Development Alert: Roekeloos Dade And Rebroadcast To uBettina Wethu Are Switching Timeslots

Roekeloos Dade launched on e.tv last month with the VIU original uBettina Wethu currently seen on SABC 1 rolling out months prior. It hasn't even been 6 months yet and e.tv has made yet another adjustment to the offering which would see both shows exchange timeslots.

From Monday 19 June, a rebroadcast of uBettina Wethu airs daily from 6pm which is just an hour later while as Roekeloos Dade a series that isn't a rebroadcast, has less airtime on the channel with some viewers not able to keep up with daily rebroadcasts moves to 5pm.

This comes after The Goldbergs was axed on e.tv after 3 seasons with further content available on eXposed and for DStv consumers on Me. Devi similar to Checkpoint had her timeslot altered at the last minute.

No reason was given for the sudden change but if I had to guess, eMedia Investments was probably trying to get uBettina Wethu closer to the other local offering seen on the channel as seen with rebroadcasts of Isitha: The Enemy with House Of Zwide and Scandal.

Considering that Roekeloos Dade moves up on the channel. Would it be shocking if eMedia Investments were to phase primetime on the slot perhaps to promote the existing offering seen on eVOD and eExtra.

I mean ePlesier already exists and catch-up could as well move to the channel while as e.tv could exist to promote selected shows perhaps simultaneous. I mean there's hardly much to watch on the main channel as portion the channel is basically another eExtra.

MultiChoice And NBCUniversal Unveil First Official Logo For New Joint Venture Showmax Powered By Peacock

This emerged when the company today announced its financial results for the year ended 31 March (FY23).

According to the firm, the number of users of the group’s DStv app and Showmax services continues to grow, as online consumption increases, supported by rising broadband connectivity and more affordable pricing.

The group’s overall online user base increased by 12% year-on-year (YOY), with the growth rate for paying Showmax subscribers at a "strong" 26%.

Showmax Pro, which includes live sport, enjoyed strong growth and doubled its subscriber base in FY23.

In a statement, the video entertainment group says MultiChoice’s partnership with Comcast (owner of NBCUniversal, Sky and Peacock), announced in March, represents a significant step-up for the group’s future over-the-top ambitions.

“The new Showmax business will bring the world’s best local and international content to Africa and will be supported by Peacock’s scalable and feature-rich technology platform,” says MultiChoice.

The transaction successfully closed on 4 April, with MultiChoice Group now owning 70% of the new Showmax group, and NBCUniversal owning the remaining 30%.

New products and launch dates will be announced in due course, with the platform expected to go live in the second half of FY24.

On the product front, the group launched the DStv Streama, a device which allows for the streaming of DStv and other partner applications through a normal television in a connected environment.

To further expand its aggregation strategy, the group says it added Disney+ to its portfolio of products available for customers to add to their bill, while Universal+ increased the overall content offering available to premium subscribers.

During the year, the group also announced its partnership with Sky UK, to bring its Glass products and services to local customers in the coming years.

Tyler Perry To Take Control Over BET And Likely VH1

Tyler Perry (Madea, Gone Girl), founder and CEO of Tyler Perry Studios, will take control of BET, The Streamr has learned. The deal comes as a relief to Paramount Global, who I have learned is “hemorrhaging money”, according to a source, to the tune of more than $400 million. For reference, Perry’s net worth was recently stated by Forbes as $1 billion.

This new deal, valued at an undisclosed amount, will give Perry, a veteran champion of content aimed at the African American demographic, control BET Media Group, which also owns VH1. 

TYLER PERRY, BET, AND STREAMING

BET+, the streaming service for the cable channel, is a joint venture between Paramount Streaming and Tyler Perry Studios. Launched in 2019, the service established a 4 year relationship between Paramount and Perry.

CEO of Paramount Global, Bob Bakish, previously explored a sale of a majority stake in the company. CNBC reported that insiders at Paramount believed selling to a group of wealthy black investors could “unlock opportunities and value”. 

From Perry’s side, he previously expressed interest in the acquisition in March 2023, stating to ETOnline:

“Rumor? No, it’s not a rumor, I’ve been there for four years now and had tremendous success. I wasn’t expecting this to happen, so, yes – if that is possible, I’m very, very interested in taking as much of it… If it’s possible, I’m gonna take as much of it as I can.”

Reps for BET Media Group and Perry did not respond to our multiple requests for comment at the time of publication.

[UPDATE: REPS FOR BET DECLINED TO COMMENT ON THE STORY AND REPS FOR PERRY HAVE RESPONDED; WE WILL UPDATE WITH FURTHER DETAILS]

WHY IS TYLER PERRY BUYING BET?

We have also had confirmation that speculation of a buyout came about once a number of projects for BET suddenly had funding pulled as soon as last week, including some in Atlanta. Speaking to Yahoo Finance in 2021, CEO of BET Media Group Scott Mills said that, “BET generated nearly 100% revenue growth in 2021 from BET+, and 50% subscriber growth over the same period,”. However, after aiming to spend a reported $17 billion in content production over 2022, and with ongoing issues such as the WGA strike, a niche service with simply “more than 3 million” subscribers after 4 years of launch simply couldn’t cut it. 

It is not yet known whether BET+ will continue on, now operating under Perry’s sole purview, but the service has plans to continue into the era of ad-tiers. Announced in May 2023 for a June 25th launch, the ad-tier to combat BET+’s (now reasonable) ad-free price of $9.99/month will come in at $5.99/month. 

BET has produced titles such as Being Mary Jane and First Wives Club, as well as Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. Tyler Perry Studios has housed the production of titles like Hawkeye, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and A Madea Homecoming.

10 DStv Channels That Need To Be Revived

Since 1995, MultiChoice has provided a number of TV channels and some of these channels form part of our childhood memories. Now a look at 10 DStv channels that need to be revived. Take to account some of these brands are current while defunct are M-Net.

Presenting 10 DStv channels that need to be revived.

1. ActionX (M-Net Action/M-Net Edge/M-Net City)

Before the M-Net City and Action concept existed, there was ActionX which was viewed be as a b-grade to M-Net Action and M-Net City by 2004. Home to shows such as Battle Galactica, Supernatural, The 4400, Criminal Minds, Eureka, Brotherhood and The Lost Room.

By 2008, it was known as M-Net Action with most of the channel remaining intact until 2012 which is when it was folded under M-Net Movies. The concept was later revived in 2015 as M-Net City and year prior M-Net Edge but shuttered respectively in 2021 and 2017 with further content on M-Net and Me.

2. Animax (Sony Max)

Animax is adult animation channel distributed internationally through Sony Pictures Television as the premier anime channel home to shows such as Bleach, Black Cat, Ghost In The Shell, Chrono Crusade, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Hellsing and Samurai 7.

Due to low viewership, the channel was replaced by Sony Max which offered solely live-action dedicated to a male audience including Baywatch, Impractical Jokers, 1000 Ways To Die and NCIS. By 2019, Sony Pictures Television halted distribution of further TV channels outside India.

3. The Sci-fi Channel (now Syfy)

Syfy owned by NBCUniversal formed part of the initial offering when MultiChoice rolled out their pay-tv service DStv in 1995. The channel featured science-fiction, drama, supernatural, fantasy, reality, paranormal, wrestling, and horror programming.

It was ripped away from consumers by 2004 with further content folded under ActionX as it was deemed too niche and a decade after its termination MultiChoice Africa was in talks to relaunch the channel by 2015 but never happened with sources deeming costs as a feature to the halt.

4. VH1 Classic (now MTV Classic)

VH1 Classic was the TCM of music basically operating a variety of international hits from the 80s and 90s from the likes of Michael Jackson, James Brown, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Destiny's Child and The Beatles. It was basically the channel to relive nostalgic moments.

Over the years, Paramount had been moving most of VH1's offering to MTV and with the latter in Africa seeking to be more modern opted for the pop centric MTV Music24 (later on MTV Hits). The channel was later axed due to low viewership and replaced by Qwest TV.

5. tvN

tvN is a South Korean entertainment channel operated by CJ ENM that was added as a pop-up channel on MultiChoice's DStv in 2021. It offered short-form drama series such as Cheese In The Trap, Tails Of The Nine Tailed, Flowers Of Evil and Another Miss Oh.

Since it's termination, several broadcasters in the market including eMedia Investments eXposed and MultiChoice's Showmax had supplied selected content.

6. Eurochannel

Eurochannel is an award winning general entertainment channel formerly seen on the DStv app which promotes European culture and lifestyle through movies, series, documentaries and music. Some of the content included the Serbian drama The Black Sun and Dutch mystery drama Placeres Mortales.

7. ShortsTV

ShortsTV is the leading network in short forms including a number of Oscar nominated short films such as My Year Of Dicks, Flying Sailor and Ice Merchants. ShortsTV is operated by Shorts International in a joint venture with AMC International.

8. Timeless Dizi Channel

Timeless Dizi Channel is Turkish entertainment channel and also the leading brand operated by SPI International, a division of Canal+. It is home to a number of shows including Karadayi, Black Money Love, Kuzgun, The Red Scarf and Kurt And Shura and The End.

It was launched as a pop-up channel on MultiChoice's DStv by October 2020 and since is currently viewable on rival provider, StarTimes. A number of content seen on Timeless Dizi Channel can be viewed through various broadcasters in Africa.

9. ITV Choice

ITV Choice was a general entertainment channel owned by ITV and also a rival to BBC Studios' BBC Brit, BBC Lifestyle and BBC Earth offering a number of films and series including Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, Poldark and the much loved soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

In line with the strategy to continuously review international and local content line-ups and optimise the suite of channels on offer on DStv. MultiChoice opted to discontinue carriage by June 2020 with further content folded by BBC and M-Net.

10. Disney XD

Disney XD is a children's channel owned by The Walt Disney Company targeting boys 7-14 years old offers a mix of animation and live-action including Star Vs. The Forces Of Evil, Kick Buttowski, Star Wars: Rebels, Wonder Over Yonder, Pair Of Kings and Mech X4.

By October 2020, the channel was axed with further content being integrated onto Disney Channel and Disney+ with The Walt Disney Company planning to integrate most of their content to streaming in the coming future as that remains a top priority.

Recap To The Decade: 10 TV Channels You Probably Forgot Existed On Openview

Openview is a free-to-air platform operated by eMedia Investments that also manage brands such as e.tv, eReality and eExtra part of which are ranked the top 10 channels. For several years, they've been to be a worthy foe to pay-tv serving affordable entertainment.

It wasn't always like this initially the platform was more of an Easyview type platform and if we remember the DStv bouquet it was one of MultiChoice's crappiest products to exist and Openview at the time was basically that with the exception of eMovies and eToonz.

Now we look at 10 forgotten channels once seen on Openview.

1. English Club TV

English Club TV sets out to be one of the most least crappiest products on this list. If anything the channel was very promising as it featured documentaries, films, cartoons and music video all of which are illustrated for those who study English.

At the time this channel was around, eMedia Investments didn't have that much consumers. In some way, English Club TV was a victim of unfortunate circumstance which contributed to the cancellation.

2. Inspiration TV

Inspiration TV is a Christian themed channel operated by Inspiration Ministries that is home to the likes of Charles Stanley, TD Jakes and Joel Osteen. It was meant to form the initial offering of Openview when it launched in October 2013 but didn't unfortunately.

eMedia Investments had tried numerous times to get the channel onboard but due to some technologies those plans were halted.

3. BiCars

Bi-Cars TV was a reality street motorsport
lifestyle channel similar to Ignition TV on DStv. It showcased motorsport news, fashion, celebrity riders and real-life stories of street Moto-sport lifestyle, entertainment and music.

Some of the content featured on Bi-Cars TV included Mzansi Celebrities Bikers, Bi-Car Make Over, Battle Of Crews , BC League, Championships Of Speed and Sound, and Torque Talk.

Similar to most of the channels on the list, a vast majority weren't tuning in to the Ignition duplicate.

4. United Christian Broadcasting Network (UCBN)

United Christian Broadcasting Network (UCB Network TV) is a Christian based channel providing religious content. UCBN programming include shows such as Men of Honour, Women In Me, Pastor's Corner, Africa Talent Show, Nuggets of Wealth and Leadership, U Kids.

The channel was terminated due to low viewership.

5. Ekurhuleni TV

Ekurhuleni TV is a community TV station carrying local news, music, educational, health and religious programming.

The channel was terminated due to low viewership.

6. Relevant TV

Founded and run by Joshua McCauley, Relevant TV was intended to be a non-denominational Christian lifestyle TV channel that will look at the spiritual needs of Christians from all walks of life. The main target market of the channel is young adults, although it will cater for other groups as well.

The channel was removed due to unforeseen circumstances and without prior notice by eMedia Investments.

7. Alex TV (LXTV)

Alex TV, stylised as lx tv, was a community based channel with Lucky Siwela as chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder, revolves around covering and mirroring the life and issues of the vibrant, yet impoverished South African township and "suburb" of Alexandra.

The channel was yanked off Openview after its broadcasting licence had expired. Since then, rival company MultiChoice was able to fill the void with GauTV which caters to Sandton all the way to the Bekkersdal township.

8. ASTV (now MYtv)

ASTV was a lifestyle channel in which eMedia Investments had minority ownership broadcast a mix of actuality, outdoor, youth and teen content as well as Afrikaans music videos. Some of the content available on the channel included Vaskap, Eksieperfeksie, Kos Is Oppie Tafel, Ons Gesels Met... and Klankbaan.

Similar to OnseTV on StarSat, the channel wasn't watched by majority of the viewers and hasn't gained much traction as seen with kykNET's offering on DStv. Forming part of Openview's initial offering it went dark after 3 years of service (and 12 on StarSat).

9. Wild TV Africa

Wild TV Africa, developed by Dewald Visser, brought viewers outdoor and adventure programming focusing on camping, mountain-biking, fishing, 4X4 trails, scuba diving, conservation, mountain climbing, hunting, sport shooting, skydiving and big wave surfing.

Similar to most brands on the list, the channel was axed due to low viewership. Of course, similar content can be found on People's Weather and on DStv, WildEarth.

10. Shembe TV

Shembe Unyazi TV will show viewers programming around the African religion founded by Prophet Isaiah Mloyiswa Shembe, known as Bombela, in 1910 and which has 8 million followers in Southern Africa.

Basically a rival to the Nigerian based Emmanuel TV on DStv, it's currently unknown as to why the channel was removed but it was believed to be low viewership with the low rated channel currently seen on StarSat.