Development Alert: WildEarth Now On DStv Access

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of our continent’s wilderness. WildEarth (DStv channel 183) is a popular wildlife channel joining the DStv Access package from 15 August 2023. Offering daily authentic LIVE and interactive wildlife experiences in your living room, viewers will be able to connect with nature like never before.

WildEarth stands as a trailblazer as a global brand that is available around the world on 27 different platforms. It transcends the traditional wildlife documentary format by recreating the thrilling experience of being on a safari vehicle in remote locations. Instead of relying on dramatic animal behaviour, it captures the serendipitous moments of unscripted magic that happen when you’re on a safari.

“With WildEarth, we’re adding even more value for the DStv Access viewer,” says Georginah Machiridza, Executive Head of General Entertainment Channels. “Going on safari is an amazing opportunity and the wildlife experiences on this channel allows viewers to ‘visit’ amazing destinations from the comfort of their couch. It’s about making African animals accessible to African people.”

Imagine yourself bouncing along the savannah all from the comfort of your home. You can even ask the guide a question and get it answered in real time.

The WildEarth channel offers a golden-hued line-up that includes:

• Safari LIVE: Sunrise: Join a real live safari at the break of dawn, where the stories of Africa’s most iconic animals unfold before your eyes.

• Safari LIVE: Sunrise repeat: Catch up on the sunrise safari if you missed the live show.

• Safari LIVE: Sunset: Witness the African wilderness come alive as the sun sets, and the wild cats embark on their nocturnal quests. All completely LIVE and unscripted.

• Safari LIVE: Sunset repeat: Relive the magic of the sunset safari at your convenience.

• LIVE at the Waterhole: Relax by the water’s edge and observe Africa’s creatures as they drink and play, while engaging with a safari expert in real time.

• LIVE at the Waterhole: Repeat: Enjoy the spectacle of animals coming for their daily drinks on replay.

Just Nature: Unwind to the soothing sights and sounds of nature accompanied by calming music and natural ambiance.

“WildEarth is excited to be launching on DStv Access,” says Emily Wallington, Executive Producer Non-Live Content.” WildEarth not only provides a window into Africa’s majestic wildlife but redefines the safari experience itself and we look forward to inviting DStv viewers onboard the largest safari vehicle in Africa.”

As the pioneer of authentic, immersive wildlife experiences, WildEarth’s debut on DStv Access is set to redefine the way we connect with the wild. Prepare to traverse vast savannahs, witness breath-taking sunsets, and witness the majesty of Africa’s creatures—all at the touch of a button.

Tune into DStv channel 183 starting 15 August 2023. WildEarth will be live streamed on DStv Stream. 

Disney+ Could Shut Down In Some Countries

Disney is taking steps to make its streaming services more profitable, including raising the prices of Disney+, Hulu, Hulu + Live TV, and ESPN+. In addition to these changes, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that there may be some changes to Disney+ internationally that could result in the service being shut down in certain countries.

During Disney’s earnings call, Iger mentioned that they have been evaluating markets around the world to determine which ones will help turn Disney+ into a profitable business. This means that some markets may receive less investment in local programming while still maintaining the service, while others may not have the service at all. There will also be high-potential markets where Disney will invest in local programming, marketing, and comprehensive content.

This news has significant implications for those living outside of the United States. Some countries may experience a reduction in original content, while others may lose access to Disney+ altogether. It is possible that Disney is exploring the option of selling rights to its content to larger streaming services in unprofitable areas as a way to increase profitability. By cutting back on original content in certain countries, Disney can minimize losses while still offering the service.

Disney’s streaming business has been facing financial challenges. In the fiscal third quarter, the direct-to-consumer business reported an operating loss of $512 million, an improvement compared to the $1.06 billion loss from the previous year. Disney aims to make Disney+ profitable in the near future, with reports suggesting that it could achieve profitability by 2024 or 2025. Bob Iger is committed to making Disney+ profitable as soon as possible.

At this point, Disney has not disclosed which countries are being considered for potential shutdown or cutbacks.

Peach Greek: First Episode To Fan Made Remake To Ed Edd'n Eddy Is Now On YouTube

Peach Creek is a fan-made adult web series, focusing on the final year of high school for the characters from Ed, Edd n Eddy. Designed as both a love letter and direct continuation of the show, Peach Creek is by fans, for fans.

Set in their final year of High School, life has changed so much for the Eds and the rest of the gang. Lives change and intermingle, people grow. The Eds come to realize that not everyone who you grow up with will be there in the future. Ed deals with his past and present; Edd begins to open up his boundaries; and Eddy has to come to terms with who he is.

Episode 1 is titled The Rug Pull which follows the Eds as they hang out in the van, Edd's life is monotonous.

What To Expect On History Across Africa In September 2023?

9/11: 22 YEARS ON

3 September – 24 September, Sundays from 20h15

On 11 September 2001, 19 militants linked to the extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide at acks against key targets in the United States. Almost 3,000 people were killed during the 9/11 terrorist at acks that began a global war on terror. Every Sunday night in September we unpack the September 11 attacks, from the conspiracy theories that emerged, to the real-life stories of loss and the hunt for Osama bin Laden.

Brand New

9/11 CONSPIRACIES: THE FACT OR FICTION

3 September, Sunday 20h15 

This documentary film examines the various conspiracy theories that at empt to explain the 9/11 attacks. It includes theories that the World Trade Center was brought down by a controlled demolition; that a missile, not a commercial airliner, hit the Pentagon; and that members of the U.S. government orchestrated the attacks in hopes of creating a war in the Middle East. Each conspiracy argument is countered by a variety of experts in the fields of engineering, intelligence and the military. The program also delves into the anatomy of such conspiracies and how they grow online.

9/11: FOUR FLIGHTS

10 September, Sunday 20h15 

Four flights - American 11, United 175, American 77, and United 93 - took off on the morning of September 11, 2001 unaware of the events that would follow and the fate that would forever intertwine them. Through the powerful and personal narratives from family and friends, this special tells the riveting and emot onal human stories of those aboard each doomed jetliner. Looking at all four flights, the two-hour documentary unveils a saga of surprising connections, strange coincidences and detrimental decisions. From one flight tracking another as it veered off course, barreling toward Manhattan, to the final heart-wrenching phone calls, to some incredibly harrowing yet heroic moments, viewers will hear about the bravery of passengers, crew, air traffic controllers and more who tried in vain to intercept the airliners.

RISE AND FALL: THE WORLD TRADE CENTER

17 September, Sunday 20h15 

Through a unique architectural and engineering lens, this special takes a chronological look at the conception, construction and destruction of the World Trade Center towers. It recounts the inspiring, true story behind the individuals who dreamed, planned and built a symbol of American strength and ambition. Step by step, viewers will witness the execution of this innovative and one-of-a-kind sky-high complex from early designs to overcoming technical challenges to its heart-wrenching collapse. The two-hour documentary covers the first terrorist attack on the WTC during the 1993 bombing and unpacks, in vivid detail, attmeline of how and why the building fell after terrorists flew commercial airliners into them on September 11. With the use of historical elements and graphics, expert interviews and courageous first-hand test monies of the two at acks, the documentary reveals the wonders and vulnerabilites of these unforgettable buildings.

REVEALED: THE HUNT FOR BIN LADEN

24 September, Sunday 20h15 

This documentary showcases the ten-year effort to find Osama bin Laden, the man responsible for the 9/11 attacks and the leader of the terrorist group al-Qaeda. Based on the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s unprecedented access to American intelligence and military personnel, the film recounts how President Barack Obama ordered a small group of Navy SEALs to raid a mysterious building in Pakistan, without ever being sure that bin Laden was there. Featuring interviews with President Obama, CIA Director Leon Panet a, mission commander Admiral William McRaven, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and, clandestine military planners, intelligence analysts, members of the assault force, and more, the film reveals the risks and tensions of a mission whose purpose was clear, but whose outcome was never certain.

Brand New

INSTRUMENTS OF DEATH 4

14 September, Thursdays 20h15 

Instruments of Death is a gripping series that shows how some of history’s deadliest weapons have been used and how they have shaped major events. Through a series of modern experiments, viewers get a close look at the effects of blades and bullets on the human body. Presenters Karl Ude-Martinez and Kevin Hicks also look at how weapons and body armour were developed to inflict the most untreatable, bloody and mortal wounds possible.

Brand New & Exclusive 

ANCIENT ALIENS S15

16 September, Saturdays 19h25 

In this new installment of fan-favourite Ancient Aliens, Giorgio Tsoukalos explores numerous controversial theories and sites across the world. From uncovering relics from the alleged UFO crash in Roswell, to invest gat ng shocking new evidence that advanced civilizat ons might have existed tens of thousands of years ago. Season 15 of the show also looks at what important clues about other intelligent life in our galaxy we can glean from examining UFO sight ng shapes, sizes, and the way they maneuver.

Brand New & Exclusive 

SEX: A BONKERS HISTORY

23 September, Saturdays 20h15 

The HISTORY Channel investigates the history of sex with Sex: A Bonkers History. Many think of the ‘Swinging Sixties’ as the ultimate sexual revolution and everything before it as a prudish mix of strict religion and no sex before marriage. While that might have been the official story at times…history reveals a much raunchier reality beneath the sheets. The hosts run a curious and anthropological eye over the sexual mores of human societies from prehistoric times to today, including a look at icons like Cleopatra and Marilyn Monroe.

How MultiChoice Could Save The Disney Channel From Possible Extinction?

As part of a global effort to prioritise Disney+, the Mouse company had been shuttering several Disney Channels across the world with most notable territories residing in the UK, Australia and Asia. More channel closures are currently underway in Asia with more territories expected to follow.

MultiChoice has kept their remaining linear offering under warps for another two years while Disney continued to close about 18 channels in Asia as the goal was to close 100 international channels over the 30 channels in the previous year with more closures expected in the remaining regions.

Disney Channel is kind of put in that spot as it was basically M-Net in kids entertainment featuring animation like The Owl House, Gravity Falls and Star Vs. The Forces Of Evil to live-action like That's So Raven, High School Musical, Teen Beach and Camp Rock.

To see that all fold under a tile on Disney+ doesn't sit well with some viewers. As some struggle to cover most of their monthly expenses and those using the app often run into some technical difficulties. Also taking to the fact that South Africa is the only known region aside from Northern parts of Africa to have the streamer.

It is not available in other parts of Southern Africa much less the rest of Western and Eastern parts of the region.

The best way for MultiChoice to potentially phase out the Disney Channel would be to undergo a possible rebrand similar to Boomerang's transition to the preschool market with Cartoonito or as mentioned sometime ago by Disney's CEO, a potential sell/spinoff of the linear channel.

Sure most Disney Channels never resulted in a rebrand/spinoff but the outcome to their demise was proven unfavourable for cable providers particularly in Asia where they had their alternatives cutoff due to poor reception.

Disney Channel has become repetitive I mean Lab Rats has taken over their remaining live-action slate while their only primetime offering residing within animation is dominated by Miraculous with a bit of hiccups from The Ghost And Molly McGee and Hamster & Gretel.

And I feel that this revamped channel would try to give these remaining shows much exposure not only Miraculous. Considering that a majority of the channel is reruns as seen in the past months perhaps some minor exceptions like Lab Rats would fall under the new brand.

Disney Channel is something you can't duplicate and having a random channel like Nickelodeon would only make matters worse. Sure viewers may explore a similar lineup but the only reason would tune into the channel is for the actual. If this follow-up has any shot in survival it's through the content that made Disney Channel.