StarSat Issues Out Official Statement Following Dispute With ICASA

On Digital Media (ODM), the licensing company of pay television platform StarSat TV, acknowledges the statement issued by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), dated 20 September 2024, regarding StarSat’s potential exit from the subscription market in South Africa.

Owing to challenges in securing new investment in a competitive market, along with the introduction of a new shareholders agreement and the economic pressures following the COVID-19 pandemic, ODM submitted its license renewal application to ICASA later than the required deadline. Despite multiple attempts to seek guidance from ICASA officials to address these regulatory challenges, ODM did not receive the necessary support.

Furthermore, the Gauteng High Court recently dismissed an urgent interdict application filed by ODM to block ICASA’s decision to cease its operations as of 18 September 2024. A review application is pending to address the substantive legal issues between the two parties once the court date is set.

In light of these developments, StarSat is both surprised and concerned by ICASA’s recent statement, particularly as legal proceedings are currently underway. Over the past 18 months, StarSat has maintained consistent and comprehensive communication with ICASA. Any suggestion that the company has failed to engage with the regulatory authority is incorrect, as extensive correspondence is evidence of its commitment to constructive dialogue.

Given ICASA’s commitment to enabling economic growth, the potential loss of jobs is especially troubling. This situation could jeopardise the livelihoods of more than 600 ODM employees and disrupt the broader network of over 4,000 dealers and sales agents who rely on its operations.

Beyond economic growth, ICASA is also committed to ensuring the dissemination of information, entertainment, and education to the public. StarSat plays a key role in this, providing quality content to over 500,000 subscribers at affordable rates. Its service offers a diverse range of programming that supports the informational and entertainment needs of South Africans.

Despite the current challenges, StarSat will remain operational, and is committed to providing uninterrupted service to its users and business partners.

Vivendi Unveils New Corporate Structure For Canal+ Group

Some Vivendi-owned assets, whose operations are closely aligned with those of Canal+, are currently in the process of being transferred to the latter for the sake of consistency.

Canal+ will consolidate together with its current business GVA, which provides telecommunication services in Africa, including high-speed Internet access marketed under the brand Canalbox; the video streaming platform Dailymotion; the performance venues L’Olympia and the L’Œuvre theater in France as well as the cinema theaters CanalOlympia in Africa.

In this new configuration, Canal+ Group will represent a unique international media operation with exposure to both mature and high-growth markets. It would have recorded €6.2 billion in revenues,

€472 million in Adjusted Earnings Before Interest and Income Taxes (EBITA) and €315 million in Cash Flow From Operations (CFFO) for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Its total number of subscribers would amount to approximately 26.8 million at such date, of which 16.0 million outside of France (c. 60%). Between Dailymotion and the OTT platform myCanal, Canal+ Group would record a global audience of over 400 million monthly active users.

In recent years, Canal+ Group has made significant expenditure and investments amounting to approximately €1 billion annually in technology (including its broadcasting and streaming infrastructure, software development, CRM, etc.) to provide a highly distinctive and industry-leading customer experience on the myCanal and Dailymotion platforms.

The attached appendix sets out key figures of the new consolidation perimeter of Canal+.

Canal+ Group will have three operating segments:

• Canal+ Europe – encompassing the Group’s subscription-TV (including OTT) and advertising-supported free-to-air (FTA) TV businesses across France, the French Overseas and adjacent territories, Poland, Central Europe and Benelux (through its wholly-owned subsidiary M7) as well as telecommunication services in the French Overseas territories;

• Canal+ Africa & Asia – encompassing the Group’s subscription-TV and advertising-supported FTA TV businesses, GVA and CanalOlympia venues across French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa as well as subscription-TV business in Vietnam, Myanmar and Pacific territories;

• Content Production, Distribution and Other – encompassing Studiocanal, Dailymotion, Thema1 as well as L’Olympia and the L’Œuvre theater.

Canal+ Group also holds a non-controlling 45.2% stake in MultiChoice with an ongoing mandatory takeover offer, a 36.8% stake in the OTT platform Viu and a 29.33% stake in Viaplay.

Why Did Zee World Opt To Separate Its Operations Within Africa?

Zee World is a Indian based entertainment channel operated by Zee Entertainment Enterprises that distributes various films and series in English. The channel imports all its content from Zee TV and following its successful launch in Africa by 2015 have contributed to the creations of Zee Alem (Ethiopia), Zee Zonke (Southern Africa), Zee Bollymovies and Zee One.

As some readers have already seen, Zee World has decided to separate it's operations in parts of Africa with the rollout of Zee World SA and Zee World Africa. This is nothing like TLC varied feeds but more like that of Zee One where Zee Entertainment Enterprises gives both feeds a chance to offer first run content which has even led to a bit of rivalry amongst the feeds.

For instance, Zee World SA follows fellow competitor Star Life and began rolling out their series in half hour timeslots while Zee World Africa was still open to offering these shows in a longer format. Even more baffling was that Zee World Africa had a movie block while Zee World SA didn't so the only way consumers in SA can watch movies is through DStv Indian.

But one question that's been striking everyone's mind was the reason behind the sudden division amongst Africa. There are times where certain scenes would be deemed inappropriate for consumers with certain cultures and norms, it was the contributing factor to the inclusion of Nickelodeon SA and Nickelodeon Africa.

Those viewing Zee World including myself haven't seen anything that would be deemed insensitive to certain viewers as Zee World is culturally diverse and educational in some capacity so if I had to guess where the division originated it may have to do with Dance Naija Dance.

In recent years, Zee World has been investing locally with the inclusion of Zee Zonke and Zee Alem both of which have been culturally diverse in their own rights. Zee World has even been a distributor of various short films from MultiChoice's Talent Factory which could as well have been folded under Mzansi Magic and Africa Magic.

In terms of the division, they probably took a page of MultiChoice's playbook as they had been known to restrict certain content from consumers in certain parts of Africa. This is due to content from Africa Magic getting more exposure from their respective markets as consumers are familiar with the offering as opposed to acquiring it for South Africa where it may not garner traction.

October 2024 On TNT Across Africa | Sunday Family Flicks With Channel Premiere The Croods: A New Age | October Horror Fest With Land Of The Dead | More

Sunday Family Flicks

Stunt

Your Perfect Family Movie Night Awaits! Make Sundays in October unforgettable with TNT’s Sunday Family Flicks! Enjoy heartwarming movies like Kung Fu Panda 3, The Croods: A New Age, Johnny English, and Madagascar: Europe’s Most Wanted. Create cherished memories every Sunday on TNT!

*Channel premieres are in bold*

Sunday, 6 October

15:05 Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)

16:45 Ice Age (2002)

18:05 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out 

of the Shadows (2016) 

Sunday, 13 October

14:30 The Croods: A New Age (2020)

16:05 Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

18:05 Shanghai Knights (2003) 

Sunday, 20 October

15:00 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012)

16:35 A Series of Unfortunate Events 

(2004)

18:25 Johnny English (2003)

Sunday, 27 October

15:20 Ice Age 2: The Meltdown (2006)

16:50 Little Rascals (1994) 

18:10 Night at the Museum (2006)

The October Horror Fest Stunt

October Highlights

October is here, and Halloween is just around the corner! TNT’s Date with Terror returns with spine-tingling premieres every Thursday night. Get ready for Get Out, Halloween, Land of the Dead, and Shaun of the Dead. Tune in for the ultimate fright night!

*Channel premieres are in bold*

Thursday, 3 October

20:30 Get Out (2017)

Thursday, 10 October

20:30 Halloween (2018)

Thursday, 17 October

20:30 Land of the Dead (2005)

Thursday, 24 October

20:30 Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Thursday, 31 October

17:15 Shaun of the Dead (2004)

18:55 Land of the Dead (2005)

20:30 A Quiet Place (2018)

22:00 Get Out (2017)

00:30 Halloween (2018)

02:15 Friday The 13th (2009)

World Space Week Stunt

In honour of World Space Week, from 4 to 9 October, TNT proudly presents a stellar cinematic event celebrating the wonders of space exploration and science. Join us for double features of iconic space

adventures, including Apollo 13, Doom, Star Trek, Total Recall, Independence Day, and War of the Worlds. Experience the thrill of space every evening with TNT and embark on a journey beyond the stars!

*Channel premieres are in bold*

Friday, 4 October

20:30 Apollo 13 (1995)

22:50 Star Trek (2009)

Saturday, 5 October

20:00 Doom (2005)

21:45 Total Recall (1990)

Sunday, 6 October

20:00 Transformers: Dark of the Moon

(2011)

22:30 Planet of the Apes (2001)

Monday, 7 October

20:30 Explorers (1985)

22:20 Star Trek Into the Darkness (2013)

Tuesday, 8 October

20:30 Predators (2010)

22:15 Independence Day (1996)

Wednesday, 9 October

20:30 War of the Worlds (2005)

22:25 Star Trek Beyond (2016)

The Banana Splits Movie

TNT Original Movie

Get ready for The Banana Splits Movie, a thrilling horror comedy that reimagines the beloved children’s TV show with a sinister edge. Follow a

family as they attend a taping of the cherished Banana Splits TV show, only to uncover the characters’ menacing side. As the show spirals into a nightmarish struggle for survival, viewers will be on the edge of their seats, captivated by the suspense and thrills. Tune in to TNT for this

exclusive premiere and brace yourself for a night of excitement and chills!

*Channel premieres are in bold*

Monday, 21 October

20:30 The Banana Splits Movie (2019)

AEW

#WrestlingWeekendsonTNT

October Highlights

In October, TNT debuts fresh episodes every Saturday and Sunday morning at around 10 am, complemented by weekly reruns on Wednesday afternoons and Friday late nights.

Special Event

AEW BATTLE OF THE BELTS XII

Saturday 26th at 12:25

Episodic TX Details

*Channel premieres are in bold*

AEW RAMPAGE

S4. Ep. 39 - Saturday 5th at 10:00

S4. Ep. 40 - Saturday 12th at 10:00

S4. Ep. 41 - Saturday 19th at 10:00

S4. Ep. 42 - Saturday 26th at 10:00

AEW COLLISION

S2. Ep. 36 - Saturday 5th at 10:50

S2. Ep. 37 - Saturday 12th at 10:50

S2. Ep. 38 – Saturday 19th at 10:50

S2. Ep. 39 - Saturday 26th at 10:50

AEW DYNAMITE

S6. Ep. 40 - Sunday 6th at 10:00

S4. Ep. 41 - Sunday 13th at 10:00

S4. Ep. 42 - Sunday 20th at 10:00

S4. Ep. 43 - Sunday 27th at 10:00

October 2024 On Discovery Channel, TLC And HGTV Across Africa | Channel Premieres Including The Face Doctor And The Great Antiques | Returning Shows Including I Love A Mama's Boy | More

Discovery Channel 

The Great Antiques Challenge S1

BRAND NEW

Six antiques dealers go head-to-head to find the perfect pieces for homeowners and small businesses. Hunting down items from across the country to fulfil the clients brief, the dealers will display their finds for the client to choose from. But will any of them hit the mark and will the winning

dealer manage to make any profit?

First TX: 10 October

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 21:55

Last TX: 28 November

Returning Shows including Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing S2 which premieres 30 October at 21:55.

TLC South Africa 

Doctober SPECIAL

Doctors are once again taking over TLC South Africa with a special programming event. The second edition of this medical-themed TV stunt will feature a lineup of compelling content, including highlights like 'Face Doctors' and 'Botched Bariatrics'. Tune in for a month full of fascinating medical stories and expert insights.

South Africa:

First TX: 1 October

TX Day: Monday - Saturday

TX Time: 19:00

Last TX: 31 October

The Face Doctors S1

NEW SHOW

From devastating medical conditions to trauma and illness, this series follows patients as they undergo life-changing surgery and cutting-edge treatment to rebuild their faces. A specialist team of surgeons and prosthetists work together to change lives.

South Africa:

First TX: 4 October

TX Day: Friday

TX Time: 20:00

Last TX: 22 November

Botched Bariatrics S1

NEW SHOW

Follow the journey of patients whose worlds have been turned upside down after a failed bariatric surgery and the work of the doctors who help them get their lives back.

South Africa:

First TX: 5 October

TX Day: Saturday

TX Time: 20:00

Last TX: 19 October

Returning shows include I Love A Mama's Boy S4 which premieres 15 October at 20:00.

TLC Africa

The Face Doctors S1

NEW SHOW

Africa:

First TX: 18 October

TX Day: Friday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 6 December

HGTV

Scariest House in America S1

NEW SHOW

Actress and comedian Retta travels to homes in various U.S. regions, including the Spooky South,

Nightmare Northeast and Mysterious Midwest, where she tours terrifying properties that owners say are haunted by scary stories and hair-raising sights. The home deemed the "scariest" of them all will get a renovation revival by designer Alison Victoria.

First TX: 10 October

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 22:00

Last TX: 31 October

House Hunters International: Africa

SPECIAL

This spin-off of the wildly popular HGTV House

Hunters goes around the globe. Home hunters and

their realtors check out all sorts of architectural

styles and work through the quirks of buying real estate in other countries.

First TX: 6 October

TX Day: Sunday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 8 December

100 Day Hotel Challenge S1

NEW SHOW

After their remodel of the Sunburst Inn, Brian and

Mika Kleinschmidt are on a mission to save two more mom and pop hotels, and they're making it a

competition! With the help of talented teammates,

$225,000 each and just 100 days, may the best hotel

win!

First TX: 22 October

TX Day: Tuesday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 26 November

We Bought a Funeral Home S1

NEW SHOW

From bats to a slew of haunting surprises, the Blumberg family transforms an eerie 1800s Victorian funeral parlor into a weird and wonderful dream home, and it has them wondering if they're alone on this renovation adventure.

First TX: 3 October

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 31 October

Returning shows include Unsellable Houses S5 which premieres 20 October at 21:00 and Farmhouse Fixer S3 which premieres 9 October at 22:00.