Total Carnage??? MultiChoice Was Rumoured To Be Selling Off DStv And Keeping Showmax Few Years Back, Could This Explain The Sudden Inclusion Of 1Max And Possible Pursuit Of Canal+?

Last month, M-Net's 1Magic and Me channels merged to form another TV channel in the M-Net Series trilogy, 1Max. The channel would home to various original shows already streaming on Showmax with some hiccups from M-Net and the former 1Magic.

Since its inception, 1Max was a subject of numerous conspiracies as the channel was only unveiled by midnight when 1Magic went dark. There was no notice issued to the media beforehand about 1Max but they were reports of a rebranded offering. 

Since their demise from last month, consumers had been asking where to view shows like The Real Housewives Of Durban and Heels and whether or not a followup to Me is on the cards.

If you were MultiChoice, you'd tell consumers that that all this content was allocated on 1Max and that consumers need to upgrade to Compact+. But no mention of that by MultiChoice and M-Net even their PR don't mention them in their content offering. 

Now why 1Max's rollout remains a mystery is simple firstly programme guide for the channel often lists 1Magic. I mean it's understandable if it were SuperSport as most content is live and previous iterations Me and 1Magic never went through such scenario. 

The other accessibility as 1Max is applicable to premium consumers in South Africa. Other consumers are told to view remaining M-Net channels and experience an enhanced viewing experience on Showmax.

Few years ago, some inside sources had mentioned that MultiChoice was looking to separate DStv and Showmax. These rumours even escalated further as sources had mentioned the possible sale of DStv with all the focus shifting onto Showmax. 

During the year, Canal+ took center stage and expressed interest in acquiring remaining shares at MultiChoice. Considering the various hurdles, the French broadcaster will have to undergo as a foreigner some envision them only getting a select assets from MultiChoice. 

This could be pay-tv platforms DStv and GOtv alongside MultiChoice Studios. Perhaps a portion of MultiChoice could continue to operate independently this part would only focus on Showmax and retain few channels like M-Net for instance.

This arrangement could serve more like Disney-FOX merger where the American feed of FOX continues to offer the best of 20th Century Studios despite the TV channel not being under Disney's custody in the region. 

Maybe there's a reason 1Max is not viewable outside of South Africa and this could have something to do with Showmax. 

Similar to DStv, it's likely a majority of Showmax consumers aren't in these markets I mean it wouldn't seem far fetched. Various international streamers like VIU and Disney+ only reside in South Africa and aren't accessible in other African countries. 

PBS International Partners With Brands & Rights 360 To Expand Global Presence In Kids Markets

PBS International, the global distribution and co-production arm of PBS Distribution, announce a strategic partnership with Madrid-based marketing and commercial company Brands & Rights 360. In a unified effort, Brands & Rights 360 will collaborate with PBS International’s recently restructured children’s sales team, which includes Andrea Burton, Jamie Shata, and Sabrina Hall Aguirre, to serve as sales agent for PBS KIDS content. 

As part of this partnership, Brands & Rights 360 will work with international broadcasters, leveraging their extensive network and expertise in the industry to maximize the reach and impact of PBS KIDS award-winning content which includes Arthur, Lyla in the Loop and Elinor Wonders Why. With a shared dedication to delivering high-quality programming, PBS International and Brands & Rights 360 are poised to introduce PBS KIDS shows to broadcasters in new territories, ensuring more children and families worldwide can enjoy enriched content.

'We are thrilled to welcome Brands & Rights 360 to our international sales team for PBS KIDS content', said Andrea Downing, President of PBS Distribution. 'Their deep understanding of the global kids' market and proven track record of success make them an ideal partner'.

Brands & Rights 360 is known for its selective approach to partnerships, taking on a few, carefully chosen, high-quality and diverse animation and live action titles and brands with a  strong potential in the international market. This aligns perfectly with PBS International's commitment to delivering content that not only entertains but also educates and inspires young minds.

'We are delighted to work with PBS International to distribute their high-quality and award-winning children’s programming', said Ignacio (Iñaki) Orive, President of Brands & Rights 360. 'We look forward to bringing the wonderful PBS KIDS titles to many more international linear channels and digital platforms to reach families worldwide'.

This partnership comes at a time of growing demand for premium children's content across global markets, with families increasingly seeking programming that combines entertainment with educational value.

Important Notice Dated 21 May

As some of you may have already noticed we've made various changes on Insidus to see how our reader's interact with our content. This included the abrupt cancellation of our lightweight alternative Insidus Lite and recent posts section as various content is under related posts and labels.

One of the recent changes were with Content Banners which we want to let readers know those will serve more as a pop-up. We've taken the liberty of reinstating Regular Nick: Games as it continues to be trailblazer in foreign markets with Insidus Plus put up on a trial basis as we navigate the next steps.

Thank you for your continued support. 

ID Africa Announces New Docuseries Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter

.Investigation Discovery, the leading true crime network, announced Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter, a four-part docuseries that delves into the lives of Nick and Aaron Carter. From their outsized fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s to their headline-making struggles in recent years, the docuseries pulls back the curtain on the fraught dynamic of the Carter family and the dark side of such an abrupt rise to fame.

 

At its core, Fallen Idols explores the accusations of sexual assault against Nick Carter by three women while also diving into his brother, Aaron Carter’s, struggles with mental health and substance abuse – and the rift that occurred after Aaron decided to support his brother’s accusers. Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter premieres across two nights on Sunday, 2 June and Sunday, 9 June, from 21:00 – 23:00 CAT on ID Africa. 

 

In 2017, Nick Carter was accused of sexual assault by singer and actress Melissa Schuman, a former member of the popular girl group DREAM, while Nick Carter and the Backstreet Boys were at the height of their fame. In the years following Schuman’s decision to come forward, additional accusers, Ashley Repp and Shay Ruth spoke out with similar accusations. During this period, Aaron Carter decided to support Nick’s accusers while battling addiction and struggling with his own mental health, stoking a very public feud between the two brothers in the lead-up to Aaron’s tragic death in 2022. Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter delves into the accusations against Nick and how those intertwined with the volatile relationship between the two brothers.  

 

Featuring exclusive interviews with Melissa Schuman, Ashley Repp, and Shay Ruth, who offer emotional, powerful insights and perspectives into their allegations against Nick, Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter not only offers a deeper understanding of the allegations but also chronicles the intense backlash Nick’s accusers have faced since their decision to speak publicly and the lasting impact that has had on their lives. The docuseries also features first-hand accounts from a member of the Carter family and close family friends, including Nick’s ex-girlfriend Kaya Jones and Aaron’s former fiancé Melanie Martin, to offer an intimate perspective on how intense fame and the spotlight caused a rift between the two brothers.

 

Over four parts, on Sunday, 2 June and Sunday, 9 June, from 21:00 to 23:00, CAT Fallen Idols explores the dark side of fame and fraught family dynamics, but also the intense challenges faced by accusers who come forward against celebrities and pop culture icons in today’s modern world. 

Disney Channel Serves Up Another Round Of Fun and Adventure With Brand-New Seasons Of Klik Klub And Wandi & Kabz

Get ready for double the fun this winter as Disney Channel (DStv Channel 303) welcomes the return of two popular short-form series Klik Klub and Wandi & Kabz, both for a second season. Klik Klub premieres on Friday, 24 May at 16:50 CAT while Wandi & Kabz joins the party on Friday, 21 June at 16:55 CAT.

 

The Klik Klub is a cool after-school club where a group of kids of different ages hang out and send invitation letters to their favourite influencers. They wait in anticipation to see which surprise celebrity guest will knock on their door, carrying a mystery box filled with ingredients representing their childhood food memory. Thereafter, the group splits into two teams to cook up a storm with the mystery box contents and compete in a taste challenge.

 

The season one cast Bokamoso Khalushi (15); Diante Lee-Kye Bastew (10); Kimberley Orielle Strange (11) and Cebelihle Khanyisa Mbambo (14) are joined by two new members this season - Asha Grace Palesa Vorster (12) and Caiden Hunter Distiller (12).

 

The crew is ready to take on a new season of culinary challenges as they welcome new surprise celebrity guests: Dancer and TikTok sensation Justin De Nobrega, Miss Universe South Africa 2023 and Miss Supranational South Africa 2024 Bryoni Govender, dancer and content creator Summer Heynes, actress and host Candice Modiselle and Mi Casa trumpeter Mo-T. With laughter, friendly competition, and a healthy dose of laughs, Klik Klub is the perfect after-school hangout session. 

 

Klik Klub is produced by That Food Guy Group for The Walt Disney Company Africa and premieres on Disney Channel (DStv channel 303) from Friday, 24 May at 16:50 (CAT). 

 

Wandi & Kabz, a live-action meets animation comedy series, is anchored by Ogadinma Ngobili (14) as Wandi and Marang Neo (10) as Kabz. These besties go on grand adventures together, meeting popular African historical figures, thanks to Wandi’s special antique, time-travelling pocket watch. After a quick and playful interaction, the historical figures whisk Wandi and Kabz off to the past for a light-hearted glimpse into significant scenes from their lives.

 

From the bustling streets of gold rush-era Johannesburg to the epic battles of the Zulu Kingdom, Season 2 of Wandi & Kabz brings history to life with trademark humour and wit. Viewers can expect to learn fascinating facts while laughing along with the show's infectious energy from figures that include Queen of Sheba, King Moshoeshoe and Albertina Sisulu.

 

The roles of the historical figures are played by South African actors and actresses – the guest cast include:

• Yaa Asantewaa - Ashanti warrior queen who defended the Golden Stool played by Nokuthula Ledwaba

• Nana Asma’u - Scholarly princess who founded women’s schools played by Moliehi Didie Makobane

• Imhotep - Ancient Egyptian architect who built the first pyramid played by Jacques Blignaut

• David Livingstone - Scottish explorer who named Victoria Falls played by Charlie Bouguenon

• Job Maseko - South African WWII hero who outsmarted the enemy played by Ben Tjibe

• King Moshoeshoe - Founder of Lesotho and first King who favoured peace over war played by Michael Mabizela

• Olive Schreiner - South African feminist writer who challenged stereotypes played by Deoudoné van der Merwe

• Shaka Zulu - Founder of the Zulu Empire who revolutionized warfare played by Nicholas Nkuna

• Queen of Sheba - Renowned ruler known for her beauty and intellect and met with King Solomon played by Bianca Le Grange

• Albertina Sisulu - South African anti-apartheid activist who led the Women’s March played by Faith Baloyi

 

Wandi & Kabz is produced by Storyline Productions and premieres on Disney Channel (DStv channel 303) from Friday, 21 June at 16:55 (CAT).