If Not DStv And Showmax, Could M-Net And SuperSport Rebrand Under The Canal+ Trademark?

Canal+ is a French based pay-tv provider operated by Vivendi that distribute various films, series and TV channels. It is also one of MultiChoice's biggest shareholders and as reported sometime ago are set to merge their operations within Africa 

As some readers are aware, Canal+ has acquired numerous stock in the recent years in an attempt to expand their operations. They currently own French broadcaster Orange SA's film and TV studios alongside M7 Group that is based in Europe. 

Most of these assets are being credited as "A Canal+ Company" if not rebranding to Canal+ as yet. Of course, there's questions as to whether a similar fate could be awaiting the DStv and GOtv parent company, MultiChoice.

During the month, Canal+ Group CEO was approached by journalists where he addressed several matters regarding MultiChoice. As reported, he's been given the greenlight to acquire the remaining shares and is currently drawing up a proposal to appease legislation. 

"So, you don't discard assets. Unless you have to." What is true is that we're only facing companies [like Netflix, Apple, etc.] that have one brand. And it makes them stronger. But if you ask me today, what would you do? You know, I would definitely not change the brands. They are very strong brands.

As implied these endeavors don't have to happen right away as there was a matter in Austria where HD Austria had rebranded to Canal+ Austria. The fate of DStv and Showmax will probably be dependent on where they stand with audiences in the coming years.

But from the other portion of the statement, it is also possible that DStv will remain as DStv. Even if they were to subject it to a rebrand, it will probably be what Elon Musk did to Twitter (Now X) majority referring to it as DStv another being the rapid decline in viewers. 

There wouldn't be much to salvage if your audience hadn't shown any signs of improvement. The only reason you'd hide under another identity would be cover up those losses as seen with MultiChoice in regards to their premium numbers.

Although DStv and Showmax wouldn't be subject to a rebrand one would need to turn their attention to what comes on these platforms. We don't envision them rebranding KykNET or Mzansi Magic but crediting various shows and films as StudioCanal.

If there's a brand I'd probably wonder about now it would be M-Net as their international endeavors had been reduced in recent years. They had closed 1Magic and Me earlier in the year as the latter had been merged with Showmax (which wind up with 1Max).

If this was M-Net's way of transitioning to Showmax this would be an appropriate time cause unlike SuperSport it's struggling to retain its consumers following increased competition from Netflix and Disney+.

It is true that only two things drive subscriptions, he added. Discounts and sports. When there's a specific game that everyone wants to watch, Canal+ sees a spike of thousands of subscribers.

"(But) not one movie will drive subscriptions. Still, people who like sports, they like cinema. The opposite is not true."

Movies are seen as a prerequisite for subscribers. "And the economics work because you kind of amortise one over the other," says Saada.

Canal+ Group had mentioned that discounts and sports drive subscription cause when one game comes broadcasts the subscription numbers spike but when a movie comes on not one drive in subscription. One of those reasons we should question M-Net's fate.

If anything, M-Net could become Canal+ Premiere with the group of local channels continued to be referred as M-Net. Or like SuperSport it remains on air and Canal+ looks to launch separate TV channels under the company name as seen in other markets. 

School Is Out And The Fun Is In As DStv Offers Disney Channel In An Open Window This Winter Break To All DStv Family And Access Customers

DStv viewers are in for a treat this school holiday, as Disney Channel (DStv, Channel 303) will be opening to DStv Family and Access customers from Saturday, 15 June – Sunday, 7 July. To celebrate, Disney Channel has collected super-sized doses of fun, laughter and adventure, including returning films and seasons of fan favourites as well as brand new live-action and animation series.

 

Special holiday programming that customers will be able to dive into, include a mix of new series from Pretty Freekin’ Scary S1 to Chip ‘n Dale S2 to old friends on Bunk’d: Against the Ropes S7 and more in-between. A very special Saturday Movie Night block will be launched at 19:30 (VAT) and kicks off on 15 June with the iconic Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) High School Musical – following the gifted students at East High, the film broke barriers and stars Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale.

 

Other movies include High School Musical 2 on 22 June; brand-new animated movie Night at The Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again on 29 June and on 6 July Lego Marvel Avengers: Code Red, all at 19:30 CAT. 

 

Local is indeed lekker as we welcome back Wandi & Kabz on Friday, 28 June at 16:50 CAT for Season 2. This live-action meets animation comedy series featuring Ogadinma Ngobili (14) as Wandi and Marang Neo (10) as Kabz is a laugh-a-minute. 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.

 

Animated offerings this month include the Season 4 premiere of Big City Greens on 22 June at 12:20 CAT. Bill Green and his two children Cricket and Tilly move in with his mother Alice (Gramma), who lives on a small farm in the middle of a city known as "Big City". In Season 4, the Greens celebrate Halloween and Bill is disappointed by the tiny pumpkins he grew, so Tilly steals an alien compound to grow the pumpkins and make her papa happy. You can also enjoy a double bill of Chip ‘n Dale: Park Life followed by Monsters at Work on Monday– Friday, from 17 June at 06:50 CAT. Monsters at Work is the sequel series to the Monsters Inc franchise and follows the journey an eager young monster Tylor Tuskmon.

 

There’s also plenty of high adventure highlights with everyone’s favourite ladybug Marinette in Miraculous Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. Enjoy all three Ladybug movies on Saturday mornings at 10;40 CAT starting with Miraculous World: New York United Heroes on 15 June, followed by Miraculous World: Shanghai, The Legend of Ladydragon on 22 June and Miraculous World Paris: Tales of Shadybug and Claw Noir on 29 June.

Celebrating Fatherhood: A Glimpse into the Lives of Ayanda Makayi, Vuyo Biyela, Duma Ndlovu, and Junior Khanye

Fatherhood is a unique journey, especially when balancing the demands of a thriving career. For Ayanda Makayi, Vuyo Biyela, Duma Ndlovu, and Junior Khanye, this balance is a daily act of love and dedication. As we celebrate Father's Day, these prominent figures from the South African entertainment industry share their experiences and insights on being present and engaged fathers despite their hectic schedules.

 

Ayanda Makayi known for his role as Stokie on the Mzansi Magic telenovela Gqeberha: The Empire, understands the challenges of balancing his career with fatherhood especially in a co-parenting dynamic but tries to continuously connect with his son. He says “balancing your career with responsibilities is never easy especially being far from your child. He is in Johannesburg and I’m here in Gqeberha but it’s important to always remember purpose and why I am here which is for him and being a father who can provide for him. Support system is also very important and his mother and “Mam’P” (his nanny) are amazing and he is just so loved which makes it all work and all worth it.” He adds that because of the distance, he relies on videos calls to connect with his son but outside of the usual video calls he enjoys traditions with his son which include “our ice cream dates at McDonald’s , kicking the ball together, Lwandle loves swimming so I try make sure I can take him to go to his lessons whenever I can, pick him up from school, we love singing together… even in his baby language.”

 

Vuyo Biyela, who portrays Kwenzo Dlamini on Mzansi Wethu's popular telenovela Sibongile & the Dlaminis, firmly believes that fatherhood comes first and balancing his acting career with parenting is a non-negotiable and he admits that a supportive family structure aids in this balance. “I’m a father before I’m an actor so balance is not a question. I always make time for my kids regardless of my busy schedule. I have a very supportive family structure so that also makes things easier." He adds, “when I’m not on call we love playing educational board games and since my son is a football fanatic, my daughter and I are always at his training sessions and football matches supporting him and lastly my daughter always gives us live performances of singing and dance every night before bedtime that’s where everyone shares a good laugh.”

 

⁠Renowned poet, playwright, and producer, Duma Ndlovu who is currently working on drama series Queen Modjajdi coming to Mzansi Magic, on Sunday 14 July at 20:00. acknowledges the challenges of balancing a demanding career with fatherhood saying “balancing my demanding career with fatherhood has been a challenge, but I have always made it a priority to set aside dedicated time for my children. Whether it's mealtimes, sharing ideas and things to do, or weekend activities, I try to be fully present and engaged when I'm with them. Most especially on big calendar days. We always gather and share meals and laughter.” He adds that ⁠when he is not working he makes it a point to engage in activities that his family and more especially his children enjoy, “we have established some traditions such as telling stories, weekend road trips to the villages, and family nights which we all look forward to. These moments are precious to me, and I cherish the bond we share during these times.”

 

Soccer legend and analyst, Junior Khanye whose 14-part reality show Fixing the Game: Junior Khanye will premiere on Mzansi Wethu on Thursday 11 July at 18:30, values every moment spent with his kids, even amidst a hectic schedule. Despite his kids not living with him, he emphasises that he always finds time to spend with them, “it can be two hours or one hour and even though they don’t stay with me, I don’t mind travelling and seeing them because my kids come first. I know work comes first because if I don’t work, I can’t provide for my kids but in my life, my kids come first, and I try my best to always give time to seeing my kids in between my busy schedule.” He emphasizes that it is important that he shows up for his family and encourages all fathers to do the same.

 

As these fathers share their stories, it is evident that fatherhood is a commitment that transcends distance, time, and professional demands. This Father's Day, we celebrate the dedication and the loving bonds Fathers nurture with their children. Let the experiences of these enetertainment fathers remind us of the significance of being present and making every moment count.

Wang’kolota Coming Back To Mzansi Wethu For Season 3 With New Host

Are you a ‘skepsel’ in need but a ‘kleva’ in the streets? Well, Wang’kolota is coming back to Mzansi Wethu for a third season with new host, Trevor Gumbi, from Sunday 18 August and they are coming for you!

Wang'kolota puts a spotlight on individuals who openly and freely spend their money while neglecting to pay back those they owe. The host and his crew step in to help the lender retrieve what they are owed from the borrower after the he/she has been struggling to get back what is owed to them.

However, it’s not just about going to get what’s due to you since there might be legal implications and consent from all partiers is crucial. For this reason, the show engages a legal representative for advice on the most suitable legal approach to seize the accused’s property to find ways to repay the debt, should the need arise.

It is important to ensure that the accused is capable of consenting, fully willing, under no duress, and in full knowledge of the risks and consequences involved.

Can the host and his team help retrieve it or are there deeper unresolved issues standing in the way? Tune in to Wang’kolota on Mzansi Wethu DStv Channel 163 from Sunday 18 August at 20:00

Recap To The Month: Canal+ Looking To Make MultiChoice A Global Powerhouse Against The Likes Of Disney And Netflix By Making Local Content Go Global

During the month, Canal+ Group CEO was approached by journalists where he addressed several matters regarding MultiChoice. As reported, he's been given the greenlight to acquire the remaining shares and is currently drawing up a proposal to appease legislation. 

Together the merged company would have reached 50 million households (30 million reside within Africa). It would make it the biggest entertainment company across the world that's not based in the United States.

Apart from the MultiChoice deal in Africa, the group had increased its share in the Hong Kong-based streaming platform Viu to 30% - with the option of increasing it to 50%. Viu has accumulated 15 million subscribers in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Canal+ plans for MultiChoice's local endeavors 

Saada says the new, merged company will take a "very, very different approach" than the American companies, by focusing on the highest quality local content. "And it's not necessarily very difficult, but it needs resources. And once you reach a scale of 50 million subscribers, then you have the resources."

Implying that local content from M-Net and various of other brands like Mzansi Magic, Africa Magic and KykNET will likely resurface in parts of Europe and Asia. Now that funds coming into MultiChoice will have additional outlets and possible increase local commission. 

MultiChoice Studios' offering was limited to Showmax and various M-Net channels. With Canal+, we'll probably be seeing more of Blood Psalms and Recipe For Love And Murder and possible content distributed in France before Africa. 

Where does this leave brands like eNCA and SABC News?

Nothing can be for certain in regards to that as Canal+ does supply various local channels from DStv onto their platforms in Francophone Africa. These include Africa Magic Epic, M-Net Movies, SuperSport La Liga and Premier League and Zee World.

South African content has been known to be kind of pricey one of the reasons eNCA is not viewable on a platform like Openview. It's not necessarily about exclusivity but the fact that there's not much competitors that can aid in MultiChoice's pursuit in that regard.

If anything, it would probably be a miracle if some content from these channels wind up on French based news channel Canal+ 8 (C8). There's been scenarios where TV channels would just invest in regional content it was like that with BBC News and CGTN.