Development Alert (Rumour): 1Magic To Undergo Yet Another Rebrand Before April With M-Net's Me "Likely" To Exit DStv Possibly For Channel 111 (NBC)

Update: the channels will close 31 March 2024 and for an updated statement: click here 

Earlier in the month, MultiChoice would have removed both 1Magic and Me from the DStv platform. Following their release from possible execution, 1Magic became a Showmax repeats channel moving further exclusive content like Champions to Mzansi Magic.

Prior to this fallout, MultiChoice had removed various local TV channels including Maisha Magic Movies and ROK3 as their content integrate with other brands. It is believed that they're prioritising their streaming endeavours as they plan to boost local spend on Showmax.

Not long ago, MultiChoice had announced their price adjustments for each package and it was mentioned by the pay-tv company that Compact Plus would have a "rebranded set of channels" curated on Showmax. 

It is evident here that 1Magic is one of the TV channels MultiChoice is looking to revamp soon. As seen by some DStv consumers, all the local content such as The Real Housewives Of Lagos, The Mommy Club, Adulting and Outlaws are all based from Showmax.

Not only that but 1Magic doesn't have a programme guide for the next month as the channel lists its name with no content present. That only leaves further questions as to what plans MultiChoice has for Me as it was the only means for viewers without M-Net. 

During the week, MultiChoice had begun work on a channel 111 which was always curated for M-Net Movies pop-up channels. But this channel had the working title NBC HD imprinted leading to some theories that this could serve as a predecessor to channel 115.

In an enquiry about Me and 1Magic, it was very much mentioned that Me would be exiting soon but a date had yet to be reached while more details were still awaiting 1Magic. 

This recent developments lead us to believe that NBC could be reference to the American company NBCUniversal which has minority stake in Showmax. Maybe Me and Universal will merge into one channel featuring content from M-Net and NBC for lower packages.

It could explain why MultiChoice was looking to throw away the only channel low tiered consumers would have access to local content like Reyka and My Kitchen Rules South Africa alongside international titles like The Voice and FBI: Most Wanted.

MultiChoice South Africa Has Announced Its Price Adjustments For 2024, Which Will Take Effect On 1 April

MultiChoice South Africa has announced its price adjustments for 2024, with increases higher than in recent years – although the broadcaster said the adjustments are “fair” given the added value on offer.

CEO Marc Jury told the media in an interview on Monday that the company is also guaranteeing that customers won’t pay more than they are now for the next 24 months – provided they agree to be locked into a contract for that period. There are no additional fees, such as the decoder access fee, but only for those who elect to sign the 24-month agreement.

For those not taking advantage of the “price lock”, the annual price increases, which take effect on 1 April, are:

• DStv Premium: R929 (5.7% increase, from R879 previously)

• DStv Compact Plus: R619 (4.5% increase, from R579 previously)

• DStv Compact: R469 (4.5% increase, from R449 previously)

• DStv Family: R329 (3.1% increase, from R319 previously)

• DStv Access: R139 (7.8% increase, from R129 previously)

• DStv EasyView: R29 (no change)

Jury encouraged consumers to take advantage of the “price lock” discounts to avoid any price increases or additional fees over the next 24 months.

“Given that we understand consumer spending is under more pressure than it has been for quite some time, this is a big part of our communication this year…especially as we have renewed the English Premier League, the Champions League and LaLiga, and have extended [our agreement] with SA Rugby. Premium customers will continue to have all the best sport.”

The price lock means Premium customers will continue to pay R879/month for 24 months

The price lock means DStv Premium customers will continue to pay R879/month for 24 months, and the “access fee” of R120/month normally payable will be included in that price, too. After 1 April, however the “price lock” price will increase to R899 – again, with no additional fees – provided a 24-month contract is signed. Showmax will continue to be available as a free value-add to Premium subscribers, said Jury.

No changes will be made to pricing for the new DStv Stream internet streaming packages launched last year. These plans offer access over broadband internet lines only, and not via the traditional satellite delivery platform.

Chicken From Outer Space | Courage The Cowardly Dog | Cartoon Network

The pilot episode begins with an elderly couple, the proto-Eustace and the proto-Muriel Bagge, who live on a farm and own a pink beagle dog named Courage. The family are spending an idyllic morning together, when the proto-Courage becomes frightened by a small mouse; this prompts Eustace to angrily scare him further by use of a voodoo mask. Courage moves outside to the porch, and watches as a UFO descends from the skies. An extraterrestrial species of fowl emerges from this UFO.

Courage runs back inside the farmhouse to alert his owners of the danger; however, when they follow Courage into the yard, the saucer has disappeared, along with the alien chicken. Eustace angrily proceeds to scare Courage once more, causing Muriel to angrily strike him with a rolling pin as punishment. Courage makes his way out to the hen house, where he discovers the Space Chicken dispatching the hens Eustace and Muriel tend to.

Courage quickly runs back to the house to alert Eustace and Muriel to the presence of the alien fowl, but when Muriel returns with Courage to the hen house, the remains of the hens have mysteriously disappeared, with only the Space Chicken in their place. While Courage attempts to deduce what happened to the other hens, Muriel unknowingly takes some of the Space Chicken's eggs. Courage is able to knock two of them onto the ground; this angers the Space Chicken, who proceeds to lock Courage in the hen house upon Muriel's departure.

While Courage is making his escape from the hen house, Muriel fries the alien eggs and serves them to herself and Eustace. Courage succeeds in escaping and begins searching for a buried object. At the house, Eustace eats the eggs and begins to sweat profusely, before his eyes seemingly change color. Courage recovers his old slingshot and rushes back to the house, while Eustace begins transforming into an alien fowl himself, laughing insanely all the while. Muriel realizes the eggs are the cause for Eustace's ailment and avoids eating them. Courage arrives back at the farmhouse and ambushes the alien, momentarily knocking him unconscious with the sling-shot. The bird quickly recuperates and a fight ensues.

Courage and the Space Chicken attempt to negotiate for Muriel's safety through numerous games, such as rock-paper-scissors and fencing, while Eustace slowly completes his transformation. A mindless Eustace slowly advances upon Muriel, while Courage succeeds in the games against the alien. After claiming victory, Courage orders him to leave Earth forever. However, the Space Chicken reveals a large beam gun and attempts to assassinate Courage with it; Courage is able to dodge the beam, leading to it bouncing back onto the chicken, seemingly destroying him. Courage then shoots the alien Eustace with the same gun, causing him to disintegrate into a pile of ash.

While Courage and Muriel are lounging peacefully in a rocking chair, a mouse is seen ingesting some of Eustace's ashes, before its eyes change color which causes Courage to scream in terror, ending the pilot with a cliffhanger. As the closing iris is shown, Courage turns to us and says one thing: "This shouldn't happen to a dog!"

Could Merit Street Media Also Be Eyeing International Expansion?

Last year, Phil McGraw known for his daytime talkshow Dr. Phil announced plans to start up his own TV network, Merit Street Media. This new network would form part of a joint venture with Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) covering 65 million homes.

Phil McGraw is set to star in his own program following the cancellation of Dr. Phil in 2023. Other content set to join the line-up include Morning On Merit Street and The News on Merit Street with the network likely to explore TBN's rich archives and instill religious value.

Merit Street will debut on linear TV by February 26, 2024 on DirecTV and Dish and cable systems owned by Charter and Altice, among others. It also intends to distribute the network via various free advertiser-supported television or streaming services, or FAST channels.

As to whether this new network would be distributed in other countries. TBN already distributes film channel Positiv and church channel TBN in these countries so Merit Street Media forming part of this line-up wouldn't seem that far fetched of an idea.

Phil McGraw already has a presence with his as mentioned cancelled medical show, Dr. Phil. If not a TV network, selected content from Merit Street Media will likely surface as a programming block on TBN as seen formerly Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) on TLC.

Development Alert: WaterBear Network Extends It's Reach To WildEarth

WildEarth.tv and the WaterBear Network have announced a content partnership agreement that will see a selection of documentaries and short films from WaterBear screened on Freeview channel 91 in the UK, as well as on channel 183 on the DSTV platforms across the African continent.

This new partnership consolidates the relationship between WildEarth and WaterBear – the platform where impact meets entertainment – and enhances the shared goal of both organisations to increase awareness of conservation efforts around the world.

The WaterBear strands will premiere on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, in February and March, and will feature across the global distribution network of WildEarth.tv. The strands will additionally be repeated during prime time viewing slots on Sunday evenings.

WaterBear Network, the free streamer using storytelling to spark change in the world, produces original content, spanning biodiversity, social justice, climate action and more. Available in 194 countries, WaterBear Network connects viewers with critical global issues and the social impact campaigns of more than 150 NGOs such as Oxfam and Greenpeace.

“WildEarth is excited to partner with WaterBear. We look forward to introducing our viewer base to this high quality programming that has such a positive effect on our planet” said Emily Wallington, the Co-Founder of WildEarth.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with WildEarth.tv and expanding our reach across the UK and Africa. WildEarth shares our dedication to compelling storytelling and environmental stewardship. This collaboration not only serves to captivate audiences but also to deepen global awareness about the urgent challenges facing our planet. At WaterBear Network, we actively seek partners who share our vision of informing, educating, and inspiring action. WildEarth’s commitment to connecting people with nature aligns perfectly with our mission,” added Oliver Taprogge, VP of Distribution at WaterBear Network.