SABC Fails To Launch Additional Channels To Openview, Could There Be More To The Story?

As some of you may remember, SABC and eMedia Investments held hands to announce a new partnership that would see SABC Sport alongside SABC's 19 radio stations on Openview. This would join the existing SABC 1-3 channels with more expansion plans said to be underway with the inclusion two new channels.

These channels were non-exclusive brands meaning it could as well be distributed on SABC's DTT or MultiChoice's DStv platform with plans to spread the existing lineup from SABC 1-3 on these channels. At the time, the SABC had stated that when these channels would get enough exposure that new content could be curated specifically for them.

Similar to what we've seen with SABC's DTT channels, this content will likely be allocated on SABC 1-3 cause with more exposure means more advertising income. Although Ouma Sarie was able to pull 1.8 million viewers on e.tv that's not the case with eExtra as it's estimated to be under 500000.

These new channels had been in development hell for 3 years which means they could have been working on some ideas and that's where it's stands. Often when something is in development hell it's likely to get the axe look what happened to BBC UKTV's launch on Openview that went to DStv and consumers are reliant on SABC 3 for their offering.

Let's remember, SABC had continued adding further channels SABC Lehae and SABC Variety maybe one or both of those could be something they were looking to include on Openview. Then something behind the scenes happened with either eMedia Investments or the SABC which led to its cancellation or delay.

They are technically insolvent and need funding in order for these channels to survive. At this stage, they wouldn't really launch channels without knowing they'd be compensated in some capacity. 

Another possible outcome would be structure of this deal, when SABC Encore was distributed on MultiChoice's DStv what happened there was that SABC had a deadline (missed it) but eventually launched with the money coming from MultiChoice. Could the same have been outlined with eMedia Investments agreement with SABC?

This is a non exclusive deal unlike that of SABC Encore so SABC could have benefitted from this as there was no given timeframe by eMedia Investments on when these channels would go live. Probably because the payments eMedia Investments had given to SABC Sport matched that of SABC 1-3.

This means that SABC would be the one covering most of the costs for these channels cause with the financial constraints of eMedia Investments there's no way they could fund all 19 radio stations. This is the reason you don't get SABC News much less eNCA on those platforms due to constraints in livelihood.

ID Presents Its Third Annual No Excuse for Abuse Campaign Featuring the Premiere of Chris Brown: A History of Violence

This November, Investigation Discovery (ID) proudly presents the third year of its impactful NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE campaign in partnership with NO MORE.

 

The NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE campaign underscores ID’s unwavering commitment to shedding light on the multifaceted and complex dynamics of intimate partner violence. This is achieved through resources, programming initiatives, and an in-depth exploration of the issue with the premiere of CHRIS BROWN: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, premiering in Africa on Friday, 8 November 2024 @ 21h00 on ID on DStv channel 171.

 

Chris Brown has been praised for his innovation and immense talent since he burst onto the music scene. However, in 2009, the world was exposed to a much darker side of the pop star when he made headlines for assaulting his then-girlfriend, Rihanna. This arrest put a spotlight on Brown and his adult life, which has involved multiple violent incidents, including intimate partner violence, assault charges, and even sexual assault allegations. CHRIS BROWN: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE charts Chris Brown’s past all the way back to his troubled childhood, explores the lasting impact of the cycle of abuse, and poses the question: how does a man with such a violent public record maintain his superstar status? With expert and cultural commentary layered throughout, the documentary provides thoughtful reflections on each survivor’s experience and the psychological destruction left in the aftermath of their abuse.

 

Sunny Hostin, The View co-host and four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist will host a dedicated conversation immediately following the documentary about intimate partner violence. The special will expand on the discussion about domestic violence, providing guidance on recognising signs of abuse, information on where to find help, and insights on violence prevention from a roundtable of leading experts and advocates, including NO MORE’s co-founder Jane Randel.

 

“Throughout my career, I have always prioritised being a fierce defender of women and children,” said Sunny Hostin. “Domestic violence is a very close, personal issue to me as I reflect on my past as a prosecutor of these types of cases and in my role as a mother and public figure whose actions inform and help shape the next generation. This issue is a prevalent epidemic which knows no socio-economic boundaries, so I am dedicated to expanding and continuing this crucial conversation. The more we know, the better we can help advocate for change as a society.”

 

“ID is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through its programming and campaigns. Our annual No Excuse for Abuse campaign amplifies this message, providing resources to show survivors and their loved ones that they are not alone and that help is available,” said Jason Sarlanis, President of ID. “In our third year, we are creating impactful content and collaborating with champions like Sunny Hostin, who brings her expertise and passion to lead thoughtful and nuanced discussions on domestic violence.”

Should eExtra Stop Airing Kelders Van Geheime And Annekan Die Swa Kry Simultaneously With e.tv?

Earlier in the year, eMedia Investments decided to offer a simultaneous broadcast of e.tv's Annekan Die Swa Kry on eExtra and this was before Kelders Van Geheime was introduced as a rivalled offering to the now axed 7de Laan on SABC 2. The broadcaster hadn't been upfront with the media or even fans on this development.

But from what we've hypothesised from months back is that eExtra is undergoing a similar route as e.tv in 2021/2. Before rivalling with SABC 1 and Mzansi Magic, e.tv was more skewed toward audiences of M-Net and SABC 3 now all of this had been reverted to eReality and eSeries on Openview.

Local is lekker as the saying goes it draws in people and these efforts seen on Openview despite their successes overseas often draw a fraction of House Of Zwide or Muvhango's audience.

It's likely they're trying to do this with eExtra cause as we've seen more Afrikaans content in recent months with Sommerdahl Moorde and Die Fakuliteit. But what some have continued asking the network continuously is why Annekan and now Kelders Van Gehieme are on eExtra at the same time as e.tv.

If I had guess eMedia Investments wants people that tune into Kuiertyd or eExtra to watch these shows when they come on through e.tv and they don't want to create competition amongst their brands. This would even include viewers of Naagin or Forbidden Passions aka Pasión Prohibida.

To put it in better terms, eExtra turns off during this time to appease the masses of e.tv but I don't see the sense in having these shows air on two channels simultaneously. When MultiChoice does it with Mzansi Magic and Mzansi Wethu that is because some of your audience can't view one of the two.

But in this case, a portion of eExtra's consumers are e.tv meaning there's no way anyone can be missing out on these shows. It would be understandable if you were looking at it from a DStv perspective, they have various packages and each would have its own set of content for certain consumers.

I think what eMedia Investments could have done execution wise was have Kelders Van Gehieme and Annekan Die Swa Kry broadcasts on eExtra and rather make e.tv second fiddle. Right now, there's a lot of collision between these channels and I do feel part of this needs to assessed to some capacity.

Kelders Van Gehieme would retain its 18:00 timeslot on e.tv but rather have this convert into a repeat timeslot with 17:00 also becoming a slope for eExtra's repeats. Perhaps try to increase consumers dependency on ePlesier by making them accomodate e.tv's daytime repeats as a means to drive sales of Openview.

Disney Jr. Announces New Animated Series Marvel’s Iron Man and His Awesome Friends

Disney Jr. announced the greenlight for Marvel’s Iron Man and His Awesome Friends, the first preschool Iron Man series which will feature a young Tony Stark (Iron Man) and his world-saving besties, Riri Williams (Ironheart) and Amadeus Cho (Iron Hulk). The young trio work together to make the world a better place, protecting their city and each other.

From Disney Branded Television, the series is currently in production and slated for a summer 2025 premiere on Disney Jr. and Disney+. The new series is part of Disney and Marvel’s expanded strategy to introduce these iconic Avengers characters and stories to a new generation of fans.

“Iron Man is the character that launched Marvel Studios and will always be especially beloved here as the hero that made the MCU possible,” said Brad Winderbaum, Head of Streaming, Television and Animation at Marvel Studios. “That’s why we’re so excited to partner with the incredible team at Disney Branded Television and bring Iron Man to a new audience. Together we are building a series that introduces the most brilliant scientists and inventors in the Marvel Universe as they share in fun armored adventures.”

Ayo Davis, President, Disney Branded Television, commented, “We’re thrilled to introduce Marvel’s Iron Man and His Awesome Friends to preschoolers on Disney Jr. and Disney+, expanding their connection to the iconic Marvel universe. Partnering with Brad and the Marvel Studios team on this series allows us to bring the incredible legacy of Iron Man to a whole new generation, sparking young imaginations with characters that embody courage, teamwork, and creativity.”

Synopsis: Marvel’s Iron Man and His Awesome Friends follows the adventures (and misadventures) of best friends and super geniuses Tony Stark, Riri Williams and Amadeus Cho as they work together to solve problems both big and small and protect their city. To help them in their Super Hero endeavors, they each have their own Iron Suits that allow them to fly and give them each enhanced super-strength. In addition, Iron Man has a Nano-Shield; Ironheart has a Heartbeat Bubble forcefield to protect people, and Iron Hulk has his strong Iron Boom clap and Iron Hulk Stomp. They work out of their beachfront base, Iron Quarters (IQ), under the supervision of their superpowered android, Vision, and their furry pup, Gamma, who has her very own Iron Pup suit and accompanies the Iron Friends on many of their adventures.

The series stars Mason Blomberg (Shameless), Kapri Ladd (Danger Force) and Aidyn Ahn (Kids Say the Darndest Things) as the voices of Tony Stark/Iron Man, Riri Williams/Ironheart and Amadeus Cho/Iron Hulk, respectively. David Kaye (Transformers) voices the role of Vision, and Fred Tatasciore (Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur) voices Gamma. Additional characters and casting will be announced at a later date.

From Disney Branded Television, Marvel’s Iron Man and His Awesome Friends is executive produced by Sean Coyle (Puppy Dog Pals) and Harrison Wilcox (Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends). James Eason-Garcia (Pupstruction) is co-executive producer and story editor, Alex Cichon (LEGO Marvel: Spider-Man: Vexed by Venom) is supervising producer; Ashley Rideout (Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends) is producer, and Michael Dowding (Hello Ninja) is supervising director.

The series is produced by Disney Jr. and Marvel Studios in association with Atomic Cartoons.

Development Alert: Blink Kant Bo And Op Dun Ys Swap Timeslots On eExtra

During the day, eMedia Investments had took to Kuiertyd's social pages to announce that eExtra's newest addition Op Dun Ys alongside Blink Kant Bo would be exchanging timeslots from 21 October. This means Op Dun Ys will broadcast at 20:30 while Blink Kant Bo will be airing an hour early at 19:30.

eMedia Investments have evaded from several questions on why the sudden change in slots for these shows but most of the blame is suggested to be pinned on newcomer Op Dun Ys. As some have been made aware, Op Dun Ys is the first show from the channel to not offer any subtitles which had caused division amongst consumers.

Insiders are saying the move to 20:30 was sort of a way to ease the tension as Blink Kant Bo airs an hour early at 19:30. Various consumers are upset about the move as some would watch Scandal or Uzalo around these times now find themselves at a crossroads while others were able to tune into these shows in their respective slots.

Not everyone can catch-up with last nights episodes of Blink Kant Bo on eVOD or e.tv which is where it's primetime slot stood at on eExtra. Same goes for Op Dun Ys which follows the route of Star Life's controversial Evil Affairs with primetime now at 20:30 and repeats daily at 2am and weekends at 7am.

Funny thing about this is that Net 20 Minute has more airtime on the channel than Op Dun Ys which goes to show you how much they're trying to restrict its broadcasts. The edgier show now has a daytime slot at 13:45 yet Voëlvry and Die Put weren't deemed appropriate for a much earlier timeslot when broadcast.