Recap To The Week: SABC Unveils A Slate Of Content For Their Channels In The Coming Months Including Wheel Of Fortune SA And Winnie Mandela Doccie In Partnership With Netflix

Not long ago, it was reported that both BBC Studios and SABC had formed a content new deal which would see several content from the BBC fold under two hour block on SABC 3. Prior to this, SABC held a content showcase unveiling several content in the pipeline. 

For SABC 1, they'll be partnering up with Netflix SA on two doccies, The Trials of Winnie Mandela and Just call me Arch. These will be based on the lives of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu - no dates have been shared as yet.

Netflix also scooped up The Bold And The Beautiful after the public broadcaster couldn't afford to keep it on air and rivals such as Vodacom Video Play and EVA channel on DStv shuttered. 

Other projects in development for SABC 1 include Sjava's 1 Man Show (15 June), Breaking Down Borders (3 July) and Roxic (8 October). Returning shows include Hotspot Seli (formerly Selimathunzi, 4 July) and The Voice South Africa (28 September).

For SABC 2 and SABC 3, the public broadcaster will be expanding the reality lineup with Wheel Of Fortune SA, Raid The Cage (27 May), Crown Chasers (22 June), Big Day For 2K (June) and Wife Swap SA (1 July) and an untitled popular American game show. 

Returning shows on the channel include The Masked Singer SA (13 April), Taste Masters (23 April) and former e.tv program SA's Got Talent (5 June), Miss SA 2024 (11 August) and Tropika Island Of Treasure (21 September).

This comes after the SABC had axed 7de Laan after 23 years on air with the public broadcaster moving further Afrikaans programs such as 50/50 and Voetspore to SABC 3. This had caused a rift with consumers and the public broadcaster had addressed the matter.

David Makubyane, head of SABC channels, said changes like Skeem Saam moving to a later timeslot on SABC1 and Afrikaans content shunted from SABC2 to SABC3 is because of changing content consumption patterns and the entrance of multiple video streaming services like Showmax, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.

"We're not blind to the plethora of competitors and content providers that have come into the space, but we stand firm and believe that the new content offering that we are going to showcase and give to our viewers will really put us into a competitive edge."

New Channel Alert: Primedia Broadcasting To Launch A New 24 Hour Pan-African News Channel

Primedia Broadcasting, a leading media company, has unveiled significant personnel changes as part of its strategic expansion into television and reinforced news services. These appointments mark a pivotal moment for the company as it positions itself for dynamic growth and innovation in the evolving media landscape.

Primedia Broadcasting announces key staff appointments in strategic expansion

At the core of this transition is the appointment of Sibusiso Ngalwa as editor-at-large, who will play a central role in establishing Primedia's 24-hour pan-African news channel. With a wealth of experience in sourcing news content and cultivating relationships across the continent, Ngalwa's proven leadership will surely elevate Primedia's news offerings to new heights. Notably, Ngalwa's recent appointment as a member of the Africa Editor's Forum (TAEF) executive committee further underlines his experience and understanding of the media landscape on the African continent.

In addition, Nisa Allie, renowned for her track record in launching successful news channels, including her notable contributions to eNCA, has been appointed as the managing editor of TV news. Her strategic acumen and editorial prowess, honed through her experience at eNCA, will be instrumental in guiding Primedia's television news division towards excellence.

Meanwhile, Mpho Raphata's promotion to managing editor of the EWN newsroom underscores Primedia's commitment to nurturing internal talent and fostering a culture of growth and development within the organisation.

In a statement, Lindile Xoko, CEO of Primedia Broadcasting, expressed confidence in the newly appointed leaders, stating, "These appointments reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering credible news to our audiences. With their expertise and leadership, we are poised to redefine storytelling in Africa and beyond."

The announcement also introduces Thembekile Mrototo, a seasoned anchor with previous experience from ENCA and more recently Newzroom Afrika and a current member of 947’s breakfast show, who joins Primedia's esteemed news anchors Jane Dutton and Kwazi Kwaza.

Mrototo's addition further enriches Primedia's news offerings, reinforcing the company's dedication to delivering comprehensive and engaging content.

Furthermore, Robert Marawa, a renowned sports broadcaster, will lead Primedia's efforts in delivering top-notch television sports news bulletins, ensuring audiences receive unparalleled coverage of sporting events.

These strategic appointments signify an exciting chapter for Primedia Broadcasting, as it continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of its audience. The company remains committed to fostering talent, driving innovation, and delivering engaging television news and content.

Development Alert: BBC Studios Extends Its Reach To The Openview Platform With New Primetime Slot On SABC 3

After eMedia Investments and BBC Studios failed to launch BBC UKTV on Openview by 2022. MultiChoice eventually snatched the rights with BBC UKTV now reaching over 12 million households in Africa with the content set to enter more households.

SABC will soon broaden its lineup with the addition of a new two hour block on SABC 3, BBC Primetime. It will feature a selection of award-winning dramas, factual entertainment, and documentaries from the BBC Studios catalogue.

“The content block will include a range of shows including a psychological crime thriller starring Idris Elba, Luther, intense medical drama, Critical, gripping factual motoring show, Top Gear (season 14-17), and romantic comedy, Cheaters,” the broadcasters said.

“Documentary series Louis Theroux: Forbidden America, exploring three controversial corners of American entertainment and culture, will also be available to watch from launch.”

The programming will be available to watch on weeknights between 21:00 and 23:00 through BBC Primetime, broadcast on S3 and streamed on SABC+ from May 2024.

The broadcasters said BBC Primetime was hand-crafted by BBC Studios to offer S3 viewers access to globally recognised-content. This marks our first block for free-to-air audiences in South Africa, giving 13 million homes access to BBC Studios content. 

The offering will be BBC Studios’ widest-reaching branded service in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Could Warner Bros. Discovery Look Into Adding TNT Sports In Africa?

During the month, it was reported that TNT Sports would be expanding to the United States. This comes a few months after Warner Bros. Discovery had launched it in the UK in place of BT Sport offering a variety of sports ranging from MMA, Bundesliga and UEFA.

Unlike the UK, TNT Sports would be rolling out in the United States as a dedicated nightly block on TruTV. Aside from live events, Warner Bros. Discovery is looking to get more sports themed content with a range of films and documentaries. 

Confirmed titles for the block include a betting show known as The Line, an interactive show known as The Bill and an NBA themed show known as The Inside Story.

Warner Bros. Discovery could look into building TNT Sports portfolio within the African market. I mean the idea wouldn't seem far fetched considering that the main TNT channel already offers All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Initially, TNT was a channel curated for movies and following the induction of AEW in the United States. The sporting event was in high demand for consumers in Africa with some wondering if TNT would get it or rely on existing broadcasters like SuperSport.

As mentioned despite being a movie channel, Warner Bros. Discovery was willing to go the extra mile by even adding doccies and content from Adult Swim. TNT Sports could form part of AEW On Weekends with its other content taking up other days in the week.

Depending on whether Warner Bros. Discovery views TNT Sports a priority in Africa. The chances of it serving as a separate tier from TNT are slim considering that majority of live sports are costly and tied up in contractual agreements with SuperSport.

News Shorts: Harold And The Purple Crayon Returns With New Live-Action Film, Prime Video Greenlights New Competition Series From MrBeast And DC Studios Announces A New Live-Action Film Based On Teen Titans

Harold is a middle aged man

Starring Zachary Levi (Shazam!), Harold and the Purple Crayon is set to be released in theaters by Sony Pictures on Aug. 2. Months ahead of the release, Sony has shared two posters for the movie, with one of them highlighting the magical purple crayon that brings to life everything Harold draws. Another poster reveals Levi in character as Harold along with some of his co-stars and the various creations he will be making with the titular crayon. 

Along with Zachary Levi, Harold and the Purple Crayon stars Lil Rel Howery (Get Out), Zooey Deschanel (The Happening), Jemaine Clement (What We Do in the Shadows), Ravi Patel (Wonder Woman 1984), Camille Guaty (The Rookie), Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education), and Pete Gardner (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). Carlos Saldanha (Ferdinand) directed the movie with a screenplay penned by David Guion and Michael Handelman.

MrBeast is heading to Prime Video 

Beast Games, which is based on Jimmy Donaldson aka MrBeast’s already successful YouTube show, is set to become the biggest reality competition series with 1000 contestants competing for a $5 million cash prize—the biggest single prize in the history of television and streaming.

Beast Games will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Teen Titans live-action film in the works

DC Studios is adding to its newly rebooted cinematic universe with a live-action film adaptation of “Teen Titans,” tapping screenwriter Ana Nogueira to pen the feature.

The news comes only four months after Nogueria was reported to be writing “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” for Warner Bros. Discovery’s comic book adaptation division. An actor and playwright, Nogueira has been involved with DC for several years now, having been originally tapped by the previous regime to write a “Supergirl” movie that would’ve seen Sasha Calle reprise the character after debuting in last summer’s “The Flash.” That project was scrapped after James Gunn and Peter Safran took on leadership roles, setting plans for a rebooted continuity of on-screen DC Comics adaptations. But the pair have maintained a relationship with Nogueira, which is further growing with “Titans.”