Recap To The Decade: eToonz Remains As The Only Source To Kids Entertainment On Openview

eToonz is currently South Africa's only children entertainment channel operated by eMedia Investments which feature a mixture of animation like Peppa Pig, SpongeBob SquarePants and Voltron alongside live-action like Victorious and Power Rangers.

Since it's inception, the channel has remained the only source to kids entertainment on Openview and also the least mentioned brand amongst eMedia Investments' stable with a lineup bombarded with repeats as other brands continue to boost their offering.

While others such as eExtra and eMovies got additional channels based on their content. eToonz on the other hand was left as a singular brand with content sharing happening across eMedia's linear platforms.

As mentioned in a previous article, adults dominate cable TV and unlike DStv there's not a lot of households on Openview with children or in particular ones that would view the content especially if a selected portion can be viewed on the main channel.

So the idea of an eToonz Extra wouldn't really have been the best implementation strategy for eMedia Investments. As seen already, eToonz doesn't have enough content to carry onto a second channel and should eMedia opt for one it would probably need to be a random channel.

In this case, something like Da Vinci or SABC Education would help fill that gap at this point. As it doesn't clash with the existing offering seen on eToonz but gives consumers more content to browse that is if eMedia Investments chooses to revisit this section.

Could NBCU's Universal Kids Or Sky UK's Sky Kids Expand To Africa??? Perhaps As A Future Replacement To Disney Channel On DStv

Sky Kids is a children's channel operated by Sky Group a subsidiary of Comcast which features live-action shows like My Friend Misty, The Brilliant World Of Tom Gates and Dino Club alongside animation like Where's Wally?, Clifford and Trollstopia.

Internationally, it is known as DreamWorks Channel and a local variation known as Universal Kids residing in the United States both of which are operated by NBCUniversal also a subsidiary of Comcast.

Disney is looking to consolidate their content to streaming as linear TV is no longer viewed as the core of their business as mentioned earlier. This has led to the cancellation of several Disney Channels in the United Kingdom, Asia, Italy, Australia and New Zealand.

In Africa, these channels had extended through 2024 on DStv and are expected to go dark at some point. Thereafter, MultiChoice would need to sought replacement channels in order to keep viewers onboard their platforms and fill the void left by Disney.

With the lack of children channels across the world, MultiChoice would most likely need to curate a customary channel similar to AMC International and Paramount Global's CBS Justice and JimJam or Ngwato Nkosi Group Movie Room and Play Room channels.

Sky Kids wouldn't seem like a far fetched brand to incorporate within the DStv platform despite the pay-tv platform already packaging DreamWorks. Some content is very much viewed on Showmax prior to the announcement that NBCUniversal had acquired a 30% stake to streamer.

NBCUniversal also supply Universal, E! Entertainment, Studio Universal and Telemundo to DStv.

This kids channel likely titled Universal Kids would see MultiChoice and NBCUniversal join forces supplying content that is not only viewable on Sky Kids in the UK but also shows streaming on Showmax or in other words a follow-up to the defunct K-TV kids brand.

What To Expect On The Nickelodeon Channels Across Africa In October 2023?

* This is applicable to selected African countries

Nickelodeon

Transformers: Earthspark
Episodes: 116-126
Timeline: 19/09/2023-14/10/2023
Slot: Weekends
Time: 11:00

Squeeze That Sponge! Stunt
New Episodes: SpongeBob 280-287 Patrick Star 121-126
Timeline: 16/10/2023-01/12/2023
Slot: Monday-Friday
Time: 14:30

Monster High
New Episodes: 114-118
Timeline: 25/10/2023-01/11/2023
Slot: Monday-Friday
Time: 16:30

Halloween Stunt
Timeline: 29/10/2023
Slot: Sunday
Time: 11:00

Nicktoons

Transformers: Earthspark
Episodes: 111-115
Timeline: 10/09/2023-09/10/2023
Slot: Sunday
Time: 14:00

The Casagrandes
Episodes: 316-320
Timeline: 09/10/2023-19/10/2023
Slot: Monday-Friday
Time: 14:25

Sunday Scary Halloween Stunt
Timeline: 29/10/2023
Slot: Sunday
Time: 11:30

Monster High
Episodes: 114-118
Timeline: 23/10/2023-01/11/2023
Slot: Monday-Friday
Time: 15:00

Nick Jr.

Adventures Of Paddington
Episodes: 301-306
Timeline: 25/09/2023-06/10/2023
Slot: Monday-Friday
Time: 07:15

Blue's Clues & You
Episodes: 407-410
Timeline: 09/10/2023-13/10/2023
Slot: Monday-Friday
Time: 05:30

Santiago Of The Seas
Episodes: 221,223-226
Timeline: 16/10/2023-27/10/2023
Slot: Monday-Friday
Time: 09:35

Deer Squad
Episodes: 301-310
Timeline: 23/10/2023-01/11/2023
Slot: Monday-Friday
Time: 06:50

Halloween Stunt
Timeline: 28/10/2023-29/10/2023
Slot: Weekends
Time: 07:15

Bossy Bear
Episodes: 111-115
Timeline: 30/10/2023-10/11/2023
Slot: Monday-Friday
Time: 08:30

Drafted: What To Expect On Warner Bros. Discovery's Channels Across Africa In October 2023?

Discovery Channel:
• Wheeler Dealers
• Expedition Bigfoot
• Gold Rush

TLC:
• Match Me Abroad
• Dr. Pimple Popper
• Kim Vs. Kanye: The Divorce
• Dr. Down Below

Discovery Family:
• Expedition Unknown

TNT:
• Margot Robbie Fan Day
• Horror Fest
• Happy 5th Anniversary TNT

Real Time:
• Crikey! It's The Irwins 

Investigation Discovery:
• High Speed Chase
• HELP! My House Is Haunted
• Does Murder Sleep?

Food Network:
• What Am I With
• Recipe: Lost Or Found
• Outrageous Pumpkins
• Beachside Brawl
• Ciao House
• Magnolia Table With Joanna Gaines
• La Pitchhouse: Cooking In France
• Everyday Cooking
• Guy's Ranch Kitchen

HGTV:
• Tough Love With Hilary Farr
• Fix My Frankenhouse
• Bargain Block
• Flip The Strip

Travel Channel:
• The Haunted Museum: 5 King Iferno
• Demon In The White House
• Ghost Of Flight 401
• Alien Encounters: Declassified
• Alien Abduction: Travis Walton
• Beyond The Unknown

Cartoon Network And Cartoonito: click here

Paramount Unveils Upcoming Projects Ahead Of Brand Licensing Europe 2023

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Paramount remains at the forefront with its commitment to innovation, creativity and engaging content that appeals to all ages and demographics. Paramount Consumer Products & Experiences has an abundance of best-in-class IP, both new and existing, as well as strategic opportunities that will excite any partner.

Off the back of a triumphant return to the silver screen, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have reignited the fandom among both nostalgic adults and curious youngsters. The new look Turtles will continue to expand in 2024, as Paramount is set to kick off an electrifying 40th-anniversary celebration of the beloved franchise. This milestone year will witness the launch of a new animated series that promises to reinvigorate the ninja heroes, as well as a whole host of in-person and digital experiences. A slate of gaming releases will keep drawing in both seasoned enthusiasts and a new generation of fans. That's not all; the slate of content planned for this franchise is truly impressive, with another blockbuster movie already announced for 2025. While the heroes in a half shell have a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with them, this year will showcase their enduring appeal - and their ability to resonate across age groups - by uniting old and new fans in a 'shell-tastic' celebration.

Building on from the Paw Patrol franchise's 10th anniversary year, Paramount and Spin Master have introduced Rubble & Crew, which invites viewers to dive deeper into Rubble's family. The year ahead will also be filled with heroic excitement, as the Heroes in Training brand campaign takes centre stage in 2024. This initiative is not just about entertainment, it's about instilling values of bravery, teamwork and compassion in young minds. Moreover, Paramount recognises the increasing demand for diverse representation, and in response is actively fostering the growth of girls' licensing across multiple categories.

SpongeBob has already come to life across 13 seasons of the original series, two spinoff series and three major theatricals, not to mention his first musical which is touring the UK this year. In 2024, Paramount is celebrating 25 years of this beloved, optimistic sea sponge with a host of surprising and delightful activity and partnerships that are sure to put a smile on everyone's faces.

The sweeping success of Yellowstone has not only captured audiences' hearts but also opened doors to a vast and immersive universe. Paramount has announced a thrilling spinoff that will delve even deeper into the gripping narrative that fans have come to adore. The momentum in the UK is bolstered by the airing of Series 1 on Channel 5, with new products available at retail as the studio continues to build out this now iconic franchise.

Kids can get ready to join Dora on another series of exciting escapades as Paramount introduces the adventurous character to a new generation of pre-schoolers. Dora is back with her vibrant animation and engaging storytelling, rendered in immersive CG animation. Paramount will debut a specially created Dora theatrical short ahead of Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie this October, before the consumer products launch rolls out in 2025.

The Avatar franchise will be serving the fandom with a live action Netflix adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender and new content from Avatar Studios coming in 2025.

While Paramount's small-screen triumphs are remarkable, the big screen still holds its enchantment. Paramount is rich in cinematic content for 2024. If is an imaginative original family title from John Krasinski. The movie tells the story of a 12-year-old girl who moves to New York and discovers that the city is home to an entire world of adorable imaginary friends.

Everyone's favourite lazy and sarcastic cat, Garfield, hits the big screen next year in a brand-new animated movie, with Chris Pratt voicing the lasagne-loving feline. For the first time in the history of the franchise, audiences will also meet Garfield's father, played by Samuel L. Jackson.

The action-packed Mission Impossible saga returns to the big screen with the highly anticipated Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 2, for what is being heralded as the cornerstone of cinematic excellence. The movie will be supported with a consumer products programme.