Not Shocking!!! The Disney Channels To Go Dark In France By The End Of December With Further Content Being Allocated On Disney+

Canal+, which launched Disney+ in the French market, is to lose the streaming service from 1 January 2025.

Disney announced Monday that its content would no longer be available to Canal’s subscribers – the day that the Vivendi-owned company was celebrating its 40th anniversary.

It is a major blow for the pay-TV operator that has successfully pivoted to a super-aggregator after an earlier loss of rights to French top-flight football. 

In addition to Disney+, remaining linear channels such as Disney Channel will also be pulled, as will content from the Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar franchises, at least in the short-term.

The decision by Disney no longer let its latest films be broadcast by the pay-TV service six months after their cinema release, as is in the norm in France means it will now take 17 months before viewers are able to stream the latest titles through Disney+.

A spokesperson for Disney told Broadband TV News: “From 1 January, Canal’s customers will no longer be able to watch our upcoming new movie releases, Disney+ or our channels through Canal’s offering. Our blockbuster movies, award-winning TV series, and exclusive Originals remain widely available on Disney+ directly and through partners for everyone to enjoy their favorite stories from our brands.”

Speaking on France Info Gérald-Brice Viret, CEO of Canal+ France, was putting on a brave face. “They had the delicacy to do it on our anniversary. And on the other hand, I can tell you that it is a fairly marginal consumption by our subscribers: they prefer, for example, MAX, Paramount, Netflix, Apple TV or Ciné+,” he said. 

In 2019, Canal signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Disney’s streaming platform, a few months before its launch in France.

Afrikaans Voice Actors For Blink Kant Bo And Op Dun v

Marvel's Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur Cancelled After Two Seasons On Disney Channel And Disney+

Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is based on Marvel Comics and follows the adventures of Lunella Lafayette (voiced by Diamond White) and Devil Dinosaur (voiced by Fred Tatasciore), a 13-year-old genius and her red T-Rex pal, respectively. In addition to a rather stacked supporting cast with the likes of Alfre Woodard and Gary Anthony Williams, executive producer Laurence Fishburne also voices The Beyonder.

Development began after Marvel Studios president Louis D'Esposito showed Fishburne the comic book Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. His interest piqued, Fishburne sought to make an animated series based on the duo. Production proceeded for two years before Steve Loter was hired as an executive producer. 

The series received highly positive reviews for its writing, animation, soundtrack, representation and characters. The series also won five Children's and Family Emmy Awards.

The first season of Marvel's Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur was broadcast on Disney Channel from February 10, 2023 to May 6, 2023 consisting of 16 episodes. The second season which is currently on air followed a year later on February 2, 2024 with 24 episodes said to be in development.

According to recent reports, Disney Channel will be ending the show with its current season as a season 3 will not be greenlit. Of course, writers had expressed the idea of a potential third season with a script that was said to be developed all of which will likely not fruition as the remaining episodes will likely be available within the first half of 2025.

Marvel's Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur is not the only animated show by the network to have been cancelled but also Hailey's On It and The Ghost And Molly McGee. It is alleged that Disney has been using a different ratings system (i.e. Disney+) to monitor the performance of these shows and another is them prioritising IPs.

Important News Dated 12 October

As some of you already know, Google has killed their traffic for a lot of independent sites so what this means rather is publishers lose about 50% to 90% of its audience and each update to their system ends up leading to more declines. So now I opted to sort of portion my content from the website with that of Insidus Television (my YouTube channel).

For now, some of the videos are in low quality but we plan to fix this overtime as we navigate this whole ordeal with Google which brings another topic to the agenda which is the fate of Entertainment Inside Us and Insidus Plus.

Before we had three websites and opted to close one of them but soon we could look to consolidate this under one umbrella but it depends on how our sites perform in the coming months. Right now, I don't see any hope coming from these updates and would rather just explore other avenues.

We have a Facebook, Instagram and an X (formerly Twitter) and similar to YouTube I might as well try to curate exclusive content for these platforms. Right now with Insidus Television we are kind of trying to navigate with what works, what doesn't or what can we improve from these results as it's different audience from that field compared to our websites.

Canal+'s Offer For MultiChoice Remains Unchanged As The Company Pivots Toward Streaming

Last month, it was reported that the French broadcaster Canal+ and MultiChoice have begun engaging with local legislation regarding the change in ownership. As part of the agreement, Canal+ would maintain a 45% hold of the company while the remaining 55% goes to various shareholders at MultiChoice.

With its current stake, Canal+ is opting to put all its focus on DStv, GOtv, M-Net and SuperSport as mentioned by the brand's CEO a couple months back. This led MultiChoice to make Sanlam a majority shareholder in their insurance company while others like Irdeto and Namola will probably survive as little investment goes into their operation.

Both these companies are seeking to comply with government's cap to foreign ownership and this could lead to MultiChoice giving Canal+ it's ROA business which is home to brands like Africa Magic and Pearl Magic. As Canal+ seeks local partners to manage the licenses of DStv in South Africa.

MultiChoice SA is putting all their focus on Showmax as their consumer base on DStv plummets hoping to extend its reach to 50 million households by 2028. It's likely that Canal+ will manage their pay-tv operations and serve as a collaborator of some sort to Showmax.

Ideally, it doesn't really seem impossible for them to own these platforms rather than the bulk of channels under their belt which include SABC News and Moja Love as the license holder would be in charge of those brands. If anything, one could imagine Showmax getting spun off into a standalone company.

Right now, neither MultiChoice SA or Showmax can survive without the income coming from DStv which is why they're hoping to skyrocket the number of platforms for the streamer. Although subscriber numbers have yet to be unveiled it has been estimated that Showmax has around 500000 to 3 million subscribers.

StarSat Looking To Launch A Streaming Service To Rival With YouTube

During the month, ICASA and SARS raided the offices of StarSat confiscating several equipment belonging to owners On Digital Media and StarTimes Media. This has led to a number of TV channels viewed in Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda to have been blocked while consumers in South Africa experience a complete blackout.

In an interview on SABC News, the company's head of public affairs had outlined plans to launch its own YouTube type service which would allow bloggers podcasters and other local creators to curate content on that platform. This was part of a recovery plan as the broadcaster was dealing with financial woes during that time.

With this market already crowded with other platforms such as Showmax, Netflix, YouTube, eVOD and SABC+ the best guess here would be that this platform will rollout on the StarTimes app. With the StarSat already platform already having very little consumers this seems like the only probable option for sustainability.

Considering this will take up a format similar to YouTube, it may join the rankings of SABC+ and Freevision Play and offer no monthly fees while as offering a pay service similar to DStv Stream. A lot of streamers are struggling right now so I don't see how StarSat would be any different as some like SABC and Showmax rely on partners to survive.

Let's say this platform does launch how are local creators getting compensation and better yet will this platform ever get anywhere in terms of consumer growth. If StarSat from its 10+ years in South Africa sees their reach sitting under half a million how sure are they that these endeavours won't up like TelkomOne or Acorn TV.

With the company already facing several hurdles with their pay-tv operations, consumers are probably going to refrain themselves from these endeavours. Besides that, YouTube and TikTok are already dominant players in that regard so similar to the likes of DStv it would be challenging to find an audience in a market filled with constraints.

MultiChoice, NBCUniversal Invest R2.8 Billion Into Showmax

MultiChoice video streaming platform Showmax has received equity funding of $164 million (R2.8 billion), as it looks to take on international video-on-demand platforms such as Netflix and Disney+.

This, after in March last year, MultiChoice entered into an agreement with Comcast subsidiary NBCUniversal and Sky, to form a partnership for purposes of driving Showmax to become the “leading streaming service in Africa”.

Comcast, through its subsidiary NBCUniversal, acquired a 30% equity stake in Showmax, and provides ongoing support through the licensing of its Peacock platform and content from NBCUniversal, Universal Pictures, Peacock and Sky.

MultiChoice, through its wholly-owned subsidiary MultiChoice Group Holdings, and Comcast, through NBCUniversal, are providing funding to Showmax (only as and when Showmax’s board determines) during its investment phase.

According to MultiChoice, this is contributed in proportion to the companies’ respective shareholdings and they will share profits on the same basis in future.

It adds that equity funding is provided as required (either monthly or at other intervals) depending on Showmax’s working capital requirements and near-term budget (as determined by Showmax’s board) subject to a maximum capped amount.

As at 31 March 2024, MultiChoice Group and NBCUniversal provided, in the aggregate, $120 million (R2 billion) in equity funding to Showmax, each in proportion of their respective shareholdings.

“Since 1 April 2024 until the date of this announcement, MultiChoice Group and NBCUniversal provided, in the aggregate, $164 million (R2.8 billion) in equity funding to Showmax, each in proportion of their respective shareholdings,” says the JSE-listed video entertainment company.

Faced with declining subscriber numbers in the traditional pay-TV space, MultiChoice is pinning its hopes on streaming platforms Showmax and DStv Stream.

The company’s latest financial results show overall active subscribers declined by 9%.

According to the company, this was mainly due to a 13% decline in the “rest of Africa” business, with Nigeria, Angola and Zambia most affected, while the South African business was more resilient, declining by only 5%.

The results come as French-based media giant Canal+ is looking to take over the South African firm in a R30 billion deal.

Over the years, MultiChoice’s subscriber numbers have reduced amid pressure from global streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime.

To boost its streaming offerings, MultiChoice relaunched Showmax, stating its intention of becoming the leading platform in Africa.

However, research projections show the new Showmax will become Africa’s second-biggest video streaming service in five years.

According to a report by Digital TV Research, Sub-Saharan Africa will have 16 million paying subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) subscriptions by 2029, up from seven million at the end of 2023.

It notes Netflix will remain the SVOD market leader, with 6.9 million subscribers by 2029, and Showmax will be the second-largest platform, with 3.7 million paying subscribers.

MultiChoice recently enhanced its DStv Stream app

 by adding personalisation features, which it believes will draw more viewers to the platform.

Barney's World Premieres In October On Cartoonito Across USA And EMEA

Mattel, Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery announced today that Barney, Mattel’s iconic purple dinosaur, will return to television screens for the first time in 14 years. Barney’s World, a new animated series featuring original music and updated takes on Barney classics, will premiere Monday, October 14 on MAX followed by a linear premiere on Cartoon Network starting on Friday, October 18. The show also launches on Cartoonito in EMEA and APAC, and Discovery Kids in LATAM.  Select episodes of Barney’s World will be available on YouTube, where the first episode will debut early on October 11 in specific countries.  

MEET BARNEY, BABY BOP, AND BILLY!

The new Barney’s World is set in a playground, where Barney is joined by dinos Billy and Baby Bop and their three kid best friends David, Mel, and Vivie. Through action-packed, music-filled adventures together, Barney helps the kids and audiences explore big preschool emotions, showing them how to love themselves, others, and their communities.

Originally launched in 1988, Barney quickly became a global sensation, captivating audiences with the friendly dinosaur and his larger-than-life personality. The Barney & Friends series aired on top broadcasters globally, including 14 seasons on PBS in the United States, with its final episode airing on November 2, 2010.

While Barney’s World was developed for preschoolers, viewers of all ages will feel nostalgic singing along with Barney and his friends again. Today’s parents, many of whom grew up with the lovable dinosaur, can now create memories with their own children as they experience this new take on a beloved classic.

Barney’s World premieres with 52, 11-minute episodes featuring familiar faces and new characters alike, including:

• Jonathan Langdon (ZOMBIES) as Barney - A singing and dancing purple dinosaur who embodies love, Barney is a great listener who helps his friends work through challenges in a way that is caring to themselves and others.

• Bryn McAuley (Hotel Transylvania: The Series) as Baby Bop - A charming and opinionated dinosaur who is an advocate for all feelings, no matter how big or small.

• Jonathan Tan (Rubble & Crew) as Billy – An energetic dino who loves action and loud sounds. With a strong sense of self awareness, Billy encourages kids to express their feelings and care for themselves. 

• Jayd Deroché (Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures) as David – An empathetic, self-aware, and caring kid, David loves giving big hugs and has an infectious laugh that he shares with his friends, older brother, and younger sister.

• Diana Tsoy (CoComelon Lane) as Mel – Mel is active, competitive, and always up for a challenge. She is multiracial from Korean and Mexican heritage, speaks three languages, and loves to share her culture with her friends. 

• Ella Paciocco (Vocal Star) as Vivie - Vivie is wildly creative and loves to paint and perform. She lives with her Nonna, and together they enjoy cooking, sharing Italian traditions, and caring for their friends and family.

“The goal of Mattel Television Studios is to develop and distribute episodic and long-form content that expands Mattel’s characters and storylines across linear and streaming platforms worldwide,” said Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer, Mattel. “Barney nurtures the power of love in all of us, and we are thrilled to bring him back to fans all around the world. We hope this modern revival leaves an impression on young audiences, imparting lessons that will positively influence them as they grow up.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Mattel to bring a fresh, imaginative new take on Barney that resonates with today’s preschoolers and their families around the world,” said Vanessa Brookman, General Manager Kids, Global Streaming and International Networks, Warner Bros. Discovery.  

“This new animated series aims to blend nostalgia with modern storytelling, ensuring that the world’s beloved purple dinosaur continues to inspire, educate, and delight young audiences.”

Barney’s World is co-produced by Mattel Television Studios and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana. It is executive produced by Michelle Mendelovitz and Josh Silverman for Mattel and by Athena Georgaklis, Doug Murphy, Mellany Welsh, and Pam Westman for Nelvana.

How Showmax Has Become A DStv Competitor To Canal+?

Showmax is African based streaming service operated by DStv parent company MultiChoice which is in the process of being acquired by French broadcaster Canal+. It takes on other streamers in the market like Netflix, SABC+, eVOD, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Disney+.

Since late 2023, NBCUniversal obtained a 30% stake in streaming service which gave consumers access to content from Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation and Telemundo International. This also helped the company extend the reach of Peacock after being constant to America. 

After licensing various channels like Studio Universal, Universal TV, DreamWorks, E! Entertainment and Telemundo to DStv consumers in Africa. They even curated OTT version of these channels known as Universal+ through DStv Stream with plans to get their DStv Glass service scrapped. 

MultiChoice sites the current economic climate as the reason this product had been shelved but some believe it may have to do with the possible takeover by Canal+. As the CEO of Canal+ had mentioned at some point that their prime focus is being allocated onto content and content distribution. 

MultiChoice has all these other ventures such as Namola, Showmax, SuperSportBET and Irdeto part of which just seems like a waste now based on its financial performance. Not long ago, they had reduced their stake on DStv Insurance to 25% with the rest allocated to Sanlam. 

Canal+ was able to brief the media in on the plans awaiting MultiChoice one of which having to do with another subsidiary, Showmax. With Netflix taking over how people consume content, MultiChoice had to trim the entertainment on DStv down to a point where Me had been axed.

Me was being built up as open window to M-Net for Compact consumers similar to how Mzansi Wethu wad tailored for Access. Now that portal had been closed and merged to what Compact+ consumers alongside Premium view as 1Max.

Canal+ offers the same content on different platforms through MyCanal it is basically how DStv Stream is with the DStv platform which is multimedia. Giving consumers different ways of accessing the very same content but this stopped being the case with DStv and Showmax. 

When Disney+ launched all of its existence was built around its linear offering same with Paramount+, SABC+ and eVOD. But with Showmax that changed as you get content like Chucky: The Series on Showmax but not through DStv yet M-Net has to fold all their content on Showmax.

DStv has to rely on sport to get any attention nowadays but when it comes to entertainment from Zee Zonke for instance those don't make much of an impact with Showmax. Hollywood Reporters even did an article on how content from Telemundo and TLNovelas is under siege from these platforms.

Similar to how M-Net is ramping up its local offering and going as far as partnering with international studios a similar outcome awaited Telemundo and TelevisaUnivison. In the end, these brands are trying to sustain themselves in a world where Netflix can control how you view them.

VIU Looking To Become The Third Broadcaster To Rival With eExtra's Kuiertyd

VIU is an Asian based streaming service that is formed as part of a joint venture with PCCW Media Limited and French broadcaster Canal+. Residing in more than 20 countries, VIU is estimated to have reached over 60 million users as the streamer plans to build up on its content slate.

Canal+ which serves as partner is currently in pursuit of Showmax's parent company MultiChoice after garnering stakes is now sitting at 45%. The plan should this acquisition succeed is to create an African powerhouse that can take on giants like Disney and Netflix. 

Another plan on the cards would be introducing international content in local languages particularly Afrikaans. eMedia Investments has been doing this since 2018 and had since then become popular within South Africa literally doubling the viewership of SABC 2's 7de Laan.

KykNET became eMedia Investments' first competitor in such pursuit as this offering was rolled out through KykNET&Kie. Both of which are owned by MultiChoice, with Canal+ looking to acquire this could lead to additional programming as the channel had simplified this offering in May.

Although Showmax had already been producing Afrikaans content for their audiences none of which rival with shows like Doodsondes or Sommerdahl Moorde. But rather the niche part of Kuiertyd with only a variant of these viewers with Bôll And Ôll and Ja, Daddy Kan Lekker Eet.

It will be interesting to see how these shows will do in terms of distribution cause with Canal+ owning KykNET they could use it promote these endeavors. Another scenario would be shopping these series to other broadcasters like the SABC since they are technically insolvent. 

The public broadcaster has been looking at cost cutting measures aside from possibly selling SABC 3 another was reducing budget costs for shows like Muvhango. VIU has been the official distributor to some of their shows like Uzalo and Skeem Saam.

Press statement about the inclusion of dubbed programming 

The demand for foreign content is so great that part of Viu’s strategy for the next year is to dub more and more of these titles into South African languages to make them more accessible.

While K-dramas are geared more towards English speakers, Turkish content is more aligned with Afrikaans audiences. Kelly said part of the growth in demand for Turkish content is due to the gap left by long-running Afrikaans shows like 7de Laan reaching end of life.

For Viu, the dubbing of content in Afrikaans gives the company an opportunity to use internationally sourced content to contribute to the local economy by employing local vocal talent. “The Turks are doing well in TV production, particularly in the long-running dramas. We work with some of the best dubbing providers in the country and we want to make sure we don’t do our audience a disservice in that,” said Kelly.

Showmax And VIU Are Likely To Remain Unscathed In Canal+'s Pursuit Of MultiChoice

VIU is an Asian based streaming service that is formed as part of a joint venture with PCCW Media Limited and French broadcaster Canal+. Residing in more than 20 countries, VIU is estimated to have reached over 60 million users as the streamer plans to build up on its content slate.

Canal+ which serves as partner is currently in pursuit of Showmax's parent company MultiChoice after garnering stakes is now sitting at 45%. The plan should this acquisition succeed is to create an African powerhouse that can take on giants like Disney and Netflix. 

Of course, one of those burning questions is how VIU and Showmax will be able to co-exist seeing as they'll have the same owner - Canal+. Both have been producing content locally and licensing from international studios and the fear here is that this acquisition could reduce that. 

But that may not be the case here exactly although Canal+ is obtaining MultiChoice the only way this deal could move forward would be the assistance of another business. Canal+ is still trying to build its stake in VIU and its very unlikely that they'd pursue full ownership. 

If anything one can only estimate that similar to France, Canal+ is probably trying to do what MultiChoice has with SABC News and eNCA and flex their dominance. VIU and Showmax will most definitely be treated as individual broadcasters in the streaming regime. 

VIU is constrained to Asia, Middle East and South Africa and Showmax extends to other parts of Africa. So content wise, there may not be that much changes of course nothing can be guaranteed here I can imagine select content from M-Net most probably popping up there.

Then there's that whole matter with the SABC, how different will VIU's relationship be by then when its parent company acquires its rival. Do these just fall off the schedule in favor of M-Net's local offering or does this offering remain constraint on separate platforms.

Canal+ had been producing content through StudioCanal and with MultiChoice it plans to increase local investment. Showmax instead of being a platform with content from M-Net, NBC and so forth switches to become some M-Net based streaming service with select international content on VIU.

If there's one thing that was kind of speculated for sometime was Canal+ looking to possibly trim or lessen some of the agreements put in place for content. In place of reduced international offering would be content generated from France and parts of Europe.

Cartoon Network's Future In Doubt As Warner Bros. Discovery Pulls The Cord On Its Website

During the week, it was announced that Warner Bros. Discovery had closed/merged Cartoon Network's websites in America with the Max streaming service. Home to clips, video games and and other content from various shows on the network had been axed without prior notice. 

According to Warner Bros. Discovery who have accumulated 40 billion dollars in debt making a sale impossible less people people were using this website. So they'll put more focus on Cartoon Network as a channel alongside its multiple social platforms including Facebook and YouTube. 

Whenever users try to access CartoonNetwork.com consumers are being directed to Max probably an attempt to get consumers to pay. What is also odd in this scenario is that all of Discovery's channels websites even Adult Swim were unaffected unlike Cartoon Network. 

Now questions amount to whether a similar fate could await consumers in Europe and other parts of the world as well. Warner Bros. Discovery is technically insolvent and the only option they have is to sell portions of the company in order to reduce their expenses if not close them.

Although the linear part of Cartoon Network remains intact in other countries whose to say that this will be like that for the foreseeable future. Look at Paramount for starters before Skydance made its bid to acquire the company a lot of feeds within Europe for the MTV and Nickelodeon channels had merged.

On top of that, Nickelodeon Africa's Facebook page had a regional block (for some weird reason) and consumers were redirected to one used by America while the page continued adding new content. Whose to say that Cartoon Network may not as well undergo a similar fate as Nickelodeon. 

There's a lot of fear amongst consumers of Cartoon Network potentially shuttering its doors or for Adult Swim to someday takeover its operations. It has more hours on the channel in America than Cartoon Network itself on top of that there hasn't been much content coming to the channel. 

That's exactly what happened with Boomerang before becoming Cartoonito in other parts of the world. It started out as a block on the channel before gaining more hours and taking whatever content was left of Boomerang while others like Mr. Magoo reverted to Cartoon Network. 

Canal+ To Take Legal Action Against French Broadcaster TF1 For The Use Of "+" On Its Streaming Service

TF1+ is the new streaming platform that offers a replay experience, but also films, series and shows on almost all media. Appearing on January 8, 2024 to replace the old name “MyTF1”, TF1+ has the same objective as its predecessor, to offer an improved experience of TF1’s original content as well as a streaming-type experience to compete with giants like Netflix, Prime Video or Apple TV+. If this strategy has nothing to be sued, it is the name “TF1+” that poses a problem. Canal+ has just sued the channel because it does not have the right (according to Canal) to use the “+” sign.

TF1+, the new name that created a scandal at the Canal group

In 2019, Disney+ was starting to make a lot of noise in the streaming world. With a launch in the United States, then in France, the Canal group did not look favorably on the fact that the American giant used the acronym “+” in France. The group then tried to oppose Disney+ by appealing to National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI)After investigation, he concluded that Disney+ did not pose any problem and that the acronym “+” did not belong to Canal+.

Five years after this affair, the Canal+ group still assures that the acronym “+” is not a simple indicator of quality or a more complete catalog, it is an acronym that belongs to it and that does not have to be used by another company in France, at least in the world of streaming!

Today, the Canal group prefers to ignore the final opinion of the National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI) and take TF1 to court for using the acronym “+”. The Canal group denounces a practice that confuses consumers and is even demanding compensation of… 57 million euros from TF1. This absolutely enormous sum is linked to the importance that Canal+ gives to its brand.

TF1+ began to exist on January 8, 2024 and has always stood out from Canal+ by never referring to its competitor and by offering unique programming focused on its own exclusive and original content, adapted to a wide audience.

This assignment is likely to last several months, but the Canal group does not intend to give up, because the company believes that the acronym “+” belongs to it following the filing of the trademark “Canal+” on November 4, 1982 with the INPI.

eMedia Investments Outlines Plans For eVOD, Unveils Viewing Figures For The Platform

eMedia outlines plans for streamer eVODeMedia Holdings, the parent of e.tv and Openview, has disclosed viewer adoption figures for its eVOD streaming service, which it launched three years ago.

In eMedia’s annual report for the 2024 financial year, published on Monday, the group said some 1.13 million users have registered to watch the service since its introduction in August 2021.

Although the group hasn’t disclosed how many active users eVOD has, it claimed a 19% increase in watch time over the 2023 financial year, reaching 1.3 billion minutes.

Plans for the current financial year include expanding the available applications for smart TVs

The service, which has both free and subscription components, was launched in response to other streaming services available in South Africa, including Showmax and Netflix. It includes a range of local programming, including original eMedia series and movies.

eMedia disclosed the most popular content available on eVOD. These programmes are:

• Local series: House of Z Wide; Smoke & Mirrors; and Isitha: The Enemy – Blood and Betrayal

• International series: Elif, Annekan die Swa Kry and Doodsondes

• eVOD originals: The Umbrella Men: Escape from Robben Island; Yolanda is Swanger and Piet’s Sake

Growth plans

The broadcasting group said its plans for the current financial year – to March 2025 – include expanding the available eVOD applications for smart TVs, offering new content via Openview’s new set-top box (which can connect to the internet), and offering new advertising “innovations” that include the introduction of live-stream advertising and display banner ads in programming.

In the annual report, eMedia described eVOD as the “Netflix of South Africa” – MultiChoice-owned Showmax and Netflix itself might beg to differ – and offers a platform “primarily filled with e.tv’s local content in a video-on-demand format”.

Showmax And South African Manufacturer QVWi Partner To Transform TVs Into Smart TVs

Leading African streaming service Showmax has partnered with KwaZulu-Natal’s largest local manufacturer of electronic products, QVWi, a Skyworth Digital Company, to bridge the technology and accessibility gap with a range of affordably priced streaming devices.  

From 1 August 2024, select devices will come preloaded with Showmax as a pre-installed app and a complimentary two-month subscription to Showmax Entertainment.   

One of the most pocket-friendly and easy-to-use devices is the QVWi Leap TV S2 streaming stick with built-in Google Chromecast technology. The Google-based streaming device transforms almost any TV into a smart TV capable of running the latest app technology. Simply plug the device into the TV’s HDMI port and start streaming shows directly from the Showmax app to the TV. Also available is the Leap S3 streaming TV box and range of smart TVs, which provide easy access to Showmax’s extensive library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more, at an affordable price point.  Showmax Entertainment offers an unbeatable selection of everything from the latest of HBO to The Real Housewives of Durban, Lagos, and Nairobi.   

A key differentiator for Showmax is being a leading investor in local original content, such as drama series Adulting; iconic documentaries like Tracking Thabo Bester; and trending reality shows like The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa. Since its relaunch in February, a record 40 Showmax Originals have been added to the platform, from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.     

Showmax Originals continue to generate widespread acclaim. Spinners became the first African series ever to screen at CanneSeries, before going on to beat the Emmy-winning final season of Succession to win Best Foreign TV Series at the 29th Shanghai TV Festival’s Magnolia Awards, one of the biggest accolades in Asia. Similarly, Catch Me A Killer was the first South African series ever to screen at Series Mania. At Kenya’s Kalasha Awards this year, The Real Housewives of Nairobi was named Best TV Show, while Pepeta took home Best TV Drama and the Viewer’s Choice Award. And at the upcoming kykNET Silwerskerm Awards for Film and TV, Koek is the most-nominated drama series overall.   

Showmax also focuses on delivering top international content, including the three biggest films of last year – Barbie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and 2024 Best Picture Oscar winner Oppenheimer – as well as hit series like HBO’s House of the Dragon. July highlights include two of the biggest hits of 2024 so far: The Beekeeper, with Jason Statham, and the musical remake of Mean Girls, not to mention Anyone But You, the biggest romcom at the global box office since 2016.  

The QVWi Leap TV streaming stick is priced competitively with a recommended retail price of R999, ensuring affordability and access to streaming while removing the expense, waste and inconvenience of upgrading older model TVs to support the latest streaming technology.   

“We are thrilled to partner with QVWi to bring these innovative, affordable streaming devices to the market,” says Showmax CEO Marc Jury. “Our goal has always been to make entertainment accessible to everyone. This partnership helps us achieve our mission to be the home of streaming for Africa by providing our customers with more affordable options to enjoy our fantastic content.”  

QVWi Retail CEO Nazim Cassim adds, “Collaborating with Showmax allows us to leverage our technological expertise to create products that enhance the user experience. These devices provide a smooth and lag-free viewing experience that will immerse you in the action, whether you’re binge-watching a show or enjoying a blockbuster movie. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible sights and sounds that await you.”  

Coming up in July and August viewers can look forward to a wealth of Original and international content including the ongoing House of the Dragon Season 2, satirical political drama The Regime Season 1 with Kate Winslet, all of Africa’s Housewives in action including The Real Housewives Girls Trip: South Africa Season 1, new Showmax Original family sitcom One Weeks, and the upcoming The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice Season 1, arriving 8 August.  

The new QVWi devices will be available from 1 August 2024 in all leading retailers and include a range of streaming devices as well as smart TVs.  

Development Alert. Iyanu Will Also Be Streaming On Showmax When It Premietes On Cartoon Network In 2025 + Drafted Highlights For WBD Kids Channels In August

Showmax an African based streaming service owned by MultiChoice alongside DStv and GOtv is also slated to air Iyanu. This comes after they had listed the Nigerian animated series under Showmax as opposed to Cartoon Network where it will air in 2025.

Iyanu follows Iyanu, a teenage orphan who spends her days studying Yoruba history and ancient arts but yearns for a normal life. One day, responding to danger, she unknowingly triggers her divine powers, the likes of which have not been seen since the Age of Wonders.

The voice cast includes Serah Johnson, Okey Jude, Samuel Kugbiyi, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Stella Damasus, and Shaffy Bello.

In other developments, Cartoon Network and Cartoonito will be celebrating women's month with marathon composed with several shows. This includes DC Superhero Girls from Cartoon Network alongside Jessica's Big Little World and Cocomelon from Cartoonito. 

Returning shows in the month include Lamput and Mush Mush and The Mushables from Cartoonito with Pokémon Horizons, Mr. Magoo and Justice League Action on Cartoon Network. 

Possibly Cancelled. Still No Update Of A Unicorn: Warriors Eternal Season 2 On Adult Swim

Unicorn: Warriors Eternal is an American adult animated fantasy television series created by Genndy Tartakovsky and aired on Cartoon Network's night-time programming block Adult Swim. The series stars the voices of Hazel Doupe, Demari Hunte, and Tom Milligan. 

Tartakovsky originally conceived Unicorn: Warriors Eternal in his early days at Cartoon Network Studios. The series took almost 20 years to get made, with Tartakovsky pitching it to various studios before it was picked up by Cartoon Network and HBO Max.

The series premiered on Adult Swim from May 5, 2023 and concluded on June 30, 2023 literally a year ago with only 10 episodes. Although a second has yet to be commissioned by the network, Tartakovsky has expressed interest in doing multiple seasons.

Why Unicorn: Warriors Eternal may not be returning with a season 2?

No one at Cartoon Network, Adult Swim or Warner Bros. Animation not even Genndy Tartakovsky has talked about the show. As for the creator, he's currently working on Heist Safari and a third season to Primal for the mentioned brands.

If anything, it's possible that with Warner Bros. Discovery being cash constraint that they rather put their focus on lesser projects. Even with Tartakovsky already working on these projects it's possible he may not be able to pencil in Unicorn: Warriors Eternals.

Another theory that comes to mind is the possibility of it being a miniseries I mean that's happened with Infinity Train but surprisingly got additional seasons. Both of which had their first seasons end with a question mark with one that was eventually renewed.

Even My Adventures With Superman which was originally commissioned by Cartoon Network before moving to Adult Swim. Unlike Unicorn: Warriors Eternal, Superman got a 2 season renewal but with that concluding soon was renewed for a season 3.

SABC Unveils Revamped SABC+ Streaming Service

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is proud to announce exciting new launches and features on its Over-The-Top (OTT) platform, SABC Plus. The revamped SABC Plus went live today, with the following launches and features:

SABC Plus Launches:

• SABC Plus Website

• SABC Plus Mobile

• iOS

• Android

• Huawei

• SABC Plus TV Apps/Connected TV’s

• LG

• Set-Top Boxes

• Apple TV (TVOS)

• Google TV/Android Box (The update will be slightly delayed)

New Features:

• New and Improved Interface

• Personalised Recommendations

• Catch-Up Services

• Video on Demand (VOD)

• Voice Command (for content search)

• TV Schedule and Radio Now Playing EPG

• Vodcasts

• Download features available on mobile only.

• Podcasts

• Unlimited Access on Multiple Household Devices

• Display Banners and Video Ads

• EPG Reminder

• The new features are designed to enhance the user experience with a seamless, intuitive interface and personalised content recommendations, ensuring that every viewer finds something they love.

 

In addition, audiences can also enjoy Channel Africa “The Voice of the African Renaissance”, which brings programming in the languages of Chinyanja, Kiswahili, English, French and Portuguese and is broadcast to communities in the African diaspora across the world. Furthermore, the public can access Springbok Radio, Radio Bantu and the youth-based radio station 5 FM extra as well Radio 2000 extra.

Users are urged to re-register with new credentials to easily access the newly revamped SABC+ platform in order to comply with POPI Act.

The SABC Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Ms Nomsa Chabeli says, “The SABC has been at the forefront of fostering diversity and inclusivity through its extensive catalogue of television, radio, and news offerings in the country’s official 12 languages. SABC Plus is our latest innovation, reinforcing the public broadcaster’s commitment to providing the best programming. This platform houses an impressive array of content, including groundbreaking comedies, spine-chilling horrors, and captivating dramas, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of our nation”.

Chabeli further states, “SABC Plus will now be accessible across multiple devices, ensuring that our audiences can enjoy their favourite content anywhere, anytime. Our most beloved brands, including our top-rated radio stations as well as exciting new range of podcasts, will now be just a tap away”.

The SABC has a proud history of being a pioneer in the broadcasting industry, introducing South Africa’s first comedy, horror, and drama series in indigenous languages. With SABC Plus, the organisation is taking this legacy into the digital age, offering a modern, accessible way to enjoy high-quality content that reflects the diversity and vibrancy of our nation. The SABC invites the nation to join us in this exciting new chapter. SABC Plus is more than just a platform; it is a celebration of who we are and where we are going. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to experience the best of SABC like never before!

Paramount Global Is In Talks For A Streaming Merger

Paramount Global is currently in discussions with other entertainment companies about merging its Paramount+ streaming service with an existing platform. If successful, this could trigger a wave of similar partnerships across the media sector and strengthen the industry as a whole.

The leadership at Paramount Global is actively exploring potential structures for merging Paramount+ with another streaming entity, potentially leading to a co-owned platform. These discussions, which are private, involve various media and tech company executives.

Warner Bros Discovery Inc has shown interest in such a deal, which could strengthen both services by allowing them to better compete with Netflix Inc and Disney’s suite of platforms (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN) for audience and future content.

Earlier this year, preliminary merger talks were held for a complete deal with Paramount Global, but these discussions did not progress.

Paramount Global is also considering a potential partnership with a technology platform, as revealed by the company's co-CEO Chris McCarthy at an employee town hall on June 25.

A merged streaming service could offer more diverse programming, reducing customer churn and potentially removing Paramount+ losses from Paramount Global’s balance sheet by introducing new ownership.

While the structure for a potential joint venture with Warner Bros. Discovery hasn't been discussed in detail, it is likely that ownership wouldn't be evenly split due to the current nature and finances of the streaming assets.

Max, Warner Bros. Discovery's direct-to-consumer business, boasts about 100 million global subscribers, with 52.7 million based in the U.S. Meanwhile, Paramount+ ended its first quarter with 71 million subscribers.

NBCUniversal, owned by Comcast Corp, has also shown interest in a joint venture with Paramount+. However, these discussions did not progress significantly.

Since late 2019, traditional media companies including Paramount Global, Disney, NBCUniversal, and Warner Bros. Discovery have all launched streaming services, resulting in billions of dollars in losses. The industry consensus suggests there are too many streaming services relative to the number of total paying customers.

If Paramount finalizes a joint venture with either Max or Peacock, it could put pressure on the remaining service to seek a similar deal.

Media companies are now focusing on better monetizing streaming content through bundles and partnerships. For example, Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery have recently become more willing to license some of their content to rival streaming services, such as Netflix, to better monetize shows that aren't adding a lot of new subscribers to their streaming services.

Max Originals Likely Dead Is A Good Sign For HBO And Cartoon Network

Not long ago, it was reported Warner Bros. Discovery had dumped the Max trademark from upcoming shows Harry Potter and IT with these being branded as HBO originals. Similar to Disney+ Star, Max will continue to exist for a collection of content. 

When Max launched in 2020, it served as a rival offering to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Showmax and Disney+. It offered a range of animated shows like Close Enough and Jellystone alongside live-action shows like The Flight Attendant and Gossip Girl.

Not only that, it became the exclusive home of all things Cartoon Network and this included Tiny Toons Looniversity, The Fungies! and upcoming show Iyanu: Child Of Wonder. Unlike HBO, most shows to have been filmed by their studio were credited as Max Originals.

With the demise of Max, it means Cartoon Network will be more recognition after being shunned by Adult Swim as shows like Invincible Fight Girl and My Adventures With Superman were pulled from the network. 

The reason Max is being trimmed has to do with the current economic climate as the streaming market is oversaturated and Max is basically struggling to compete. Internationally, they're licensing content to various broadcasters including Sky and M-Net.

Another similar to Disney+ Star, consumers aren't familiar with Max the moment HBO was dumped from the name. In this day and age we're seeing companies revive or expand on IPs in order to get an extra buck and retain audiences while getting new ones.

As mentioned, HBO is expanding the universes of IT and Harry Potter while Cartoon Network is doing that with revivals to The Amazing World Of Gumball and Regular Show.