What To Expect On CBS Reality Africa In October 2022?

FRAUD SQUAD
Season 1-4.
Channel Premiere
Weekdays at 21:35 and 01:25 from 3rd October to 25th November.
The hunt is on, as Michelle Ackerley enters the murky criminal world of fraud, following a crack team of investigators whose job is to catch and convict anyone with their hand in the UK’s public purse.
Featuring a fantasist fraudster leading a double life, a multi-million pound scam targeting the disabled, decadent dentists with lavish lifestyles, and even a dishonest headmaster creating a sex dungeon using school funds - we uncover the biggest and most shocking cases of theft from public services like Education, HMRC and the NHS. Joining the men and women on the front line fighting fraud, we see exactly what it takes to combat what is now the biggest crime in Britain, costing the taxpayer over £110 billion a year.

SEE WHAT YOU MADE ME DO
Season 1. 3x60min
Channel Premiere
Saturdays at 20:40 and 01:00, from 1st to 15th October.
Most who experience domestic abuse will never report it, and their abusers will never be called to account. In this series, investigative journalist Jess Hill shines a light into the kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms where abuse is destroying lives. She finds survivors who describe the shape-shifting of abusive behaviours – with violence one element among many. She talks to perpetrators and the people working with them to curb their behaviours. Resolutely solution focused, Jess explores radical innovations which could make a seismic difference to curbing this crisis in our homes.

MOTORWAY PATROL
Season 13-14.
Channel Premiere
Weekdays at 11:10, 14:50 and 00:10, from 17th October to 11th November.
Buckle yourself in for the ride because Kiwi favourite, Motorway Patrol, is set for a return! The upcoming seasons are packed with another round of motorway pandemonium and driver hijinx as those who drive on Auckland’s motorways never fail to deliver when Motorway Patrol’s cameras are rolling.
Prepare for a fresh batch of rollicking good yarns; high speed chases starring both cars and canines, overloaded drivers, Rugby World Cup delight and, just to keep it interesting, a car vs swimming pool. Not only does the show have total access to the men and woman officers who are patrolling the motorways but also to CCTV footage from the motorway cameras.

Possible Outcome To The Demise Of CBS Justice And Nicktoons On DStv

During the year, MultiChoice had been monitoring stock which led to the cancellation of Tellytrack, fliekNET and ITV Networks and there's also been those unexpected developments from e.tv's 4 channels, RT and Lifetime with CBS Justice and Nicktoons likely joining the trio.

CBS Justice was shuttered in the UK in July by the same people that manage the one seen on the DStv platform which was subsequently supplemented by an action skewed channel Legend which appears to be applicable to viewers of that region.

After seeing a promo, it doesn't feel like something AMC International would want to build in other regions and the fact that these channels aren't seen with the CBS brand has led me to believe that maybe these channels will involve CBS Reality.

CBS Reality remains intact as sources believe it has to do with another channel almost resembling the "Reality" look and feel.

But seeing as CBS Reality and CBS Justice are factual it makes more sense to merge them perhaps under another brand name like RealityXtra I mean both channels have seen a high level in repetition and this merger would kind of help boost the offering.

Honestly, CBS Reality kind of seems out of touch that the idea of both channels likely exiting the region wouldn't be far fetched a stretch.

Onto their partners Paramount, I noticed that Nicktoons has become lifeless as the only current shows are NickMusic and something I can see Nickelodeon boot after a season 2/3 is Middlemost Post. I know the brand was always catered to Nickelodeon's scraps but this time it's different.

Paramount had always wanted to make Nicktoons feel independent and there's been less of that. I noticed they put up adverts for Kamp Koral and Rugrats on Nicktoons despite not airing as the channel might be aligned to the global Nicktoons feed to some extent.

On top of that, Nicktoons has an outdated programme guide if Horrid Henry ain't called Program To Be Confirmed then you get an old schedule which is usually updated the following day with the rest of the week remaining very much outdated.

This habit makes it seem as if Paramount is ready to retire the channel soon as they gear up for the rollout of Paramount+ which is scheduled to rollout in Africa by 2023 and would it be shocking if Nicktoons closed prior to its launch with Nickelodeon filling up its shoes.

Paramount often refers Nicktoons audiences to upcoming attractions from Nickelodeon which can be chaotic considering the geography. In South Africa, Nickelodeon is a premium channel and viewers should be compensated should Nicktoons be discontinued.

Honestly, the world is evolving and these channels in general are becoming a thing of the past I have some fond memories and I believe that's the only thing to keep a channel alive in spirit.

 

National Geographic Channels Reveal Spring/Summer 2022 Content Slate

National Geographic and National Geographic Wild to take viewers further this Spring and Summer, with premieres of several premium productions.

Channels now broadcast in high-definition
Highlights include Team Sayari, America’s National Parks, Running Wild with Bear Grylls: The Challenge, Europe From Above S4, Tut’s Toxic Tomb, World of Flavor with Big Moe Cason, Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted Showdown and Critter Fixers S2

The Walt Disney Company Africa today announced the upcoming content slate for both National Geographic and National Geographic Wild for Spring/Summer 2022. With a promise to ignite the explorer in all of us, and with a 133-year legacy, viewers across the continent will also be able to immerse themselves in the very latest and ground-breaking storytelling in stunning high definition for the very first time, taking them further than ever before.

Featuring the best and brightest scientists, explorers, photographers and filmmakers in the world, the coming months’ content highlights offer something for everyone, as several new natural history series, feature documentaries, and programming stunts will showcase the wonder of the natural world, take them on exhilarating adventures and illuminate historical figures who epitomize the strength and triumphs of humankind.

In National Geographic’s first locally produced pan-African children’s production, Team Sayari, viewers will follow a group of young conservationists, along with Akili – an AI computer represented as a large DNA helix – as they become Africa’s protectors, working from a fun and high-tech base known as Sayari basecamp. Airing each Saturday at 13:00, Team Sayari premieres on Saturday 24 September and each episode promises adventures and investigative missions, visiting exciting places across Africa, meeting interesting people, sharing knowledge about the continent’s biodiversity and exploring the need to become champions for conservation.

Fan-favourite survivalist Bear Grylls is back with Running Wild With Bear Grylls: The Challenge. Premiering on National Geographic on Wednesday 28 September at 21:00, Bear takes the daring adventures up a level by teaching celebrity guests, such as Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Simu Liu, Anthony Anderson and others, essential survival skills that they will have to master and then prove they can use in a high-stress situation.

Viewers will enjoy a new perspective of Europe through the changing seasons across a year in Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Romania Serbia and Scotland when Season 4 of Europe from Above premieres on Wednesdays at 19:00, from 28 September, revealing how tradition, engineering and natural wonders have shaped this fascinating continent, in a vibrant portrait of the region and the people who keep it alive.

In Lost Treasures Of Arabia, premiering Friday 28 October at 19:00, we investigate AlUla’s unsolved mysteries and unravel the many dramas that played out on this ancient stage. This television special features reveals the historical heritage, exquisite natural assets and the immense legacy of art that continues to inspire future generations in this middle eastern city.

King Tutankhamen, or King Tut as he is commonly known today, was relatively unknown to the world until 1922, when his tomb was discovered by Howard Carter 100 years ago. To celebrate the centennial anniversary of this remarkable find, National Geographic will premiere Tut’s Toxic Tomb on Friday 18 & 25 November at 19:00, with library content King Tut in Color, on Friday 4 November at 19:00 and Tut’s Treasures, The Golden Pharaoh on Friday 11 November at 19:00, to further explore the many facets of the great Pharoah’s life and legacy.

In November, two sumptuous programmes will take the adventure from the wilderness into the kitchen. In Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted Showdown, premiering Wednesdays at 21:00 from 9 November, the multi-Michelin star chef and Ironman athlete Ramsay faces off against those closest to him. including going head-to-head with his daughter Tilly in a culinary showdown. Later that month, Navy veteran Big Moe Cason leaves his culinary comforts behind and embarks on an epic journey to seek out the most mouth-watering dishes cooked over an open flame. World Of Flavour With Big Moe Cason premieres on Wednesdays at 21:00 from 30 November, exploring the connections between American barbecue and cultures around the world.

Meanwhile, 100 miles south of Atlanta, Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson are two longtime friends who own and operate the Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital. Between emergency visits to the office and farm calls throughout rural Georgia, the Critter Fixers and their loving staff are constantly bombarded with unique cases only seen in the country. Critter Fixers S2 premieres on Fridays at 18:00 from 11 November on National Geographic Wild.

For the world’s top adventure athletes, the line between triumph and tragedy is sometimes razor thin. The epic 10-part series, Edge Of The Unknown by Academy Award®-Winning executive producers E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, will takes audiences inside the minds of pioneering adventure athletes as they recount the most consequential moments of their lives on their journey to perfect the mastery of their craft, will premiere Sundays at 21:00 from 25 December on National Geographic.

“The exciting line up of National Geographic programming delivers on our core purpose to tell exceptional stories that ignite wonder and inspiration for people of all ages, enabling them to better understand the world and their place in it,” said Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa. “We can’t wait to bring these wildly entertaining documentary series, feature documentary films and extraordinary natural history shows from the best storytellers in the world to viewers across the continent, and especially in HD for the very first time.”

National Football League (NFL) 2022 Season Gets Underway On ESPN Africa

Excitement is mounting as the 103rd season of National Football League (NFL) season is about to get underway in the United States. The new season premieres on ESPN2 (DStv 219, Starsat 249) across Africa when play begins on 9 September 2022 with 32 teams vying for Super Bowl glory and a shot at lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Current defending Champions the Los Angeles Rams will host Buffalo Bills in the kick-off game in the early hours of the morning on Friday 9 September. This match will air live on ESPN2 at 2:20 AM (CAT) with repeat broadcasts at  08:00 on ESPN2, 13:30 on ESPN and 18:00 on ESPN2.

ESPN Africa will bring American Football fans a minimum of five matches every week during the regular season, with one match airing live in the early hours of Friday (“Thursday Night Football”), three matches every Sunday evening and one match in the early hours of Tuesday morning (“Monday Night Football”). Additionally, ESPN2 will now feature a weekday American Football slot with NFL games from Mondays to Fridays at 14:00.

The regular season will continue for of 18 weeks. Thereafter, the playoffs, that are scheduled to start on 14 January 2023, will build up to the much-anticipated Super Bowl LVII event at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on 13 February 2023.

The Buffalo Bills are one of the favourites predicted to go all the way this year, coming off last season's heart-breaking overtime defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round. The ascension of quarterback Josh Allen combined with the offseason signing of Von Miller may just be the edge that this team needs to reclaim victory.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, quarterbacked by Tom Brady at 45 years of age, are also among the teams to keep an eye on this season, while Patrick Mahomes and his Kansas City Chiefs are expected to be no easy challenge.

There will be new breakout stars to watch throughout the course of the season. April’s 2022 NFL draft saw the Jacksonsville Jaguars select defensive end Travon Walker in the first pick. Aiden Hutchinson was selected by Detroit Lions in the second pick. 

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) debate will start early with a trio of stars expected to contend for the coveted prize. Quarterbacks Josh Allen, Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes are tipped as early frontrunners while Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, who has held this award for past two seasons, will not want to see it go.

After two seasons of using the placeholder name Washington Football Team, the franchise have officially been renamed and will enter the field as the Washington Commanders.

ESPN Africa is the home of American sports and will bring all of the thrills, spills and hard hitting football action from North America to fans across Africa. An incredible season of NFL football awaits.

ENDS

How to tune in:
ESPN: DStv 218, Starsat 248
ESPN2: DStv 219, Starsat 249

For updates from the world of American and other sports, fans can connect to @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit https://www.espn.com/.

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Notes to editors:

NFL Fixtures - Round 1 (live on ESPN2)
09-09-21 2:20    Buffalo Bills @ Los Angeles Rams            
11-09-21 19:00  Philadelphia Eagles @ Detroit Lions           
11-09-21 22:25  Kansas City Chiefs @ Arizona Cardinals             
12-09-21 2:20    Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys      
13-09-21 2:15    Denver Broncos @ Seattle Seahawks

The History Of Former StarSat Channel, Zone Club (Also Known As Fine Living)

Zone Club was a European based channel owned by Chello Zone which was eventually folded under AMC International by 2013. The brand was incepted by 1998 as Club, Chello Zone's distributor of lifestyle and general entertainment.

Expanding onto the lineup, it featured a lineup of home, travel, food and relationship based content. It also broadcast dramas and documentaries. Some notable titles include The Divine Design, Maxed Out and Saturday Cooks!

In September 2009, it was revealed that Chello Zone (now Chellomedia) struck a deal with AMC International to launch CBS Drama alongside two other channels provided to DStv, CBS Action (now CBS Justice) and CBS Reality. Of course, these brands were added to replace most of the Zone channels.

Chellomedia offered a variety of linear channels including Zone Europa, Zone Fantasy, Zone Reality, Zone Thriller, Zone Horror, Zone Romantica. As it is only 5 channels were inserted were inserted to replace this batch while others were filled with timeshift channels.

Zone Club's replacement was divided by 3 channels. In Poland, audiences got CBS Drama, Hungary got a kids channel Minimax and EMEA was the only region to have a replacement that wasn't owned by AMC International to some extent, Fine Living Network.

Fine Living Network was conceived in a joint venture with Scripps Networks which was eventually acquired by Warner Bros. Discovery (known as Discovery Inc. at the time in 2018).

Of course, after the brand was acquired there wasn't much mention of Chellomedia (or AMC International) so it was believed that Warner Bros. Discovery bought both company's share of Fine Living but take one factor to account.

Fine Living was just a random channel sure it had reality shows but not that of Zone Club. As the lineup consisted of mainly content from Warner Bros. Discovery like Beachfront Bargain Hunt, Candice Tells All, Extreme Homes, Fixer Upper and Million Dollar Rooms.

To top it off Fine Living hadn't seen much success internationally as it closed in Netherlands and Africa by 2019 and a year later dissolved after filing for bankruptcy with a debt of €30 million. It was eventually survived by the European version of HGTV and Real Time.

Of course, HGTV was exclusive to MultiChoice's DStv meaning consumers on StarSat would have to get another platform and pay extra so there comes Real Time a catch-up channel which was subsequently scrapped after the pay-tv platform failed to resolve their contractual agreement with the owners.

It also led to the cutback of other channels such as Discovery Science and Investigation Discovery and this comes after the loss of Discovery Family and as mentioned already Fine Living with the pay-tv company still sourcing replacements for over a year.