Recap To The Week: OUTtv And FUSE Are Coming Off Openview's Ultraview, Moving To eVOD

During the week, it was reported eMedia Investigation would be axing OUTtv by the end of the month. As further content fold under the eVOD streaming service, while Ultraview came with a fee content from OUTtv comes at no charge.

Of course, this brought out a lot of unanswered questions for which we enquired to eMedia's teams and only got a response a short a while ago. This pertains to the rest of Ultraview's offering particularly EDGE since it only consisted of two channels.

According to a representative, FUSE will also be disconnected on the 30th April 2024. Similar to OUTtv, plans are underway to get FUSE on eVOD meaning Ultraview as some viewers predicted is a complete bust leaving consumers with the Indian channels.

For those who aren't aware, OUTtv Proud is a joint venture between OUTtv and FUSE. If eMedia Investments is saying FUSE will be added soon expect it to fold under OUTtv Proud which we presume is crowded with programming from OUTtv at the moment.

Similar to eMedia Investments, MultiChoice will also be two additional channels from their platform, WildEarth and Africa Magic Urban. This would serve as one of the many channels to have exited their platform in the last months without a replacement. 

Ultraview's Future In Doubt As OUTtv Proud Launches On eVOD With The OUTtv Channel Coming Off Openview By The End Of April

OUTtv will be coming off the subscription Ultraview platform on Openview at the end of April. eMedia Investments has yet to mention a replacement for EDGE consumers unless that's being discontinued as FUSE would be the only TV channel currently priced at R75 per month.

Ultraview launched as a pay tier to the current free-to-view Openview platform comprises of two packages each with their own set of entertainment. Spice TV is a Bollywood package offering Zee Family and Star Select from India's largest broadcasters while EDGE is youth oriented for OUTtv and FUSE.

eMedia Investments has yet to disclose any further details on subscriber numbers for Ultraview but it is believed to be small bunch. Majority coming from Spice TV due to the existing involvement from Zee One and Star Life which serve as sister channels to the channels in question. 

EDGE would air in the later nights between 9pm and 11pm where consumers are either watching Uzalo on SABC 1 or Isitha: The Enemy on e.tv. Besides that viewership within these hours particularly for such channels are usually low.

Although OUTtv would be signing off from Openview this isn't necessarily a goodbye as the latter would be allocated on eMedia Investments other platform, eVOD. Similar to MultiChoice and NBCUniversal's endeavors with Showmax its likely that further content will surface on eMedia's other channels.

Prior to the introduction of OUTtv Proud, there were rumours flying around that OUTtv would be debuting a streaming service in the market. As companies are looking to consolidate and further reduce spending costs this was the probably the best chance OUTtv had in terms of survival. 

Press statement about OUTtv Proud

OUTtv Proud is proud to announce its exciting new home on the popular eVOD streaming platform. eVOD users can now see the popular and colourful OUT tv content at no extra cost.

After captivating audiences on Ultraview, OUTtv Proud is taking its critically acclaimed slate of content to the ever-growing world of streaming. eVOD viewers can now enjoy a wide range of colourful programming, from captivating dramas and comedies to thought-provoking documentaries and reality shows on South Africa’s first FAST channel.

“OUTtv Proud is already highly popular in the United, States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom and we look forward to building on that success in South Africa,” said Brad Danks, CEO of OUTtv. “South Africa has a rich, dynamic and vibrant LGBTQ+ community and we are excited to partner with eMedia to bring the world’s best LGBTQ+ TV series, movies and documentaries to them.”

OUTtv Rebrands UK Service And Expands In Nordics With Allente Deal

The service, which will operate as OUTflix from 11 April, has also launched across the Nordics via a deal with a Allente that covers Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.

OUTflix is also a commissioner of original UK content, recently greenlighting queer comedy series Stand Up Specials London (5 x 45-minute), featuring sets from emerging comedians including James Barr, Heleana Blackwell, David Ian, Kat Nip and Vix Leyton.

Other UK original content on the service includes Live At The Queer Comedy Club, and a series of short films from The Iris Prize festival selected titles.

In addition, two projects developed through the documentary film financing fund for emerging British LGBTQ+ filmmakers that OUTtv funds alongside The Iris Prize and Aberystwth University are hosted on OUTflix: Somina Fombo’s Some Girls Hate Dresses, which follows the lives of Black British tomboys from the 1990s, and the forthcoming Bender Defenders from director Ira Putilova, highlighting five queer, non-binary and transgender people at a queer Muay Thai club in East London.

Since launching in the UK in 2020 as a DTC offering, the service has also grown its partnerships to include OUTtv Proud, a FAST channel now available via Channelbox on Freeview, Plex and Netgem.

Brad Danks, CEO of OMG and OUTtv, said: “We are unifying the brand as we expand across Europe and beyond, so we’re thrilled to be launching OUTflix alongside our partnership with Allente across the Nordics – and look forward to many more viewers discovering the treasure trove of LGBTQI+ content we continue to grow.”

News Shorts: WaterBear Extends Its To Da Vinci With A Slate Of New Content, Danger Force To End With 3 Seasons On Nickelodeon And OUTtv Greenlights New Reality Series Looking For A Third

Waterbear Network on Da Vinci

WaterBear Network, the eco-streamer. has announced a partnership with Da Vinci, the home of inspiring and educational TV for families and children. Effective immediately, WaterBear Original content will take the spotlight on Da Vinci’s FAST Channel, reaching audiences in the US, UK and Ireland.

This 12-month collaboration revolves around the theme of ‘Positive Solutions for our Changing World’, delving into narratives of sustainability, community action, conservation, and wildlife preservation. The programme lineup features WaterBear’s original documentaries and films, including Extract Destroy Repeat, an animation that delves into the depths of deep-sea mining, The Whale Who Saved Me, a story recounting whale biologist Nan Hauser’s extraordinary encounter, and Wildlife Warriors, an exploration of the lives of female conservationists.

The launch on this flagship channel, home to the popular Becoming Xtraordinary series with Bear Grylls, further cements WaterBear Network’s commitment to offering unlimited access to purpose-driven content to a growing ecosystem of consumers.

Danger Force cancelled on Nickelodeon

During the NFL NickMas Game, it was revealed by one of the commentators that Danger Force would end with after 3 seasons. With the remaining episodes to the current slated for January 2024 in the USA thus bringing the end of Schneiderverse on Nickelodeon.

Although, Danger Force had been scrapped on Nickelodeon the Dangerverse is currently in production of a Henry Danger film for Paramount+ with Jace Norman set to reprise his role. It is being developed under Nickelodeon and Norman's production company, Starlight.

In other developments, Netflix acquired distribution rights to the upcoming film for The Casagrandes. With the animated series ending on a cliffhanger, it had been confirmed that film would serve as the season finale of course Nickelodeon is depriving linear audiences from seeing it.

Tiffany ‘New York’ Pollard to host a new series

The LGBTQ+ network has ordered has the eight-part dating competition series, which is from Daddy TV, the producing team behind Stormy Daniels series For The Love of DILFs. Production will begin next summer and is slated for release in late 2024 on OUTtv.

Set in a modern villa, Looking For a Third will feature one gay couple and one lesbian couple, each searching for a third partner to add to their relationship among a group of singles.

Pollard, a seminal figure in Black reality TV, will host and is an executive producer. She was first seen in Flavor of Love back in 2006 on VH1 before landing her own spin-off, I Love New York. She also made a popular appearance on Big Brother in the UK, where she was at the center of an iconic moment in which she mistakenly told fellow housemates David Gest had died.

Recap To Last Year: OUTtv Standalone Streaming Service Is On The Horizon In South Africa

Last year, it was reported that a standalone streamer for the OUTtv brand would be made available in South Africa. This comes after its expansion to the US, UK and Australia of course various details about the yet to be launched streamer has yet to be announced.

During the year, eMedia Investments rolled out OUTtv as one of their first pay-tv channels on Openview Ultra alongside FUSE, Zee Family and Star Select. After MultiChoice opted not to add the gay TV channel as a permanent addition further content was viewable on Showmax.

Similar to Paramount+ and Max, consumers are still awaiting details from OUTtv about the streamer's rollout in the region. With some theories over its delayed launch having to do with existing agreements with eMedia Investments and MultiChoice over their content.

Another theory that also came to mind was sustainability, Paramount+ hasn't been profitable even after rolling out in parts of Europe and Peacock which serves as another streamer opted for partnerships with various local broadcasters in order to stay afloat.

An OUTtv streaming service might not really be sustainable in South Africa considering that a majority of households or in eMedia's case low income struggle to access premium services like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BritBox, Showmax and Netflix.

If anything, OUTtv might look into getting local partnerships for the yet to be launched streamer. One of the theories that would come to mind would be another collaboration with eMedia Investments which would see several content from the channel stream under eVOD.

OUTtv exists as an add-on through Openview and a similar outcome might await eVOD. There's a portion of consumers that view content from this channel as "offensive" and others that might look to divest from the streamer should content from the brand get added to eVOD.

New Series Alert: OUTtv Launches First Ever South African Programme, The G-List

LGBTQ+ television and streaming service OUTtv has commissioned its first South African original series, reality format The G-List.

Produced by The Red Pill Productions, the unscripted series follows three of the city’s gay influencers, Kyle Clarke, DJ Lula Odiba and Mthaux, as they explore topics such as identity, love, friendship and fame.

The G-list will be released on OUTtv’s broadcast and streaming services worldwide and on Openview’s Ultraview service by the end of October..

Philip Webb, chief operating officer of OUTtv, said: “South Africa is an emerging market for us and also home to an incredibly rich, dynamic and culturally vibrant queer community which we are excited to be showcasing through The G-List.”

Dale Jacobs, production lead for The Red Pill Productions, added: “We will challenge preconceived notions, celebrate diversity and uplift the power of self-expression, creating a global platform for amplifying LGBTQ+ voices in South Africa.”

Recap To The Year: OUTtv Relaunches On eMedia Investments' Openview Platform And Also Streaming On Showmax

OUTtv is a gay oriented entertainment channel based in Canada which specialises in made for TV films and series including Finding Prince Charming, RuPaul Drag Race, The Villberg Chronicles, Dr. Jackie: Unlicensed Psychotherapist and Haus Haus.

During the year, it formed part of eMedia Investments' initial offering alongside FUSE to their unbundled pay-tv service Ultraview which is similar to MultiChoice's DStv AddMovies which too comes with a limited number of alternatives at a high price.

As mentioned, OUTtv is a member of the LGBTQ something not supported by some religious groups. On top of that, such acts are prohibited in various African territories. So when you look at it you can kind of see why MultiChoice went against the channel.

Prior to its rollout on Openview, MultiChoice added OUTtv as a pop-up channel back in 2018 and were involved in a nudity scandal but that's not what stopped it from becoming permanent. Perhaps the issue at the time had to deal with preferences.

MultiChoice comes with a range of channels and consumers pay for selected while opting to tolerate the least necessary. OUTtv would have probably been that brand to drive away consumers or had smear campaigns launched against them and DStv as seen in Uganda.

Hence the reason for Showmax and Ultraview, as one comes with less restrictions while the other gives consumers particularly religious households the option of not viewing content from this particular brand.

Openview Consumers Are Not Willing To Switch To Ultraview

During the week, eMedia Investments unveiled Pride the first of several pay-tv offerings currently bundled under Openview Ultra (also known as Ultraview) joining rivals such as MultiChoice's DStv and On Digital Media alongside StarTimes' StarSat platform.

Pride comes with two dedicated general entertainment brands FUSE and OUTtv currently priced at R74.99 per month. Both of which cater to the LGBTQ community with eMedia Investments promising to add more channels overtime to the Ultraview bouquet.

Compared to most other pay-tv platforms, Ultraview comes as an unbundled outlet similar to DStv AddMovies and while MultiChoice has yet to launch a similar offering DStv Flex this was the result to the outcome of letting consumers choose what to pay for.

Since news of Ultraview came out in 2022, several Openview consumers were skeptical about the idea some feeling like second rate as seen with some DStv consumers while others thought it would follow a similar format to the mentioned platform.

A survey was conducted across social platforms about Openview Ultra and consumers in general aren't willing to cough up the dough with some comparing to the likes of DStv and others aren't satisfied with the current setup of the platform.

But from what I've seen through all this is that Openview Ultra caters to another level of consumers and most of them reside within cable platforms such as DStv or OTT platforms like Netflix and Disney+.

Honestly, Openview Ultra isn't aligned to most of the products currently bundled under eMedia Investments which include linear channels such as e.tv, eExtra and eToonz as well as digital platforms like eVOD but serves more as a standalone to the portfolio.

So I'm not gonna take consumer's concerns to account when looking at the potential outcome of Openview Ultra. For all we know, this could do well on their part as there's consumers out there who wanted this offering on DStv but MultiChoice backed out.

I am not going to say Openview Ultra is the best thing that has happened since DStv but if this formula succeeds it might encourage competitors to rollout a similar offering as seen last year when kykNET rolled out it's first competitor for eExtra's Kuiertyd offering.

New Channel Alert (Rumour): OUTtv + FUSE + Zee Family + Star Select Coming Soon Exclusively To Openview Ultra

eMedia Investments is prepping up the pay-tv version to the current Openview platform and from what is seen these past weeks I wouldn't be shocked if it was unveiled before the end of the month and before we get to the four channels, here's what you should know.

For those using Openview, there was 4 test channels and from what was seen through those lab experiments were SABC 2, SABC 3, Zee TV and Colors TV and as predicted these were just placeholder channels for the final product which turns out to be OUTtv, FUSE, Zee Family and Star Select.

OUTtv is a general entertainment channel owned by OUTtv Media Global Inc. which is meant to promote the LGBTQ community with drama series, reality shows, movies and documentaries. Some of the content include Absolutely Fabulous, Call Me Mother and Brideshead Revisited.

It was launched as a pop-up channel on DStv back in 2018 unfortunately MultiChoice opted not to have a 24 hour channel but rather to bundle it with Showmax and with this news I wouldn't be shocked if they tried prepping up a similar offering.

eMedia Investments:
- Ultraview Pride and Ultraview Indian coming soon to Openview
- More Bollywood coming soon to Openview Ultra
- More e.tv coming soon to DStv customers
- Could SABC be unveiling another two channels for Openview Ultra?
- Glow TV to stop airing on the Openview platform from next month
- Could Openview+ lead to 24 hour capability of these channels?

FUSE owned by FUSE Media LLC from what I can gather is a music and lifestyle channel similar to OUTtv it celebrates the LGBTQ community with shows like Made From Scratch, Sex Sells, We Need to Talk About America and Stay True.

The other two remain as much of a mystery to me but here's my hunch about both brands.

Zee Family is a general entertainment channel owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises while as Zee World and Zee One rely heavily on soaps to keep their lineup afloat this channel will incorporate that and explore other aspects of India including reality, lifestyle, kids movies and doccies.

Star Select is a general entertainment channel owned by Disney Star likely serving as a competitor to Zee Family with a similar offering while as serving as an expansion to the current Star Life channel.

As to whether these channels are dubbed in English that is unknown but I'm expecting them to be Hindi with English subtitles. Makes sense as we don't want to burn off so much money.

As for the pricing you may want to sit down when reading this, remember when Openview Ultra was first announced as Openview+ with a price tag R150 well that's not the case with revamped package.

Apparently, Openview Ultra has priced these channels under two tags Ultraview Pride which is R75p/m with Ultraview Indian being priced at R119p/m together that takes you to R194p/m almost R200p/m for just 4 channels.

Take to account, Openview Ultra is just a newbie to the market and overtime we will see more entertainment. For those who've been followed DStv for a while would understand that pricing is not determined by quantity but quality which is the case right here.

MultiChoice's premium package for starters almost priced at R900p/m has most funds going onto M-Net and SuperSport and with Openview Ultra I believe people will have a better understanding as to how MultiChoice actually prices their packages.

Rumour: OUTtv Standalone Streaming Service To Launch In South Africa

Canadian LGBTQ+ channel and streamer OUTtv is planning a launch in South Africa as part of its ongoing expansion.

Philip Webb, chief operating officer at OUTtv, said a South Africa launch for the streamer is on the horizon, which will build on launches in the US, UK, Ireland and Australia.

 

It comes after OUTtv launched as a “pop-up channel” in South Africa in partnership with pay TV network MultiChoice for one month in 2018.

Webb said the “full-on” launch of the OUTtv streaming service would happen “shortly” in South Africa but details are yet to be confirmed.

“South Africa has moved a lot in the last few years and is opening up. We did a trial month and, on the whole, it was well received,” said Webb.

 

OUTtv claims to be the world’s first LGBTQ+ television and streaming service and features a mix of inclusive, queer-focused content from comedy to drama, documentaries, reality and movies.

Its originals include Call Me Mother, Hot Haus, Group Sext, Shine True, Boy Boy Montréal, The Villbergs Chronicles, Iconic Justice, Trixie Mattel: Skinny Legend, My Trans Journey and the documentary strand OutSpoken.

Roundups #40: Donkey Hodie Renewed For A Second Season On PBS Kids, New Competition Show Gogo For The Gold Coming In May To OUTtv And Captain Marvel Joins Fast And The Furious 10

Donkey Hodie to get a second season

PBS Kids has greenlit Season 2 of Donkey Hodie , a puppet series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Produced by Fred Rogers Productions in collaboration with Spiffy Pictures, the series is a social-emotional learning series for kids ages 3-5 emphasizing skills to promote resilience, persistence, and problem solving. The new season will consist of 25 half-hour episodes including two specials and is slated to debut in 2023.

Donkey Hodie is set in the whimsical land of Someplace Else. The puppet series follows the adventures of Donkey Hodie, an enthusiastic and charming go-getter and her pals: Purple Panda, her loyal and empathetic best friend; Duck Duck, a practical, quick-witted young; and Bob Dog, an energetic and eager canine.

“Since its premiere last year, Donkey Hodie has brought engaging stories full of fun, humor, and important life lessons to kids across the country, helping them to see a world of possibilities,” shared Sara DeWitt, senior vice president and general manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “We couldn’t be happier to bring a second season of adventures from Donkey and her friends to PBS Kids.”

Jonny McGovern Go Goes For The Gold

It has been over two decades since Jonny McGovern’s moniker The Gay Pimp hit the New York scene with pointed comedy, raunchy gay-themed music videos, and a mission to stir sh*t up. That, he certainly has. Though his modern-day approach to media is less youth-inspired angst, his political, social, and pop culture views are no less visceral and continue to push the envelope. Not afraid to share his opinion, he is more concerned about entertaining and getting his message across than he is in being politically correct, even towards the LGBTQ community. After years of staying ahead of the LGBTQ media curve, this talk show host, podcaster, comedian, writer, producer, and musician is not concerned with who does or doesn’t like him – and his fans can’t get enough.

He debuts his latest project, Go-Go for the Gold for OutTV this May with comments about the show:
"The show is a tongue-in-cheek look for “America’s #1 Champion Gogo Superstar.” It’s a reality competition show based on my many years working in nightlife with go-go boys. It’s so fun, so hilarious and sexy, but has a lot of heart. It really highlights the creativity and ingenuity of go-go boys and shows a wide spectrum of sexy, inclusive of different body types, and a wide range of ethnicities and gender expressions which we all thought was very important to spotlight on the show."

 

Brie Larson is now part of the fast franchise

In an Instagram post by Actor Vin Diesel it was confirmed that actress, Brie Larson will be part of the upcoming Fast and Furious 10 movie, which is set to debut in May of 2023. This new installment of the Fast and Furious franchise marks 22 years since the original movie debuted in June of 2001.

Vin Diesel has been a part of the Fast and Furious movie franchise since the original movie. With work starting on the 10th movie it's clear that his excitement for the franchise is still strong, based on the passionate words in his Instagram post which highlights their newest cast member Brie Larson.

“Yeah yeah yeah… you see this angel over my shoulder cracking me up, you say to your self “ that’s Captain Marvel”. Clearly, there is love and laughter in this image. What you don’t see, however, is the character you will be introduced to in Fast10. You have no idea how timeless and amazing she will be in our mythology. Beyond her beauty, her intellect… her Oscar, haha is this profound soul who will add something you might not have expected but yearned for. Welcome to the FAMILY Brie.”

OUTtv Expands To The United States With A Bold New Look And A Slate Of Fresh Programming

OUTtv Media Group (OMG) is partnering with Producer Entertainment Group (PEG), to launch OUTtv USA, an SVOD service dedicated to premium LGBTQ+ content. OUTtv marks the first LGBTQ+ Apple TV channel and is now available on the Apple TV app.

OUTtv debuts today and is available for a seven-day trial on the Apple TV app. Subscriptions will be $2.99 per month. OUTtv is expected to launch across other marquee SVOD platforms later this year.

“We are delighted to deepen and evolve our relationship with PEG further by bringing OUTtv to America”, said Brad Danks, CEO, OUTtv Media Group. The real potential and impact will come from the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ content that we will develop, produce and distribute together.”

“Demand for premium, authentic queer content is at an all time high, said Jacob Slane, Partner, Producer Entertainment Group. “We’re proud to join OMG to bring their long standing history of serving the LGBTQ+ community with programming that’s both entertaining and inspiring to the U.S. market. Our door is now open to creatives with diverse, high-quality concepts and leading-edge talent. We look forward to bringing the next wave of inclusive content to our viewers.”

Jacob Slane will serve as senior domestic executive overseeing the venture from Producer Entertainment Group’s headquarters in Burbank, CA. At launch, the library includes over 75 titles and 2,000 hours of content. Additional original series and library titles will be announced in the coming months.

Check out OUTtv USA’s programming slate below — which includes a lot of familiar faces from the RuPaul’s Drag Race universe.

From Katya with Love – The eight-episode unscripted dating series follows everyone’s favorite bi-sexual Russian drag hooker, Katya, as she looks for love among a diverse group of singles.

The Sherry Vine Show – Drag legend Sherry Vine fronts a modern, gay sketch comedy series that only her twisted mind could produce. One part Carol Burnett and the other John Waters, The Sherry Vine Show will include six 30-minute episodes and feature guest stars Bianca Del Rio, Bob the Drag Queen, Candis Cayne, Jackie Beat, Varla Jean Merman, Nadya Ginsburg and Mario Diaz.

Translation – The first talk show on a major network hosted by an all-trans cast, the series is fronted by Peppermint, Carmen Carrera, Jiggly Caliente and Sonique. Join these powerful women as they speak truth on topics of love, sex, dating and more. Season One is currently available on OUTtv Canada and Amazon Prime in the US. Season two will be available exclusively on OUTtv USA.

Nubia – A supergroup of drag entertainers including BeBe Zahara Benet, Bob the Drag Queen, Monique Heart, Peppermint and Shea Coulee, Nubia was formed to amplify and uplift Black drag voices. After a sold-out run of live shows in New York last year, the group released a one-hour standalone TV special as a partial response to and exploration of percolating race issues in America. OUTtv has committed to funding a live concert special and additional talk specials to come.

The Alaska Thunderf**k Extra Special Comedy Special –  Star of stage and screen Alaska Thunderf**k is proud to present The Alaska Thunderf**k Extra Special Comedy Special. Featuring some of Alaska’s greatest musical hits, exciting special guests, and a series of comedic jokes, join Alaska for a one-night-only engagement filmed in pre-pandemic Hollywood, California. But in a rapidly changing world, does the comedy go too far? Are the jokes too risqué? Is the glamour too glamourous?  Premiere date is April 15.

Cam Boy – The new scripted series, which includes eight 30-minute episodes is created by award-winning writer and director Thom Fitzgerald (Sex and Violence, The Hanging Garden, Forgive Me).  When Ashton finds himself left to his own devices with bills to pay while his boyfriend is in New York, he turns to camming to make ends meet.

Boy Boy Montreal –  Boy Boy Montreal documents a contemporary portrait of gay pornography in Montreal, sharing insight into the industry through international actors, cult filmmakers and other specialists. The series includes ten 30-minute episodes.

Additionally, OUTtv has set a first-look development deal with Drag Race season 8 winner Bob the Drag Queen’s production company, Purse First Productions. As part of the deal, OUTtv will be producing a second season of his scripted digital series Besties.

Read Also:
- Europe's Cartoonito comes to the United States
- WarnerMedia EMEA on Cartoonito
- 80 projects in development on Disney+, some might have aired already
- Update on the 4 pop-up channels on DStv
- R.I.P. FOX, long live Star, will other markets follow?
- Utsav branding takes affect on Vijay TV, will StarPlus and Star Life follow in Africa
- Will Paramount+ lead to the shutdown of several linear channels?
- Several titles coming to Discovery+

These Channels Were Speculated To Be On DStv But Didn't Materialize

Over the years, there's been reports of several channels making their way to the platform some of them was supposedly confirmed by them and likely scrapped it's still unknown till this day so here's a roundup of some channels.

EWTN, offers family-oriented, spiritually-enriching programming from a Catholic point of view. The Networks’ diverse programs include live talk shows, news programs, original series and documentaries, teaching series with noted theologians, children’s shows, live coverage of the Pope, a live daily Mass, and much more. According to a representative, the channel was too expensive to get in South Africa so they were exploring ways to get it on board but till then it hit a dead end.

BabyTV is a multilingual international television channel for babies, toddlers, and parents, owned by Fox Networks Group, a subsidiary of Walt Disney Direct-to-Consumer & International, ultimately owned by The Walt Disney Company. The channel was originally suppose to be available around the time TopTV launched and this was long before it became Starsat and since the only update regarding the channel was the proposed channel numbers which were 307, 309 and 312.

France 24 is a French state-owned international news television network based in Paris. Its channels broadcast in French, English, Arabic, and Spanish and are aimed at the overseas market, similar to BBC World News, DW and RT.

Syfy is an American basic cable channel that is owned by the NBCUniversal Television and Streaming division of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast. The channel features science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural, paranormal, drama, and reality programming. MultiChoice Africa was set to relaunch the channel but deemed it expensive while MultiChoice SA wasn't interested and deemed it niche.

eReality, yes this South African beauty was rumored to be a placeholder for the defunct eBella operated by eMedia Investments. MultiChoice even put the channel up in their test channel section. Who knows exactly why it was scrapped perhaps MultiChoice realised this channel has too much programs available on other channels on DStv.

OutTV is a Canadian English language specialty channel which broadcasts general entertainment and lifestyle programming aimed at the LGBT community. So far the brand has returned through Showmax but if you visit the media pages they never mentioned returning with local programs as well so maybe this deal they have with that platform is the start of something new.

Sonlife Broadcasting Network,

MultiChoice's Showmax Adds Gay Content From OUTtv In New Distribution Deal, Could The 24/7 Channel Make A Comeback To DStv

Showmax has added a revolving carousel of gay content in the form of series and films after signing a distribution deal with Canada's OUTtv.

Outside of South Africa, MultiChoice's subscription video-on demand (SVOD) service will block the LGBTQ+ content in countries like Kenya and Nigeria where broadcasting regulators and censorship boards deem the content offensive and don't want it to be seen.

The OUTtv offering will further diversify and strengthen Showmax's content offering that will soon compete with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video as two new over-the-top (OTT) players that will sit alongside Showmax on the revamped interface dashboard of MultiChoice's DStv service as add-in streaming options.

Showmax's OUTtv offering will now also compete with South Africa's existing PrideTV video streaming service offering a catalogue of local and international LGBT films and series.

In October 2018 MultiChoice added the gay-focused OUTtv aimed at the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community as a month-long linear pop-up TV channel on DStv to try out the content under the South African audience.

After its removal, they mentioned that they'll return with more diverse content in future with local programming. They didn't mention anything about being added onto Showmax. Now it joins Adult Swim on the platform which ran as a programming block on TNT (DStv 137) so a full-time channel for these two brands seem possible on DStv.

Showmax has acquired a catalogue of content including the horror drag reality series Boulet Brothers' Dragula, Trixie Mattel: Skinny Legend and Drag SOS and will add further new OUTtv content on a monthly basis.

"This year our efforts are concentrated on growing the accessibility of OUTtv's expansive catalogue of LGBTQ+ content to global audiences," says Brad Danks, CEO of OUTtv in a statement.

"We're seeing an increasing demand for LGBTQ+ programming and, by partnering with premium entertainment platforms such as Showmax we are able to make our content more accessible to international audiences."

Is OUTtv Making A Comeback To South Africa?

The Canadian LGBT+ network OUTtv commissioned a bran new show titled "Fak Yaass" which is slated for an early 2019 release. 

Fak Yaass is a series that tells the 'true' story of Nico Nicolakis' big Greek family and their journey of accepting Nico no matter his sexuality. Showing the clash between old tradition and the new age, millennial Nico struggles with the idea of returning home, somewhere he's always felt judged and unworthy. With the help of his friends, Anton and Jill, we'll watch as Nico's heart begins to let his family in and we'll see his family accept him for who he is, until a secret family scheme may ruin that forever.

According to one of the crew members which has yet to be confirmed the series will air in South Africa along with Canada, New Zealand and Australia.(pictured below)

Not only that the channel teased its return with more bold, diverse and LOCAL shows a few days after the channel closed.(pictured below)

OUTtv started on 4th October until 4th November as a one month pop-up channel on DStv Premium and Compact Plus only in South Africa featuring a range of programs from a gay bachelor looking for love, to a stripping dating show that had full frontal nudity and even a series showing what happens behind the production of a gay porn site.

OUTtv recieved complaints over a couple of shows that were mistakenly uncensored forcing the channel to remove them. The channel's boss is hopeful that it could be a permanent pay-tv channel.

OUTtv SA Is Coming Back

Unfortunately our OUTtvSA Pop up channel has come to an end.
We hope you guys enjoyed our teaser month with DStv.

We’ll be back with more Diverse, Vibrant and Bold content, including some exciting LOCAL shows.

So please stay tuned into our Social Media.

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DStv Announced Its First LGBTIQ TV, OUTtv South Africa Which Launched As A Pop-Up Channel On The 4th October Until 4 November - More Details About The Launch

The channel is based on Canada’s OUTtv, which is also available in New Zealand and Australia.

While the LGBTIQ video streaming service PrideTV.co.za is already up and running in South Africa, OUTtv SA will be the first traditional broadcast LGBTIQ channel in the country.

The announcement took the community by surprise and many of us had questions about the channel. We spoke to Warren-Lee Whitcher, MD of OUTtv SA, for more about how the initiative came about and its plans for the future.

Who is behind OUTtv SA – who are the players and what is their background?
OUTtv SA is made up, mostly, by the same team that applied for a pay-TV license from ICASA back in 2012. This license was finally awarded in 2015. The team is comprised of innovative and talented broadcasting and broader media folk with extensive experience across multiple m media platforms. I, myself, am an investment banker by trade, however my first job out of varsity was with the Sabido Group (now eMedia Investments) which managed eTV, eNews, YFM etc. and I have been passionately involved within the broader media value chain ever since.

Are any of those behind the local channel members of the LGBTIQ community?
Yes, our team is highly diverse and inclusive, with a voice from most communities: Heterosexual, LGBTIQ, male, female, white, black, coloured, South African, Canadian…a little bit of everything!

Was there any consultation with the LGBTIQ community before launching the channel?
Of course, over the process of getting OUTtv SA to air – a six-year long process – we have consulted extensively with various bodies, members and allies of the LGBTIQ community, both locally and abroad. We have built a great working relationship with Johannesburg Pride and plan to leverage this relationship to build stronger ties within the local community going forward, especially with regards to local content opportunities, CSI initiatives etc.

Why has it taken so long for DSTV to get an LGBTIQ channel on the air? We as a community have been clamouring for this for many years. What was right about now?
Look, I cannot comment on any of the DStv specific details, however we have taken the view that we want to ‘be part of the change we want to see’ and are grateful that DStv have bought into this vision going forward.
From a timing perspective, I think there is very strong momentum towards embracing and nurturing the spirit of diversity and inclusion – across many different lines; sexual orientation, gender, race, creed etc. – so I believe the timing to be absolutely spot on for OUTtv SA launching in South Africa.

Why was it decided that OUTtv SA would only be a month-long pop up? Is this a test run with the possibility of an ongoing channel?
OUTtv SA is a premium channel that is extremely expensive to programme. As such, and as is normal for launches of new or niche offerings, it was decided to take the pop-up channel approach first, in order to assess demand and appetite. We are quietly confident that the channel will be very well received and are, of course, hopeful of building it out into a permanent fixture.

A link has been made between the channel and [Gauteng’s] Pride month in October. Is the channel intended to celebrate Pride or is the timing a coincidence?
Yes, October, as Pride month, seemed like a natural choice in which to launch OUTtv SA.

Do you think that the content on OUTtv will resonate with local audiences?
Yes, most definitely. Great stories are universally appealing so we are sure that most viewers will find one, two or ten shows or movies that they will absolutely love! In addition, around 80% of the programme line-up will be premieres within SA, so there is also that to consider.

Will OUTtv SA feature any local content?
OUTtv SA has had a long relationship with the [now defunct] OUT in Africa (OIA) film festival and it was always intended to leverage their extensive library of local content to support the launch of the channel.
However, the passing of time has seen the OIA library being donated to the UCT film library, which is great for posterity, however it makes the licensing deals far too complex for a pop-up channel. We will certainly be re-investigating this avenue should the channel become permanent as this is amazing content that fully deserves a national distribution platform. That being said, we have partnered with Johannesburg Pride to develop and produced an extensive list of short-format (10-15 min pieces) episodic content, featuring LGBTIQ community members and allies; that should make for sensational and informative viewing!

What kind of response have you received to the launch? Has there been any backlash from conservative DStv viewers?
The size and overall positivity of response to OUTtv SA has been overwhelming! We always expected a great response, but even we were blown away! And it’s getting bigger and stronger by the day. As regards negativity or backlash, none that I have seen… and even if it does come, our approach will not be one of defensive explanation. We will simply listen to and try and understand the message or concerns and then encourage everyone to give the channel a watch and embrace the spirit of diversity and inclusion with which it has been launched in South Africa.

Do you ever see the possibility of a channel such as OUTtv SA being offered to the rest of Africa?
That is a far bigger question than I am able answer. Obviously, we would love to distribute the channel as far and wide as possible, however we need to be responsible first and foremost and in some countries, being part of the LGBTIQ community is, literally, a danger to your well-being! Again, in the spirit of being part of the change we wish to see, we will happily play our part in promoting acceptance and positive change across the continent, but only at a pace which makes sense for all parties and stakeholders.

OUTtv SA is on DStv channel 198 until 4 November.