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.

Life After Animax: A Look At Various International Predecessors To The Former DStv Channel

Animax is an international brand which specialises in Japanese animation (or in other terms anime) that is headed by several popular brands including Bandi Namco Networks, Toei Animation, TMS Entertainment, Nihon Ad Systems and Pierrot with Sony Pictures Entertainment handling the distribution.

It operated as a 24 hour service and also on demand spanning in over 89 million households in over 62 countries. As some readers are already aware, Animax hasn't received the best of luck internationally despite holding a concept that not many outlets would to this day.

Sure we have Crunchyroll and to some Netflix but through Animax we were introduced to Neon Genesis Evangelion, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Record of Lodoss War, Eureka Seven, Samurai 7 and Black Jack.

Unfortunately that wasn't enough to retain the brand as sources point to low ratings as a result of its demise. So we look at placeholders that was added to fill the void left not only by the channel or streaming service but the owners as well.

India

In India, the channel was replaced by Sony YAY! which is headed by one of Sony's subsidiaries, Culver Max Entertainment in 2017. Animax's lineup ranged from audiences aged 15-25 years alongside Sony YAY!'s audience aged 6-14 years.

Sony YAY! offers regional content like Bhaalu Yeh Bindass Hai and Chimpoo Simpoo. Even foreign shows like Casper Scare School and Elinor Wonders Why. Before anyone gets disappointed anime forms part of the lineup as there's Naruto and Robotan.

Latin America

In Latin America, Animax was the market's first attempt at getting a 24 hour anime channel but seeing as that was a bust. It was eventually replaced by Sony Spin which was headed by Sony Pictures Entertainment. Unlike the Indian counterpart, this was just their way of forgetting Animax.

Sony Spin was a general entertainment channel for live-action as it featured shows like 90210, Teen Wolf, Blood Ties, Amar Y Temer, Joan of Arcadia and That '70s Show. It ran from 2011-2014 before getting replaced by another random brand, Lifetime.

Lifetime is a general entertainment channel skewed toward female audiences aged 18-34. Supplied by A&E Networks featuring shows like Dance Moms, Storage Wars, Married At First Sight and Little Women. Even offers original films inbetween the programming.

North America

Also American is North America, unlike most of the brands on the list, Animax existed as a digital channel through Crackle but was subsequently discontinued although the provider continues supplying anime with no thanks to Animax.

Eastern Europe

Take note several regions fall under this list including Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia. Animax ran for almost 7 years within these regions but was replaced by AMC International's C8 by 2014.

C8 was a general entertainment channel which featured a range of content from movies, series, documentaries, lifestyle and kids shows. It lasted a year in Romania and 3 additional years in other regions.

United Kingdom

Almost similar to the North Americans, Animax existed as a digital service between 2013-2018 but was subsequently shut down with viewers being redirected to FUNimation.

FUNimation was an American based entertainment company that specialised in the dubbing and distribution of East Asian content ranging from anime to motion picture. The brand was juggling management one minute it was Navarre Corporation next it was Sony Pictures Entertainment until it folded by Crunchyroll in 2021.

Crunchyroll is a streaming service and takes on a expanded role of FUNimation as it not only distributes content but make originals even merch from those properties. Crunchyroll has both a film and television production company.

Portugal

In Portugal, Animax ran from 2007 to 2011 before getting subsequently replaced by AXN Black. Just like America and Eastern Europe, consumers were given another random brand.

Just like Animax, AXN Black was also headed by Sony Pictures Entertainment as a general entertainment channel which aired a variety of drama series such as Arrow, Prison Break, The Blacklist, Grey's Anatomy and Ghost Whisperer.

It wasn't long till the channel was replaced with movie channel, AXN Movies.

Africa

In 2007, Animax began broadcast within the region and was met with the highest of praises in South Africa that a celebration was hosted in its honour. Following a shift in programming which saw a decline in audiences, the channel was eventually replaced by Sony MAX in 2011.

Sony MAX was a general entertainment channel skewed toward males aged 18-34 years. Featuring a variety of live-action from Fear Factor, 1000 Ways To Die, Impractical Jokers and Baywatch with the exception being The Boondocks.

Before it's closure in 2019, Sony Pictures Entertainment crowded the channel's lineup with a lot of rebroadcasts before removing not only Sony Max but most of their international slate.

Conclusion

After analysing what I've found out about Animax, one thing for certain is the channel was never really a burden to anyone. If anything it could have performed at max capacity or at least for a brand that specialises in anime.

If anything the problem just dealt with time, in the era of Animax there wasn't a lot of alternatives I mean in South Africa. The only other option was SABC 2's 30 minute timeslot which if you look at it offered limited content or at least to what matched Animax.

The demise of Animax particularly in Africa was likely accessibility as this was a premium channel and at the time the bouquet was affordable on a mid tier level. Another could be the target group as the viewership in the rest of Africa was smaller than South Africa.

This is a concept I presume a lot of consumers would love to see more of on cable. I mean Cartoon Network and SABC 2 acquired rights to Dragonball: Super which became the top shows during its run and same goes with Naruto and Bleach on SABC 2.

Kevin Hart And Nick Cannon To Host Celebrity Prank Wars On E! Across Africa

Laugh out loud as Kevin Hart and Nick Cannon host Celebrity Prank Wars, where celebrities compete in wild and unpredictable pranks.
Television personalities Kevin Hart and Nick Cannon will elevate their well-known friendly rivalry to a higher level through the amusing and entertaining competition show called Celebrity Prank Wars.

This hilarious series will debut on E! Africa (DStv channel 124) on 2 July at 7.05pm (South African Standard Time).

‘The ultimate Prank War victor’
Prepare for an intense battle as celebrities engage in a series of pranks, triggering a chain of retaliations.

In each episode, famous individuals will devise and execute outrageous pranks on one another, while hosts Nick Cannon and Kevin Hart determine the ultimate Prank War victor.

With each prank surpassing the previous one in complexity, expect unexpected surprises, embarrassing scenarios, and shocking revelations.

Celebrities would be wise to remain vigilant in the presence of these mischievous pranksters.

Celebrity participants
The lineup of celebrity participants in Celebrity Prank Wars includes Anthony Anderson, Brie Garcia, Nikki Garcia, Lil Duval, Big E, Fantasia, Tiffany Haddish, Taraji P. Henson, Lil Jon, Kofi Kingston, Ludacris, Joel McHale, Killer Mike, Chance The Rapper, T-Pain, Robin Thicke, T.I., and Xavier Woods.

Produced by Hartbeat and NCredible, the show has Kevin Hart, Nick Cannon, Kevin Healey, Luke Kelly-Clyne, Mike Stein, Bryan Smiley, Thai Randolph, Jeff Clanagan, Michael Goldman, and Ben Sumpter serving as Executive Producers.