SABC Is Cutting Back On Sports Bulletins Across All Radio Stations

The SABC has announced that it will remove standalone sports bulletins from its radio stations in an effort to cut costs, according to a report by the City Press.

This has resulted in more than 30 sports bulletin readers at the company facing retrenchment, unless their stations are able to motivate for their retainment.

In an email sent to radio stations managers and sports readers last week, the SABC confirmed the changes to its radio business and said the function of sports bulletin readers would be taken up by news bulletin readers.

“As from April 1, SABC Sport will no longer provide sport bulletins on all radio stations,” SABC Sport Radio programme manager Gilbert Nyadzhiwa said in an email to staff.

“As a result, SABC Sport will not renew any contract with the bulletin readers, i.e., sport will not continue contracting bulletin readers at SABC Sport as this function will be collapsed together with the news bulletin readers.”

Nyadzhiwa added that stations which want to retain their sports bulletin readers would have to motivate for their decision, as SABC Radio would have to carry the cost.

A source told the City Press the public broadcaster was also considering shutting down Sport Info Hub, which would result in even more job cuts at the company.

In response to questions from the publication, the SABC said it is always looking for more effective ways to optimise its operations.

“It must be noted that any changes made on its programming will not affect the delivery and quality of sports bulletins,” the SABC said.

Fight with former COO

The SABC is also currently embroiled in a conflict with its former Chief Operations Officer Chris Maroleng.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the public broadcaster refuted allegations made by Maroleng against the company,

Maroleng had argued that his previous dismissal in April 2019 was unfair and had submitted papers in the Johannesburg Labour Court to challenge the decision.

He demanded that the broadcaster pay him R16 million or give him his job back.

The SABC called Maroleng’s statements false and misleading, and explained how a disciplinary process had found him guilty on various charges.

Maroleng was charged for breaching his fiduciary duties as a director and for acting in a manner which breached good faith, trust, honesty, loyalty and confidence.

He was also found guilty on two charges of gross negligence.

“Mr Maroleng’s baseless allegation that members of the SABC Board are to blame for his dismissal rather than his own actions, clearly demonstrates his unwillingness to assume responsibility for his own serious misconduct,” the broadcaster said.

SA Youth TV Is Looking For Youth To Volunteer As Their Subcommittee

SA YOUTH TELEVISION CHANNEL Is calling upon the passionate youth of South Africa who are willing to volunteer as our subcommittees in the following provinces.

- Free State
- Limpopo
- North West
- Western Cape
- Northern Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Mpumalanga

Requirements
*Must be enthusiastic.
*Excellent communication skills.
*Genuine interest in young people.
*Passionate about arts/media.
*Be willing to work after hours.
*Must be consistent.

Please note we will be taking 5 people from each province.

If you're interested please send your biography to admin@sayouthtv.co.za

Closing date: 20/03/2020
Late submissions will not be considered.
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SA Youth Television Channel is a subscription and advert funded television channel intended for broadcast on the DSTV bouquet. It was founded by parent company EDK Media (EzaseDurbanKzn Media). The channel intends to broadcast a minimum of 80% programming which is produced by the youth of South Africa.

Back in February 2020, rumors surfaced that SA Youth TV is expected to debut in June and their spokesperson denied the allegations. They also attended an interview at Vibe FM giving listeners more details about the channel.

Viewers can submit content through this email: proposals@sayouthtv.co.za

Yeh Teri Galiyan Coming Soon To eExtra

Yeh Teri Galiyan, this 4 Kalakar award-winning show follows the life of two children, a boy and a girl, who are raised in a brothel and love each other are cruelly separated when the former is adopted by rich parents. Will destiny reunite them?

The series stars Manish Goplani and Vrushika Mehta as the leads of Shantanu and Puchki with Ayaan Zubair Rahmani and Ruchi Mahajan portraying these characters from 20 years back when they were still kids. After those 20 years, Goplani exits the series with Avinash Mishra taking up the lead role of Shantanu while Mehta's role of Puchki dies and she portrays the role of her lookalike, Devika alongside the leads daughter who also played the role of the child role of the female lead.

The series ran for one season back in 2018 and ended by a culmination on Valentine's Day in 2020 with a total of 411 episodes each consisting of 22 minutes.

The series airs at 15:10 from Tuesday 24 March on eExtra available on OpenView channel 105, DStv channel 195 and Starsat channel 489.

Nina Novelas Added On StarTimes With Starsat Soon To Follow

TV channel ‘Nina Novelas’ is available on StarTimes platform since March 06th, 2020.

Nina Novelas is a 100% Telenovelas channel offering the best Telenovelas from Africa, Brazil, and the rest of world to the fans of the genre. Nina Novelas provides a rich program, 24/7 and an environment in which the modern African women can express themselves.

Nina Novelas is available in both French and English since 2015. The channel has seized exclusive access to the entire Globo TV Catalog, the world’s leading producer of Telenovelas with 2 500 hours produced per year in Brazil.

Telenovelas from Brazil are admired for their production quality and for playing a dual role of mirror and window to the society.

The Head of StarTimes media division, Lily Meng, said, “Telenovelas have been enjoying a constant success among our subscribers. With a majority of Brazilian novelas, Nina Novelas will ideally complete channels such as ST Novela E and ST Novela E Plus. Furthermore, Nina Novelas offer numerous African series, which is consistent with our strategy of promoting local productions.”

Limpopo TV Delays Upcoming Drama Series Madi'Aka - My Blood Due To Coronavirus - Other Details On The Channel Available

Larry Matlala, CEO of Limpopo TV had a video chat online (Facebook) with some info regarding the upcoming events for the brand which was postponed due to the outbreak of the coronavirus along with the upcoming series Madi'Aka - My Blood.

Madi'Aka - My Blood follows the life of a Limpopo Woman's Choice in Love and Security above her own Child who then grew up top be her savior one day. Apparently one of the producers have been quarantined. The series "might" resume production without him.

With regards to the channel there's some good news for those anxious about the channel. The CEO confirmed they're left with a few months before they finally go on air and have been receiving a lot of emails from potential fans regarding programming and other enquiries.

In April, they'll be having a grand launch where they'll introduce people to the channel, the programming along with further details regarding the channel. They were suppose to have some meet and greet but that has been postponed.

With regards to a platform they will be available digitally and through tv platforms such as DStv and Starsat. Even though it's an SA exclusive you will be able to pick up the channel in other African territories.

Carter Along With Hudson & Rex Return For A Second Season On Universal TV Africa In April 2020

CARTER
Season 2 - Territory Premiere Fridays at 8pm from April 24th
Jerry O'Connell stars as actor-turned-detective Harley Carter as season two of the hit comedy drama gets underway this month, opening with Harley's first solo case as a PI, which sees him called in to help find a wife who has gone missing. Harley is soon clashing with the new chief of police, who has her own theories regarding the case. Sydney Tamiia Poitier and Kristian Bruun co-star.

HUDSON & REX
Season 2 - Territory Premiere Tuesdays at 8pm
John Reardon returns as Detective Charlie Hudson, as he and his canine partner Rex crack more cases in the Canadian drama. The duo meet a true crime podcaster while investigating a murder that appears to mimic a crime from two decades ago, then head to a supposedly haunted mine after a crew member dies during the making of a horror film. Finally this month, Charlie and Rex are called in to look at the long list of enemies surrounding a vitriolic celebrity chef.

LAW & ORDER: SVU
Season 21 - Territory Premiere Wednesdays at 8pm
Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish and the team return as the record-breaking 21st season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit continues in April. This month sees Rollins going undercover to investigate a government worker who is dealing green cards in exchange for sex. Then, Garland must put a friendship to one side after a pastor at his church is arrested, and Rollins' sister reports a doctor who is allegedly trading prescription painkillers for sex.

NCIS
Season 15 - Channel Premiere Wednesdays at 8:50pm
Mark Harmon stars as season 15 of the hit drama continues. Torres and Sloane protect a US senator in Afghanistan, but must return to the US when they learn the senator's son is in the ICU. A Naval lawyer who appeared to have a normal life is found dead by her parents in an apparent suicide, and when the body of a missing Navy commander is found, Gibbs and the team are ordered to work with a former FBI agent.

Could Disney XD International Suffer The Same Fate As Disney XD In The United States

As some already noticed the mouse brand decided to stop making original content for XD with future original programming going to Disney Channel, Plus and Jr. With XD repeating their last remaining animation which airs exclusively on the main channel.

Walt Disney Co. never made an official announcement with regards to XD's transition instead they made several advertisement of XD's shows airing on Disney Channel which made it easier for people to figure out that the channel became another Nicktoons for mostly repeats.

Since then you've actually seen some markets scrap the brand or seek other alternatives. The remaining XD channels adapt to one feed (excluding Asia and Latin America) and due to that aligned feed all you see them do is air all the old stuff seen on Disney XD along with the brands last remaining shows.

There has been speculation that Marvel HQ would replace the brand so far only India has it then there's Nat Geo Kids in my opinion. During Disney+ upfront National Geographic landed a category there along with Nat Geo Kids so far NGK brand is known globally through a magazine and offers a linear channel in Latin America and parts of Europe during that upfront the EVP of National Geographic said at the time he hopes to expand the brand in more regions.

It is evident that XD was scrapped due to Disney+ they offer Marvel and Star Wars in some way that was the channel's speciality. Disney is putting a lot of money on the brand so it's literally no shocker that they'll cutback on some of their channels.

For the remaining XD channels there has been rumors that all the upcoming animation from Disney Channel would air later on Disney XD now the rumors are true Amphibia is expected to air on Disney XD later in March.

Not only that there's also been speculation that some of the acquired animation from Disney Channel might air exclusively to Disney XD including Vikingskool, Best Bugs, 101 Dalmatian Street, Miraculous, Hotel Transylvania and Sadie Sparks either way if the shows are exclusive on The Disney Channel there's a high chance it will be seen on Disney XD at some point. Disney Junior also offers animation so maybe XD will have a preschool block in some markets just like Nicktoons in various markets.

The future of Disney XD is constant there's no telling whether Disney will upgrade the channel or downsize even further either way the brand is still alive and kicking.

What Happened To TBN's Smile Channel On Starsat And StarTimes?

Back in 2019, Starsat and StarTimes subscribers awoke only to discover Smile TV was no longer available on the platform. Both operators haven't informed the media beforehand instead they only inform viewers through an enquiry that the channel went offline while TBN Africa remained quiet about the whole removal.

To start off the year, Smile got scrapped worldwide according to the admin of Smile TV media account and viewers can only find it online worldwide or through DVB2 in the United States.

It's possible that both Starsat and StarTimes found out around the time the channel left as viewers were asking about the channel and they were silent for a couple of hours.

Do I believe these companies will replace it?
No
Is it worth replacing?
Not really, there's plenty of religious channels so they'll more likely recommend subscribers to those channels or maybe source out "another" kids channel that won't be added as a replacement channel

Positiv.tv is a Christian-Based Movie Channel launched in 2020 offering family-friendly films that you might have seen on TBN. It was adapted from a programming block that aired on Smile TV.

This channel is said to be Smile TV's successor along with the youth based channel Juce TV. It's funny how broadcasters label replacements in linear TV. First minute you're watching a classic drama such as Bones on Universal TV next minute you wake up only to see a sports tournament such as Tokyo 2020 on the Olympics Channel. To me it seems more of a turnover than a replacement.

TBN should have informed the media and it's distributors that these kids channels will be scrapped so these operators can prepare themselves better and possibly seek out other alternatives instead of them having a run around and viewers pointing fingers at their them since they package the channel. Either way the damage has already been done and these operators lost several channels throughout 2019 as 2020 moves they're still sourcing out replacements.

As Expected, KykNet Is Launching A Repeats Channel...On DStv Access ONLY

MultiChoice and M-Net is launching another new kykNET channel, kykNET Lekker, on 9 March 2020 which will be an Afrikaans TV channel compiled with shows from the existing kykNET library for DStv Access subscribers.

kykNET Lekker that will run on channel 148 on DStv will be compiled out of the best of kykNET programmes, including soaps, lifestyle shows, children’s entertainment and music shows that DStv subscribers on the DStv Access package haven't had the opportunity to see.

Interestingly, kykNET Lekker won't be upscaled and won't be available on any other higher-tiered kykNET packages like DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus, DStv Compact or DStv Family who will continue to receive the existing selection of allocated kykNET channels for those packages.

kykNET Lekker will launch with the first season of Jou Show met Emo, the fitness guru Lindi Kriel's Kry daai lyf and will include Afrikaans soaps like Binnelanders and Suidooster.

Suidooster will restart from season 1 for people who have never had the chance to watch and follow it, while the hospital set series Binnelanders will start from season 4.

Children's programming will include Teddies, Bundu Buddies, and Groentjie. Music shows like Joltyd, Kom ons Karaoke, #Duidelik, and Sakkie Langarm are also on the schedule.

"kykNET Lekker joins other kykNET channels to showcase Afrikaans content on an affordable and accessible package for DStv subscribers. It will become the home of a variety of the best Afrikaans programs from the kykNET vault and will only be available on the DStv Access package," says Karen Meiring, director of kykNET channels.

Other kykNET fare for 2020
On kykNET kykNET (DStv 144) singer and talk show host Karen Zoid will return for her 5th season as president of Die Republiek van Zoid Afrika, and Emo Adams will present the second season of the talent competition Maak my Famous on kykNET and kykNET&kie (DStv 145) to showcase some of our country’s talented upcoming artists.

Casper de Vries returns to kykNETwith his new sketch show, Cas oppie Kassie while viewers can also look forward to a brand new drama from Paul C. Venter later in the year. Venter was the writer of previous popular kykNET dramas such as Vlug na Egipte and Knapsekêrels.

On kykNET&Kie a new music talk show entitled Koortjies is starting soon with the popular gospel musician Jonathan Rubain as presenter.

The crime series Op Seer se Spoor will return for a second season on kykNET&kie with presenter Ernusta Maralack revisiting the violent crimes that shook communities across the country.

A Classic Favourite Is Reimagined In April 2020 On Nick Jr Africa Alongside New Episodes Of Your Favourite Shows

BLUE’S CLUES & YOU
WEEKDAYS 01 TO 10 APR ATR AT 11:35 WAT / 12:35 CAT / 13:35 EAT
New Episodes: 103-110 | Half hours. Repeats
15:45 WAT / 16:45 CAT / 17:45 EAT
In Blue's Clues & You, beloved puppy Blue invites viewers to join her and Josh on a clue-led adventure to solve a puzzle. With each paw print, the viewer is inspired to interact with Josh and Blue to figure out Blue's Clues!

BLAZE AND THE MONSTER MACHINES
SUNDAYS 19 APR TO 03 MAY AT 16:40 WAT / 17:40 CAT / 18:40 EAT
New Episodes: 506, 507, 509 | Half hours
Blaze and the Monster Machines is a CG interactive preschool series about Blaze, the world's greatest monster truck, and his best buddy and driver, a boy named AJ.

EASTER MARATHON
SUNDAY 12 APR FROM 14:30 WAT / 15:30 CAT / 16:30 EAT
New Episode: Butterbean’s Café 127 | Half cart
Enjoy the episode premiere of Butterbean’s Café: The Hawaiian Luau! Where Dazzle accidentally locks smoothies inside the Sweet Ride and can't find they key! Will she get them out before the luau? Other Easter themed episodes of your favorite Nick Jr. shows include Bubble Guppies, Dora the Explorer, Top Wing, Paw Patrol, Rusty Rivets and more!

PAW PATROL
SPECIAL MARATHON
SATURDAY 25 & SUNDAY 26 APR AT 14:30
WAT / 15:30 CAT / 16:30 EAT
Episodes: 404,426,410,513,518,509 | Half hours
Enjoy the Paw Patrol Special episodes marathon with the best Mission PAW and Sea Patrol episodes!

SHIMMER AND SHINE
WEEKDAYS 27 TO 30 APR AT 07:50 WAT / 08:50 CAT / 09:50 EAT
New Episodes 419-420, 422, 425 | Half hours
Shimmer, Shine and Leah go to a new place called Zahramay Oceanea to help train a young genie-in-training named Arabella. But when Zeta shows up and tries to take over Oceanea, it's up to the girls and their new friend to stop her.

MINI MARATHONS
EVERY SUNDAY AT 07:05 WAT / 08:05 CAT / 09:05 EAT
Double episodes | One hour
Sunday 05 April – Blaze and the Monster Machines: Race to the Top of the World
Sunday 12 April – Dora the Explorer: Dora's Royal Rescue
Sunday 19 April – Dora and Friends: Dragon in the School
Sunday 26 April – Bubble Guppies: Bubble Guppies - Guppy Style!

The Dude Perfect Show Is Back For Another Season In April 2020 On Nicktoons Africa Alongside Stunts And Marathons

THE DUDE PERFECT SHOW
WEEKDAYS: 27 APR TO 14 MAY AT 15:55 WAT / 16:55 CAT / 17:55 EAT
New Episodes 302-315 | Half hours
A TV show where 5 guys and a panda do incredible trick shots of all kinds. And several guest come out to join them in their dude perfectness.

RABBID RABBIDS EASTER WEEKEND
EASTER LONG WEEKEND 10 TO 13 APR ALL DAY
Programming stunt
The Raving Rabbids have gone…well,rabid!
This long Easter weekend the Rabbids are on the loose, try to catch them throughout the day as they invade your screens.

BLAZE AND THE MONSTER MACHINES
NEW EPISODES ON NICKTOONS
WEEKDAYS 13 TO 24 APR AT 07:05 WAT / 08:05 CAT / 09:05 EAT
New episodes 301-310 | Half hours
Blaze and the Monster Machines is a CG interactive preschool series about Blaze, the world’s greatest monster truck, and his best buddy and driver, a boy named AJ.

INTERNATIONAL DAYS OF…
• Wed 1 Apr – Fun Day: SpongeBob SquarePants
05:30 WAT / 06:30 CAT / 07:30 EAT
• Thu 02 Apr – Children’s Book Day: Regal Academy
05:30 WAT / 06:30 CAT / 07:30 EAT
• Thu 09 Apr – Unicorn Day: Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty
05:30 WAT / 06:30 CAT / 07:30 EAT
• Sat 11 Apr – Pet Day: 09:50 WAT / 10:50 CAT / 11:50 EAT
• Wed 22 Apr – Earth Day: 05:40 WAT / 06:40 CAT / 07:40 EAT
• Tue 28 Apr – Superhero Day: 05:30 WAT / 06:30 CAT / 07:30 EAT

SUNDAY MARATHONS
EVERY SUNDAY FROM 15:00 WAT / 16:00 CAT / 17:00 EAT
04th – The X’s
12th – CatDog
19th – Breadwinners
26th – ALVINNN!!! And the Chipmunks

New Episodes Of Your Favourite Nicktoons Alongside A Classic Preschool Series Reimagined For The Modern Generation Premieres In April 2020 On Nickelodeon Africa

ALVINNN!!! AND THE CHIPMUNKS
NEW EPISODES
SOUTH AFRICA: WEEKDAYS 13 TO 28 APR AT 15:35
ROI: WEEKDAYS 13 TO 28 APR AT 16:15 WAT / 17:15 CAT / 18:15 EAT
New Episodes 414-419 | Half carts
The Chipmunks and Chipettes are your typical kids. They go to school, have chores and homework, fight like siblings and play sold-out concerts to millions of fans. Oh, did we mention they're international rock stars?
New episodes will include: Best in Shoe, Royal Pain, World Day, Allergic Reaction, Lice-enced to Teach, Animal House Party and Dr. Zap vs Electroboy.

THE BIG EASTER PRANKATON
PROGRAMMING STUNT
SOUTH AFRICA: SUNDAY 12 APR AT 10:25; REPEATS MONDAY 13 APR AT 17:00 CAT
ROI: SUNDAY 12 APR AT 14:30 WAT / 15:30 CAT / 16:30 EAT; REPEATS MONDAY 13 APR AT 09:50 WAT / 10:50 CAT / 11:50 EAT
Laugh your pants off with THE BIG EASTER PRANKATON!
Celebrate Easter in a company of your best friends from Nickelodeon: SpongeBob SquarePants, The Loud family, The Thundermans and Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn!

SPONGEBOB’S APPRECIATION DAY
PROGRAMMING STUNT
SOUTH AFRICA: SATURDAY 18 APR AT 10:25; REPEATS SUNDAY 19 APR AT 17:15 CAT
ROI: SATURDAY 18 APR AT 10:25 AT 10:30
WAT / 11:30 CAT / 12:30 EAT; REPEATS
SUNDAY 19 APR AT 14:20 WAT / 15:20 CAT/16:20 EAT
SpongeBob Appreciation Day: Patchy's Beach Bash A shipwreck survivor washes up on the Bikini Atoll, where Patchy shows him his favorite SpongeBob moments. Hosted by Patchy the Pirate with appearances by Meghan Trainor, Jon Heder, Rob Riggle and Abraham Lincoln.

BLUE’S CLUES & YOU!
NEW SHOW
AIRS: WEEKENDS 04 APR TO 03 MAY AT 05:45 WAT / 06:45 CAT / 07:45 EAT
New Episodes: 101-110 | Half hours
In Blue's Clues & You, beloved puppy Blue invites viewers to join her and Josh on a clue-led adventure to solve a puzzle. With each paw print, the viewer is inspired to interact with Josh and Blue to figure out Blue's Clues!