshali joins the team, her skills are immediately put to the test when they go up against a lethal black mamba inside a school, a puff adder in a toilet and an enormous python on a goat farm, not to mention a super-fast monitor lizard in a ceiling, a spitting cobra inside a local shop and many more.

 

“For many years, in my culture, these reptiles have been misinterpreted as a sign of witchcraft, a bad omen and an image of the evil serpent. Working on Snakes in the City shows that residents of Durban can catch snakes too – with the right training” said Mtshali. “My biggest message for viewers and my community is that snakes are not these evil monsters that they have been made out to be - snakes are more afraid of us than we could ever be of them,” she adds.

“National Geographic’s mission is to ignite the explorer in all of us, and our on-screen experts have a huge role to play in achieving this mission, as they share the wonders of our natural world for with viewers,” says Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa. “We are excited to welcome Mbali Mtshali to our screens, bringing her infectious energy and passion that, together with Simon and Siouxsie, will go a long way in helping change negative perceptions of these fascinating creatures for National Geographic Wild audiences across the continent.”

Snakes in the City is produced by Earth Touch for National Geographic.