MultiChoice On The Closure Of Me And 1Magic On DStv: "Newer And Fresher Content As Well As Existing Shows Will Be Available On The Remaining M-Net Channels"

During the week, it was reported that both Me and 1Magic which serves as secondary channels to M-Net would be exiting the DStv platform by the end if March. Not only are consumers going to pay more for less channels but M-Net is doing away with secondary brands.

As mentioned, this news doesn't shock a majority as M-Net and MultiChoice tried to scrap last month only for them to get an extended stay. On top of that both brands had been struggling to retain audiences following M-Net's constant restructure of channels. 

Before Me and 1Magic, these two were just one channel known as The Series Channel. But M-Net continously morphed this offering and even went as far as dividing and excluding previously seen content from viewers that more and more people lost interest.

Although, 1Magic was able to garner attraction due to The River most of the attention only came once it debuted on Mzansi Magic. Although Me was able to retain shows from M-Net City and VUZU the whole format was a big turnoff to consumers.

M-Net City and VUZU despite being repeats channels had first run programming and widened its audience to Premium and Compact+. But Me on the other similar to BBC UKTV and KykNET Lekker was catered for low tiered consumers with zero exclusive content. 

In a statement as highlighted below MultiChoice is encouraging viewers of 1Magic to tune into remaining M-Net channels while those on Me would need to upgrade to Premium to watch M-Net or get a Showmax subscription.

MultiChoice is currently working on a TV channel with the letter X in its name. This channel would be based from Showmax and replace 1Magic and Me "soon" although it's not really known whether this channel would be added to Compact and Family.

Considering that two channels are being axed soon, Channel X will more likely serve as an independent brand from M-Net as seen with 1Magic. This means its likely that they won't do catch-up to shows like Reyka and Survivor from M-Net.

This is just mere speculation but it wouldn't seem far fetched as Channel X would feature a mix of international and South African produced content from Showmax. With so much local from 1Magic they wouldn't be much space to cater for Me consumers.

The only theory now would be the launch of a second TV channel by a third party brand either AMC Networks International, Ngwato Nkosi Group or Warner Bros. Discovery. 

With M-Net streamlining, they'll likely divert attention to brands like Comedy Central and Universal TV for which some of Me shows reside in with others on Showmax. Fans of local entertainment can tune into Mzansi Magic as we await news on Channel X.

Press statement from MultiChoice 

M-Net is streamlining its channel offering to provide a more seamless entertainment experience for DStv customers. After a comprehensive analysis of our content strategy, we have made the decision to terminate 1Magic [and Me].

While some of our popular telenovelas and shows have come to an end, newer fresher content as well as existing shows will be available on the remaining M-Net channels and platforms such as DStv Stream, Catch Up and Showmax.

Apollo Global Management Also Looking To Acquire Paramount Global

Private equity firm Apollo Global Management has “reached out” to Paramount Global about a possible buyout or purchase of some of its holdings, Axios reported Tuesday.

The company faces competition, including a bid from Byron Allen, who in January offered to buy Paramount Global for $14 billion. The entertainment conglomerate’s parent, National Amusements, has also gotten an offer from David Ellison’s Skydance Media in a bid that was backed by rival private equity firms RedBird Capital Partners and KKR.

Warner Bros. Discovery also reportedly considered buying some or all of the entertainment conglomerate’s assets, but backed off last month.

The report said Apollo is looking at a deal only with Paramount, which would involve Paramount Pictures, the CBS network, along with Comedy Central, BET and other Viacom cable networks and the streaming services Paramount+ and PlutoTV.

“It’s also possible that Apollo could wind up bidding only on select assets,” Axios reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

Shares of Paramount Global initially jumped about 5% on the report, but the gains quickly disappeared. The stock was trading down 5 cents to 11.57, down nearly 20% since the start of the year, in late morning.

Apollo has long invested in news and entertainment companies, including purchasing “American Idol” owner CKx in 2011. It also has or previously held interests in Barnes & Noble, Cox Media Group, Legendary Entertainment, Redbox, Sirius Satellite Radio. It also bought Yahoo Inc. from Verizon in 2021.

Developing Story: MultiChoice Bids Farewell To Both M-Net Essentials (Me) And 1Magic On DStv By The End Of March

Earlier in the year, MultiChoice sent notifications to selected DStv customers that both 1Magic and Me would be exiting the DStv platform by early February. Time passed and those channels remained on air with MultiChoice silent on further developments. 

During that time, MultiChoice unveiled the new Showmax streamer which would serve as a joint venture with NBCUniversal. This partnership would lead to an extended library of content from NBCUniversal alongside further upgrades to Showmax's frequencies.

Amidst that time, 1Magic had converted to a Showmax repeats channel featuring shows like Outlaws and Adulting. With speculation going around that MultiChoice only extended this offering as a means to promote the newly revamped Showmax. 

With 1Magic set to go dark after 6 years with Me after 3 years by the end of March. The pay-tv company had issued a statement about the latter although not acknowledging Me.

M-Net is streamlining its channel offering to provide a more seamless entertainment experience for DStv customers. After a comprehensive analysis of our content strategy, we have made the decision to terminate 1Magic [and Me].

While some of our popular telenovelas and shows have come to an end, newer fresher content as well as existing shows will be available on the remaining M-Net channels and platforms such as DStv Stream, Catch Up and Showmax.

It is currently unknown how MultiChoice plans to supplement this offering to consumers without M-Net and Showmax. But for more medical and crime shows viewers are encouraged to watch Universal TV and Comedy Central with further local content on Mzansi Magic.

New channels

Although 1Magic and Me are set to be going dark on the DStv platform by the end of March. MultiChoice is currently working on a TV channel curated on Showmax which will feature a mix of South African produced and international shows.

But in a recent enquiry, it seems like this reported channel which would replace both 1Magic and Me ""might" not be available once these channels goes dark as sources tell Insidus to keep tabs on their social platforms for further updates on a new additions. 

Reminder: New Heroes Will Be Made With The Debut Of Pokémon Horizons On Cartoon Network Across Africa

Uncover the great mysteries of the Pokémon world in a new epic adventure as Cartoon Network Africa presents the premiere of the much-anticipated Pokémon Horizons! Season 1 is set to launch on Monday, 25th March at 17:30 CAT, and Pokémon ‘Trainers’ and fans across Africa can catch a new episode every weekday at the same time.

 

In this captivating new series, fans will dive into the wide world of Pokémon, following the adventures of a young girl named Liko from the Paldea region. As Liko arrives at the Indigo Academy, she receives her first partner Pokémon, the adorable Sprigatito. Little does she know, an enigmatic group known as the Explorers is hot on her trail, determined to get their hands on the mysterious pendant necklace she received from her grandma.

 

But fear not! Liko is not alone on this thrilling quest. Alongside her are the valiant Friede, the ever-electrifying Captain Pikachu, and the daring Rising Volt Tacklers, ready to offer protection aboard their high-flying airship.

 

As the story unfolds, we meet Roy, a young boy with dreams of becoming a Pokémon Trainer. Unaware of the ancient secret hidden within the Poké Ball he carries, Roy joins Liko and the Rising Volt Tacklers on a legendary journey filled with twists, turns, and gripping Pokémon battles.

 

Set sail for new horizons starting Monday, 25th March @ 17:30 CAT as Pokémon Horizons takes you on an unforgettable expedition. What discoveries await Liko, Roy, and the Rising Volt Tacklers? Tune in to Cartoon Network Africa and find out!

New Channel Alert: ST Toons Coming Soon To StarTimes Platforms Across Africa Later This Month

After relaunching ST Movies on their platforms, StarTimes will be expanding the kiddies lineup with the addition of a second kids channel, ST Toons. With ST Kids inheriting the Nickelodeon DNA ST Toons will lean more onto Nicktoons. 

According to StarTimes, ST Toons will be a comprehensive cartoon channel covering Chinese, international and African programming. It would serve as a competitor to existing players such as eToonz and Play Room both of which are based in South Africa. 

Third party shows set to form part of the lineup include SpongeBob SquarePants, Totally Spies!, Power Rangers and Transformers. Still no word on the local portion coming to ST Toons if we had to guess they'll probably dub select shows in local languages. 

ST Toons will launch on channel 310 on DTH and 351 on DTT or least from what African officials mention. It will be available from the Basic package which serves as the African counterpart of Max with no word on a package for StarSat consumers in South Africa.

ST Toons will join other children's channels such as ST Kids, Baby TV, Da Vinci, Kartoon Channel, Toonami, Boing and CBeebies.

News Shorts: Warner TV To Rollout As A Free-To-Air Channel In The Czech Republic, Come Back To Me To Rollout On Telemundo Across Africa And Historical Drama We Were The Lucky Ones To Stream On Disney+ In April

Warner TV expands to other parts of Europe

The Czech Republic will have a brand new free-to-air TV channel next month as Warner TV launches on 2 April. It will be managed as part of the local Czech linear Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio.

Vaclav Palecek, Distribution and Business Development at Warner Bros. Discovery in the Czech Republic & Slovakia, said: “Starting April, Czech viewers will be able to enjoy the wide range of content, including movies and series, on Warner TV. We are close to launching our first free-to-air channel in the market and we will bring a great content library on-air for all the viewers, from classical films to popular series.”

In the Czech Republic, Warner Bros. Discovery operates 18 pay TV linear channels (Discovery, Eurosport 1, Eurosport 2, Eurosport 4K, HGTV, TLC, Travel Channel, Investigation Discovery, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, CNN, Food Network, Animal Planet, HBO & HBO 2 & HBO 3, Cinemax & Cinemax 2) and the HBO Max streaming platform.

William Levy returns to Telemundo 

For its 2023 upfronts earlier last year, Telemundo announced William Levy was joining its star roster line-up in the new original romantic series Come Back To Me (Vuelve a Mi). It is set to launch April 8 at 22:00 replacing Game Of Lies.

In Vuelve a Mí, Levy is Santiago, whose love interest is actress Samadhi Zendejas, in her first leading role as Nuria.

The drama, set in Ciudad de Juárez and Ciudad de México, follows Nuria, a woman of humble means, who begins a relationship with Braulio (Ferdinando Valencia) without knowing he is one of the owners of the company where she works to support her son and sister. The lives of the main characters begin to intertwine after the tragic kidnapping of Nuria's son Andrés. And when she least expects it, Santiago (Levy) enters her life to become the great love of her life and the pillar that keeps her hope alive.

New Hulu original launching soon

Disney has announced that the upcoming original series, “We Were The Lucky Ones”, will be coming to Disney+ globally on April 17th 2024.

Based on Georgia Hunter’s New York Times bestselling novel, the television adaptation of “We Were the Lucky Ones” is a limited series inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, determined to survive and reunite. “We Were the Lucky Ones” demonstrates how in the face of the twentieth century’s darkest moment, the human spirit can endure and even thrive. The series is a tribute to the triumph of hope and love against all odds.

The series stars Joey King, Logan Lerman, Hadas Yaron, Henry-Lloyd Hughes, Amit Rahav, Sam Woolf, Michael Aloni, Moran Rosenblatt, Eva Feiler, Lior Ashkenazi, and Robin Weigert.

SuperSport Schools Celebrates Successful Partnership With Mzwandile Mali-Tournament

SuperSport Schools celebrates a successful partnership with the Mzwandile Mali Schools Rugby Tournament run by the Lincoln Mall Leadership Foundation.

We are delighted to announce the successful streaming of the Mzwandile Mali Schools Rugby Tournament in the Eastern Cape over the past few weeks, the tournament has garnered incredible support from the community showcasing the passion and enthusiasm for rugby in the region.

We are proud to have covered the thrilling matches leading up to the finals on the 15th of March at Isaac Wolfson Stadium Live on DStv Channel 216 and the SuperSport Schools App.

The tournament was named after Mzwandile Mali, father of Lincoln Mali has not only provided a platform for young talents to showcase their skills but has also fostered a sense of community and sportsmanship among participants.

In addition to the upcoming finals, SuperSport Schools is excited to announce the coverage of the touring teams’ matches set to take place in Kent, United Kingdom on 6-12 October 2024, this presents a unique opportunity for the chosen 22 players to gain international exposure and experience, further enhancing their rugby journey with the support of the Lincoln Mali Leadership Foundation.

DreamWorks Animation Rumoured To Be "Undergoing Further Restructure" As It Closes TV Division

DreamWorks Animation Television is a American based production company operated by NBCUniversal that distributes various animated titles. It is home to award winning productions such as Shrek, The Croods, How To Train Your Dragon and Boss Baby.

Accompanied by this, DreamWorks Animation Television operated several 24 hour channels across the world including Universal Kids (US), Sky Kids (UK) and DreamWorks Channel (Europe, Asia and Africa).

Following last year's dismal performance at the global box-office, it was announced that the brand would "no longer be producing films independently". By 2025, two upcoming films are said to headed by Imagework known for Hotel Transylvania and Spiderverse.

At the time fear lurked around the move away from in-house production with mass layoffs likely on the cards and downsizing of new content in the coming years.

In an interview with Kung Fu Panda co-director, it was revealed that most if not all TV divisons headed by DreamWorks Animation Television had been dissolved with the company reportedly wrapping up some "final projects" likely The Wild Robot.

It is currently unknown what fate may await short form projects like Megamind Rules and Jurassic World: Chaos Theory. Considering that the latter was based on existing IPs its likely that these will remain operational for the time being if not scrapped.

But considering the current state of DreamWorks Animation Television, we may be seeing less content of this stature going forward. Of course, the company had produced various content outside existing IPs such as Fright Krewe, Curses! and The Mighty Ones.

This had been more noticeable mainly through their preschool counterpart DreamWorks Jr., home to shows like Gabby's Dollhouse, Pinecone & Pony, Doug Unplugs and Rhyme Time Town.