MultiChoice Opens Up A Bunch Of Channels To DStv And Non-DStv Subscribers

DStv has opened up a number of Supersport channels to its non-premium subscribers until 30 April 2020.

Supersport 1, which is exclusively available on the DStv Premium package, will now be available on DStv Compact Plus and DStv Compact, the group said in a statement on Friday 20 March.

Supersport 7, which is only available on the DStv Premium, Compact Plus and Compact packages, will also be available on the DStv Family and DStv Access packages.

Earlier this week, DStv announced that it will also make a selection of channels available to all South Africans for free through its DStv Now streaming platform.

DStv Now is bundled with DStv’s satellite broadcasting service, and allows subscribers to watch TV and shows from mobile devices, smart TVs, laptops, and more.

The new free channel package is available to all South Africans, however, and not only DStv subscribers.

The company said that in response to the coronavirus outbreak in South Africa, a number of DStv Now channels are no longer locked behind a subscription and are available to anyone with an Internet connection.

DStv channels which are now available to stream for free are:

100 – DStv
180 – People’s Weather
238 – SuperSport Play
313 – PBS Kids
320 – Channel O
343 – TBN
400 – BBC World News
401 – CNN
402 – Sky News
403 – eNCA
404 – SABC News
406 – Newzroom Afrika
414 – Euronews Now

Staying informed about the latest news on the virus is the first step in stopping its spread, said the company. For this reason, it has made several 24-hour news channels available.

In addition to these channels, episodes of popular series are also available via the Catch Up portal on the free service, including Igazi, The River, Isibaya, Binnelanders, Suidooster, and Die Ware Naarheid.

What's Coming In May 2020 On TLC Africa

Dragnificent!
From Tuesday 26 May at 21:00
This glittering series takes makeovers to a fabulous new level as a gang of style-savvy drag queens help someone lacking style and transform them into their best self! In each episode, top drag queens Alexis Michelle, BeBe Zahara Benet, Thorgy Thor and Jujubee take an unsuspecting individual on a high-energy journey to revive their style as part of an upcoming life milestone. Alexis Michelle is a makeup artist specialising in weddings and special events; BeBe is an experienced event planner who can transform any room; fashion expert Jujubee has an impressive knowledge of drag couture and women's style; and Thorgy Thor is a classically trained musician who knows how to get the party started! Whether it's a bride who wants to feel beautiful walking down the aisle or someone readjusting to their new body after drastic weight loss, these big-hearted queens are on hand to give the confidence, courage and grace they need to be their best at the biggest moments of their lives.

My Big Fat Fabulous Life
From Monday 18 May at 20:00
Dancing queen Whitney Thore weighs in at nearly 400-lbs, but that doesn't stop her living life on her terms as dancer; she is happy with her body and lives life out loud! Whitney's made some big changes with a new business and a new life in Charlotte. After meeting her business partner, Ryan, on a dating site, the two launched fitness videos online. But there's trouble brewing with Whitney now living part-time in Charlotte: Tal and Buddy are left alone in her Greensboro home as unwilling flatmates who constantly fight, and Whitney's friends are growing resentful towards Ryan for taking her away from her home town. Add to that a blossoming romance in Charlotte, a weightlifting competition and health issues affecting her parents, and it's another rollercoaster ride for Whitney.

90 Day Fiancé: Pillow Talk Weekend
From Saturday 16 May at 10:40
It's time to get intimate with the most outspoken couples from 90 Day Fiancé as they watch along with and comment on all the action from the latest series. Fan favourites from previous seasons let cameras into their homes as they watch the latest episode of 90 Day Fiancé and gawk, groan, laugh, and in some cases, lift weights! David and Annie, Tarik and Dean, Loren and Alexei, and Molly and Cynthia are watching along, commenting on all the emotional highs and lows - and no one is holding back! How will they feel about Anna and her Turkish boyfriend Mursel's awkward reunion? Are they convinced Tania and her South African partner Syngin's relationship will last? Whatever the drama, they will all have something to say!

Little People, Big World
From Wednesday 6 May at 20:00
America's favourite family of little people, the Roloffs, are in for some more big changes this season as Amy finally makes the decision to leave the farm. But change doesn't happen overnight, and matt worries it will be a slow departure. Meanwhile, after a busy summer Zach and Tori have an exciting announcement to make - and hear unexpected news that will affect the future of the entire Roloff family. Plus, after a series of heavy storms, Matt has to make a heartrending decision that marks a new era for the family

What's Coming In May 2020 To Discovery Channel Africa

Wheeler Dealers
From Saturday 2 May at 20:00
Car dealer supremo, Mike Brewer and multi-talented mechanic, Ant Anstead, are on a monumental motoring mission: to find and restore iconic cars to later sell for a profit at their LA-based shop. In this turbo-charged series, Mike has the challenging job of finding vehicles that have money-making potential. He then hands them over to Ant, who tackles everything from bare metal re-sprays to
gearbox swaps to bring them back to their former glory. From the sunny beaches of southern California to the coldest edges of Maine, the series scours the US from
coast-to-coast for the best vehicles to buy, restore, test and sell for a tidy profit. What treasures will the guys find and flip on their epic adventures?

Fast N' Loud
From Wednesday 6 May at 21:00
Hot Rod hunter Richard Rawlings and his team at the Gas Monkey Garage are breaking all the rules this season! In
one of their biggest challenges yet, they take on a mind-blowing super-build to debut at the biggest automative trade show in the world, SEMA; they have five months and a $300,000 budget to transform a '72 Buick Riviera into a motoring beast! But, the project's massive scope and tight deadline along with other builds that still need to be completed, means the Monkeys are pushing their limits like never before.

Deadliest Catch
From Tuesday 19 May at 21:00
40-foot waves, freezing temperatures, swinging 700-lb crab pots, a nearly 100 % injury rate...but also the chance to earn enough money for a family to live on for a year or more, for just a few days' work. Welcome to one of the world's deadliest jobs — that of the Alaskan crab fisherman. Deep in the frigid waters of the Bering Sea lurks the highly lucrative — and yet often elusive — king crab. Each year, approximately 250 boats converge on Dutch Harbor, Alaska, awaiting the official harvesting season. It could be four days in length or as many as 12 —the fishermen won't know until the voice of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game crackles across their radios to announce the beginning and end of the fishing season.

Driven
From Wednesday 6 May at 20:00
Legendary custom auto shop, Galpin Auto Sports, opens its doors to reveal all the behind-the-scenes action on their builds in this high-energy series. From historic
restorations to futuristic builds, to fixing up barn finds, the team are literally working on a century's worth of cars
under one roof. Each episode follows Beau, Dave and "Mad" Mike as they uncover historic and unique cars to rebuild and reintroduce back into the automotive history books. Along the way, they find the people, parts and places that made the historic build significant in the first
place. After finishing each project, the team put the cars to the test; they submit their builds to the biggest competitions, challenge the vehicles on the toughest
tracks and introduce the world to some of the craziest assortment of cars ever made. For the guys at Galpin Auto Sports, it's their mission to save automotive history and rescue cars from oblivion.

South Africa Along With The Rest Of Africa Become Another Victim In The Demise Of ITV Choice

The British pay-TV channel ITV Choice (DStv 123) is the next channel getting axed by MultiChoice, with ITV Choice that will go dark at the end of May after 5 years.

ITV says that MultiChoice no longer wants the channel on DStv that had curated content from the United Kingdom with a focus on programming around the British royal family.

ITV Choice, a commercial general entertainment TV channel supplied by  ITV Studios Global Entertainment suddenly ceased broadcasting in August 2019 in several markets across the Middle East, Malta and Asia but continued in South Africa.

Insider sources told the media on Tuesday that ITV Choice is getting the DStv chop with the channel that confirmed its removal from the MultiChoice line-up in response to a media enquiry.

"DStv has decided that ITV's international TV channel, ITV Choice, will no longer be carried on the DStv platform in Africa from 4 June 2020. The ITV brand will continue as a video-on-demand (VOD) service in other territories," an ITV Choice spokesperson told the media.

MultiChoice was also asked about the decision to cancel ITV Choice on Tuesday afternoon but didn't respond to a media enquiry seeking comment.

ITV Choice that launched in May 2015 in South Africa faced an uphill battle for DStv viewership and struggled to compete against the entrenched set of longrunning and existing Brit channels from BBC Studios Africa on MultiChoice's platform that are offering a wide selection of lifestyle, natural history, general entertainment and premium drama programming.

The axing of ITV Choice comes after the acrimonious channel carriage negotiations between MultiChoice and A+E Networks UK in late-2019 that first saw MultiChoice announce that it would be dropping History, Lifetime and Crime+Investigation at the end of October 2019.

After new renegotiations and a public petition by angry DStv subscribers MultiChoice kept History and Lifetime on its satellite TV service but dropped Crime+Investigation. That was followed by the exit of former A+E Networks Africa boss Yusuf Nabee who was been replaced by Nazarene Khan.

ITV Choice brought DStv subscribers shows like Victoria, Poldark, Doc Martin, Vera and The Voice UK. ITV's catalogue content will very likely start to pop up on other TV channels in time once the shows that were packaged on ITV Choice becomes available for the territory through its global ITV Studios distribution arm.

African Animation Network Will Be Taking Talent And Ideas To Annecy International Film Festival 2020

Africa’s animators have been largely self-taught but there is no lack of talent. This year ‘Annecy’ has made Africa its territory of honor so they will be getting a great deal more international exposure. Russell Southwood talked to Nick Wilson, Head of Projects and Content, African Animation Network about how things have been building up to this point.

African Animation Networks’ relationship with ‘Annecy’ (Annecy International Animated Film Festival) began in 2014 when it pitched a special call for projects to the Festival for South African animation studios.

Out of this initial approach, African Animation Networks organized a pitch competition which became one of the preliminary rounds feeder route’s for Annecy’s Animation du Monde competition.

Wilson told me: ”One hundred percent of the contestants have been self-taught so we have been running training, workshop and mentoring sessions.

These have been a hugely positive and impactful component of our work.”The background work has included building partnerships with key animation and can organizations across the continent, including Kenya’s NAICCON (a comic convention) and local animation and comics festivals including FFPA in Abidjan and AFFIA, the Accra Animation Festival.

There are pockets of animation talent across many countries including: Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.

African Animation Network’s ambition is to bring them all together, raise their profile and encourage collaborations, It has also launched FUPiTOONS Festival as a vehicle for “taking African animation to the world.”Africa will be Annecy 2020’s “territory of honour” and FUPiTOONS Festival will be part of the official programme. The 2019 edition of the Festival received 721 short animation film entries, of which 20 were selected to premier at DISCOP 2019 in Johannesburg. Since its inception in 2017 the festival has traveled the length and breadth of the continent, from festivals to pop culture events to schools.

At Annecy 2020, “there will be an African-focused panel with animation association reps and talent from across the continent.” He emphasizes the sheer scale of the challenge for animators like himself:”Animation is an expensive but medium and it’s almost impossible to recoup investment off one entry alone.”

He is planning a linear channel for animation and is researching “the right pricing and value proposition.” For adult animation, he’s create Mshini TV. The name is a corruption of the isiZulu phrase “mshiniwamahlaya” with “mshini” meaning “machine (gun)” and “wamahlaya” meaning “joke“. Combined, “mshiniwamahlaya” is a pun which means both “machine (gun) jokes” and “joke machine/factory“.

The African Animation Network has partnered with DISCOP Markets (the premiere content markets in Africa) and Annecy Festival (the biggest, most prestigious animation festival in the world) to present a special screening of African-produced animated content for mature audiences under the MSHINI TV banner.

eMedia Investments Conducting Market Research Through OpenView Facebook Page

For those who don't use Facebook that's OpenView's only official account the rest are just fan made for those who want help installing your decoders you may have to visit PEP and e.tv for more details.

Last year, OpenView had a survey asking subscribers what they'd hope to see on the platform with regards to content now they had another survey asking people for their go to channels.

Just by going through the feedback SABC and Mindset goes unnoticed by the fans at the moment and the least mentioned channels are BBC World News, eToonz, Rewind and eExtra. This research is usually conducted to see what ways operators can improve their offerings even if that means cutting channels so be it.

Rewind survives since it's for old stuff which is excusable along with eToonz even if the format is awful it's the only entertaining kids channel around. Mindset, the lineup is weak some see it as a waste of space but it's helpful for school children or kids who can't go to school part of its programming is managed by NGOs and other institutions. SABC exists due to must carry regulations and e.tv doesn't pay for their channels. eExtra seems like the only channel in dangerous waters alongside BBC News.

eExtra has been repositioned several times over the period of 3 years while BBC News is third party channel.

Several Predictions:
- BBC News gets scrapped in favour of another channel
- eExtra gets dwindled down due to another channel
- A telenovela channel supplied by eMedia Investments is added carrying new, old(repeats) and current programming less program disruptions on eExtra
- A channel that offers some or one of the following make its way: music, sports, education and religion
- Several pop-up channels make its way including eForce

Morena's Fate Has Finally Been Revealed For eExtra

It seems like Morena is not having any luck on eMedia Investments. The series was originally slated to air February 2018 on the now defunct eBella channel on OpenView.

After the channel's demise all the remaining programming moved to eExtra which therefore became a 24/7 channel again carrying the channel's burden. In the press release provided by eMedia Investments regarding eExtra transition they mentioned a couple of old and new telenovelas set to air on eExtra with no mention of Morena.

Several viewers asked back in 2018 when the series will eventually air or if they plan to air it but e.tv remained silent as 2 years pass viewers already moved on and accepted the harsh reality out of nowhere Morena resurfaces this time on eExtra morning schedule in March and several sites including e.tv advertised the series out of nowhere the series was removed, eExtra adjusted it's timeslots and viewers were left with a lot of questions.

Even though e.tv didn't give any public statement. According to sources, Morena was removed due to age restrictions and deemed too dirty for the morning kind of like what Telemundo has with its super series and the series is set to air at 11pm from 7 May after I Forgot I Loved You.

With all this mismanagement with info it's safe to say e.tv plans ahead but sometimes fails to deliver at the last minute. If you want more details about this telenovela just click here [Morena]

A Bunch Of Turkish Telenovelas Are Rumored To Debut In Future On e.tv Or eExtra

eExtra, supplied by eMedia Investments which can be found on OpenView channel 105, DStv channel 195 and Starsat channel 489 is set to introduce a new telenovela later in April titled Vierspel Vuurspel.

Along the way a bunch of leaked info on rumoured upcoming telenovelas surfaced from a mysterious source. The programs rumoured to air soon include Herçai, Sen Anlat Karadeniz, Sefirin Kizi, Gulperi, Canevim and Muzice Doktor.

Here's a short summary about each telenovela:
- Hercai, Miran is seeking revenge for his parents he plans to marry the daughter (Reyyan) of the family who were responsible for the death of his parents. Unexpectedly he falls in love with Reyyan,will this change his plans?
- Sen Anlat Karadeniz, is about a man born and raised in the Black Sea Region, Tahir is ready to give his life for any person treated unjustly. Tahir sacrifices himself to save Nefes and her son. While doing so, he faces many challenges including exposing himself and his family to the threat of Nefes' now ex-husband, who was also known as her abuser, Vedat, as well as the rejection of his family and his country to Nefes; as protecting a married woman is considered "against traditions".
- Sefirin Kizi, follows the life of Sancar, the son of a gariban rider, is loved by Nare, the daughter of an ambassador who came to Bodrum when he was a child. These two opposite children love each other very much and fight for their love for years. Eventually the girl escapes from the boy, but the night Nare disappears suddenly. No one will see her again.
- Gülperi, tells the story of a mother who struggles to regain her children without losing hope.
- Canevim, tells the story of love of a poor orphan man named Maraz Ömer and a poor woman named Ceylan. Two young people who plan marriage plans to work and earn money; Ömer works at the construction site in Kars. Ceylan earns money by cleaning. Ceylan is abused by Taylan, a rich and spoiled young man.
- Muzice Doktor, A distinguished surgical unit turns upside down when a strange new resident joins the team. Ali has savant syndrome, making it hard for him to communicate with other people, even though he is a phenomenal doctor. The other doctors can't stand him at first, but his sincerity and dedication win them over. In this hospital, Ali finds the family he's always longed for.

More New Episodes Invade Disney Junior Africa In April 2020

Episodes: 18b, 19a, 19b
BRAND NEW! T.O.T.S, continuing weekdays from 23rd March - 2nd April
Sample Synopsis: Pip and Freddy brave the desert heat to deliver a camel.

Episodes: 67a, 67b, 68a, 68b, 70a, 70b, 72a, 72b, 74a, 74b
BRAND NEW! PJ Masks, weekdays 6th - 17th
Sample Synopsis: Armadylan steals the PJ Masks' vehicles. Kevin turns full wolfy on a trip to the moon.

Episodes: 28a, 28b, 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b, 31a, 31b, 34a
BRAND NEW! Fancy Nancy Clancy, weekdays 20th onwards
Sample Synopsis: Nancy accidentally becomes Freddy’s new best friend when JoJo ditches him for her imaginary friend. Nancy decides to live on her own in the playhouse.

Episodes: 27a, 27b, 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b, 29a, 29b, 30a, 30b
BRAND NEW! Muppet Babies, weekdays 13th - 24th
Sample Synopsis: Fozzie must learn some 'Camilla-rate' in order to join the martial arts team, The Kickin' Chickens. Piggy practices her performance for Miss Nanny too hard and loses her voice!

Episodes: 40, 44, 48, 41, 45, 46, 49, 50, 51
BRAND NEW! Elena of Avalor, weekday 6th - 16th
Sample Synopsis: When a female rock creature is unhappy, Elena enlists the help of Charoca to find out why before she causes a monfuego to erupt.

Repeats Throughout Most Of April 2020 On Disney XD Africa With One Premiere Airing Close To May

Amphibia S1
Continuing new repeat episodes weekdays at 17:00 until 10 April

Phineas and Ferb
Weekday marathons all month long from 6 April

Big Hero 6 S2
Premieres weekdays at 17:00 from 27 April

Just Roll With It Coming In April 2020 To Disney Channel Africa

Breaking through the pack, the ambitious new series "Just Roll With It" blends improvisational comedy with a family sitcom to seize an audacious opportunity that allows the studio audience to vote on the direction of key scenes, throughout the filming, while the actors are backstage. When the actors return to the stage, they have no idea what's coming at them. A feat of planning and physical production each episode, the comedy series was created and is executive produced by Adam Small and Trevor Moore (Disney's "Walk the Prank"). "Just Roll With It" premieres on Disney Channel (DStv Channel 303) on MONDAY, 6 APRIL at 17:25.

Two adult actors who intuitively know what's funny to kids—Tobie Windham (Disney's "Walk the Prank") and Suzi Barrett (Upright Citizens Brigade comedy group, Disney's

"Kirby Buckets")—play fun-loving newlyweds Byron and Rachel. Byron is an on-air radio personality on BEATZ 101 and Rachel is a decorated military veteran who now produces his daily show in their hometown of Akron, Ohio. Talented young actors Ramon Reed (Disney's "The Lion King" on Broadway) and Kaylin Hayman ("One Day at a Time") play preteen stepsiblings Owen Blatt and Blair Bennett, polar opposites who must now somehow learn to be harmonious siblings.

At unpredictable intervals unknown to the cast or audience, the scripted action is suddenly interrupted by the sound of a foghorn. The actors are sequestered backstage while the studio audience uses electronic voting devices at their seats to select which of the three comedic scenarios they would like to see take place next. After votes are cast, the crew quickly resets and the actors return to the stage to continue the unscripted scene, improvising throughout it.

Kory Lunsford, vice president, Original Programming, Disney Channel, said, "Our talented executive producers, Trevor and Adam, have once again delivered a not-to-be-missed comedy. With this series, they have elevated the convention of a traditional sitcom by adding the keep-you-on-your-toes element of improvisation. The cast and crew literally have to 'just roll with it' and it all makes for a uniquely entertaining experience for the live studio audience and viewers at home."

Vierspel Vuurspel Coming In April To eExtra

Vierspel Vuurspel (Içerde) a 2016 Turkish drama series dubbed in Afrikaans tells a story of two brothers torn from each other. Now on the opposite sides of the law, two brothers are placed against each other, unaware of their brotherhood.

Çağatay Ulusoy and Umut Yılmaz take on the lead roles as Sarp and Umut Yılmaz if you've watched Close Enemies (Intimo Enemigo) on Telemundo then yes you got the idea of what the show is about except the show has a conclusion.

The series has 139 episodes each of them are 120 minutes long. After the successful launch of the series South Africa joins Georgia, Korea, Greece, Romania, Iran, Iraq, Albania, Pakistan, Chile, Colombia, Bulgaria, Malaysia and Ethiopia.

Don't miss this Action drama Monday 6 April at 8:55 pm On eExtra (OpenView 105/DStv 195/Starsat 489)