Recap To The Past Month: TNT Rebranding Into Warner TV??? As Warner Bros. Discovery Africa Leaves A Trail Of Bread Crumbs

Last month, it was announced that Warner TV will be rolling out in more European countries with Italy expected to rollout the channel as a pay-tv brand while Spain joins Germany, Romania and Poland in folding it under the TNT brand name.

TNT is general entertainment channel owned by Warner Bros. Discovery that is tailor made for contemporary and Hollywood blockbuster films in the African market. It features content that is action-driven, pulse-raising with a mixture of romantic gems and hilarious comedy.

As seen these past months, the brand's YouTube channel is more of a wasteland but the last video kicks of the campaign, "Celebrating Every Story". Of which, Warner Bros. Discovery has been using to rollout the premium entertainment brand, Warner TV.

Fast forward to Facebook, their last noted post to date celebrates Lethal Weapon with the hashtag #WB100. All of which indicate the presence of Warner TV in the African market.

As mentioned in the press release by Warner Bros Discovery in Spain:

Warner Bros. Discovery officially kicked off its global centennial campaign in January, under the banner Celebrating Every Story, in advance of Warner Bros. Studios 100th Anniversary on April 4, 2023. Throughout this year, around this exceptional birthday, activities and events will be held around the world, to which the brands that make up the Warner Bros. Discovery group will join. The launch of Warner TV in Spain is part of the special actions to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the prestigious Warner Bros. studio.

From what is seen this month on the channel it's basically repeats you have the trilogy of Mad Max alongside other films like Lethal Weapon, Suicide Squad and The Fugitive. So is it safe to say that the channel is only incorporating these WB repeats as they gear up for Warner TV.

Boomerang made several changes to their lineup before news of a 24 hour service of Cartoonito. It wouldn't be far fetched if the reasons these repeats are surfacing more frequently than usual had to with Warner TV.

Warner TV is set to be a premium brand so it won't be entirely repeats or from what this press statement suggests but an alternative to the likes of Universal, BBC Brit, BBC UKTV and Me. Of course, it hasn't been confirmed yet if the channel would be airing series.

Most of the TNT feeds alongside films had series added to the lineup but with the alignment being inevitable it's very much possible that the channel will be airing more content outside of AEW and films perhaps even Adult Swim and Toonami's catalogue will be viewed here.

Rumour: TNT Is Being Discontinued As A General Entertainment Brand Across Africa

By the end of March, several Boomerang feeds across Europe will replaced by Cartoonito. A new preschool destination offering fun, imaginative and entertaining content with shows like Batwheels, Interstellar Ella and Bugs Bunny Builders.

As mentioned last month, Boomerang might not be the only feed to get supplemented by another brand later in the year even the likes of TNT is said to be phased out for a more modern brand, Warner TV.

According to a press release in Spain, TNT is being discontinued as a general entertainment brand across Europe, with Spain set to rebrand the channel to Warner TV from April 14. Joining regions such as Poland, Latin America and Romania.

This was kind of expected after the UK announced the relaunch of TNT but as a sports channel something Warner Bros. Discovery wants to incorporate globally.

Of course, Warner Bros. Discovery in Africa remains silent about the upcoming developments on TNT and their silence further boosts speculation of a possible rebrand. TNT is also celebrating 100 years of Warner Bros. as the above-mentioned regions for Warner TV.

The only thing I'm curious about with this new brand name is how it will be any different from TNT. Cause honestly I can see them continuing to reserve it as a movie brand as we got more modern films and less TCM these past months with Venom and Suicide Squad.

But most Warner TV's are seen airing made for TV series so chances are we could get something similar if not the usual films and wrestling. The channel is male oriented, perhaps a selection of Adult Swim would make much sense at this point.

My hunch is that TNT Africa will probably rebrand in April or May. My guess on why Warner Bros. Discovery has yet to talk about the channel has to do with the upcoming rollout of Cartoonito. They want to put more emphasis on that and by next month or so focus on TNT.

Could Mindset Network Also Go Dark For Consumers In Africa, Here's Why?

Mindset Network (also known as Mindset Learn) is a curriculum based channel catering to Grade 10-12 pupils in the Maths, Sciences and Accounting category. It is also offers content for early childhood development alongside others like MTV Shuga.

As seen these past years, businesses have been hit hard in this economic climate from COVID-19 to the current blackouts the problems just keep escalating so much so that tvplus for those who don't know a magazine company will be ceasing operation from March 17th.

Glow TV, a South African community channel owned by Nismedia which promotes Bollywood culture with reality shows, dramas series and movies joins OnseTV and InPas TV as a list of brands struggling to find their means of survival as they were let go by cable providers.

Another brand which could be joining in this struggle might as well be Mindset Network.

Since inception, Mindset Network had mostly catered to Grade 10-12 pupils with Big School being one of the few attractions for younger audiences and it was not until Pop Primary came along that they had space to also cater for Grade 4-9 pupils.

In the past months or better yet years, Mindset Network appears to have lost sight of reality I don't blame them seeing as they are an NGO but even such organizations are likely to suffer the same outcome as above-mentioned brands which is the case here.

Before Glow TV went off air it was very much repetitive which is the case here for Mindset Network as selected content was actually live with others particularly Pop Primary being rebroadcasts with whatever investment toward actual programming down the drain.

Aside from that, Mindset Network was very interactive so much so that they used their social platforms particularly Facebook as a form of communication with their viewers now that is longer the case as the only known platform had since then been deleted.

I don't want to speculate anything but would it really be shocking if it were to go off air I mean MultiChoice struggles to provide a decent EPG program guide for the channel on DStv and opt to just write the channel name and description.

Of course, this wasn't the first time the first dated back to 2022 and at that time Mindset Network had a bit of life left in itself and now their only reliable social account vanishes at the time the channel on DStv has no schedule to what lesson is currently being broadcast.

News Shorts: The Splat Is Back! As Nickelodeon Debuts Fresh New Look, Glow TV Issues Out Statement Following Its Termination On Openview And StarSat, And An Eye For An Eye Becomes The Next Pick To Make Its Linear Debut On e.tv

Introducing news shorts basically a revamped version to the current Roundups but instead of shortening info we look at getting content that doesn't need too much detail but of course we can't guarantee how often this will be a thing as the content in question match the whole scenario.

Bring on the slime

As advised, Nickelodeon is pairing this year’s fun-filled slime-fest, the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2023, with the debut of an all-new brand refresh of its on-air look and feel!

The rebrand reimagines Nickelodeon's iconic splat logo and slime with a fresh new design, and includes new on-air graphics, such as lower-thirds, updated BUG/DOG, bumpers, idents, promo endboards and a new "Nickelodeon Productions" endboard.

This marks Nickelodeon's first brand refresh in six years.

The demise of Glow TV

Notice to all our loyal viewers. Take note that we are currently facing various challenges, including the high level of loadshedding throughout the country, which is impacting negatively on our viewership. One of our options for now, is for GlowTV to be on the OTT platform (streaming), so that programs can be watched even on your phones. Unfortunately, due to our contracts expiring we will be off air on some of the platforms, effective from March 1. Please keep in touch with us for the latest updates via our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. We thank you for your support over the years. - GlowTV team.

More eVOD coming soon to e.tv

From having almost everything, a happy and successful life, The Hero protagonist in the film Caesar loses this overnight and is forced on the run with nothing and leaving everything behind. He returns and fights to reclaim everything he lost. Joining him on the escapades is his love Lucy, their son Zack and the antagonist known as The Don.

Debuted in 2022 on eVOD, the film airs next Sunday at 20:00 from 12 March with exclusive film from the streamer Surviving Gaza airing later in the same timeslot.

SHOCKER!!! (NOT REALLY), Glow TV Will Also Be Going Dark On StarSat By The End Of February

In the past week, StarSat had to bid farewell to Russia Today at the last minute similar to MultiChoice's DStv in 2022 as European Union (EU) in charge of distributing the channel within the African market opted to cut transmission for the channel.

After the removal of Russia Today, it was shortly announced by the pay-tv platform that their contract with Nismedia for the Glow TV channel would be coming to an end in the same period as eMedia Investments current contract with the brand - 28 February.

Meaning just like OnseTV, there's no way of viewing further content on your current platform but Nismedia had mentioned wanting to find other means for the channel and might address it by tomorrow or at later stage who knows.

But the news of Glow TV's demise on the platform doesn't surprise me the least bit. Last year, StarSat launched a dubbing studio where various international content is being dubbed in local languages similar to eExtra's Kuiertyd and kykNET.

MultiChoice had opted not to keep eExtra on their platforms but instead to supplement a similar selection on kykNET & Kie and the idea of StarSat going down a similar route with the channel alongside Glow TV didn't seem like a far fetched idea at this point.

Glow TV was repetitive and a bit outdated but it wasn't telenovela centric but an entertainment channel featuring reality, news and other programming. Unfortunately the likes of Zee TV and Star Life on top of the current situation with the offering edged them out.

Honestly, StarSat presents itself with alternatives for Glow TV such as Star Life, Zee Bollymovies, Colors TV, Zee Cinema and Vijay TV. Kind of lost as to why they're looking for a replacement with this existing offering the only other channel I can think of is Zee One.

As for Glow TV, I do think it has potential to do even greater things but neither DStv, Openview or StarSat are the right platforms for the job perhaps SABC's DTT could do the job hopefully they don't undergo a similar route another would be PremiumFree.

The last option although not savvy like Openview would be switching to OTT. As of this moment, the channel is in hot water a lot of cutbacks to staff and programming will likely be applied in order for them to remain afloat or face possible extinction in the market.

Update: Glow TV will be available on VOOT which looks like an entertainment website but it will cost you R7 per day or R49 per week from what I read.

Effectively Immediately: Russia Today Is No Longer Available On StarSat And StarTimes Across Africa

StarSat:
- FilmBox Action and Kartoon Channel launch
- The Smithsonian Channel closing down in the UK
- Delayed SABC channel launch on StarSat explained
- Russia Today to launch South African hub

RT, the Russian state-owned news channel formerly known as Russia Today, was removed from the DStv platform in 2022. But the decision was out of the pay-television broadcaster's hands as sanctions in Europe prohibited the distribution of the channel.

The channel returned to South Africa by May of last year on rival platform StarSat after the pay-tv operator got permission from ICASA to broadcast the channel with Russia Today at the time made viewable SES S.A.'s SES-5 satellite transponder which is similar to Intelsat.

Within that year, Russia Today was eyeing a potential African expansion after setting up headquarters on the continent in South Africa where the Kremlin-funded TV channel is carried and supported by China.

Paula Slier, the South African TV reporter who previously worked for SABC News and who was posted in Jerusalem, Israel, as RT's correspondent for that region, was overseeing the set-up of RT's African headquarters in South Africa and will be managing the bureau.

After almost a year of broadcast, StarSat issued out a statement to viewers that the European Union had terminated the feed of Russia Today on channel 260 but on the bright side the channel is still viewable on the StarTimes app for the time being.

Russia Today becomes the first channel to exit the platform in 2023 joining Boomerang and Glow TV as those also exiting their respective platforms DStv and StarSat before the end of the current financial year.

LATEST POSTS RANDOM POSTS

Recap To The Past And Present: Is TNT Africa The Next Channel To Exit The African Market On DStv, GOtv And StarSat??? As Warner Bros. Discovery Appears To Be Repositioning The Brand

During the week, Warner Bros. Discovery announced the introduction of TNT Sports in the UK basically their outlet to premium based sports. There is Premier League, WWE, Olympic Games, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and Premiership Rugby.

In an interview it was outlined that TNT Sports fits into their focus on running a global business. The channel has already established its presence in Latin America and since 2023 the main TNT channel in the U.S. had bolstered it's offering following the bloodshed of original programming.

TNT comes in the form of a movie brand in the African market pulling close to 10 million households following the addition of TNT Hits featuring blockbusters like Venom, Suicide Squad and Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle. It is also home to All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Since 2021, Warner Bros. Discovery has been using an intermediary brand Warner TV for most if not all their content in parts of Europe with questions about a potential duplication in the African market remaining as quo in the time of these events.

Prior to the rollout of TNT Sports, Warner Bros. Discovery unveiled the Cartoonito Channel for the African market and through a virtual presentation it was confirmed that the decision to convert the channel had partially to do with the developments in other territories.

Warner Bros. Discovery:
- Boomerang to exit the African market from next month
- Prediction: DMAX launches as a free-to-air channel in the African market
- Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney spending more on original content

Before we even got official word on Cartoonito, Warner Bros. Discovery remained silent on further attractions for Boomerang and even converted several shows from the brand to Cartoonito and shifted it's schedule on a monthly basis.

As for TNT, Warner Bros. Discovery has shared several details about upcoming attractions for the second quarter of 2023 for all their brands ranging from Discovery Channel to Cartoonito but for some reason TNT is the only channel they have yet to release.

TNT has been performing well in the region and after attending that virtual event Warner Bros. Discovery seems more committed in keeping these channels open for fans as opposed to The Walt Disney Company's plans to end the lifespan of their brands.

Sports Entertainment:
- Could the rumoured SuperSport Schools replace another DStv channel?
- SuperSport Schools coming soon to DStv
- What you need to know about the NFL Superbowl 2023?

Warner TV has been getting a lot of attention across their platforms in other countries and if this happens to be the name they opt for the channel. It will be very much different to the versions seen in other countries as Warner has deals put in place for their content.

* Take to account, nothing is official as this could be nothing

Warner Bros. Discovery Remains With The Most Popular Kids Channels In The African Market Including Boing, But Where Does That Leave Toonami Exactly?

During the week, Warner Bros. Discovery held a showcase where they were able to clear up some fears consumers had of Cartoon Network shutting down as seen with the Disney Channels and the current offering of Boomerang once it becomes Cartoonito in March.

Cartoon Network ranks as the most popular kids destination in South Africa for a 7th year in a row pulling at least 15 million households which is ginormous for any channel in general with Boomerang (soon to be Cartoonito) coming in second place with 10 million.

Some of these popular shows include Regular Show, We Baby Bears, Craig Of The Creek, Teen Titans GO!, Grizzy And The Lemmings, Masha And The Bear, Scooby-Doo and Looney Tunes.

Insidus Games:
- Transformers
- Pink Panther: Pinkadelic Pursuit
- Looney Tunes
- The Powerpuff Girls: Mojo Jojo A-Go-Go!

Currently available in selected parts of Africa, Boing was apparently part of this event and to my surprise it's actually managing to get some attention. Not much had been shared in terms of performance but viewers are digging classics like Johnny Bravo and Clarence.

Of course, one brand that Warner Bros. Discovery failed to mention amidst all of this is Toonami.

Since 2021, Toonami is no longer regarded as kids entertainment which was the whole point of this virtual event. But the brand features a ton of kid centric programming and films from the likes of Batman, Superman, Justice League and Teen Titans.

It still repetitive compared to most channels seen under Warner Bros. Discovery that it wouldn't be shocking if they scrapped the channel. Cartoon Network has been airing a variety of content from the DC Universe and Toonami's offering would help compliment that section.

Regular Nick:
- Wonder Pets revival might be in the works for Nickelodeon
- Peacock greenlights two new animated series
- Boomerang to go dark on the DStv platform next month
- Disney Junior and Disney+ to debut new Star Wars series in May

As opposed to the future of Toonami, it might as well be Boing which incorporates all aspects of kids and family in terms of animation including the DC Universe. Besides, both are very much underrated and the one Boing gained popularity after nearly a decade.

Could TNT Be Undergoing Another Rebrand Or Possible Cancellation As Boomerang Exits The African Market By The End Of March?

During the week, it was reported Boomerang would go dark by end of March for Cartoonito. A fully fledged preschool destination offering fun, creative and engaging content for viewers and their families while as incorporating the Boomerang DNA.

The news was long expected since it's arrival in the United States. As a ray of original animation is set to rollout on Cartoonito including Batwheels, Bugs Bunny Builders and Tom And Jerry Time alongside former Boomerang shows Lucas The Spider and Mush Mush And The Mushables.

Now the attention points towards TNT, as mentioned by sources before AT&T acquired WarnerMedia. It was revealed that Warner in general was planning to phase out the Turner brand as it was deemed outdated with TCM being the only left of Turner.

As far as sources are concerned, the Turner brand is still alive in some parts of the world but are mostly used to air leverage content from HBO Max or just like TCM they opt to air older programming while licensing some content.

Warner Bros. Discovery:
- Boomerang to exit the African market from next month
- Prediction: DMAX launches as a free-to-air channel in the African market
- Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney spending more on original content
- HBO Max and Discovery+ not merging after all

While others like Poland and Romania had their TNTs extinguished for more original brand, Warner TV. It's basically a mashup of HBO and Adult Swim and I'm not counting my luck that something like this could be the future of TNT across Africa.

TNT was more of a general entertainment channel in these regions same as the United States and Africa once had such channel but most of the audience might not realise or better yet TNT once offered series and wasn't a movie channel infused with wrestling.

DStv:
- CBS Reality is the only brand to retain its identity in the UK from Paramount and AMC International
- Warner Bros. Discovery hinting at a possible rebrand to Boomerang as more preschool content fills the lineup
- MultiChoice shares crytpic message about eMedia's 4 channels
- BBC to close linear channels and move to an internet only digital future

If Warner TV had to be something that was set to take over the TNT brand name. I can see them make it more Adult Swim and Toonami type with the rest of TNT's current line-up forming part of this new offering.

For several months, TNT has been bringing a lot of edgier films like Suicide Squad, Bad Boys For Life, Venom and Men In Black International all of this is male oriented which is what Adult Swim and Toonami currently serve to their audience.

Future of Turner is uncertain about TCM, I wouldn't be shocked if TNT were discontinued solely because of the brand name and nothing came to its place unless Toonami was repositioned as seen in France with elites like AEW and Adult Swim.

Boomerang Africa Also Rumoured To Be Replaced With Cartoonito By Early 2023

During the week, it was reported Warner Bros. Discovery in France would be rolling out a dedicated preschool channel, Cartoonito which currently runs a programming block on various Cartoon Network and Boomerang channels.

Prior to that, some parts of Europe have already confirmed the distribution of Cartoonito by March with Warner Bros. Discovery in Africa remaining silent with the recent developments that have been seen across the world.

For several months, Cartoonito has been increasing its stake on the channel while as Boomerang continues funneling their schedule with more preschool based shows like The Adventures Of Little Penguin and Legend Of Spark.

Insidus Games:
- Buzz Lightyear Star Command
- Pink Panther: Pinkadelic Pursuit
- Spider-Man Toxic City
- Baby Felix Halloween

It was no later than late January where the lineup of both Cartoonito and Boomerang collided when Masha And The Bear and Grizzy And The Lemmings were slotted in the programming block while as being made available outside of the block.

It further boosted speculation for the Cartoonito Channel's presence in the African market as shows like the above-mentioned alongside Batwheels and Interstellar Ella were all confirmed to rollout on Boomerang later in the year.

In a recent press siting where visuals are provided for brands like TNT, Cartoon Network and Boomerang. Several posters came in Looney Tunes Cartoons and Thomas And Friends both of which are now labelled as Cartoonito.

Take to account, programming blocks are only labelled under their respective brand which in this case happens to be Boomerang as seen previously.

If this happens to be accurate, it means Cartoonito might have a chance to rollout no later than March as seen in Central Eastern Europe which consists of Poland, Hungary, Denmark, Romania and several others or April like France as the material in question is for this month.

The sources in charge of providing visuals also took the time to unveil details regarding upcoming attractions for TNT and Cartoon Network but remain silent on anything regarding Boomerang as the recent sitings now label the brand's recent batch of content Cartoonito.

Regular Nick:
- Da Vinci Kids plans co-viewing future
- PBS Kids has yet to rollout the new logo in other countries
- Disney renews 3 adult animated series through 2025
- CoComelon to get yet another spinoff

Roundups #135: Genius Brands Rolls Out A Music Division, A Rebroadcast Of Die Put Makes Way To e.tv's Line-up And Chaos Reigns At BBC News Ahead Of Merger With BBC World News

Kartoon Channel becomes a music division

Genius Music, which launched this month, already has a library of more than 8,000 tracks stemming from its own original brands and also from IPs it has inherited through recent acquisitions of companies including WOW! Unlimited Media and Your Family Entertainment.

According to a release, Genius Music plans to distribute and license these assets on streaming channels and music platforms. One of its first projects will be to develop and monetize original music for animated series Shaq’s Garage (co-produced with Ireland’s Telegael), which is slated to premiere on GB’s Kartoon Channel!

Former Saban Brands music supervisor Juan Carlos Quintero will oversee the division and serve as an executive music producer, with an eye towards making new content that spans a variety of genres. Quintero brings more than 20 years of experience as a music producer/composer with him to Genius Music, having managed production music libraries for companies including Warner Chappell, Café Moondo, Megatrax and 5 Alarm Music. And during an eight-year stint at Saban Brands, he worked on kids brands such as Power Rangers, Digimon and Popples.

Regular Nick:
- Operation Ouch returns for a new season on Da Vinci Kids
- Several Cartoonito domains have been registered
- February on Disney Channel and Junior
- New Bear Grylls series is coming soon to Da Vinci Kids

More drugs and violence is coming to e.tv

Directed by Sinan Öztürk, it is an acclaimed series with four seasons completed. Die Put is set in the dangerous Istanbul neighbourhood Çukur and revolves around a ruling mafia family and a prodigal son who needs to return home to save his family. Of course, there is also a beautiful girl and some romance in addition to the drama, danger and family secrets.

Viewers can expect a gripping first season of Die Put, with the Koçova family (a family that is often closely related to crime) that rules the neighbourhood of Çukur. The Koçovas have their own set of rules and one of these is that drugs cannot be produced, used or sold in Çukur.

In the series, the newcomer, Vartolu is determined to break the ban and after his initial attempts to negotiate with the Koçova family is rejected, he attacks the family and the neighbourhood. But, just as he thinks he has broken the Koçova family and brought them to their knees, something unexpected happens.

Openview Plus:
- eExtra scrapped the launch of 4 telenovelas
- Verdeelde Liefde to return with a second season on eExtra
- Imbewu has been cancelled on e.tv after 5 seasons
- A look at former NBC soap, Passions

More cuts awaiting the new version of BBC World News

In three months’ time, BBC World News and BBC News Channel are due to complete their merger to create a single service for audiences in the UK and around the world. But, according to BBC sources speaking to The Sunday Times, the service could end up with “the softest launch, so as to be indiscernible”.

Under the BBC’s proposals, the new TV news service would offer opt-outs for viewers in the UK, carrying simulcasts of news programmes on BBC One and BBC Two. Outside of these simulcasts, the BBC is due to retain a back-up facility allowing the channel to breakout of the international schedule to show UK-specific breaking news.

The report cites sources within the BBC who say bosses are not able to say how this break-out stream will work. Staff fear the service will be under-resourced. On the new service, presenters will be expected to manually work the autocue.

Roundups #133: Da Vinci Media Commissions Three Seasons Of New Bear Grylls Series, NCIS: Los Angeles Cancelled After 14 Seasons On M-Net And CBS And Starsat To Rollout CBS Reality In Various International Territories

Bear Grylls is coming to Da Vinci Kids

Da Vinci Media has set its sights on creating more inspirational content for kids and families with some help from British adventurer Bear Grylls and his co-venture studio BecomingX. The streamer has ordered three seasons of Grylls’ unscripted series Becoming Xtraordinary (30 x 24 minutes), which features influential celebrities, athletes and professionals from around the world.

Each episode will contain two interview-driven success stories encouraging kids of all ages to chase their dreams and providing advice on how to realize these goals. Some of the first season’s interviewees include actors Julia Roberts and Channing Tatum; sports superstars Roger Federer and Dame Kelly Holmes; and British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. TV host Mwaka Mudenda (Blue Peter) will serve as one of the show’s in-studio presenters.

Da Vinci commissioned the series after identifying a lack of inspirational content that kids and families can co-view together, said COO Estelle Lloyd in a release.

Pre-production is set to begin later this month, and season one is slated to premiere on Da Vinci’s platforms this spring and summer. The Da Vinci Kids app and YouTube channel will also feature full-length versions of the interviews to extend the experience of the series.

Regular Nick:
- Could Universal Kids be the next channel to close down from NBCUniversal?
- Here are other ways to view PBS Kids
- The Twisted Timeline Of Sammy And Raj coming soon to Nickelodeon

NCIS: Los Angeles is the next show to get axed on M-Net

One of CBS’ longest-running scripted shows, NCIS: Los Angeles, will be coming to an end after 322 episodes. Its current 14th season will be the show’s last, with the series finale set for May 14, airing on the network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.

The NCIS spinoff, starring LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell, is tied as the fifth longest-running CBS primetime scripted series ever, only behind Gunsmoke, Lassie, CSI and Criminal Minds. Among the four, the two shows that have aired in the last 50 years, CSI and Criminal Minds, both have since been revived, which bodes well for NCIS: Los Angeles‘ future.

Additionally, NCIS: Los Angeles is a rare long-running procedural drama to have had its original leads, LL Cool J and O’Donnell, stay on for the entire run. Both have spoken publicly about their commitment to the series, which hit the 300 episode milestone last May, and their fellow cast members.

According to sources, the cast and crew of NCIS: Los Angeles are being told today about the series coming to an end. A cancellation of a long-running drama with big-name leads filming in L.A. should not come as a shock given the big price tag involved, especially at a time when networks across the board are looking to cut their spending. Still, I hear the cancellation news came as a surprise to many associated with the show as it follows the strong ratings for the three-way crossover with mothership NCIS and latest offshoot NCIS: Hawai’i.

DStv Flex:
- Brand new seasons of your favourite shows coming to History
- February on The Home Channel
- February on HONEY
- Reyka renewed for season 2 on M-Net

CBS Reality is launching on DStv competitor

After closing off 30+ channels in the last 5 years, StarSat is finally in the process of rolling out new channels with Kartoon Channel set to officially launch by the end of January with other brands like FilmBox Action, CBS Reality and CBS Justice awaiting release.

As seen during the month, FilmBox Action and CBS Justice were unveiled by the pay-tv platform in selected regions with CBS Reality supposedly being the last minute entry and from the looks of it I wouldn't be shocked if they were more last minute entries.

CBS Reality is factual entertainment channel owned by AMC International and Paramount Global which offers content like Dangerous Flights, Judge Judy, Dogs Behaving Very Badly, Cheaters, Shocking Emergency Calls, Hardcore Pawn, Paranormal Survivor etc.

If I had to guess, CBS Reality was likely added to replace Discovery Family. I mean both are educational and offer factual content if anything the target group is different as CBS Reality doesn't cater much to kids and family isn't something you'd find on such a channel.

DStv:
- BBC to close linear channels and move to an internet only digital future
- kykNET Lekker Opened To More DStv Customers For A Limited Time
- What Consumers Should Be Concerned About Regarding SABC's Yet To Be Launched Channels On DStv?

Genius Brands Expands International Market Launches For Kartoon Channel! Worldwide

Continuing to build the global footprint of Kartoon Channel! Worldwide, Genius Brands International, Inc. has signed a deal with China’s StarTimes to launch the rapidly growing Kartoon Channel! on January 31st on DTH satellite and digital terrestrial in South Africa and in 46 countries throughout the Sub-Saharan African region.

The brand new 24/7 Kartoon Channel!, dedicated to Africa, will be available to all StarTimes customers in the basic tier on DTH satellite and digital terrestrial: channel 304 on satellite and channel 357 on DTT (276 in Uganda). Kartoon Channel! Africa will offer exclusive and first run series that have proven popular with kids and families, including Genius Brands’ originals “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, “Rainbow Rangers,” “Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab,” and “Llama Llama,” starring Jennifer Garner and based on the bestselling children’s book franchise. The channel will also feature family-friendly movies on the weekends such as “Stan Lee’s Mighty 7,” “Ella Bella Bingo,” “Toys and Pets,” and “Boonie Bears.”

Insidus Games:
- Powerpuff Girls Snowboarding
- Baby Felix Halloween
- Looney Tunes Monster Match
- Thor: The Dark World

Additionally, Kartoon Channel! Africa will internationally premier the recently announced new 10-episode elimination-style competition reality series and accompanying Roblox Game Experiences for children, Kidaverse Roblox* Rumble. Hosted by TV personality and former NFL star, Rashad Jennings, the series will air as part of a games-branded programming block on weekday afternoons.

“We continue to build the global presence of Kartoon Channel! by creating unique partnerships, and we are delighted and honored to work with StarTimes to bring Kartoon Channel! to African kids and families in 2023. Our family-friendly brand values and safe environment deliver the perfect recipe to entertain and inform kids via characters and shows they adore. We are just getting started in growing Kartoon Channel! as a preeminent children’s entertainment destination worldwide,” stated President of Kartoon Channel! Worldwide Paul Robinson.

“We are thrilled to launch a channel throughout Africa that offers such a diverse line-up of programming for children 2 – 12-years-old and their families.  With safe, value-driven content across multiple genres, we anticipate Kartoon Channel! to be a hit across the region, and look forward to working with Genius Brands in the coming years to bring a unique entertainment experience to our young audiences across the region,” said General Manager of StarTimes Media Lily Meng.

Kartoon Channel! is currently available in key territories around the world, including Australia and New Zealand (Samsung TV Plus), Germany (Waipu), and the Philippines (Tapp Digital). Kartoon Channel! branded blocks are also currently available in 65 countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

Regular Nick:
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Reminder: Glow TV Will Stop Airing On The Openview Platform From February 2023 With Questions Regarding The Brand's Presence On StarSat

This has been expected for a while now especially after the whole chaos with its removal on the DStv platform so all that is left at the moment is StarSat.

Glow TV is a South African based entertainment channel which promotes Bollywood culture through drama series, movies, reality shows, news, kids shows and even local productions from the likes of Denver Naicker.

Over the years, the likes of Zee TV's Zee World and Zee One alongside Star Life have slowly started edging out the presence already established by Glow TV that led to its cancellation on both DStv and by next month Openview.

Both providers went through legal issues of which Nismedia won in regards to Openview as they unlawfully removed before their contract could even expire. As for DStv, it's pay-tv operator defamed them in terms of viewership despite not giving any proof.

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It's only outlet StarSat happens to be a sinking ship, firstly most of Glow's audiences were on the above-mentioned platforms meaning that's where most of their revenue resides and with the chop it means the brand would have to make several cutbacks in order to stay afloat.

I for one wouldn't be shocked if StarSat followed eventually not because Glow TV offers more repeats than other Bollywood channel but for similar reasons to the latter two - competition which this platform has plenty of on top of already cutting back on 30+ channels.

Now would be a perfect time to find other ways to build your presence perhaps another streaming service or a partnership similar to one currently offered with StarSat on their StarTimes GO app.

As for replacements, Zee One was added to the Openview platform to replace Glow TV in 2021 prior to that Star Life replaced the channel on DStv.

If it's any consolation both outlets will be adding more channels in the coming future with Qwest TV launching on DStv and Openview Ultra testing out 4 new channels.

Aside from Glow TV, eToonz, eMovies, eMovies Extra and eExtra are anticipated to suffer the same fate on the DStv platform around the same timeframe as they were only bundled to the platform for 6 months and replaced early.

Glow TV:
- Cost Cutting: The Possible Outcome To South African Based Bollywood Channel On The Openview Platform
- Could StarSat Bid Farewell To Another Two Channels?
- What Women Want Moves From Glow TV To Zee World