Should SABC Look Into Renaming The SABC Education Channel Perhaps To SABC Variety 2?

Since 1996, SABC Education had been a trademark the public broadcaster would incorporate on local content geared mainly at the youth aged 2-14 and overtime aged 18-49. It is home to shows like Geleza Nathi, Uzalo, Matric Reloaded, Skeem Saam, Takalani Sesame and TOMZ.

It currently operates as a 24 hour channel on SABC's DTT alongside SABC 1-3, SABC Lehae, SABC Variety, SABC Sport and their 19 radio stations. Other means of accessing the channel or its content is through SABC+ and for those without these option can view its content on SABC 1-3.

This channel was launched amidst covid as a Mindset oriented brand offering various lessons from the Department Of Education on top of the already existing Geleza Nathi and Matric Reloaded. That left little variety for SABC's other shows like Words And Numbers and Hectic Nine-9.

Since then a lot of restructuring was done to incorporate a lot more of the SABC with the inclusion of Skeem Saam and non-educational shows like Restyle My Style and Challenge SOS but then again I get why these are on.

SABC Education is youth oriented and the SABC hadn't really produced much content in this area but the inclusion of Afro Cafe and Speak Out falls out of that spectrum. This was a channel that should be pivoting toward what it is positioned for education yet there's music shows on there.

Often the public broadcaster would rebrand the channel to SABC Festival as if there weren't consumers actually watching the channel and leaving the space occupied by SABC Variety unhinged. Considering there's already content under SABC Education not viewable on the channel like Uzalo.

Yet there's space for current affairs, the public broadcaster should consider restructuring or revamping the channel perhaps into SABC Variety 2. The first channel may as well occupy shows like Uzalo and Giyani: Land Of Blood while the other offers Skeem Saam and Noot Vir Noot.

Is SABC Still Planning To Expand Their Operations To MultiChoice's DStv And eMedia Investments' Openview?

In 2021, reported rivals eMedia Investments and the SABC had extended the agreement to include SABC Sport alongside SABC's 19 radio stations. This would sit alongside SABC 1-3 with plans to add two entertainment channels to the existing line-up. 

These channels never came to fruition to Openview consumers since the agreement was announced despite promises to unveil them. The only thing known about these brands is that the premise is similar to SABC Encore with plans to include new content. 

Prior to this, MultiChoice and StarSat were in discussion to launch another TV channel from the public broadcaster, SABC Education. Similar to these two untitled channels on Openview, SABC Education hadn't launched yet and only resides on SABC's DTT and SABC+.

There had been mentions that MultiChoice similar to eMedia Investments could be looking to add more TV channels from the SABC which is delaying the rollout of SABC Education. Another that an SABC Encore based channel was in development. 

Since last year, the public broadcaster was only able to launch two channels SABC Lehae and SABC Variety. Although, they hadn't officially announced the channels or properly marketed them they are however viewable on SABC's DTT with Lehae also on SABC+.

Speculation going around is that these channels would also be allocated on eMedia Investments' Openview. The public broadcaster is low on income and the only reason they would even greenlit a channel would be if they had some form of funding.

These two channels do match the description SABC provided about these Openview channels - repeats. SABC Lehae would give consumers access to local news following the dismissal of News And Sports in 2022 while SABC Variety would compliment ePleiser. 

Not much is known on why SABC hadn't expanded their services as intended but some guesses have to do with the restructuring of SABC 1-3. The SABC is currently reviewing the content on these channels in an attempt to revamp themselves. 

Maybe these endeavors would lead to the creation of more TV channels or restructures for their other brands.

Another reason could be the corporate management of these brands, they had promised to launch SABC+ by 2018/9 but did so successfully by 2022. Same thing with SABC Lehae, no announcement or media briefing on its launch as promised last year.

Recap To The Month: SABC Education Silently Rebranded Into SABC Festive For The Holidays

SABC Education is a youth oriented brand in which the public broadcaster enlists to distribute a variety of TV based dramas and reality shows. Since 2020, it got a dedicated DTT channel which is basically "another SABC Encore" for the SABC's existing offering.

During the month, SABC launched their festive pop-up channel for a second time in a row. It is basically a youth oriented version to the current Qwest TV seen on DStv with locally produced shows like Afro Cafe and Gospel Classics alongside international favourites like The Comedy Roast.

As seen on the Go Digital and SABC+ platforms, the public broadcaster opted for SABC Education to promote the festivities as opposed to just spinning them off as seperate channels. With SABC Education which would most probably return earlier in the new year.

Taking to account, the mess regarding the potential rollout of the public broadcaster's spinoff/competitor to SABC News, SABC Lehae. Then there's also a possible revival to the SABC Encore format currently viewable on DTT,

SABC Variety.

The SABC even failed to notify consumers that SABC+ will be restructuring their domain (with a dash inserted to the link) as the current structure of the platform looks similar to MultiChoice's DStv Stream app but watershed as only the linear and radio stations are viewable.

Could SABC Education Alongside Further New Channels No Longer Be Moving Forward On DStv And StarSat?

For three years, consumers on pay-tv platforms have wondered if plans were still underway to get SABC Education alongside other channels from the public broadcaster such as SABC Sport and SABC Lehae to DStv and StarSat as these brands are currently exclusive to free-to-view platforms.

Prior to the pandemic, SABC had unveiled an educational channel and as mentioned they were looking to get it on more platforms. Now the question is whether that's still on the cards or similar to the duration of SABC News on DTT those plans had been halted.

In recent years, MultiChoice had limited the broadcast rights to select sporting content to their consumers while as SABC removed their local content from DStv's catch-up service leaving consumers to rely on SABC 1-3 or to stream further repeats on SABC+.

It wouldn't really some far fetched to some if SABC Education alongside other channels by the public broadcaster never got the time of day on DStv (and it possible StarSat). The public broadcaster had been looking to charge pay-tv platforms if not collect TV licence for their channels.

Although, SABC Sport and SABC Education aren't under must carry regulations as seen with SABC 1-3. They are operated by the same company which kind of jeopardize their position on the platforms.

Another issue a viewer had brought up was the trust deficit for these channels. As seen with SABC Encore and e.tv's 4 Openview channels each had a 5 year duration on DStv and if SABC Education or SABC Sport lasted much longer then you'd know it's a success with MultiChoice.

Recap To The Decade: SABC Delays Launch Of New Channels On DStv Because They Want More Money

In 2020, the public broadcaster unveiled their first TV channel in over 10 years, SABC Education. It is meant to serve as a curriculum vitae based channel like Mindset while as serving content already seen on SABC 1-3 including Skeem Saam, Afro Cafe and Matric Reloaded.

This was one of the confirmed TV channels to be beamed on DStv and StarSat. Of course, that wasn't the case as the channel is still accessible on the SABC+ streaming service and through DTT with some content as mentioned accessible on the public broadcaster's most viewed brands.

A lot of mystery still surrounds the sudden disappearance of SABC Education as you had StarSat listing it on their website which had since then been scrapped while as MultiChoice continue to make it accessible on the iPlate section (or test channel section) of DStv.

At first, several consumers thought that MultiChoice had paused the launch of the channel as they await the public broadcaster to rollout more new channels and now the blame shifts toward the public broadcaster after demanding that pay-tv companies pay for SABC 1-3.

Since last year, South African TV regulator ICASA had granted SABC rights to demand carriage fees for their 3 channels on DStv. Although SABC Education much less SABC Sport aren't included in this ruling it is believed that the pending agreement is pausing the distribution of these brands.

Last year, e.tv's 4 channels were removed from DStv and SABC Education alongside the rest of SABC's portfolio was said to be used as collateral. According to sources, SABC is demanding more money and the current offer imposed by MultiChoice seems under budget.

It has been learnt by MultiChoice that the public broadcaster makes R500 million or better yet half a billion in advertising with just their 3 channels. Apparently half a billion is not enough to cover for their expenses or get some decent content people would watch.

Recap To The Past Decade: The Public Broadcaster Looking To Rollout A Health And History Channel As Ninth And Tenth TV Channel

In the last decade, the public broadcaster has been going through a financial crisis and despite the current situation are still looking to add more channels to their DTT platform. Initially set to be 18 TV channels was downsized to possibly 9 channels.

SABC 1-3 made up part of that alongside SABC News which is currently seen on the DStv platform with the defunct SABC Encore making up the fifth TV channel. Other TV channels in talks at the time included a sports, health, history, education and parliament channel.

SABC Education was the sixth channel out of the nine to enter fruition after the pandemic. It was initially meant to be in partnership with the Department Of Education but with no luck is just a catch-up/archives channel for content viewed on SABC 1-3.

SABC Sport came as the seventh channel a year after on eMedia Investments' Openview platform. It currently ranks as the top 10 channels on the platform just like SABC Education it features rebroadcasts as well as delayed live matches apparently.

SABC Parliament came as the eighth and believe it or not they were in active development but somewhere along the line. The channel was retooled as a multilingual news channel which too features archived material, SABC eKhaya.

After taking the facts to consideration, it's possible that the public broadcaster might be turning to their 2018 DTT plans when discussing additional channels or possible the scrapped 2011 plans which included an interactive video service channel.

With that being added up, it's possible that the public broadcaster might introduce another 2 channels possibly a health and history channel. Although nothing is official yet the idea wouldn't seem far fetched at this point.

From my understanding with SABC Parliament, they lacked funding so they pursued something similar, SABC eKhaya. So health and history might as well be victims of similar circumstances although nothing concrete it wouldn't be shocking.

Recap To The Decade: SABC Education Remains As One Of The Long Awaited DTT Channels For DStv And StarSat

SABC Education is educational channel operated by the public broadcaster that is commonly used for content seen on SABC 1-3 alongside archived material. Some of the content includes Hectic Nine-9, Skeem Saam, Geleza Nathi and The Adventures Of Luna Belle.

The channel was made available on SABC's DTT platform in May 2020 and at the time negotiations were underway to get the channel on platforms such as DStv and StarSat. Similar to eMedia Investments, even these platforms are awaiting on new channels.

As of 2021, StarSat removed any mention of SABC Education on their website while MultiChoice removed any info from their programme guide. When asked whether SABC Education would be still be launching on the above-mentioned platforms.

Sources replied that plans are still underway to get the channel onto these platforms. Of course, three years is a long wait for just 1 channel you'd assume that they'd have some update the following year if not 2020 but things were still the same since then.

MultiChoice and SABC were beefing with one another in regards to the carriage agreement for SABC 1-3. So maybe that's what's causing the delay of these additional services nothing is certain for now as both parties look to address the matter in court soon.

Major Development Alert (Not April Fools): Takalani Sesame + uBettina Wethu + Housewives + Nikiwe + Ebumnyameni (RUMOUR) Coming Soon To e.tv

In 2021, SABC and eMedia Investments expanded their partnership to include SABC's 19 radio stations and the addition of SABC Sport which currently serves as the top 10 channels on Openview. It's clear now that the red brand had more up their sleeves aside from channels.

As noted, eMedia Investments on top of serving as an arch rival to the SABC will also be distributing selected content from the public broadcaster, Takalani Sesame and uBettina Wethu. They've been doing that with M-Net but it's more shocking in these circumstances.

Out of all shows, why did it have to be uBettina Wethu which is currently on SABC 1 with the channel set to rebroadcast the first season as if consumers haven't seen it already. Takalani Sesame is still present on SABC why play second fiddle to competition.

Most of the channel is local at this point and these shows are probably one way to improve the local quota particularly on the kiddies section following the demise of Craze's local youth offering Shiz Niz, Sistahood, Craze World Live and Frenzy.

uBettina Wethu follows the story of a naïve rural girl who gets a job working for one of Johannesburg's most eligible bachelors. As mentioned, SABC is currently on its third season with e.tv serving as the SABC Encore of the SABC with a first season.

Takalani Sesame is an educational show for preschoolers or local version of Sesame Street where viewers can learn about words, numbers and embrace their creative spirit. It features muppet based characters such as Neno, Grover, Kupukeji, Moshe, Zikwe, and Zuzu.

Both shows make their highly anticipated premiere on Monday 10 April. Isono is ending next month so uBettina Wethu takes up it's timeslot 20:30 while Takalani Sesame comes up 6 hours early being 14:30.

In other developments, Housewives is set to a make a comeback weekly at 10pm after its sudden disappearance from the short-lived Sunday Night Series slot. Nikiwe is set to replace Durban Gen later in the month.

As for Imbewu, I'm told that a new show possibly titled Ebumnyameni will replace the telenovela later in that month as well - nothing is confirmed as yet. Of course, this could be the project starring Zuko Nodada as she's filming an unknown project for the brand.

What Consumers Should Be Concerned About Regarding SABC's Yet To Be Launched Channels On DStv?

The public broadcaster still lagging behind on many aspects is slated to launch three additional channels to the DStv platform in the coming future with SABC Education currently seen on SABC+ and DTT taking about 2 years to be released.

SABC eKhaya another upcoming attraction by the public broadcaster which is rumoured to debut before the end of the current financial year which is March 2023 serves as a complimentary to the SABC News channel catering to the indigenous languages.

Now the new channels don't really come at the greatest time as MultiChoice was hoping to use them as leverage for eMedia's 4 channels which are currently in a limbo on their platform and with these new channels nowhere in site one has got to wonder how they'd survive with even less channels.

DStv:
- MultiChoice might lose yet another two channels
- Could Russia Today be removed from the DStv platform?
- Qwest TV coming soon to Showmax
- eMedia's 4 channels to go dark on the DStv platform

MultiChoice has already sourced out alternatives or at least everyone should believe with the likes of Movie Room and DreamWorks but seeing as these channels are set to rollout in the coming future where has to wonder if these channels are long-term.

MultiChoice carried SABC Encore at one point and lasted about 5 years before getting culled by the company. According to the SABC, the decision not to continue the channel came from the operator being MultiChoice as they hope to someday revive the channel.

Fast forward to 2017, eMedia's 4 channels being eExtra, eToonz, eMovies and eMovies Extra come along and they too get the 5 year curse endured by SABC Encore with MultiChoice running to the parent company of the former channel for alternatives.

So the question viewers should be asking themselves is whether these channels are here to stay and build a name for themselves as seen with SABC News, eNCA, Mzansi Magic and a few more channels or whether these channels will only be treated as placeholders for other channels.

DStv Flex:
- February on The Home Channel
- February on HONEY
- Reyka renewed for season 2 on M-Net
- What to expect this January on Qwest TV?

No one knows exactly what led MultiChoice to discontinue carriage of SABC Encore but my hunch has to do with productivity. The channel relied solely on archived material now that you have eMovies that yes is airing rebroadcasts from M-Net Movies although not often e.tv it's getting taken away.

SABC Education is just like SABC Encore and likely these upcoming channels should it launch will SABC try to limit the amount of Encore available otherwise face the consequences unless MultiChoice wasn't looking at that after all Nicktoons and Mzansi Wethu already exist.

SABC Parliament Scrapped For New Indigenous News Channel In Your Language SABC eKhaya With SABC Children Likely Canned With No Clue On SABC Encore

Two years ago, the public broadcaster introduced SABC Education a free-to-air channel currently available on SABC's streaming service SABC+ and DTT platforms. Thereafter came the official launch of eMedia's top 10 channels on Openview, SABC Sport.

eMedia Investments and the SABC promised their consumers three yet to be launched channels of which one currently resides on the Openview platform which is the already mentioned SABC Sport but further details of the other two channels remain a mystery.

During that fast for new SABC channels, the public broadcaster had been experimenting on two channels SABC Encore and SABC Children with SABC Parliament going through development hell as further testing had reportedly been 80% to 95% finished.

SABC Parliament and SABC Children were part of the public broadcaster's failed DTT plans while one was stuck on development hell the other alongside SABC Education had been streaming on the Tuluntulu app for sometime.

SABC Encore had a controversial time on the DStv platform in which talks of a revival were still underway as a space has still been reserved for the brand on DTT.

SABC:
- Reviewing major changes coming soon to the SABC
- TelkomOne's transition into SABC+
- SABC 1 title card registered for Openview
- SABC Children appears to have wrapped production

The public broadcaster seeking to reinvent themselves scrapped SABC Parliament for a multilingual news channel which carries current affairs. The same content they want to burden off on SABC 2 to not make it look like an S3 duplicate.

To top it off, they still have schedule disruptions with the current 3 SABC channels when live matches are on despite the existence of SABC Sport which was meant to rectify that and will continue to do so unless possibly analogue kicks the can.

With the launch of this upcoming news channel, one has to wonder what has or what will become of the tested SABC Encore and SABC Children. Several tests have been done for a possible new channel and it's uncertain if these are the channels they opt to have onboard.

eMedia Investments is waiting on 2 more channels with MultiChoice waiting on 3 to replace the red brand's channels which are bundled on their platforms for 6 months due to court proceedings.

If this new channel happens to be one of the new channels for both brands it means both consumers are awaiting for just 1 channel.

SABC:
- Could SABC Encore revival be scrapped?
- A former SABC channel was added onto Openview
- SABC Movies' dream journal
- SABC Education not launching on Openview

As mentioned, SABC Education had been active for 2 years and talks for the channel have been under wraps as both MultiChoice and StarSat have finalised the necessary details about the channel and even reserved space for the brand on their platforms.

I doubt the channel is coming to Openview as the deal was for SABC Sport and two other channels. I mean I don't see any reason why they couldn't have added SABC Education much earlier if it was the second channel consumers were awaiting for.

As for MultiChoice, they don't seem at all interested in acquiring SABC Sport as they already have SABC Education running through the test channel section and why would they want a channel like SABC Sport that might as well force more consumers to downgrade.

Taking that to account, it means both eMedia Investments and MultiChoice are waiting for one more channel which could be SABC Encore, SABC Children or whatever remains of either channel but the likelihood is that SABC Children had been scrapped.

An SABC 1 test card had been registered and often consumers on Openview and the former TelkomOne streaming service had spotted the SABC Encore banner on the most watched channel in South Africa which is all the more reason to believe SABC Children is dead.

The public broadcaster was more hyped about reviving SABC Encore as opposed to launching a preschool addition to SABC Education. SABC Encore even had a dedicated kids block so either way SABC Children would still be a thing even if not through a channel.

Adult and families dominate television households and even kids latch onto that lifestyle but change the roles you find only a portion of adults would watch something like JimJam. It's not that kids entertainment is performing poorly its just that some audiences prefer more mature content.

Prediction: Mindset Learn To Be Taken Over By The SABC, Rebrands Into SABC School

Prediction: A statement of what you think will happen in future

Mindset is a curriculum based learning channel which caters to Grade 10-12 and includes content from Grade 1-3. Following the demise of Mindset Pop, it kind of caters to Grade 4-9 but just like a certain brand most of their audience aren't home during those times.

Basically, Mindset is meant to help learners improve on their maths, numeracy, science, literacy and accounting. It's basically free at this point as it is managed by a nonprofit organisation and such usually just try to make sure a difference in the economy.

For which this brand was fortunate enough to do for the past decade but you just wished that more areas would be covered. Of course there's a few exceptions such as Creative Arts, Life Orientation and Business Studies as one is general and the other reading.

Anyways, the public broadcaster announced the exit of Telkom to the streaming market for the recently launched SABC+. The brand supplies SABC 1-3, News, Sport and Education alongside selected archived content was locked away in their archives.

Prior to its launch, they were only a linear company which experienced success with SABC 1 and SABC Sport. So much so that the SABC had proposed spinning off one of the two as the other follows a number sequence so yeah.

SABC Education also garnered much relevance even before a 24/7 service was released so why not give it a linear channel. Initially, the channel was meant to to be a partnership with the Department Of Education which currently operates within the Openview platform.

Implying that the 24/7 channel, could have turned out differently and wouldn't entirely be an SABC Encore based channel but sort of a mashup with Mindset which just gives me an idea for another brand, SABC School.

Based of SABC Learning and in partnership with Mindset Learn, the channel will continue to align itself with the current curriculum with Geleza Nathi replacing the Grade 12 lessons and also reruns of Matric Reloaded and Takalani Sesame forming part of the channel.

SABC Launches Its Streaming Service SABC+, Includes SABC News Channel

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has launched its long-anticipated OTT platform, SABC +.

The SABC + streaming app will provide the best that the SABC has to offer including 19 radio stations and 3 free-to-air television channels SABC 1, SABC 2, SABC 3, as well as the SABC Sports Channel and the SABC’s 24-hour news channel. In addition, the app will feature a variety of local and international content, to extend the Corporation’s mission to inform, educate and entertain citizen, everywhere, anytime.

“SABC + signals a new digital era for the SABC and a key accomplishment in addressing universal access for all citizens” states Mr Madoda Mxakwe, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the SABC. “ SABC + app also presents a growth path to enhancing our value offering to clients and customers to build a strong foundation for future financial sustainability of the SABC”, concluded Mxakwe.

In partnership with the global consumer electronics and home appliances market leader, Hisense, the Corporation will distribute the SABC + app through the Hisense VIDAA Smart TVs and mobile devices in time for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ on 20 November 2022. Together, these two powerhouses will bring 28 matches of the FIFA World Cup and the official FIFA World Cup show daily, for FREE.

The SABC is proud to partner with a technology company such as Hisense to enable us to fulfil our public mandate, whilst utilising innovation to provide cutting edge content to the public.

Hints: MultiChoice To Add More SABC Channels To The DStv Platform

eMedia Investments and MultiChoice have been beefing over the carriage agreement for eToonz, eExtra, eMovies and eMovies Extra on which these 3 new SABC channels were set to replace but following the court's recent ruling complicates things for these channels as MultiChoice doesn't have much room for more channels.

In an interview earlier in the year, the SABC promised new content for the current SABC 1-3 alongside these new channels while also changing the way content would be distributed amongst their brands as they gear up for the launch of their long awaited OTT platform.

These new channels which are likely the same ones eMedia Investments failed to launch last year although there that much hasn't been confirmed would it be shocking if it was true as these brands were set up to replace eMedia's channels on the DStv platform.

From the info presented to the press about Openview's long awaited SABC channels, consumers should expect a lot of archived material as seen with SABC Education but as more viewers glue themselves to these brands expect some fresh content every now and then.

I'm no wizard in this but wasn't this how most if not all eMedia's brands panned out and following its expansion to the DStv platform you saw an increase in primetime so yeah these new channels have to be the same ones coming to the Openview platform.

Onto the specifics for these channels, SABC hasn't provided any detail in that regard but they have been giving a couple of teasers like SABC Sport 2 alongside the return of SABC Encore.

SABC Sport 2 comes out of the fact that the main channel SABC Sport has seen success on the Openview platform but as mentioned on several occasions they're not financially fit to launch more channels unless they have a reliable source of income and regardless this is a brand that MultiChoice wouldn't really want on their platform.

SABC Encore on the other hand is an uphill battle not that channels can't relaunch on DStv but for the time that it ran on DStv. There wasn't anything worth exploring that viewers hadn't got on SABC 1-3 but as mentioned in an interview they plan to revive the brand on another platform that doesn't it can't come back.

All the channels needs is improvement over whether it can launch again it's a mystery maybe this channel will launch on Openview and a seperate entertainment channel likely called SABC Entertainment surfaces on DStv as SABC had been tinkering with the brand names.

The second channel SABC Education has been going through development hell and as speculated most of this is on SABC as MultiChoice had been waiting on the other two channels to surface but as usual the public broadcaster can't meet up to a deadline.

The last channel is a complicated scenario, SABC had registered an SABC Parliament while Openview is expecting repeats that's not the case with this channel but seeing as they are replacements it's better to just cut that out of the list and look at another potential channel, SABC Children.

I know out of the 3 channels 2 cater for children but remember SABC Education revamped their lineup in 2021 and just like Da Vinci Kids also includes content for adults. The channel offers shows like Skeem Saam, Afro Cafe and Speak Out something you wouldn't find a lot of toddlers watching.

If you look at the possible 3 channels, the idea doesn't seem far fetched as MultiChoice has plenty of entertainment channels and while as with SABC I don't envision them adding anything that could rival with SABC 1-3 any further than SABC Encore/Entertainment.

Why Openview Has Been Excluded From Delayed SABC Channel Expansion?

eMedia Investments and the SABC finalised their deal for 3 additional channels one of which were SABC Sport alongside 19 radio stations in 2021. As consumers wait over a year for the two channels which are set to carry a lot of existing content there's been some speculation one of which was cleared up is SABC Education.

SABC Education is a DTT channel currently seen on TelkomOne and soon on the likes of DStv and StarSat is based on the educational division formed by the SABC which is home to shows like Takalani Sesame, Matric Reloaded, Ispani, Uzalo, Geleza Nathi and 90 Plain Street.

The channel has remained active as of May 2020 and used as a catch-up channel to programs currently viewed on SABC 1-3 with plans to roll out the brand onto more platforms still underway.

As seen through several consumers on the Openview platform is SABC 1-3, SABC Sport alongside the 19 radio stations but SABC Education doesn't form part of the bouquet with SABC News being exclusive to DStv and DTT consumers.

So the question would have to be is eMedia Investments waiting on SABC Education like DStv?

Probably not as MultiChoice is waiting on two other channels to roll out on the DStv platform and SABC Education alongside SABC Sport and the 19 radio stations did form part of TelkomOne's initial offering when it launched in October 2020.

There could be a number of reasons SABC Education won't form part of the offering. The first has to do with costs, second would have to do with their rivalry perhaps they don't want to invest too much and last may have to do with the existing educational offering on Openview being DBE TV and Mindset.

Delayed SABC Channel Launch On DStv And StarSat Explained

In 2020, the public broadcaster gave SABC Education a linear channel after its inception in 1996 which was 26 years ago. The channel seeks to help youth with their academics while as improving the lives of fellow South Africans.

Some of the programming featured on the channel mainly reruns from SABC 1-3 were kid and teen based shows like Words And Numbers, Thabang Thabong, Geleza Nathi and Hectic Nine-9 while older audiences got Uzalo, 50/50, Speak Out and Musiek Roulette.

In an interview on SABC News with the general manager of the SABC, he was able to confirm that the public broadcaster was in talks with the likes of MultiChoice's DStv and ODM's StarSat to reserve some space for the educational channel.

 

MultiChoice added SABC Education to the iPlate section (still visible with no EPG) while StarSat included it on their website (which has since then been removed) and this was two years ago and aside from DTT you can view the channel on TelkomOne.

SABC Education was created amidst the pandemic and was part of the SABC's DTT plan. It was believed that the channel would rollout on these two platforms within that period as schools were closed for most of the semester but that wasn't the case.

MultiChoice went ahead and included Mindset Pop but no signs of SABC Education and it even got more suspicious when StarSat also didn't include the channel in their bouquet of channels and if there's one thing these two have in common is the public broadcaster.

 

The public broadcaster is known for delaying as they promised two entertainment channels in the middle of last year on Openview and more than a year has passed since consumers have been waiting so it lead to suspicion that the same outcome was awaiting pay-tv consumers.

MultiChoice did mention in court by the Competition Tribunal that they'd be launching 3 new SABC channels and I'm not sure whose bright idea it was to delay SABC Education seeing as its TelkomOne which will likely get more SABC channels.

Perhaps SABC is rolling out these channels in phases or pay-tv providers opt to bundle SABC Education once the SABC finally launch their streaming service and additional channels which would carry a lot of archived material.

Sesame Workshop And Discovery Education Launch Early Learning Channel

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit media and educational organization behind Sesame Street, and Discovery Education, a worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, K-12 digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place, announced the creation of a new Sesame Workshop-branded early learner channel designed to meet the needs of children from PreK to grade 2. Consistent with Discovery Education’s solutions for schools, the channel will include high-quality video content today’s students know and love, as well as lesson plans and educator resources; interactive games and activities for kids; and family partnership supports—all focused on a whole-child approach.

 

The Sesame Workshop channel, with innovative teaching and learning solutions, will be available in the fall on Discovery Education’s learning platform. Beginning with curricular resources designed to address new and continuing needs associated with interrupted schooling and prioritized by Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSR) funding, the content comprises social and emotional development and wellness; foundational academic skills in math and literacy; and a social studies-aligned curriculum focused on positive and healthy identity and sense of belonging. At the center of these resources will be research-based content from across the wide range of Sesame Workshop media, including Sesame Street, The Electric Company, and more.

“Sesame Workshop is committed to ensuring school readiness and helping children develop the emotional, social, and cognitive skills needed to become lifelong learners,” said Akimi Gibson, Vice President & Educational Publisher, Sesame Workshop. “As part of this ongoing commitment, we are thrilled to partner with Discovery Education to distribute proven, cohesive yet flexible PreK-2 curricular resources directly into the hands of schools and the educators of our youngest learners. Discovery Education’s 20+ years of expertise in the learning space and their leadership in delivering high-quality supplemental curriculum at tremendous scale make them an ideal collaborator in our efforts to help all children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”

 

 

“Sesame Workshop’s success can be attributed to its collaborative, research-intensive approach to the development of highly engaging, child-centered media and programs,” said Pete Weir, Chief Product Officer, Discovery Education. “Their offerings reflect both a deep understanding of children’s developmental needs and the best ways to address those needs. We are excited to partner with Sesame Workshop to bring the first dedicated PreK-2 channel to our award-winning K-12 platform, and are eager to collaborate with educators nationwide on their efforts to align their early childhood initiatives, state standards, and kindergarten readiness goals.”

Additional content areas, such as STEAM, healthy habits, and coding are being prioritized through educator feedback and will be added in the future.

DStv Updates: New Channels Ranging From Pop-Ups To Permanent, Terminations And Other Rumours

MultiChoice has lost several channels over the years with more closures expected in the near future. The pay-tv company has been exploring other means of entertainment by strengthening the bond with third parties and increasing local investment.

They've also experienced a decline in consumers particularly on top tier packages. Point being made even if there's a growth in the lower masses the costs won't be able to cover the premium entertainment on M-Net and SuperSport.

Evidently, I can see them lose consumers in that smaller area which kind of brings the new channels into the mix.

As some have noticed, there hasn't been much international on DStv as most of their suppliers like Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, NBCUniversal and Disney+ are saving them for their streaming service which they plan to introduce in the market.

 

 

MultiChoice is trying to build their programming slate with local content and sports. They're trying to be niche Disney+ is family and Discovery+ is factual so their only options are the reasons anyone would stay onboard at this point which brings us to the new channels.

Pop-Up Channels:

1. Woordfees
Unlike Afrocinema, the theatrical pop-up repeats the same content for the third time but to more DStv customers. The brand is expected to host some live event later in the year with the pop-up possibly fortunate to get the content in 2023.

2. Afrocinema
The channel gained massive success for its local movies when it was introduced last year in Africa Day so the brand is expected to make a return with a new movie titled Dark September.

Terminations:

1. Lifetime
As seen in other parts of Europe, Lifetime will cease transmission on DStv across Africa leaving A+E Networks to operate History for the time being. The channel closes by the end of May which coincides with the possible fate of the e.tv channels.

 

2. Discovery Family (rumour)
Its counterpart in France closed down earlier in the year as part of a decision made by the newly formed Warner Bros. Discovery and although not much reasons were shared with the sudden closure the feed on DStv has been on autopilot.

3. Boomerang (rumour)
Cartoonito launched as a programming block on the channel with plans to get content under this new branding and Cartoon Network shifting their focus to families and girls there's not much purpose for Boomerang.

4. eMedia channels - eExtra, eMovies, eMovies Extra and eToonz (pending)
eMedia Investments and MultiChoice are currently battling out the potential outcome for these channels which were scheduled to close in March only for it to be extended through June.

New Channels:

1. Upcoming movie channel
Interpreted as a replacement to eMovies, MultiChoice plans to add another movie channel later in the year not only to South Africans but the rest of Africa. The channel is speculated to be a mashup of the two eMovies kind of like how DreamWorks became eToonz+.

 

2. Untitled Via duplicate
The norm for most local channels or at least the ones on top tier brands. The channel will exist to rehash programs seen on the main channel and will likely be exclusive to Access customers as the content is currently available on the main channel.

3. Existing channels (partially rumoured)
MultiChoice was set to add KIX as a replacement to eMovies on Access as they prep another movie channel with PBS Kids added to Easyview as a suitor for eToonz all of which are pending due to the e.tv channels. On another rumoured note, Access customers are said to get the African lifestyle channel, HONEY.

 

 

4. tvN (rumour)
The #1 Korean entertainment channel offering drama series and reality shows ran as a pop-up on DStv. After its closure, its social platforms remain active as they seek a platform to continue their operations.

5. SABC Education
Launched in 2020, the channel was created amidst a pandemic and negotiations were underway for the past two years to package it on DStv. The reason for the long wait may have to do with the other 2 channels.

6. Two untitled SABC channels
The channels were said to replace the 4 e.tv channels currently seen on DStv. Not much details were mentioned about the two but SABC did register 3 channels 2 of which might be the same ones eMedia Investments and the SABC failed to launch on Openview in 2021.

MultiChoice Set To Add A Further 3 Channels From The SABC To Replace The 4 e.tv Channels On DStv

On Monday, the Competition Tribunal heard eMedia’s application for interim relief against MultiChoice’s decision to drop the eMovies, eMovies Extra, eExtra and eToonz channels from its DStv packages.

The broadcaster planned to suspend these channels from its service at the end of March 2022 but delayed the removals by two months after E-tv decided to take the issue to the Competition Commission.

eMedia Holdings legal counsel Tembeka Ngcukaitobi argued that MultiChoice’s decision amounted to a dominant player refusing to supply a scarce service, in contravention of the Competition Act Section 8. The company believes it will lose as much as 19% of its advertising revenue should the channels be suspended.

 

 

In his opening arguments on the matter, Ngcukaitobi stated that MultiChoice did not justify its decision during negotiations or in response to a letter of demand from eMedia.

MultiChoice had only stated the decision was based purely on commercial considerations.
It was only in its first answering affidavit to the case brought before the Competition Tribunal that MultiChoice elaborated. Initially, its rebuttal included that it had satellite capacity constraints.

MultiChoice said it had to cut eMedia’s four channels so it could accommodate three yet-to-be-launched SABC channels that it must carry under the changing legislation.

Ngcukaitobi also stressed that DStv doesn’t have to carry SABC’s additional channels immediately, but only sometime in the future following negotiations with the SABC.

 

 

A year ago, SABC officially unveiled their sports channel SABC Sport and a year prior SABC Education. On LyngSat, they registered three channels SABC Parliament, SABC Children and SABC Encore. Could any of these 5 channels be making their way to DStv?

SABC Encore has been rumoured for over a year as the public broadcaster offers it on DTT to broadcast sports and other events that weren't seen in the version that was made available on DStv. On top of the fact that the public broadcaster hoped to revive the channel.

SABC Education was meant to be on DStv and rival platform StarSat but the SABC was stalling so both brands removed further info about the channel on their website and i-Plate respectively.

The public broadcaster plans to launch more channels in the near future alongside a streaming service where these channels alongside SABC 1-3 will be available to stream.

Aside from DStv, the public broadcaster still has to launch a further two channels on the Openview platform as promised in 2021.

 

E-tv needs DStv
eMedia contends under the prevailing market dynamics, its channels were dependent on DStv to remain competitive. Ngcukaitobi argued presence on the DStv platforms allows E-tv to maintain customer contact, generate advertising revenue, and ensure a high-quality broadcasting service.

The company has also argued that carrying the four E-tv channels was economically feasible for MultiChoice, as eMedia provided them for free, and two were in DStv’s top 10 most popular channels.

MultiChoice’s other reasons for denying a carriage renewal agreement included that the channels did not meet its strategic objectives for local content, black empowerment, value propositions, and its aim to decrease the frequency of repeats.

Ngcukaitobi said MultiChoice’s claims that the decision was based on E-tv not meeting DStv’s strategic objectives were “contrived”.

He argued two of the four channels were sharply focused on local content, while eMedia was a majority black-owned business. He also maintained MultiChoice had not provided evidence it would replace the channels with other offerings that met its criteria.

Ngcukaitobi surmised that MultiChoice’s action was done from a desire to inflict harm on a potential rival by undercutting its revenue.

#WeAreToonz: Could The Possible SABC Children Channel Be A Spinoff To SABC Education?

After a year, SABC Education revised their schedule to further bolster their offering with reruns of Skeem Saam making their way to the channel and themes being broadcast daily.

What started out as another Mindset transitioned to cater for SABC 1-3 audiences with a mini kids slot taking up a portion of the schedule reducing the initial audience.

Evidently, SABC hoped to the Department Of Education would assist them in getting this channel off the ground. If they succeeded the lineup wouldn't have appeared the way it did.

Chances were they wouldn't be much channel space for all the programming seen on SABC 1-3 so SABC Children could have been the preschool counterpart that put the effort on children aged 2-14.

My hunch can be proven If you visit their former media accounts or download the Tuluntulu app, you see they're multilingual on top of promoting content already seen through SABC Education.

If this brand is fortunate enough to become a linear station. Don't be surprised if they act like that Mindset pop-up channel for a smaller demographic which launched in 2020.

You can find me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can also follow Doodsondes for Kuiertyd updates.

Read Also:
- SABC and e.tv ratings for October
- Surrender In Love coming soon to eExtra
- Female wrestling promotion launching in 2022, could e.tv or SuperSport pick it up?
- SABC Encore and SABC Children channel might be in development
- Could Dizi or eMedia pick up rights to The Muhteşem Yüzyıl: Kösem?
- SABC Parliament is in development
- Star India exits the English market, could it have implications on Star Life?
- African Animation Network launching an experimental animation block
- e.tv new Turkish drama Erkenci Kus might air on eVOD 
- Other shows coming soon to eToonz?
- Kamer 309 the delayed Turkish drama might move to eVOD 
- DBE TV might go off air on Openview, could SABC Education replace the channel?

 

We Are Toonz: Could DBE TV Be The Next Channel To Go Off Air On Openview?

Openview recently put up a new advert where you can see them promote their set of channels but interesting enough on their kids segment We Are Toonz adds Takalani Sesame to the offering.

Takalani Sesame is a product of the SABC and Sesame Workshop which broadcasts on SABC 1-3 but why is this show present while others were ignored?

SABC 1-3 is available under a must-carry clause while SABC Sport serves as an additional channel so it made sense to promote their sports offering.

Takalani Sesame does form part of a division for SABC Education which operates a 24 hour channel through DTT and TelkomOne. Is it possible that SABC Education will find it's way onto Openview likely as a replacement for DBE TV?

Through this advert, Openview lists every other channel except DBE TV from what was mentioned during the launch was that it's a pop-up channel which should have ended last year but didn't for some apparent reason.

SABC Education does offer similar content to DBE TV with the likes of Geleza Nathi assisting Grade 10-12 and Words And Numbers catered towards Grade 1-3.

SABC stated earlier this year they'd be rolling out two entertainment channels which usually consists of viewers aged 18-49 and SABC Education recently adjusted their schedule and now include religious and gospel shows which appeal to that audience.

SABC Children which hasn't been finalized as yet could potentially be the replacement if DBE TV goes off air since both channels cater toward the same audience.

Read Also:
- Dokter Ali replaces Stilleto Vendetta on eExtra from October 15 on eExtra
- Is e.tv News and Sport done for on Openview?
- 7de Laan switches back to Monday to Friday
- Ultimate Braai Master S7 coming soon to e.tv
- e.tv new Turkish drama Erkenci Kus might air on eVOD
- Is Star Life rebranding into Utsav Life?
- SABC Parliament is in development
- Only SABC knows when SABC Education will launch on DStv and StarSat and this is coming from both pay-tv platforms
- SABC Entertainment and SABC Encore are likely the two entertainment channels for Openview
- What we might expect from SABC's streaming service?
- Other shows coming soon to eToonz?
- Nickelodeon returns to e.tv