MultiChoice And SABC Settle Dispute With eMedia Investments Regarding Sports

As some have already read, eExtra alongside eMedia's other Openview channels such as eMovies, eMovies Extra and eToonz won't be exiting DStv anytime soon as MultiChoice and eMedia Investments have come to an agreement. Although, the finer details of this transaction have yet to be known by the media.

Another topic that was addressed within eMedia Investments annual results for 30 September 2024 was the matter of the Rugby World Cup. This was something eMedia Investments had been battling to get onto Openview after MultiChoice denied other platforms aside from that of SABC's DTT the right to view the content.

This led SABC to change transmission for these channels once these games come on through platforms outside SABC's DTT and DStv which is what prompted this battle. MultiChoice accused eMedia Investments of free riding and wanting to broadcast the content without paying a cent.

eMedia Investments had pitched a sum in which MultiChoice deemed too low and from what other sources mention SABC's bid was a lot higher. It took local legislation to pressure these broadcasters into reaching an agreement which saw these games getting reduced even further.

When MultiChoice blocked other platforms from getting rugby it was so that SABC could pay less and get the bulk of content associated with a free-to-air broadcaster. Then after eMedia Investments came into the picture it has been theorised that MultiChoice had to reduce the amount of games given to the SABC.

Now all three parties have settled the matter of course it's not really known how they managed to settle the matter but it isn't something that they can keep secretive forever. MultiChoice has been in such disputes with both parties several times and this isn't something you'd expect to go away that easily.

MultiChoice Teasing Something Regarding To M-Net 101 And SuperSport For DStv Compact Consumers

As some users had already seen on DStv's social platforms, the pay-tv platform had begun teasing something new for their Compact consumers in November using the hashtag #GetMoreWithDStv. If you look at the teaser below Dune: Prophecy and HBO's Penguin has been spotted alongside SA Cricket.

Kukhulu this November on DStv Compact. 🤩 Stay Connected to #GetMoreWithDStv. 🎁 pic.twitter.com/GaYcvuAyW7

— DStv (@DStv) October 21, 2024

After MultiChoice and M-Net decided to axe/merge both Me and 1Magic to form 1Max consumers on Compact have been left with no alternative options to access the content on DStv. This has led to an onslaught of angry consumers wondering how they'll view content like The Block or Why Women Kill.

With M-Net likely being spotted in this promo, we could only assume that MultiChoice is giving Compact consumers an open window to the channel (if not permanent) as Dune: Prophecy is slated to rollout on the channel in that month. Another would be a possible extension of M-Net's Open Time which takes up half an hour on the platform.

Like we mentioned, MultiChoice had axed Me and I get it all the focus is going to Showmax and Netflix controls how you view TV but DStv still has competition i.e. Openview. Despite offering older seasons to shows like The Voice and 9-1-1, this is currently the only other way DStv consumers without Showmax can access the content.

So why pay for something others can get for free??? All in all this teaser involves M-Net 101

As for SA Cricket, this is something MultiChoice televises on SuperSport Cricket or SuperSport Variety 2 so I can only assume one of the two are going to DStv Compact likely Variety. MultiChoice Africa had merged what we know as Variety 2 onto SuperSport Action during the month.

Then again, SuperSport La Liga is scheduled to air 1 rebroadcast of SA Cricket so I doubt it's that especially with the amount of publicity they're giving this promotion. It would have to be something more meaningful and what better way then the possible extension of Variety 2 to DStv Compact.

Interesting to note, Disney Channel is also said to be undergoing changes in the month of November similar to that of TLC and Nickelodeon. This saw the feed within South Africa divided from MultiChoice's operations in other countries it's what led to a delay in Disney Channel's November highlights in parts of Europe.

How DStv Easyview Tries To Compete With Openview When It Comes To Sports?

Despite MultiChoice attempts to lure consumers to their most cheapest package this has proven to challenging as Openview has over 20 channels which incorporate telenovelas, movies, reality shows and drama series. Easyview is still reliant on provincial and news brands despite the inclusion of TNT and Real Time.

One of the main factors that drive people away from Easyview would be sports as eMedia Investments distribute SABC Sport on Openview and all Easyview has got is Blitz their news channel. One could as well establish that Blitz is superior for its news coverage for which SABC Sport lacks but from a consumers perspective live sports is a necessity.

Openview draws over 3 million households of course when it comes to viewership particularly sports it is estimated to reach 50000-100000 viewers and although MultiChoice hasn't mentioned Easyview consumer numbers their lower mass market which include Access and Family amount to 4 million.

When it comes to sports, MultiChoice injects a lot of funding there which is the main factor to the inflation rates on the Premium to Access packages. If or when MultiChoice decides to offer sports on the Easyview package full-time they'd be various challenges awaiting them one would be keeping the rates intact.

DStv Easyview was R39 per month before it dropped to R29 as MultiChoice was struggling to retain consumers and part of the blame went to Openview. As mentioned, despite the package seeing an increase in content is under threat and although being the most affordable it isn't the most attractive of packages.

One way Easyview is able to give a channel like SABC Sport a run for their money would be provincial stations. Despite being the reliant on when it comes to premium entertainment has seen a number of events under their wing including DStv Diski Challenge, World Wrestling Professionals RPT and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

During certain sporting events, SuperSport either launches a dedicated TV channel or temporarily opens up an existing channel to their consumers.

Heck even the movie channel TNT had opted to offer sports with the inclusion of wrestling promotion, All Elite Wrestling. If anything, I think the only other way MultiChoice can help Easyview compete even further with SABC Sport is by licensing some of its content from SuperSport to Magic Showcase. 

Magic Showcase broadcasts 16-18 hours a day and one way they could help extend those hours would be the inclusion of sporting event like Betway Premiership and compliment this with Jambo WWE. The content would broadcast on Magic Showcase weekly and could as well help them minimize costs.

Reminder: MultiChoice Africa Will Be Axing SuperSport Variety 2-4 By Next Week, When Or If MultiChoice South Africa Will Follow?

A few weeks ago, it was reported that MultiChoice Africa will be axing SuperSport Variety 2-4 on DStv after being introduced to consumers in September 2020 alongside SuperSport Select 1-3 on GOtv. The switch is expected to go live from October 9th with SuperSport Action being added to DStv Compact.

SuperSport Africa formerly SuperSport Variety 4 will offer football, athletics, MMA, boxing and wrestling to GOtv Lite and DStv Access consumers on channel 227. While SuperSport Africa 2 formerly SuperSport Variety 3 will launch on channel 228 which offers mainly football to DStv Family and GOtv Max consumers.

SuperSport Variety 2 will be merged into a new repositioned SuperSport Action channel which moves from channel 230 to 226 to DStv Compact consumers. This channel is currently residing on the Compact+ and Premium bouquet offering mixed martial arts and MMA will offer cricket, rugby and tennis.

Questions flooding is how MultiChoice Africa was able to do this without any input from MultiChoice South Africa which is simple as SuperSport maintains two feeds one for Southern Africa with the other for the remaining parts. The content and pricing differs immensely for these regions which brings up another agenda.

SuperSport Variety existence in South Africa could be numbered I mean this is what happened to Novela Magic and Maisha Magic Movies. These were brands that were stripped from consumers within Southern Africa before migrating to other parts of Africa and MultiChoice has a tendency of making changes in phases.

If I had to guess why SuperSport Action is not coming to DStv Compact or SuperSport Variety switching to SuperSport Africa or simply SuperSport has to deal with the content. MultiChoice is probably trying to piece out the structure of these brands and will probably announce it in the coming months if not 2025.

But what's certain here is that MultiChoice may not refer to them as SuperSport Africa but simply SuperSport and revert back to the numbering system if not a local trademark like SuperSport Mzansi. MultiChoice Africa has a lot of channels under its belt with the Africa trademark including TLC, Nickelodeon and M-Net Movies.

MultiChoice Africa To Make UFC Available 24 Hours A Day To DStv Compact With The Inclusion Of SuperSport Action, Also Planning To Replace SuperSport Variety 2-4 With SuperSport Africa 1 & 2

After MultiChoice and SuperSport announced plans to revamp its sporting lineup from September 2020 which saw sporting events PSL and La Liga alongside other sports like tennis and cricket get its own branded TV channel. The broadcaster is said to be making some adjustments to this offering by October 9th particularly with SuperSport Variety.

SuperSport Variety comprised of 4 overflow channels served featuring various sporting events from other SuperSport channels alongside other content that don't have a channel of its own like swimming and hockey. These were the only brands of SuperSport that followed that previous iterations and retained the numbering system.

The pay-tv company had already lost 12 channels including PBS Kids, People's Weather, WildEarth, Ginx TV, B4U Movies and Emmanuel TV. By adding SuperSport Variety 2-4 should it include South Africa would skyrocket to 15 making it the biggest loss they've experienced throughout its existence.

According to various consumers, they received a notification on their decoders alerting them to the cancellation of SuperSport Variety 2-4 as these would be replaced by SuperSport Africa 1 and Africa 2 (SS Africa 1 & 2). This changes will also be reflected on GOtv's SuperSport Select channels.

• SuperSport Africa 1 (formerly SuperSport Variety 4) will be available to GOtv Lite packages going up 

• SuperSport Africa 2 (formerly SuperSport Variety 3) will be available to Family packages going up

SuperSport Action will also be allocated to DStv Compact with a major revamp after being made available to Compact+ and Premium meaning 1 more channel for them and 1 less for those paying more. DStv's lower mass market aren't getting much here either except for a new fur coat.

So I think the bigger question is why SuperSport Variety 1 is not part of this restructure as it leans towards the same path as it's other comrades (repeats). Theoretically, we believe similar to what M-Net did when merging Me and 1Magic to form 1Max a similar outcome awaits Variety 1 and Variety 2.

SuperSport had commissioned content for Variety 3 and 4 so maybe they'll string those along to what's left of SuperSport Variety 1 and Variety 2. In the end, it's the lesser paying customers that are losing out.

As for the demise of Variety and Select, SuperSport is likely streamlining their operations and trying to reduce duplications for which these brands had a lot of especially during live WWE events. They probably feel that by doing this, the remnants of these channels will get more exposure plus a channel like WWE doesn't have much live content.

Why Openview Consumers Are Now Able To Watch Games Exclusive To SuperSport And DStv?

A few years ago, SuperSport which serves as one of the largest sports broadcasters in Africa offering a wide range of sports ranging from football, rugby, tennis, boxing and wrestling formalised an agreement with the SABC for Betway Premiership. Initially, these games could have been viewed on rival broadcasters like Openview alongside SABC:s DTT.

In recent years, SuperSport decided to add some restrictions to these agreements when licensing them to the SABC that included blocking transmission from being received to Openview consumers. This benefited the SABC as they would be paying much less for these rights and it prompted eMedia Investments to take legal action.

Several punches were thrown during this time with eMedia Investments accusing SuperSport of an abuse in power while they accused them of "free riding". eMedia Investments' didn't need to pay for these games as they were being broadcast on SABC 1 so this was basically burdened to the SABC at the time eMedia Investments lost this battle.

They built up another case this time pertaining to the restrictions put up by SuperSport and they took this matter to the Competition Tribunal who deemed such agreement "unlawful" or "unethical" and requested both SABC and SuperSport make their games accessible to Openview. SuperSport did warn in advance that if this were to be the predicted outcome the whole agreement would be scrapped which is exactly what happened.

Several months later, both broadcasters are able to hold hands and announce a new agreement for PSL but what caught the media's attention is the number of games being offered on the table. When SuperSport would offer 240-260 PSL games SABC would offer almost half of that but that wasn't the case here as the offering was lessened to 51 games.

In short, when SuperSport and SABC were told to lift the veil from Openview these matches became expensive and following increased pressure by several governing bodies SuperSport couldn't just refuse to sell the matches to the SABC. So rather whatever amount SABC was willing to put on the table would determine how many games they'd get being 51.

In light of this one could say that SuperSport's free-to-air rights had been limited to the amount of games a broadcaster can carry of course they can't oppose who can or cannot use the exact platforms for the same offering.

MultiChoice Is Working On A SuperSport AM/PM Channel

During the week, several consumers had noticed that MultiChoice is working on a sports channel known as SuperSport Variety AM/PM. There is currently no details on when the mysterious TV channel will be announced but from the esteemed outcome it could be another pop-up channel. 

AM/PM could imply a TV channel that constructs its content in a particular order during certain hours of the day only to repeats this format throughout the day. 

This channel is currently using the frequencies of Ginx eSports TV which could be the likely cause for the channel's description eSports/Gaming. From the lineup, AM/PM features a lot of highlights from the paralympics alongside some actual events with Premier League as an overflow. 

MultiChoice with the inclusion of this channel is probably trying to do what SWITCH'D ON and Zambezi Reloaded is doing and trying to accommodate viewers different preferences and schedules. This would further maximize its viewership and reach and engage with viewers at different times.

SuperSport AM/PM is basically a mashup of SuperScreen and Olympic News as it offers highlights from the Paralympics. It also broadcasts sporting events mainly opening and closing ceremonies or events which range from football, rugby, archery and swimming. 

SuperSport To Debut Olympic Update Channel In Time For The Paris 2024 Olympic Games On DStv Channel 217

SuperSport is proud to announce its comprehensive Paris 2024 Olympic Games coverage, designed to bring you Closer to Your Champions and immerse viewers into the heart of the action.

From 26 July to 11 August, SuperSport will broadcast all gold medal events live, ensuring that sports enthusiasts across Africa experience every triumphant moment as it unfolds.

SuperSport will boast an elite line-up of Olympic analysts, including South African gold medallists Ryk Neethling, Lyndon Ferns, and Sizwe Lawrence Ndlovu, silver medallist Godfrey Khotso Mokoena, and bronze medallist Bridgitte Hartley, plus Olympians such as Geraldine Pillay and Alyssa Conley.

SuperSport’s rest of Africa content offering will also boast strong insights from stars such as former Nigeria women's national football team striker Ugochi Oparanozie, Kenya’s 2008 Beijing Olympics 800m gold medallist Wilfred Bungei and Nigerian football legend Victor Ikpeba, who was part of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold medal-winning men’s team.

NON-STOP ACTION 

From the riveting and historic opening ceremony, where a flotilla of boats will make their way down the Seine River that runs through the heart of the city, to non-stop action from 35 venues around Paris, SuperSport will bring you every nail-biting moment as the world’s best athletes go for gold.

From athletics, swimming, football, rugby and boxing to gymnastics, diving, surfing and skateboarding, and much more – the Games promise something for everyone.

DEDICATED SUPERSCREEN

We’re excited to introduce our dedicated SuperScreen channel on DStv channel 199, available in Sub–Saharan Africa.

This innovative channel features eight split screens, providing viewers with an overview of all our Olympic channels, ensuring that viewers never miss a moment.

“We’ve truly pulled out all the stops to ensure that SuperSport viewers are immersed in the action during this year’s Paris Olympic Games,” says SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha.

“In what world can you get all the gold medal events live, one dedicated DStv channel with eight screens showing the action as it unfolds plus big-name analysts that will unpack the drama for viewers at home?

“The more we ask the question, In What World?, the more apparent it becomes that you get a whole galaxy of sporting entertainment on Your World of Champions. And this is especially true for the tournament that’s a celebration of the sporting and human spirit, the Olympic Games.”

Sports fans can effortlessly navigate across SuperSport’s eight dedicated Olympic linear channels, five streaming channels and four overflow channels, ensuring they never miss a moment of their favourite events.

24-HOUR NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS CHANNEL

And if you just want to catch the highlights, our SuperSport Grandstand channel has you covered, curating the best of Paris 2024 to bring you the must-watch events and most memorable performances.

SuperSport's commitment extends beyond live events with the launch of our 24-hour Olympic Update Channel (DStv channel 217), a dedicated news and highlights channel available to DStv Access subscribers across the continent.

That’s right, we’re offering viewers 24/7 continuous viewing of iconic moments and compelling stories from the Games, celebrating the essence of the Olympic movement.

EXCLUSIVE OLYMPIC-THEMED FILMS

To further enrich our viewers experience, SuperSport is premiering two exclusive Olympic themed films, to enhance our storytelling around the Games:

Pierre De Coubertin: An Olympic Life – which premiered on 10 July on SuperSport Variety 4, a film that explores the legacy of the visionary who revived the ancient Olympics in 1896.

Told through the eyes of Lauren Rembi, Olympic Fencing Champion, we learn more about Coubertin’s vision and commitment that led to an enduring sporting legacy.

Paris Olympic 1924 – first airing on 11 July, is a remastered film commemorating the centennial return of the Games to Paris, capturing a pivotal moment of unity and celebration post-World War I.

The beautifully shot footage, which was the first Olympic Games to be captured on film, has endured for 100 years and vividly captures the electrifying atmosphere of the Games.

Both films are available on SuperSport, Showmax and DStv CatchUp, as well as to GOtv channels in the rest of Africa.

PROFILE PIECES

In keeping with the consistent storytelling throughout the Games, SuperSport will feature regular content pieces profiling our current Olympic stars, including Akani Simbine, Ferdinand Omanyala, Lythe Pillay, Miyanda Maseti, Patrick Chinyemba, Worknesh Mesele and Noah Lyles.

These segments, available on DStv CatchUp, aim to connect audiences with the personal journeys and achievements of their favourite athletes, bringing you even Closer to Your Champions.

The PFL Partners With SuperSport To Broadcast Live MMA Action In English Speaking Countries Across Sub-Saharan Africa

The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest-growing and most innovative sports league, on Wednesday announced a media rights deal with SuperSport, for all PFL and Bellator programming to air across SuperSport channels.

The partnership kicked off in thrilling fashion as fans in the region were able tune into the opening event of the 2024 PFL Europe Season on March 7 when global superstar Cedric ‘The Best’ Doumbe took on Baissangour ‘Baki’ Chamsoudinov at the Accor Arena in Paris.

Through the partnership, all PFL programming - including live coverage of PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Europe and newly announced PFL MENA - will be available on SuperSport, Africa's premier sports broadcaster.

The promotion is set to launch its third international league - PFL Africa - in 2025.

Through its exclusive global strategic partnership with Francis Ngannou, the world’s greatest combat sports athlete today and the baddest man on the planet, the linear heavyweight champion will be an equity owner in and Chairman of PFL Africa, the region’s premier MMA league.

Events will be staged in key countries across the continent live in primetime to meet the major demand for premium and consistent MMA content. More details will be announced later this year.

“Sub-Saharan Africa represents a priority market for the Professional Fighters League as we continue our rapid global expansion,” said PFL SVP, International James Frewin. “We’re thrilled to partner with SuperSport so viewers across the region can watch premium PFL and Bellator MMA content all year-round on SuperSport.”

PFL is the only organisation in MMA with the sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year.

The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30 per cent of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight class, the same per centage as UFC. PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development.

PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage, powering fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and a next-generation viewing experience.

PFL is primetime on ESPN/ESPN+ in the US and is broadcast and streamed in 150 countries with 20 premium media distribution partners.

Weird Development. Canal+ Super Sport Logo Bares Similarities To M-Net's SuperSport Logo

During the month, Canal+ Group opted to make some minor adjustment to the Canal+ Sport trademark in Poland. The company opted to separate the trademark with Canal+ retaining its linear presence but now as Canal+ Extra with Sport forming Super Sport.

Speculation going around is that brand name derives from the acquired company MultiChoice who used the trademark since its launch in 1986. Similar to Canal+, MultiChoice at some point had stylised the trademark as two separate words as seen above. 

Notice how the spacing from M-Net's SuperSport resembles that of Canal+ for starters. Both logos "Super" is aligned to the left with different font and styling while "Sport" on the other hand is aligned to the right and both are displayed in bold.

As for the linear lineup, Canal+ is now using a blue background for this revamped offering as opposed to when it was green with Canal+ Sport. Interesting to note, SuperSport's font color is also blue while it's previous logo had a blue background. 

Speaking of M-Net's SuperSport, they'd often had been spotted using the 2D "S" logo with some curious on whether a potential rebrand could be on the cards with the latest one in black and white like Canal+ version. 

It kind of seems a bit coincidental that Canal+ Sport arrangements comes around the time Canal+ is finalizing terms of its acquisition of MultiChoice. What's funny is that MultiChoice once owned the Canal+ Premium channel in Poland when it was FilmNet.

Now Canal+ is basically uniting estranged relatives in the hopes to survive a Netflix dominant world. 

Development Alert: MultiChoice Using Ginx TV's Frequencies For Another DStv Channel

After MultiChoice shuttered the UK based gaming channel Ginx TV by the end of March with no replacement alongside M-Net's Me and 1Magic. The brand went on to launch a subscription service in South Africa at an overpriced monthly rate of R56.

Now further tests are being conducted on another TV channel known to us as Ginx TV. For those aren't aware, Ginx TV was distributed by SuperSport for consumers in Africa alongside WWE and Racing240 as they manage the sporting portion of DStv.

From technical aspects and in WWE's the programming are all managed by SuperSport unlike SoundCity as that is handled by Consolidated Media Group. With that in mind, the physical counterpart of Ginx TV is being bombarded with rugby. 

Some of the games listed include the opening rounds of Toyota Cheetahs vs. NovaVit Griffons for the Currie Cup: Premier Division alongside International Rugby's 1st Tests for South Africa vs. Ireland.

If one had to guess, this is likely another pop-up channel similar to that of SuperScreen. After SABC scrapped their sublicensing agreement with SuperSport for these matches this could be the MultiChoice's way of making up to DStv customers.

SuperSport Supposedly Goes Global As Canal+ Poland Revamps Sports Offering

As some readers are aware, Canal+ and MultiChoice are currently finalizing terms of the acquisition as they seek approval from local legislation. With lingering concerns surrounding the fate of SuperSport once Canal+ gains ownership of MultiChoice. 

In Poland, the French company trademarks its owns sports brand under the corporate name, Canal+ Sport. Similar to SuperSport, this offering comprises of several TV channels which offer a range of matches mainly UEFA Europa League and Conference League.

Later in the week, it was revealed that these channels had been trademarked under a new package called Super Sport. This offering as seen from not long ago would give consumers an enhanced viewing experience hence "Super Sport".

This offering is said to boast 7 channels with the last 3 available for online streaming as seen with MultiChoice's DStv Stream.

Although the content from the brand in Africa and Poland vary with one getting most major leagues. With MultiChoice soon being owned by Canal+, the name is likely derived from the acquired company although not by style as "Super Sport" is one word in Africa. 

Judging by this, it's possible SuperSport could retain its trademark once Canal+ completes its acquisition of MultiChoice. The capacity to its trademark has yet to be known but Poland is now tagged onto this so what fate could await the feeds in Africa. 

Could SuperSport become Canal+ Sport? or is a similar fate seen in Poland awaiting Africa where these brands are somewhat unified perhaps to form Canal+ Super(Sport) seeing as they both reside in Africa.

Translated press release 

The world's greatest footballers, the best European clubs and the most prestigious UEFA football competitions return to CANAL+. The football celebration on CANAL+ will begin with the broadcast of the UEFA Super Cup, which will be played on August 14. From August 20, CANAL+ customers will be able to watch broadcasts of all matches of the 4th qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. Broadcasts of the league phase will start on September 14. 

All UEFA Champions League matches and matches of the fourth qualifying round will be broadcast on seven new CANAL+ EXTRA sports channels and one of the existing CANAL+ channels, which will soon be available in a new version under the name CANAL+ 360. The channels will be available via satellite and online on the website. streaming CANAL+ online.   

Only CANAL+ football experts will be present in the pre- and post-match studios and as commentators and guests.  The schedule will also include new programs dedicated to the UEFA Champions League and combined broadcasts as part of the Champions League Multiliga.

The new Super Sport additional package is available for sale, which guarantees access to all UEFA Champions League matches, selected UEFA Youth League matches, the UEFA Super Cup and VOD sports collections. 

The new model of the UEFA Champions League will guarantee CANAL+ viewers an even greater dose of football emotions from the first round. The number of competing teams will increase from 32 to 36, matches will be played every month from August to May, and the group phase will be replaced by a league phase. Each team will play eight matches - four at home and four away, instead of the previous six. Starting from the 1/8 finals, the competition will continue in the current cup format. This gives a total of 189 matches in each season, which will be broadcast live on CANAL+. CANAL+ customers will also be able to watch all 14 matches of the fourth qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE IN THE SUPER SPORT PACKAGE 

Super Sport is a new additional package consisting of seven CANAL+ EXTRA channels and a VOD collection. The package is offered as an additional option to the CANAL+ channel package and guarantees access to broadcasts of all UEFA Champions League matches in the 2024/25 - 2026/27 seasons, selected UEFA Youth League matches and the UEFA Super Cup. Channels from the Super Sport package will be available on satellite television and via the Internet in the CANAL+ online streaming service on almost any device. 

The Super Sport package will include: 

• CANAL+ EXTRA 1 channel broadcast 24/7 via satellite and via the Internet on the CANAL+ online service. 

• Event channels CANAL+ EXTRA 2, CANAL+ EXTRA 3, CANAL+ EXTRA 4 launched during matches and broadcast via satellite and via the Internet in CANAL+ online service 

• Additional event channels CANAL+ EXTRA 5, CANAL+ EXTRA 6, CANAL+ EXTRA 7 launched during matches. The channels will be available only on decoders connected to the Internet and on the CANAL+ online streaming service. 

• VOD SUPERSPORT collection available on a decoder connected to the Internet and on the CANAL+ online service. 

Selected UEFA Champions League matches will also be broadcast on one of the existing channels included in the CANAL+ option. The channel will soon be available in a new version under the name CANAL+ 360. Access to selected matches will be available to customers who already have CANAL+ channels, but are not interested in the full offer of broadcasts on CANAL+ EXTRA channels as part of the Super Sport additional package.

After eMedia Investments Fails To Acquire T20's Cricket World Cup Final On Openview Runs To Competition Commission To Remove Ban By SuperSport And The SABC

Last month, SuperSport and the SABC came into agreement to televise the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup final live as well as two Springbok Test matches on a delayed basis. The final two Springbok matches are scheduled for broadcast on Saturday 6th and 13th July. 

According to eMedia Investments, the agreement restricts the SABC from airing the matches on its channels that are carried on their free-to-air satellite platform Openview. The SABC is also restricted from making the matches available on SABC+.

eMedia Investments has filed an urgent application with the competition appeal court, alleging that the SABC and SuperSport entered into a “contemptuous” sports sublicensing agreement in contravention of an April ruling by the Competition Tribunal.

Described it as a “sham tender process”, alleged that MultiChoice withheld crucial information such as its intention to split the rights between terrestrial and non-terrestrial broadcasts or that the bidding process was competitive.

SuperSport in a separate statement had mentioned that the SABC’s proposal was 50% higher than eMedia’s proposed fee. Having failed to acquire remaining matches run to the Competition Tribunal to force both parties to give up the rights freely. 

If eMedia were to be successful, the result would be that no SABC viewers at all would be able to watch the Irish tests. eMedia therefore seems to take a scorched earth approach – which says that if it cannot transmit the Irish tests free to air, no one can.

If Not DStv And Showmax, Could M-Net And SuperSport Rebrand Under The Canal+ Trademark?

Canal+ is a French based pay-tv provider operated by Vivendi that distribute various films, series and TV channels. It is also one of MultiChoice's biggest shareholders and as reported sometime ago are set to merge their operations within Africa 

As some readers are aware, Canal+ has acquired numerous stock in the recent years in an attempt to expand their operations. They currently own French broadcaster Orange SA's film and TV studios alongside M7 Group that is based in Europe. 

Most of these assets are being credited as "A Canal+ Company" if not rebranding to Canal+ as yet. Of course, there's questions as to whether a similar fate could be awaiting the DStv and GOtv parent company, MultiChoice.

During the month, Canal+ Group CEO was approached by journalists where he addressed several matters regarding MultiChoice. As reported, he's been given the greenlight to acquire the remaining shares and is currently drawing up a proposal to appease legislation. 

"So, you don't discard assets. Unless you have to." What is true is that we're only facing companies [like Netflix, Apple, etc.] that have one brand. And it makes them stronger. But if you ask me today, what would you do? You know, I would definitely not change the brands. They are very strong brands.

As implied these endeavors don't have to happen right away as there was a matter in Austria where HD Austria had rebranded to Canal+ Austria. The fate of DStv and Showmax will probably be dependent on where they stand with audiences in the coming years.

But from the other portion of the statement, it is also possible that DStv will remain as DStv. Even if they were to subject it to a rebrand, it will probably be what Elon Musk did to Twitter (Now X) majority referring to it as DStv another being the rapid decline in viewers. 

There wouldn't be much to salvage if your audience hadn't shown any signs of improvement. The only reason you'd hide under another identity would be cover up those losses as seen with MultiChoice in regards to their premium numbers.

Although DStv and Showmax wouldn't be subject to a rebrand one would need to turn their attention to what comes on these platforms. We don't envision them rebranding KykNET or Mzansi Magic but crediting various shows and films as StudioCanal.

If there's a brand I'd probably wonder about now it would be M-Net as their international endeavors had been reduced in recent years. They had closed 1Magic and Me earlier in the year as the latter had been merged with Showmax (which wind up with 1Max).

If this was M-Net's way of transitioning to Showmax this would be an appropriate time cause unlike SuperSport it's struggling to retain its consumers following increased competition from Netflix and Disney+.

It is true that only two things drive subscriptions, he added. Discounts and sports. When there's a specific game that everyone wants to watch, Canal+ sees a spike of thousands of subscribers.

"(But) not one movie will drive subscriptions. Still, people who like sports, they like cinema. The opposite is not true."

Movies are seen as a prerequisite for subscribers. "And the economics work because you kind of amortise one over the other," says Saada.

Canal+ Group had mentioned that discounts and sports drive subscription cause when one game comes broadcasts the subscription numbers spike but when a movie comes on not one drive in subscription. One of those reasons we should question M-Net's fate.

If anything, M-Net could become Canal+ Premiere with the group of local channels continued to be referred as M-Net. Or like SuperSport it remains on air and Canal+ looks to launch separate TV channels under the company name as seen in other markets. 

News Shorts: TPA Noticias Broadcasts The Angola ICT Forum 2024 For Consumers In South Africa, DStv Access Gets More Kids Channels Alongside SuperSport Football And TBN And Disney Channel Potential HD Feed Likely Scrapped On DStv

Angola ICT Forum 2024 is also viewable to DStv consumers in South Africa 

Mário Oliveira welcomed the participants to Angotic/2024. On the occasion, the minister listed the sector's challenges that began 45 years ago and that now allow the country to be at the forefront of leadership in the ICT sector in Africa. Despite all the achievements already achieved, the leader of MINTTICS said that the focus continues on ensuring infrastructures capable of revolutionizing communications on the continent with a focus on optical fiber and cable networks. These commitments, according to the minister, are visible in the quality of ICT services and the continuous training of national staff, to respond to the country's challenges.

MultiChoice allocated TPA Noticias on channel 530 to all DStv Premium, Compact+, Compact, Family, Access and Easyview customers from June 13th to 15th as part of the commemoration.

DStv Access gets more entertaining 

MultiChoice decided to add Cartoonito, Disney Channel, Nicktoons and DreamWorks to DStv Access from June 15th to July 7th as kids are at home for the school holidays. Weirdly enough, no open window had been announced for their Family to Compact audience.

Older audiences can enjoy the best sporting action on channel 205 until July 16th. Other content also offered on SuperSport Football include Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Serie A and La Liga.

TBN and Disney Channel HD is a bust

A few years ago, MultiChoice was working on two HD feeds for both TBN and Disney Channel, and from the looks of the duration had been in development hell. Now TBN had been phased out for Zambezi Reloaded while Disney Channel by Racing240.

Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network are already in high definition and were commonly known as the big 3 alongside Disney Channel. Those numbers continue to fall short on MultiChoice's end while with TBN I think what's more shocking was its nomination for such frequency. 

Is WWE Planning To Revive WCW??? After Netflix Had Gained Exclusive Rights To The Wrestling Promotion

World Championship Wrestling (WCW) was an American professional wrestling promotion founded by Ted Turner in 1988. It was home to legends such as Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho and Eddie Guerrero all of which formed part of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Through the United States Patent And Trademark Office (USPTO), WWE seems to have filed a new trademark for the former promotion. For those who aren't aware, WWE had purchased select assets from WCW and this included contracts from various talents. 

According to the website, it is being used for entertainment purposes in the field of sports. Including the production and exhibition of professional wrestling events rendered live through broadcast media including television and radio.

Of course, this wouldn't be the first time WCW made headlines as another instance came when AEW revived Bash At The Beach. This came with a lawsuit by the WWE for trademark infringement so this was proceeded with AEW's own version of WarGames. 

Earlier in the year, Netflix had garnered exclusive rights to wrestling promotions Raw and Smackdown alongside live events like Summerslam. This leads one to wonder if WCW's possible revival may have to do with the endeavors of the streamer. 

Netflix is begun entering the world of sports as mentioned they have garnered rights to WWE for 2025 season and this was followed by an NBA Christmas special and Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson's fight.

How Canal+ Sport Could Fold Under The SuperSport Trademark?

SuperSport is Africa's biggest sports broadcaster packaged and distributed by MultiChoice and Canal+. It is home to Varsity Cup (rugby), DStv Premiership (football), PGA Championship (golf), Formula One (motorsports) and WWE (wrestling).

Known to be a male dominant field, SuperSport expanded this lineup with Here For Her campaign targeted at females. This would followup to the introduction of youth sports with the rollout of SuperSport Schools after acquiring School Sports Live.

Not long ago, it was revealed that Canal+ had got the greenlight to acquire remaining shares within MultiChoice. There's been various questions clinging around to the fate of some content. 

Acquisitions are known to have their setbacks especially with mass layoffs, content cuts and possible mergers. As Canal+ intends to merge MultiChoice with their operations and these changes consumers anticipate would take sometime to be implemented. 

With the decline in linear consumption, companies have been very cautious with the daily running of a TV channel. Changing some minor aspects like the color of a light bulb to rearranging the order of library books would need careful assessment. 

Canal+ has acquired several assets in an attempt to expand their operations and this had led to channels getting the company name. This had led to some to wonder if the same aspirations could await SuperSport and whether this would impact consumers. 

Content wise that could remain intact but most rebrands are anticipated to often lead to something else. We've got to see that with 1Max (formerly 1Magic), this had led to an increase in local productivity and distribution in third party content. 

Instead of the entire set of SuperSport being identified under Canal+ Sport we presume these changes could have a smaller effect. If anything, the existing offering SuperSport Blitz and Premier League would be referred to as Blitz+ and Premier League+.

Plus (+) is a signature trademark for the French broadcaster from what we've seen in Poland and France. If anything, instead of SuperSport being phased perhaps an merger with + trademark to form SuperSport+.

More Broadcasters Are Reportedly Set To Lose WWE Following Shift To Netflix

Earlier in the year, it was reported that WWE had signed an exclusive deal with Netflix worth $10 billion to bring the trademark exclusively to their services. This would bring WWE's run on linear TV to an end after 31 years as it broadcasts on Netflix in 2025.

Netflix would become the exclusive home to weekly shows Raw, Smackdown and NXT alongside premium live events like WrestleMania and Crown Jewel. This would affect consumers in U.S., U.K., Canada and Latin America with international expansion underway. 

Existing broadcasters such as FOX (U.S.), SportsNet (Canada), TNT Sports (UK) and ESPN (Latin America) will need to find a replacement. Sports journalist Dave Meltzer sites AEW as one of the potential leads for international broadcasting deals. 

But there's a catch as mentioned by Dave:

"Essentially they’re all losing their wrestling, and if the stations want to keep wrestling the best option is AEW. And if AEW is able to get deals with these stations at even half of what WWE gets, or less than half of what WWE gets, that alone would make it profitable even if the WBD deal isn’t a big increase.”

If anything, could SuperSport look into snatching AEW from TNT I mean compared to when WWE was with its previous broadcaster. All events are Express From The U.S. and unlike WWE's endeavors none of the weekly live events were shortened.

Perhaps even Ring Of Honor, it is currently owned by Tony Khan who also manage All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Then lastly New-Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), they have done several events with AEW with some familiar faces like Jon Moxley, Matt Riddle and Mercedes Moné.

If anything, don't expect this content to get a standalone channel on DStv for now at least. Considering that these promotions don't have familiarity with audiences it's future is dependent on them and that would determine its growth on SuperSport.

eMedia Investments Won't Be Able To Offer The T-20 World Cup To Openview Consumers

eMedia has said in a statement that it will not be broadcasting the T20 World Cup in June because of a constrained bidding time frame provided by MultiChoice.

This comes after MultiChoice, which acquired exclusive rights to the World Cup, only opened a tender for free-to-air broadcasters to bid for sub-licensing rights five weeks before the tournament’s start.

As a result, eMedia said bidders are “unlikely” to receive confirmation of broadcasting rights until less than two weeks before the event.

eMedia said it hasn’t submitted a bid, as there will not be enough time to secure sponsors, arrange advertising, and adjust programming schedules.

Due to this conduct, the broadcaster believes MultiChoice has violated the Electronic Communications Act and the Sports Broadcasting Regulations, which mandate prompt notification to free-to-air broadcasters.

“eMedia views the issuing of these late invitations to tender by MultiChoice as undermining fair competition and ignoring a recent Competition Tribunal order designed to prevent such restrictive practices,” the broadcaster said.

“This behaviour is not only unfair to E-tv’s dedicated viewers but also detrimental to the South African broadcasting industry as a whole.”

This is not the first time eMedia has called foul on MultiChoice’s behaviour around sports rights.

Last year, MultiChoice and the SABC concluded last-minute deals allowing the public broadcaster to show key matches from the Rugby and Cricket World Cup tournaments.

This included all matches featuring the Springboks and Proteas, as well as the semi-finals and finals, regardless of who was playing.

However, the deals explicitly blocked the SABC from broadcasting the matches on any channels carried by eMedia’s Openview.

eMedia claimed that these restrictions were anti-competitive and launched legal action against MultiChoice as a result.

The Competition Tribunal recently granted eMedia an interdict forcing MultiChoice to allow the SABC to broadcast live sports sub-licensed from SuperSport on Openview.

Development Alert: SuperScreen Pop-Up Channel To Rollout On The DStv Compact Bouquet To Kick Off The Final Premier League Season

SuperSport viewers will, for the first time ever, be able to view all 10 matches of the final Premier League season on one channel simultaneously thanks to our one-of-a-kind SuperScreen.

The innovative viewing experience is set to add to the thrill of match day 38, the climax of the 2023/24 Premier League season, on Sunday 19 May 2024.

Viewers will miss none of the action from 10 different venues across the UK as Manchester City and Arsenal compete for the Premier League title, while the final Uefa competition places will also be decided as well as the last relegation place.

The SuperScreen, which will be available only in South Africa on DStv Channel 199, will begin with the Premier League build-up that will air at 15:30 on Sunday, ahead of kick-off at 17:00 (all times South African).

SuperSport will also roll out the SuperScreen during the final match day of the DStv Premiership season on Saturday 25 May and the feature will form an integral part of the immersive viewing experience for the Paris Olympic Games starting on 26 July 2024.

Said SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha: “At SuperSport, our goal is to always innovate and to find new ways of enhancing the viewing experiences for our passionate sports fans. To be able to bring all 10 Premier League matches into one channel at the conclusion of yet another exciting season is the stuff that fans dream about.

“The channel will also be crucial for fans who don’t want to miss a moment’s action during the Paris Games. With SuperSport broadcasting every gold medal event live, with eight dedicated channels covering the Olympics, this will no doubt add to what is expected to be a memorable and spectacular event.”

The SuperSport SuperScreen on DStv Channel 199 will be available for DStv Compact, Compat Plus and Premium subscribers in South Africa.