Sky Deutschland Drops 3 TV Channels As More Consumers Opt To Streaming

German pay-TV broadcaster Sky Deutschland is removing three channels from its TV line-up.

At the end of June 2023, Curiosity Channel (formerly Spiegel TV Wissen) and Spiegel Geschichte will be dropped, a Sky spokesperson confirmed to German industry magazine Digital Fernsehen.

Curiosity Channel is currently viewable on MultiChoice's DStv across Africa initially used as collateral for A+E Networks 3 brands at the time Lifetime, History and Crime + Investigation. The channel was founded by former founder of Discovery Channel, John S. Hendricks.

Another channel set to be axed before the end of 2023 is operated by Sky Deutschland, Sky Comedy. Although a Sky Comedy isn't offered in Africa the channel bares a resemblance to Paramount Global's Comedy Central also seen on DStv alongside StarTimes (not SA).

The reason: Media usage is moving strongly towards video-on-demand, said the spokesperson, adding that: “Sky doesn’t need a linear comedy channel.”

Over the years, MultiChoice has sorted to such measure which the reduction of M-Net Movies alongside the axing of M-Net City, VUZU, BBC First and ITV Choice with The Walt Disney Company anticipated to rip out more channels as seen with FOX and Disney XD years prior.

Even the BBC is planning to become an online only brand within the next decade. Since then a revised BBC News channel launched globally and also content spend was cut on BBC Brit, BBC Lifestyle, CBeebies and BBC Earth with some content streaming exclusively on BritBox.

New Series Alert: If You Were Not There Coming Soon To Zee World

Aggar Tum Na Hote (If You Were Not There) is an Indian television drama series that premiered from 9 November 2021 and went off air 29 April 2022 on Zee TV. Produced by Mahesh Pandey under Mahesh Pandey Productions, it stars Simaran Kaur and Himanshu Soni.

Synopsis for If You Were Not There:

Niyati a nurse resides in Mumbai with her parents and works as a nurse with Dr. Anand her childhood friend. While Abhimanyu a helpful and unstable man stays away from his mother but misses her a lot. Niyati is entrusted to his care but soon learns about this tragic past.

As mentioned it stars Simaran Kaur and Himanshu Soni and joining them include Amreen Malhotra, Riya Soni, Avinash Wadhawan, Anita Kulkarni, Vikrant Singh Rajput, Sangeeta Adhikari, Nikhil Chaddha, Harsh Vashisht and Krishnakant Singh Bundela.

If You Were Not There is another upcoming series that Zee World is set to rollout in the coming months joining the recently announced family led drama, His Mistress's Child. As seen with the latter, there has yet to be confirmation on which part of Africa will see it first.

New Series Alert: Kids News Room Makes A Return On SABC 2

New revamped children’s show Kids News Room (KNR) not to mistaken with Kagiso Media Group's Newzroom Afrika on DStv will be making its return on SABC 2.

The news show for children and is a fusion between education and entertainment, targeted at children between the ages of 7-16 with the aim of reflecting their diversity.

It aims to provide children with a platform to express themselves on how they see the world around them whilst encouraging learning, participation, and an inquiring mind.

It was first broadcast in English on SABC 2 in 2004 under the name Kids News and then migrated to SABC 1 in 2006. The show has now found its way back onto SABC 2 and promises to convey news in an exciting way that will garner the interest of children around South Africa as the show will be delivered in a variety of languages ranging from Sesotho to isiZulu.

The show will be anchored by four presenters who the children will relate to. Bonolo Moahludi (13), Leavante Sheba (16), Ruvarashe Marumo (16), Ayanda Masango (16), Thabelo Makhode (13), Kago Mavunda (15) and Mhlontlo Geleba (22).

Brand and PR Manager, Melba Thompson said: “SABC 2 prides itself on fulfilling its license mandate of informal knowledge building through crafting content that is relevant and relatable to its multigenerational audience. KNR is a prime example of how the channel continuously delivers on providing an immersive family viewing experience.”

The revival of Kids News Room coincides with the public broadcaster plan to rollout a second news channel during the year. The channel would cater to all South African languages including English and would run on SABC's DTT and streaming service, SABC+.

Recap To The Decade: M-Net Movies Gets A Dedicated Children's Channel

In September 2020, M-Net in an attempt to continue to be forefront of entertainment restructured M-Net Movies offering which saw the movie offering be divided amongst 4 channels previously 6 with each using a numbering system as seen at launch decades ago.

M-Net Movies Premiere was divided between M-Net Movies 1 and 2 which supplemented M-Net Movies Smile and Action+ while M-Net Movies Action was divided between M-Net Movies 3 and 4 to supplement M-Net Movies All-Stars and Zone.

Since then the channels were met with mixed to negative feedback following the cutback of Action from the Compact and All-Stars on Family alongside the restructure of content across the brands with Zone's successor M-Net Movies 4 serving as a kids channel.

Tailor made for lower tiered consumers particularly Access and Family consumers, M-Net Movies Zone was added in May 2013 as a BET inspired channel featuring films from the likes of Queen Latifah, Gabrielle Union, Morris Chestnut, and many more.

At the time, the channel wasn't getting much buzz especially with brands like TNT and eMedia's e.tv, eMovies and eMovies Extra reeling in most consumers. With that in mind, the channel was restructured into a thematic and film festival oriented channel.

As seen since September 2020, M-Net Movies 4 doesn't bare much resemblance to the former M-Net Movies Zone as its stellar lineup targets families and kids. If I had to hypothesis what led to the current setting maybe this is was M-Net's way of differentiating channels.

The previous setup didn't cater that much to kids or at least not for those on lower tiered packages so M-Net Movies 4 is probably one way for M-Net and MultiChoice to reach out to more audiences while other consumers could enjoy other content on TNT and Movie Room.

Recap To The Year: OUTtv Relaunches On eMedia Investments' Openview Platform And Also Streaming On Showmax

OUTtv is a gay oriented entertainment channel based in Canada which specialises in made for TV films and series including Finding Prince Charming, RuPaul Drag Race, The Villberg Chronicles, Dr. Jackie: Unlicensed Psychotherapist and Haus Haus.

During the year, it formed part of eMedia Investments' initial offering alongside FUSE to their unbundled pay-tv service Ultraview which is similar to MultiChoice's DStv AddMovies which too comes with a limited number of alternatives at a high price.

As mentioned, OUTtv is a member of the LGBTQ something not supported by some religious groups. On top of that, such acts are prohibited in various African territories. So when you look at it you can kind of see why MultiChoice went against the channel.

Prior to its rollout on Openview, MultiChoice added OUTtv as a pop-up channel back in 2018 and were involved in a nudity scandal but that's not what stopped it from becoming permanent. Perhaps the issue at the time had to deal with preferences.

MultiChoice comes with a range of channels and consumers pay for selected while opting to tolerate the least necessary. OUTtv would have probably been that brand to drive away consumers or had smear campaigns launched against them and DStv as seen in Uganda.

Hence the reason for Showmax and Ultraview, as one comes with less restrictions while the other gives consumers particularly religious households the option of not viewing content from this particular brand.

eReality On DStv: Here's Everything Briefly Wants You To Know About The eFamily Member Channel

Briefly News is a South African digital media and news platform that was founded in 2014. It is one of South Africa’s largest news and entertainment websites and one of the top-earning brands on Facebook in Africa. It is also partner to Genesis Media Emerging Markets.

Genesis Media Emerging Markets, a digital media holding operating in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and worldwide. Other GMEM news projects include Legit.ng (Nigeria), TUKO.co.ke (Kenya), YEN.com.gh (Ghana) and Sportsbrief.com (Worldwide).

In 2018, eMedia Investments launched a free-to-air reality channel on the Openview platform, eReality. It currently ranks as the most popular reality channel in the market featuring local and international series from e.tv, NBC, M-Net, Oxygen, BBC and MTV.

Prior to its rollout on Openview, rumours swirled around that eMedia Investments would be adding eReality as the 6th channel to MultiChoice's DStv joining the now defunct eBella alongside eExtra, eMovies, eMovies Extra and eToonz.

Of course, not much was known about its potential rollout it was believed to be replacing eBella as news of a possible rollout of the reality channel coincided with the termination of the channel which introduced viewers to shows like Qubool Hai and Fatmagul.

Last year, an author of Briefly published a story about eReality but this time as a channel for DStv. Of course, not much is known about what led to the mix up or which channel the author was referring as they listed it under the Compact bouquet but not Openview.

eMedia Investments gave away broadcasting rights to eNCA to MultiChoice for another 5 years preventing Openview consumers from ever viewing the channel with SABC News currently viewable on SABC's DTT and streaming service, SABC+.

Briefly now viewing eReality as a DStv channel, would it be a bad idea to rip the channel away from Openview consumers as the switch to DStv could help give brands like TLC and MTV a ran for their money with their 90 Day Fiance and Teen Moms.

Honestly, it's better off on Openview as there's not much alternatives to the content and as seen with eMedia's 4 other channels on DStv. It would have likely joined the group of channels awaiting their departure from the pay-tv operator for carrying "DStv Repeats".

Source: Briefly

Universal TV Vs. BBC Brit: The Home Of Premium Entertainment

Universal and BBC Brit are international general entertainment channel respectively owned by US based company NBCUniversal and UK based company BBC Studios. These happen to be one of the few premium entertainment channels left globally as streaming has taken a toll with how content is viewed.

Universal is an action, adventure and crime based channel which is home to cop dramas such as Chicago PD and NCIS: Los Angeles, medical shows like Transplant and Chicago Med and finally mystery and supernatural dramas like Departure and Fantasy Island.

BBC Brit adapts to a similar form as Universal as they too offer dramas such as EastEnders and William Shakespeare. But the channel doesn't consider itself Universal exclusive as there's other content like The Graham Norton Show, Total Wipeout and Top Gear.

One of the things I think most people won't like about Universal is the amount of rehashed content that various local providers air first-hand. I mean I don't mind a little nostalgia every now and then I mean they got Bones and Rizzoli And Isles but these rebroadcasts get a bit annoying.

When it comes to BBC Brit, I'd say a lot of channels need to be done. I mean it's more like Universal on the repetitive side but imagine watching the same season of Top Gear repeatedly on top of that having 3 shows take up most of the schedule.

Not long ago, BBC First was shelved with BBC Brit having to pull the muscle I mean come on 2 hours of primetime with 2 hours of repeats during the day but Top Gear gets more than that on a daily basis.

If you're looking for top notch entertainment head on down to Universal sure you won't get Graham Norton or Planet Earth but you sure won't have a lineup that is as repetitive as a certain kids brand I prefer leaving unnamed.

BBC Brit is a waste but the channel has its own perks that some have to grasp for the time being I mean there's BritBox or BBC iPlayer but to those without these services have to view the bulk of content on this channel which appears as an absolute disaster.

Reminder: Cartoonito USA, Latin America And Africa To Broadcast Cartoon Salon's Silly Sundays By Late 2023 To Early 2024

WarnerMedia Kids & Family has greenlit Silly Sundays from Cartoon Saloon for its new Cartoonito preschool block on HBO Max and Cartooon Network. Created by Oscar®-nominated producer Nuria González Blanco (Late Afternoon), the endearing animated series follows cousins Sonia, Hugo and Mel on fun, unexpected adventures at their family get-togethers. Silly Sundays will debut in 2023 before making its international debut in LATAM and EMEA.

The world of Silly Sundays brings us back to our family days together, when school and work are out for the week and there is nothing scheduled except spending time with family and friends. A feel-good comedy series, full of heart and deeply rooted in familial themes, everything centers around Sonia, Hugo, Mel, Mom, Dad and Granny as they create unforgettable memories together during their weekend gatherings. The stories focus on their ups, their downs and mostly their fun times as they embrace every little moment together.

From Paul Young, Cartoon Saloon co-founder and producer: “I would like to thank WarnerMedia Kids & Family for choosing to partner with us on Silly Sundays! We are so delighted to be reunited with their talented team again for this new show that is going to be very funny and sunny, just like it’s creator Nuria Blanco. I’d like to send our very special thanks to Amy Friedman, Adina Pitt and Zia Bales for all their support and for being such believers in our work.”

Adina Pitt, Vice President, Partnerships, Acquisitions and Co-Productions for the Americas, WarnerMedia Kids and Family added: “Cartoon Saloon is an esteemed studio that masterfully approaches storytelling with love and humanity, and Silly Sundays is another great example of how the beloved studio perfectly captures the essence of family bonding.”

Nuria will direct alongside Fabian Erlinghäuser (Dorg Van Dango, Wolfwalkers, The Breadwinner). The show is developed and produced with assistance from Fís Éirean/Screen Ireland and Creative Europe.

Cartoon Saloon Brand Development will handle ancillary and merchandising and once again Cartoon Saloon will partner with Superights (Puffin Rock) for sales outside the WarnerMedia regions.

The series is currently in production at Cartoon Saloon’ studio in Kilkenny, Ireland. In addition to airing on Cartoonito across U.S., LATAM and EMEA, RTE will also broadcast Silly Sundays in Ireland.

NBA Finals To Broadcast Live On ESPN Across Africa

ESPN Africa today announced that it will be broadcasting all of the 2023 NBA Final games, live across the African continent. Showcasing the highest level of professional basketball in the world, this year’s finals will see the Denver Nuggets go up against the Miami Heat, with the action being broadcast live on ESPN from Friday 2 June 2023 at 02:00 (CAT).  

The Miami Heat closed out a nail-biting Eastern Conference finals series against the Boston Celtics with a Game 7 win on Monday night and will face the Denver Nuggets in their quest to hold up the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy for the fourth time in the league’s history, with three previous wins under their belt. The eighth-seeded Heat are just the second No. 8 seed team in NBA history to appear in the Finals.

The Denver Nuggets, who are appearing in the NBA Finals for the very first time, completed a sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers in their lead up to this point. Making good on their billing at the top seed in the Western Conference, featuring superstars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, Denver have yet to lose a game at home this postseason.

The NBA Finals follows a "best of 7" format, where the first team to win four games out of the seven played is crowned as the champion. Should a winner not have been reached in the first four games, play will extend for an additional one or three games.

While the live broadcast of the NBA Final games will enable basketball enthusiasts to enjoy the games live at 02:00 or 02:30 (CAT), depending on the game, an additional broadcast will take place at 8:00 AM, with additional repeats at 11:00, 15:00 and 20:00 to provide viewers in regular viewing times more options to enjoy the sport. Now with extended reach through recently being made available on the DStv Compact packages, ESPN Africa will ensure that even more basketball enthusiasts across Africa have access to comprehensive coverage, including pre-game analysis, in-depth interviews, and captivating behind-the-scenes content, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the excitement and exhilaration of the games.

“ESPN Africa's commitment to delivering high-quality sports content extends to the NBA Finals games, providing viewers across the continent with an unrivalled viewing experience and the opportunity to witness basketball greatness unfold in real-time,” said Kyle De Klerk, Director: Sports of Africa at the Walt Disney Company Africa. “ESPN Africa continues to showcase its dedication to bringing the best sporting events to audiences across Africa, and we are looking forward to an exhilarating NBA Finals 2023” he added.

Basketball fans across Africa can stay updated regarding the NBA Conference Final games and other sports news by following @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visiting https://www.espn.com/. 

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NOTES TO EDITORS

How to tune in to ESPN:

ESPN: DStv 218, Starsat 248 
ESPN2: DStv 219, Starsat 249

NBA 2023 Finals schedule:

Game
Date
Live Broadcast
Repeat Broadcast

NBA Finals Game 1
02-06-2023
02:30:00
02-06-2023 at 8:00, 11:00, 15:00 and 20:00

NBA Finals Game 2
05-06-2023
02:00:00
05-06-2023 at 8:00
11:00, 15:00 and 20:00

NBA Finals Game 3
08-06-2023
02:30:00
08-06-2023 at 8:00
11:00, 15:00 and 20:00

NBA Finals Game 4
10-06-2023
02:30:00
10-06-2023 at 8:00
11:00, 15:00 and 20:00

NBA Finals Game 5 *if necessary
13-06-2023
02:30:00
13-06-2023 at 8:00
11:00, 15:00 and 20:00

NBA Finals Game 6 *if necessary
16-06-2023
02:30:00
16-06-2023 at 8:00
11:00, 15:00 and 20:00

NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary)
19-06-2023
02:00:00
19-06-2023 at 8:00
11:00, 15:00 and 20:00

All times are stated in CAT / SAST.
Schedule subject to change