"The Bollore Effect": Could SABC News, eNCA And Newzroom Afrika Also Be Impacted By Canal+ Possible Takeover Of MultiChoice?

MultiChoice is technically insolvent a position in which the liabilities weigh more than their assets meaning the company won't be able to cover most of their expenses and could go bankrupt. So they're reliant on Canal+ transaction in order to remain afloat as they take the matter to legislation.

As some readers are aware, there was reports going around about the potential owners Canal+ and Vivendi that similar to MultiChoice would buy up shares in a company before staging a hostile takeover. But most of the attention was pointed toward the editorial staff and the effects this transaction had on them.

eMedia Investments' Openview and StarSat already package the French news channel France24 alongside MultiChoice's DStv in the Eastern and Western parts of Africa. This channel has been subjected to "editorial interference" or as the media would brand this situation "corporate bullying".

The owners in question would force a channel like France24 to express certain views about a topic and failure to abide by those policies would risk that individual their job. Corporate would go about hiring someone who is willing to follow guidelines which is why France24 looks the way it is now.

With Canal+ obtaining almost half of MultiChoice shares there's fear lurking around that SABC News, eNCA and Newzroom Afrika heading down a similar route. Although Canal+ wouldn't own these channels they would own MultiChoice which in turn owns France24 and would want to level the playing field.

With Canal+ already prioritizing C8 and BFM alongside France24 in Africa another fear surrounding these channels would be budget cuts. The first thing that will happen once the transaction concludes would be corporate downsizing with lower to upper management seeing cuts with branches closing down.

MultiChoice Updates: Dr Phil To End After 21 Years On CBS And Mzansi Magic, Showmax Greenlights Two New Series From Tshedza Pictures And Mzansi Wethu To Launch Nguni News Bulletin, Lindaba Zethu

Another syndicate is out for the count

America's Dr. Phil talk show is ending after 21 seasons with Dr. Phil McGraw who decided that he wanted to stop doing his daytime show at the end of the current season.

The Oprah spin-off talk show was seen on South African television - first SABC2 where it ran from its beginning for several seasons, after switching to pay-TV with M-Net picking it up for the Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel for a few further seasons.

Dr. Phil McGraw started out with appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, also seen in South Africa, in the late 1990s, before he transitioned to his own tough-talking talk show in 2002.

"I have been blessed with over 25 wonderful years in daytime television. With this show, we have helped thousands of guests and millions of viewers through everything from addiction and marriage to mental wellness and raising children," Phil McGraw (72) says in a statement announcing the end of the show.

African VOD Showmax Inks Slate Deal With South Africa’s Emmy-Nominated Tshedza Pictures

African streaming service Showmax has inked a two-series slate deal with Tshedza Pictures, the South African production company behind the International Emmy-nominated telenovela “The River,” the company announced Tuesday at the start of the Joburg Film Festival.

“Adulting,” Tshedza’s first Showmax Original, is an eight-part drama series set in the parallel universes of four varsity friends. Their strong bond has held them together even as their journeys in life have taken them in very different directions — a bond the show’s creators describe as “the bromance of the decade.”

Tshedza’s second Showmax Original, “Outlaws,” (40 episodes) is a cross-cultural love story that plays out in the dangerous world of cattle-theft syndicates in the lawless land on the border between Lesotho and South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal region.

Both slated for a 2023 debut.

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Newzroom Afrika rolls out a news bulletin on Mzansi Wethu

Since induction, Newzroom Afrika has proven to be the BET in news following its launch in 2019 to replace the controversial Afro Worldview. The brand has been excelling so much so they've made several content deals with Mpuma Kapa TV and 1KZN.

Now they'll be expanding their expertise to more outlets as Mzansi Wethu plans to roll out an Nguni based news bulletin from 27 February at 19:00 which will serve as the very first competitor to the news block seen on SABC 1 with eNuus on kykNET competing with Afrikaans news on SABC 2.

The former SABC News TV anchor Thabile Mbhele will be the isiZulu news anchor on Mzansi Wethu, while Dicksy Mdlalose who is also known to SABC viewers, is the weather presenter. Khethukuthula Makoatsane is the sign language interpreter.

For the isiXhosa bulletin Lisakhanya Pepe who was on the SABC will be the anchor, with the SABC weather presenter Thabile Makapela who will appear on Mzansi Wethu. Pumza Sikumba is the sign language interpreter.

What To Expect From The Makers Of Newzroom Afrika New Channel On DStv, Movie Room?

Home Affairs: A Christmas Tale
Genre: Family
Starring: Elsabé Daneel, Celeste Loots
Family is the heart of this local Christmas movie, when a family gathers for Christmas, the holiday surprises them with a lot more than just gifts under their Christmas tree.

Nativity
Genre: Comedy
Starring: Martin Freeman and Ashley Jensen
In the film teacher Paul Maddens lies to his rival that Hollywood are coming to watch his school's Christmas nativity, but after the lie gets out of hand, he must resolve the issue fast.

One Night With Kwa Mxolisi
Genre: Drama
Starring: Nyaniso Dzedze, Donovan Goliath
When a once semi-successful rugby player opens a new restaurant, his friends come to celebrate his success. After too many drinks friendships are tested.

Happiness Is A Four Letter World
Genre: Romance
Starring: Mmabatho Montsho, Khanyi Mbau
In this uplifting South African romantic drama, three friends try to find love, happiness and success in Johannesburg.

Season's Feelings
Genre: Comedy
Starring: Kiroshan Naidoo, Natalie Robbie
On their way to a not-so-conventional Christmas party, a band of outsiders collide with themselves and each other as they try to figure out quarter-loves, half-loves and family.

A Boere Krismis
Genre: Comedy
Starring: Lara Toselli, Johann Vermaak
In a chaotic South African Christmas comedy. In Claire's final attempt at becoming an actress-director-writer, she uses her fiance's family in a docu-film to launch her failed career.

Pop, Lock 'N Roll
Genre: Drama
Starring: Steven Pillemer, Eric Uys
An ambitious dancer gets a chance to become famous, but his life takes a turn when he falls in love with his producer's wife.

Herb & Moon
Genre: Family
Starring: Robert Whitehead, Katherine Neethling
When a rebellious grandfather finds out he won't spend Christmas with his granddaughter, he "breaks out" of his nursing home to see her.

New 24/7 Movie Channel On DStv Offers A Ticket To Couch Potato Paradise

Cinema buffs, action afficionados and casual viewers alike will be spoilt with choice when a new, creatively curated movie channel goes live on August 27. Launching to all DStv Premium, Compact+, Compact, Family and Access customers on channel 113, Movie Room is the brainchild of Ngwato Nkosi Group, known as the founders of the disruptive, audience-centric and highly successful Newzroom Afrika news and information service.

The company, which is a partnership between entrepreneurs Thabile Ngwato and Thokozani Nkosi, is building on the strong platform created by Newzroom Afrika to expand its entertainment business with the launch of Movie Room.

"This channel will offer entertaining local and international movies 24/7 from big blockbuster hits to unforgettable cinema classics." said Nkosi.

“We’ll be carefully curating the line-up to cater for every mood – whether it’s edge-of-your-seat action you’re after, or the comfort of an old favourite. Of course, we’ll also apply the unique perspective that we’ve become known for,” Nkosi says.

Ngwato says the company had a bold ambition to build an African news and entertainment platform for the future.

“This is an exciting next step in our journey. Newzroom Afrika has been successful beyond all expectations, and we will use the experience of setting up the channel from scratch to make smart decisions in our approach with Movie Room.

“Our team is entrepreneurial by nature and we have a core group of seasoned and creative talent that sets us apart,” Ngwato said.

Georginah Machiridza, executive head content strategy & 3rd party channels at MultiChoice says, Movie Room would give viewers even more options in their selection of entertainment for every viewing occasion.

“We’re excited to bring subscribers the widest possible choice of fine movies to satisfy all tastes and seasons,” says Machiridza.

SABC, e.tv And DStv Ratings For July 2021

SABC 1:
Uzalo - 7 776 154
Generations the Legacy - 6 404 226
Skeem Saam - 5 911 857
Zulu News - 4 686 483
Xhosa News - 4 495 773
Nyan Nyan (Reality) - 3 430 790
Now or Never (Documentary) - 3 143 584
Judas Kiss (Movie) - 3 138 914
Caf Champions League Kaizer Chiefs vs Al - 2 955 015
Real Goboza (Magazine) - 2 755 322
Come Again (Reality) - 2 690 815
Uzalo (Repeat) - 2 638 808
Siswati/Ndebele News - 2 568 303
Evolution of Mzansi Street Culture (Reality) - 2 568 236
Live Amp - 2 547 106
Skeem Saam (Repeat) - 2 526 103
Born Legends (Reality) - 2 493 269
The Ranakas (Reality) - 2 404 385
Instapreneurs (Reality) - 2 364 446
Soccer Build-up - 2 357 043

SABC 2:
President Addresses the Nation News - 5 840 203
Muvhango - 4 364 992
President`s Address About Looting News - 4 171 470
Music - 4 073 689
Presidents Address Response to Public - 3 703 165
Ses/Tsw/Sep News - 2 690 448
Rsvp: Dare to Change (Documentary) - 1 419 161
7De Laan Soap - 1 279 908
Nuus - 1 197 989
Mmalonya (Drama) - 1 117 604
Through the Fire: the Legacy of Barack Ob (Documentary) - 961 359
Our Wedding Story (Reality) - 810 832
Muvhango (Omnibus) - 802 136
Keletso (Drama) - 786 266
Kelebone (Drama) - 785 007
Muvhango (Repeat) - 766 650
Setswana/Sesotho News - 765 679
Speak Out (Actuality) - 739 392
Die Sentrum (Drama) - 722 082
Massive Africa (Documentary) - 716 496

SABC 3:
Seven Worlds One Planet (Documentary) - 769 858
News - 766 334
Wild Orphans Rescue (Documentary) - 542 785
The Greatest Dancer (Reality) - 512 416
The Estate (Omnibus) - 503 193
Tokyo Olympics Wrap up - 454 104
Tokyo Olympics: Skateboarding - 407 923
The Estate (Repeat) - 403 592
Unpacked with Relebogile (Magazine, Repeat) - 384 261
If Only (Movie) - 377 014
Our Oceans (Documentary) - 374 860
The Pursuit of Happyness (Movie) - 362 204
The Insider Sa (Magazine) - 353 462
On Point News - 352 469
The Estate - 351 390
Slumdog Millionaire (Movie) - 348 991
Unpacked with Relebogile (Magazine) - 342 511
Tokyo Olympics: Gymnastics - 339 950
Indrajith (Movie) - 339 811
Tokyo Olympics: Men's Football South Africa - 327 316

e.tv:
Scandal - 5 232 729
House of Zwide - 4 241 023
Imbewu - 3 897 923
Ican with Absa Drive - 3 813 244
Rhythm City - 3 666 025
Transporter 2 (Movie) - 3 437 634
The President's Address - 3 199 306
The Transporter (Movie) - 3 153 043
Transporter 3 (Movie) - 3 054 131
Durban Gen - 2 797 873
Thor (Movie) - 2 708 990
Captain America: the First Avenger (Movie) - 2 626 219
Family Feud South Africa - 2 496 201
The Transporter Refueled (Movie) - 2 075 106
Iron Man 3 (Movie) - 1 988 038
South Africa Tonight News - 1 881 128
Marvel's the Avengers (Movie) - 1 867 627
Imbewu (Repeat) - 1 854 962
Durban Gen (Repeat) - 1 793 701
Etv News Presidential Speech - 1 747 639
(The Resident replaces Hawaii Five-O in August)

DStv:
MZAN Gomora - 1 624 270 & 2 005 207
MZAN The Queen (Drama) - 1 300 065 & 1 586 874
MOJA Uyajola 9/9 - 1 213 250 & 1 430 866
MZAN Idols SA - 1 018 607 & 1 262 272
MZAN The River (Drama) - 989 212 & 1 220 684
MZAN Diep City - 859 579 & 1 097 710
MZAN The Real Housewives of Durban - 859 425 & 1 073 684
MZAN Nqobile (Drama) - 791 437 & 986 328
MZAN Mnakwethu - 774 490 & 971 120
MOJA Isencane Lengane - 765 809 & 941 073
MZAN Abomama - 739 089 & 935 912
MWET Our Perfect Wedding - 701 741 & 919 220
MZAN Date My Family - 654 193 & 751 479
MWET Isibaya - 590 388 & 757 385
MZAN Unefa (Documentary) - 586 948 & 722 077
MZAN Gomora (Repeat) - 563 878 & 736 176
MWET The Queen (Repeat) - 553 365 & 768 305 
MOJA Finding Bongani Fassie - 533 063 & 657 174
MZAN Lebo M Coming Home - 521 803 & 626 032 
MOJA Mamazala - 517 283 & 623 398
MWET Abazali - 514 638 & 663 468
NEWA Newsfeed with Stephen Grootes - 501 728 & 523 576
MWET Ifalakhe (Drama) - 499 592 & 642 672 
MWET Sengkhathele (Magazine) ,- 497 040 & 638 423
MWET The Queen - 484 267 & 661 579
MOJA Single and Mingle - 476 032 & 550 368
NEWA Daytime Update - 470 324 & 508 085
MZAN Pastor Wants a Wife - 452 117 & 555 221
MBIO Ubukhosi Nama Khosana - 440 802 & 603 485
MWET Ho Lekane - 437 377 & 541 272

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Newzroom Afrika Launches Initiative With 1KZN TV & Mpuma Kapa TV

In an effort to continue transforming and developing the media and broadcast landscape, Newzroom Afrika has entered into an agreement with two of South Africa’s regional TV stations, 1KZN TV and Mpuma Kapa TV.

Newzroom Afrika’s national and continental positioning will assist in providing both channels with a much greater audience reach. In addition to this, the 24-hour TV news channel will provide 1KZN TV and Mpuma Kapa TV with editorial training and mentorship. On the commercial front, the two channels will also produce exclusive content and news services for Newzroom Afrika.

“Our vision to be Africa’s leading, credible news and information service will continue to be reflected in this new initiative. Supporting regional channels is a key portion of our overall strategy, which sees us delivering world-class offerings at every touchpoint,” says Thabile Ngwato, Chief Executive Officer at Newzroom Afrika.

To support this initiative, MultiChoice has given 1KZN TV and Mpuma Kapa TV each a grant to improve their news coverage capability and establish news bureaus in the respective provinces. These grants will cover production equipment such as cameras, lighting, sound and computers, as well as training and technical support.

“In its quest to provide an authentic voice to the people of KwaZulu-Natal, 1KZN TV has been wanting to expand its news coverage. This partnership – made possible by MultiChoice – will enable us to do just that, whilst also building our capacity through professional training and assistance,” said Edwin Mncwango, Chief Executive Officer at 1KZN TV.

“Mpuma Kapa TV is excited to be part of this new venture, as we open up the Eastern Cape to the country and continent. As the leading broadcaster in the province, our news bureau can now open opportunities to train and shape a new generation of journalists and news reporters from the Eastern Cape,” says Motse Mfuleni, Chairperson of the Board at Mpuma Kapa TV.

1KZN TV and Mpuma Kapa TV will be able to offer live coverage of breaking news from rural areas, participate in interviews through studio-to-studio live feeds, and even package news inserts. This will bring in much needed new revenue streams to further enhance their news coverage capability.

“Regional TV stations are the lifeline for news and stories in their communities. We are committed to supporting and enabling them to improve the quality of broadcasting at grassroots level. Their partnerships with Newzroom Afrika will elevate local news to a national stage. Our hyperlocal strategy is about growing and telling local stories and through this initiative, we are seeing it in action,” says Nyiko Shiburi, MultiChoice South Africa .

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Newzroom Afrika Launches On DStv

The addition of Newzroom Afrika will add further news diversity to MultiChoice platforms

MultiChoice Group (MCG) is proud to announce that it will soon be adding Newzroom Afrika to its portfolio of news channels on 2nd May 2019. The channel founded by Thokozani Nkosi and Thabile Ngwato, will complement the existing local and international news channels currently available on DStv; joining the likes of CNN, BBC, Sky News, Al Jazeera, eNCA and SABC.

Newzroom Afrika will be live on DStv channel number 405 and will be available to DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family, Access and EasyView customers. The channel will be simulcast (SD/HD) and available 24/7.

In addition to the traditional DStv linear platform, Newzroom Afrika will also be available via streaming on smartphone, tablet or desktop, through DStv Now.

According to Yolisa Phahle, CEO of General Entertainment, “the addition of Newzroom Afrika will increase the diversity of voices and perspectives in South Africa’s news media space. Their vision and entrepreneurial outlook has the potential to grow news viewership through its commitment to consumer centric, objective analysis and a strong digital focus”.

Newzroom Afrika promises a fresh take on news coverage, with credible and leading voices who will deliver  the day’s top stories. The talent line-up features experienced news professionals from  the industry. In addition, Newzroom Afrika will provide a platform for new talent to develop both in front of and behind the camera. The company will be supported by  an experienced and respected management team and editorial board.

“We are proud of how quickly Newzroom has progressed and wish them everything of the best,” concluded Phahle.

New Channel Alert: Newzroom Africa On DStv Channel 405

Newzroom Afrika, which won a bid last year for a new channel on Multichoice's DStv platform, says it has started recruiting staff.

"Newzroom Afrika promises to be an innovative and interactive multi-media news service that is impartial, unbiased, unapologetic and disruptive," the news channel, which won the bid out of 111 contenders, said in a statement.

The channel is the brainchild of former news anchor and entrepreneur Thabile Ngwato and television production entrepreneur Thokozani Nkosi. It is looking to recruit for positions including a multimedia designer, senior news reporter and an assignments editor, as well as positions in business and production.

"We’re looking for journalists who share our commitment to the values of our magnificent Constitution and the highest standards of principled journalism," said Nkosi.

Ngwato added: "It’s been incredibly exciting to see our vision taking shape after months of hard work and we can’t wait to put a really strong editorial team together to put it all into practice."

Newzroom Afrika has an editorial advisory board headed by journalism stalwart and former press ombud Joe Thloloe and public advocate on the South African Press Council Dinesh Balliah, while former eMedia group executive for stakeholder management Malebo Phage and former Power 98.7 head of news Dianne Hawker will be among the editorial executives.

"We will work hard to develop a professional news service for South Africans which, while pulling no punches, will consider nation-building as an ultimate good," Ngwato said.

The channel is expected to announce its launch date soon.