News Shorts: Play Room Acquires Broadcasting Rights To Cave Club, Baby Cele Joins Season 2 Of Sibongile And The Dlaminis And Raid The Cage Delayed On SABC 2

Cave Club is now part of the Play Room family 

Welcome to a land of adventure, exploration, and even dinosaurs. Join five fearless friends as they discover the unexpected origins of some of today's most popular trends and tackle relatable issues. These B.F.F.s will be the first to see and do everything-starting with the first-ever best friends' group, Cave Club.

It will air daily at 07:30 from 6 June.

Baby Cele Joins Season 2 of Sibongile & The Dlaminis

Baby Cele is joining season 2 of Sibongile & The Dlaminis as Samkelisiwe, Bab’Ntombela’s sister, and it looks like she is set to shake things up for her former friends Deliwe and Phetheni.

The three met as young women and connected over their shared experience of being scammed, but she got the short end of the stick in this friendship trio, which sets her on a path for revenge.

Baby Cele is one of the extremely talented actors in Mzansi and she has showcased her talent on productions like Mzansi Magic’s Ring Of Lies, Saints and Sinners and recently Shaka Ilembe. Watch her as she returns to Ixopo and turns some people’s lives upside down on the new season of Sibongile & The Dlaminis on Mzansi Wethu (DStv Channel 163) from 29 July at 6:30pm.  

SABC 2 delayed Raid The Cage

In late March the SABC at a programming upfront in Johannesburg rolled out podcasters Sol Phenduka and Mac G on stage before stakeholders and announced them as the co-presenters of Raid the Cage South Africa that the public broadcaster said would start on 27 May on SABC2.

According to insiders, the SABC made the announcement about Raid the Cage and other shows without various contracts having been signed yet. 

Raid the Cage SA for SABC2 is another one of the shows acquired by Primedia Studios and done for the SABC and is one of the new crop of localised format shows produced by Anele Mdoda and Frankie du Toit's Rose and Oaks Media like The Masked Singer SA and Ready, Steady, Cook for SABC3. 

Development Alert: Star Plus Undergoes Timeslot Changes In Africa With Maati Se Bandhi Dor Added To The Lineup, Telecast Of Lost In Love Replaces Beyond Love On Star Life

Star Plus is a general entertainment channel that distribute Bollywood based films and series part of which are made available to Star Life. The parent company Disney Star also operate Star Bharat, Star Select, Star Gold and Vijay TV in the region.

During the week, the channel had made several schedule adjustments to their existing offering with Pandya Store (a long awaited show for Star Life) aired its last episode on Sunday night. This would be replaced by another original show Maati Se Bandhi Dor.

Maati Se Bandhi Dor follows a hard-working Vaiju who labours in the fields to support her family and village, but she finds her life facing an unexpected challenge when Rannvijay dismisses her as a potential wife. Ankit Gupta and Rutuja Bagwe star as the lead characters. 

Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin moved from 20:00 to 19:30 with Udne Ki Aasha moved from 18:30 to 20:15 both of which run for 45 minutes. The latter Anupama and Yeh Hai Chahatein remain intact in their current timeslots at 21:00 and 22:00.

Other shows offered on the channel include Chhoo Kar Mere Mann Ko at 11:30, Grihapravesh - Ek Nayi Shuruwat at 12:00 and Kasme Vaade at 15:00.

In other developments, the first season of Beyond Love concludes on Star Life by June 7th following a troublesome rollout on the channel due to Evil Affairs. Both had lost daytime slots and had no repeat slots throughout the night which led to an onslaught of complaints. 

According to the programme guide, Beyond Love will be replaced by a current telecast of Lost In Love which kind of begs the question. Could this have anything to do with the controversies surrounding Evil Affairs?

Recap To The Decade: Canal+ And MultiChoice Unveil New DStv Package Catered For Francophone Africa

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 owning almost of the pay-tv company as it looks to take full ownership and get a JSE listing. 

Canal+ and MultiChoice are no strangers to one another as they had done numerous content deals e.g. Blood Psalms. Another being Canal+ attempt at acquiring MultiChoice Africa (excluding South Africa) which was quickly blocked from mentioned parties. 

With Canal+ current stake within MultiChoice, they were able to distribute channels already viewed on their platforms through a separate package/add-on targeted at Francophone Africa known as DStv English.

The name DStv English comes from the fact that MultiChoice's services are well-known within the English speaking countries (or Anglophone) and with DStv being a household name. Another derives from offering viewed on these platforms.

DStv English comprises of two packages the first titled English Basic option offers general entertainment brands like Africa Magic Epic, Zee World, Telemundo, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. All of which were currently priced at a monthly rate of 5000 CFAF (R152,61).

The second package known as English Plus comprised mainly of M-Net and SuperSport channels and these include Africa Magic Showcase, M-Net Movies 3 and 4, SuperSport EPL and La Liga. All of which were currently priced at 14500 CFAF (R442,58).

Notice the price difference here with your standalone DStv package in South Africa. It should be noted that DStv English only offers 15 channels which are divided into two packages and with the total sum it would make DStv Compact (R470p/m) cheaper.

If anything it goes to show that every channel viewed on your regular DStv comes with a price tag and also that MultiChoice has been spending more money on channels viewed on English Plus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recap To The Week: DAZN Secures Global Rights To Broadcast AEW’s Double Or Nothing And NJPW: Forbidden Door

The global streaming platform, DAZN has acquired the exclusive broadcast rights for All Elite Wrestling‘s (AEW) two Pay-Per-View events – AEW: Double or Nothing and AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door.

Starting this weekend, fans globally will be able to buy AEW PPV events directly on the DAZN Platform. On May 26, AEW will return to Las Vegas with AEW: Double or Nothing for its sixth season. A thrilling evening of professional wrestling is anticipated at AEW: Double or Nothing, which will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Pete Oliver, CEO of Growth Markets at DAZN, said, “We are pleased to be partnering with AEW to bring their exhilarating Pay-Per-View events to audiences across the globe. By providing fans with access to these blockbuster events, we aim to elevate the sports viewing experience and enable wrestling fans to experience every moment of the action, from thrilling matches to surprise appearances.”

The combined pay-per-view event AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door, presented by AEW and NJPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling), will air live from UBS Arena on Long Island, NY, on June 30 on DAZN.

Ten fights have been announced for Sunday’s pay-per-view, with seven championships on the line, including the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Eliminator battle.

Australia, Afghanistan, India, Japan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the Maldives are among the territories that are not included in this agreement.

Was Anyone Surprised That eMedia Investments Removed TNA (Formerly Impact Wrestling) From Openview?

By late 2019, TNA (formerly IMPACT Wrestling), a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, had announced a new multi-year television deal which will make e.tv the home of TNA across more than 50 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The exclusive broadcast deal would showcase TNA Wrestling’s flagship weekly shows TNA Wrestling IMPACT! and TNA Xplosion, plus four annual pay-per-views, monthly event series and library content from TNA+.

Since its inception, the show went through numerous timeslot changes on e.tv and often pulled a houdini. To top it off, TNA was overshadowed by the likes of the DStv Premiership on SABC 1 as they aired in the same timeslot.

That was never the case with WWE and even if it were e.tv would allocate repeats throughout the week and none of those efforts were seen with TNA. Even with PPVs, e.tv would reserve a timeslot for Summerslam or WrestleMania while the latter went to Openview. 

eMedia Investments' attempts at substituting TNA went unnoticed and was heavily criticized by viewers. Some of which criticized the dialogue and storyline and went as far as making comparisons with WWE.

After 5 years, eMedia Investments opted not to renew their agreement with TNA which led StarTimes acquire those rights. This would bring TNA Wrestling's offering to 30 countries including Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa and Ivory Coast.

Samurai Jack: The Amulet Of Time (GBA)

The game follows Jack's quest through seven areas to obtain the elemental gem pieces of an amulet that can send him back to his own time. As more gemstones are collected, the player unlocks more of Jack's weapons and abilities, such as a super jump and a battle hammer.

For an emulator please visit Regular Nick: Games

Download Now 

"The DStv Purge": Why Consumers Shouldn't Expect A Follow-Up To M-Net's Me Anytime Soon?

During the year, MultiChoice had axed both 1Magic and Me from the DStv platform. Unlike the other 9 TV channels to have closed, further content from these brands had consolidated under Showmax which inherited its own TV channel, 1Max.

Of course, MultiChoice further reduced its availability to the consumers of 1Magic being Compact Plus. Despite most consumers already having a Showmax subscription it would make sense to extend the reach to Compact and Family.

But 1Max's inclusion could only be a piece of the puzzle to Me's closure from MultiChoice and M-Net's initial statement:

M-Net is streamlining its channel offering to provide a more seamless entertainment experience for DStv customers...newer fresher content as well as existing shows will be available on the remaining M-Net channels and platforms such as DStv Stream, Catch Up and Showmax.

From what is implied on the statement above, M-Net is looking to go down this path alone as seen when it Iaunched back in 1986. As Mzansi Magic continues to support Mzansi Wethu, M-Net would rather offer content that airs on a respective brand.

There hasn't been much of that in recent years as M-Net's offering continues to remain under pressure from Netflix and Disney+. From what we've seen recently, Netflix becoming the exclusive home to WWE in 2025 with promotions Raw and Smackdown. 

When M-Net picks up a show from the BBC or Paramount Pictures instead of that going onto Me. They're redirecting these efforts onto Showmax as it becomes and continues to be the avenue of fresher releases alongside ones viewed on DStv. 

There were rumours that a replacement was being explored with some citing a third-party. If that happens to be the case, don't expect it to be anything like Me but more like Universal and Comedy Central with its own avenue of content with select from M-Net.

Development Alert (Rumour): CNBC-e Eyeing A Potential Relaunch In Turkey By 3rd June

CNBC, which withdrew from Turkey in 2015 due to the expiration of its broadcasting rights, is planned to start broadcasting again soon. CNBC Turkey, headquartered in Istanbul, will broadcast at least 10 hours of live content a day covering finance, economy and various topics. business news. The channel's programming will be supported by international broadcasts from CNBC bureaus around the world, including Abu Dhabi, London, New York and Singapore. 

The leading economy and television network CNBC Turkey will be relaunched with the support of İlbak Holding. CNBC International President and CEO John Casey expressed his thoughts on the merger as follows: "As a global brand, we understand the importance of providing local business news, insights and analysis. We are excited to announce its partnership with CNBC Turkey. İlbak Holding and CNBC-e To bring the unique and dynamic content of 's to Turkish audiences.

Murat İlbak, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of İlbak Holding, stated that they are happy to bring CNBC back to Turkey with its Turkish content and made the following evaluations: "CNBC Turkey will undoubtedly be a success with the complete, unbiased, accurate information and news content that we have committed to. It will be a breakthrough in the job markets in our country. Turkey has a vibrant and versatile economy with a population of 85 million and a growing investor base. Our aim is to provide an advanced information flow that will facilitate decision-making processes and to reveal the full potential of the business world and markets in Turkey. CNBC Turkey will help its viewers make informed decisions and seize opportunities in the ever-changing global business environment." 

İlbak noted that the TV channel will also play an important role in the development of Turkey, which is among the world's top 20 economies, and added that this strong partnership with CNBC International He emphasized that it will also show the strength and dynamism of the Turkish economy.

Brief History of CNBC-e 

CNBC-e started broadcasting on October 16, 2000, under the leadership of Ercan Kumcu and with the contributions of the Central Bank. Founded by Doğuş Broadcasting Group, the channel was one of the first channels in Turkey to include foreign TV series as well as economic and financial news. CNBC-e works in partnership with CNBC, NBC's renowned business channel, to deliver important market news and analysis to its viewers from around the world. 

Why Did CNBC-e Close? 

CNBC-e ceased broadcasting in 2015. This decision was due to both economic reasons and strategic changes in the media industry. CNBC-e, which broadcasts popular foreign TV series as well as finance and economy programs, was replaced by TLC Turkey after its closure. TLC tried to appeal to CNBC-e's audience with more lifestyle and entertainment content. 

When Will CNBC-e Start Broadcasting in Turkey? 

Recently, rumors have begun to circulate on social media and various platforms that CNBC-e will restart broadcasting. Many viewers hope CNBC-e will reopen. CNBC-e's legacy audience eagerly awaits such a return due to its interest in financial and economic news. CNBC's advertising posters have started to appear on the streets and is expected to open on June 3.

Credits: Anadolu