Must Read: Important Notice Dated 2nd August

As some might have already noticed, Google has made some rather bizarre updates to their algorithms which had affected part of my traffic. It's worsened to a point where some of my content struggles to get indexed or picked up through search engines and yes I discovered this has affected various website owners. 

We are currently exploring various options for our platforms in order to continue feeding readers content. It's evident with Google's recent updates that they've become unreliable in shaping the stability of this platform and it sucks honestly as there's websites taking your content and recieve better results with Google. 

Some of these websites block users with ad-blockers, have very thin content which Google mentions from time to time again they can't tolerate. Last thing on our words is to remain on air as we've seen a couple of websites shut down if not abandon their readers due to these changes.

Warner Bros. Discovery Will Be Shutting Down The Boomerang Streaming Service By The End Of September

Warner Bros. Discovery announced today that the standalone video streaming app and website for its Boomerang service, which is dedicated to classic cartoon brands, will be shut down on September 30 of this year. Boomerang content will be added to WBD’s Max platform as the company moves to consolidate its streaming services.

Current Boomerang subscribers will see their accounts automatically converted into Max ad-free plans at their same payment rate. Existing login credentials will also be ported to Max.

Boomerang is the WBD branded home for well-known animated content from the Warner Bros. library, including Hanna-Barbera and Ruby-Spears favorites like Scooby-Doo, The Jetsons and Tom & Jerry as well as the iconic Looney Tunes banner.

The statement from WBD to Boomerang subscribers reads:

Hey folks,

We’re reaching out to let you know that Boomerang will be moving to Max, and as of September 30th, the Boomerang app and website will no longer be available. The exciting news is that your Boomerang subscription will automatically transfer to Max (Ad-Free) with no change to your subscription price until further notice!

Here’s what you need to know:

Logging In: Starting September 30th, you can log in to Max using your Boomerang email and password.

Kids Profile: We’ll have a Kids Profile set up in your account, allowing you to set parental controls and ratings restrictions.

Max Content: On Max, enjoy loads of Boomerang fan-favorites with Scooby, Bugs Bunny, Tom & Jerry and more! While some Boomerang content may not be available, you’ll have access to Max’s full catalog of iconic series, hit movies, fresh originals, breaking news, and family favorites including The Amazing World of Gumball, Teen Titans Go!, LEGO Batman and more.

Billing: Throughout September, Apple will be transitioning your billing from Boomerang to Max.

Development Alert: MTV 80s And MTV Hits UK Have Been Merged With The EMEA Feeds

With Skydance currently undergoing a potential takeover of Paramount after receiving approval from Shari Redstone. The merged seeks reduce costs which amount to $2 billion dollars which may include retrenchment, possible sale of assets and as seen with Paramount+ content cuts.

In the UK, it had revealed by a viewer that MTV Hits and MTV 80s are both receiving the same frequencies as those seen in other parts of Europe (EMEA). For those who aren't familiar with these brands, MultiChoice once carried the pop centered MTV Hits before replacing it with jazz infused Qwest TV.

Canal+ who similar to Skydance are looking to also gobble up an existing company or in this case MultiChoice also distributes MTV Hits for consumers in Ethopia and alongside MultiChoice offer MTV, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. 

Prior to these takeovers, Paramount was doing a lot of budget cuts take for instance the main MTV channel which had been unified across Europe. These endeavors had also reached kids brands Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. with MTV Base, BET and Nicktoons being exempted.

The UK has seen more cord cutting in recent months while Paramount only phased the localized versions of MTV's music offering. Channel 4 that serves as a local broadcaster in that market went as far as closing stations KISS, Magic, The Box and 4Music as low revenue was being generated. 

E! Africa To Unveil Local Adaptation Of Hit Comedy Dating Series Dating #Nofilter

E! Entertainment Television – the pop culture channel from NBCUniversal International Networks & DTC – today announced the start of production for Dating #NoFilter, a 10x60’ unscripted comedy dating series produced by Brainstorm Entertainment.

Licenced globally by NBCUniversal Formats, the format originally aired on E! in the US and is being adapted for the African audience, with filming in progress at the Mall of Africa in Johannesburg. The show is set to premiere exclusively on E! Africa (DStv channel number 124) later this year.

Dating #NoFilter will follow a group of singles on blind dates whose search for love will be accompanied by commentaries from some of South Africa’s most hilarious celebrities. Amongst the 15 comedic cast are comedian, TV personality and actor Jason Goliath (E!’s Celebrity Game Night, Ses' Top La); actress and radio personality Hope Mhbele; and media personality and content creator Lebogang Tlokana – also known as “The Funny Chef.”

Jason and the other comics will watch the dates unfold, offering unfiltered commentary on each moment – from every awkward interaction to every touching glance. Inevitable dating disasters aside, the hope is that the couples will form genuine connections.

“Building on the success of E! Africa’s local adaptation of Celebrity Game Night, this production underscores our focus on delivering content that resonates with African viewers – in this case, uniquely showcasing some of South Africa’s wittiest personalities,” said Hendrik McDermott, Managing Director, Hayu, EMEA Networks & International Direct-To-Consumer, NBCUniversal.

"Dating #NoFilter is a brilliant format with international appeal. Viewers love watching their favourite comedians offer side-splitting commentary while love seekers navigate the hilarious and unpredictable world of dating. I can’t wait to see South African audiences be swept off their feet by what promises to be a sensational new series,” commented Ana Langenberg, SVP Format Sales & Production, NBCUniversal Formats.

Produced by Brainstorm Entertainment for NBCUniversal International Networks & DTC, Dating #NoFilter is a hilarious take on modern dating. Dating #Nter is disoFiltributed globally by NBCUniversal Formats, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. The series originally aired on E! in the US, with the African version marking the fourth international adaptation.

Dating #NoFilter is set to premiere on E! Africa (DStv channel number 124) later this year.

News Shorts: A Rebroadcast Of A Passion For Revenge Debuts On Telemundo And Mnakwethu Happily Ever After? Returns For Season 4 On Mzansi Magic

Telemundo hits the snooze button with A Passion For Revenge 

Set in Houston, Texas, the story of the well-raised, humble and hardworking Gallardo brother's quest for vengeance against the wealthy and powerful Del Junco family. When the body of young, beautiful, and pregnant Alma Gallardo is found in the Houston River, her brother's Arturo, Samuel, and Flavio believe the family of her lover Ignacio Del Junco is to blame.

Taking the last name "Rey" to disguise their identity, the brothers begin to work as construction workers at the sprawling Del Junco horse ranch to get closer to their enemy. With Ignacio already dead and learning how their beloved sister was mistreated by Ignacio's family, the brothers set out for revenge against Ignacio's widow, Cayetana, and her daughters Sofía, Irina, and Andrea. 

It airs daily at 19:00 from 13 August.

Mnakwethu Happily Ever After? is back

Mzansi Magic's Mnakwethu Happily Ever After? returns to Mzansi Magic for a brand-new season, promising more drama than ever before. This season, polygamists Dulas and Qondanisa, who were introduced in Season 1, are joined by Ntshangase, bringing his own family challenges to the forefront.

The reality show is a spin-off of the popular series Mnakwethu, where Musa Mseleku (known from Uthando neS’thembu) helps husbands seek permission from their wives to take additional wives. Mnakwethu Happily Ever After? explores life after these decisions and examines how the introduction of new wives impacts existing relationships.

In Season 4, the show delves into whether these families can find harmony amidst the complexities of polygamy. For instance, Qondanisa’s wife Mamchunu is currently separated from him but not divorced and the family wants her back because she was financially providing for the family. And for Ntshangase, Phindile wants to leave him if he continues with the polygamy idea and her family is angry about Ntshangase betraying their daughter and want her to leave the marriage.  Kuningi!

Don't miss the captivating Season 4 premiere of Mnakwethu Happily Ever After? airing on Mzansi Magic, Channel 161, on Wednesday 16 October 20:00.