Channel Closure: PBS Kids Will Stop Airing On DStv And GOtv Across Africa By 31 August 2024

PBS KIDS is an educational brand for children aged 2 to 8 years offering shows like Arthur, Wild Kratts, Cyberchase and Dinosaur Train. Operated by the Public Broadcasting System (PBS), Africa was the only international market to offer the brand following its closure in Australia in 2023.

Through the electronic programme guide (EPG), it was revealed that the last international feed will stop airing on DStv by the end of August. This would be the 12th TV channel to go dark on the platform in the year alongside People's Weather, Africa Magic Urban and Ginx TV.

We are told that MultiChoice would be extending the reach of existing TV channel likely for their Easyview consumers.

In 2022, PBS KIDS unveiled a new on air look which was designed to build on the equity and strength of the brand for today's digitally focused viewers. The blue was incorporated to acknowledge the main PBS brand with the green from its previous logo targeting younger audiences.

Two years have passed since its introduction, the feed currently seen on MultiChoice's DStv still retained the former PBS KIDS logo and also content received little marketing from PBS Distribution and MultiChoice which led to speculation of its possible demise as seen in Australia. 

Similar to WildEarth, it's likely that PBS Distribution opted to remove their channel from DStv as part of some corporate restructure.

Brand & Rights 360 took over distribution of PBS KIDS with the aim of introducing its shows to broadcasters in new territories, ensuring more children and families worldwide can enjoy enriched content. This partnership comes amid growing demand for premium children’s content across global markets.

In short, PBS KIDS which had very little presence in other countries needed a partner to help it get more exposure in these regions. That's the same story we got with Paramount+ that at some point planned to rollout a standalone service in Africa before bundling with Showmax. 

Corporate at Paramount had mentioned that getting Paramount+ in all regions wasn't that much a priority as long as they had Mission Impossible and NCIS content that generates income. In PBS KIDS case that was very much lacking outside of Arthur hence the demise of the 24 hour feed in Africa.

Canal+ To Take Legal Action Against French Broadcaster TF1 For The Use Of "+" On Its Streaming Service

TF1+ is the new streaming platform that offers a replay experience, but also films, series and shows on almost all media. Appearing on January 8, 2024 to replace the old name “MyTF1”, TF1+ has the same objective as its predecessor, to offer an improved experience of TF1’s original content as well as a streaming-type experience to compete with giants like Netflix, Prime Video or Apple TV+. If this strategy has nothing to be sued, it is the name “TF1+” that poses a problem. Canal+ has just sued the channel because it does not have the right (according to Canal) to use the “+” sign.

TF1+, the new name that created a scandal at the Canal group

In 2019, Disney+ was starting to make a lot of noise in the streaming world. With a launch in the United States, then in France, the Canal group did not look favorably on the fact that the American giant used the acronym “+” in France. The group then tried to oppose Disney+ by appealing to National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI)After investigation, he concluded that Disney+ did not pose any problem and that the acronym “+” did not belong to Canal+.

Five years after this affair, the Canal+ group still assures that the acronym “+” is not a simple indicator of quality or a more complete catalog, it is an acronym that belongs to it and that does not have to be used by another company in France, at least in the world of streaming!

Today, the Canal group prefers to ignore the final opinion of the National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI) and take TF1 to court for using the acronym “+”. The Canal group denounces a practice that confuses consumers and is even demanding compensation of… 57 million euros from TF1. This absolutely enormous sum is linked to the importance that Canal+ gives to its brand.

TF1+ began to exist on January 8, 2024 and has always stood out from Canal+ by never referring to its competitor and by offering unique programming focused on its own exclusive and original content, adapted to a wide audience.

This assignment is likely to last several months, but the Canal group does not intend to give up, because the company believes that the acronym “+” belongs to it following the filing of the trademark “Canal+” on November 4, 1982 with the INPI.

SABC Wants To Launch An Openview Competitor, Might Require A TV License

A decade ago, SABC had planned to launch its own DTT platform which would be rivaling with eMedia Investments' Openview platform before seeking comfort with Sentech. This platform would feature SABC 1-3 and their 19 radio stations with e.tv exempted from the lineup. 

There were also plans for SABC to expand its linear offering with 18 additional channels which included SABC 4, SABC 5 and SABC Movies all of which got scrapped with SABC Education and SABC Sport entering fruition. 

These endeavors had been delayed with eMedia Investments that forged ahead with its rival offering Openview which extends its reach to more than 3 million households. With the impending demise of analogue transponders SABC is hoping to lure these consumers with its own DTT platform. 

The SABC said it wants to enhance the broadcasting landscape and deliver on its digital transformational journey with an integrated free-to-air Direct to Home (DTH) platform will enable the SABC to be in control of its destiny. They are seeking bidders in the hopes to get this idea of the ground.

Bidders are likely to partner with MultiChoice or Sentech in order to access the satellite space. Although it will be a rival offering to Openview, the unnamed platform will likely require consumers to present a TV license with an option for those without as seen with SABC+.

With the current economic climate, SABC will have a tough road ahead if they want these endeavors to succeed. Firstly more households are opting for streaming, so it would be difficult for them to grow organically in a market where DStv and Openview are dominant.

Inspector Gadget Heads To The Kartoon Channel Alongside Other International Networks

Chinese national broadcaster CCTV 6 and TG4 in Ireland are among the latest networks to pick up the first season (26×30’) of the CG-animated reboot of classic kids’ series Inspector Gadget.

Canela.TV in the US and Latin America, Kanopy Kids in the US, Canada and Singapore, VSTV in Vietnam, and Kartoon Channel in the US, Sub-Saharan Africa, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Vietnam have also picked up the first season.

In the reboot, Inspector Gadget is brought out of retirement after the evil Dr Claw reactivates his global crime syndicate MAD. Canada’s WildBrain produces and distributes the series and also owns the original library of Inspector Gadget content as well as its IP.

Elsewhere, Blue Entertainment has acquired specials Inspector Gadget’s Biggest Caper Ever (1×60’) and Inspector Gadget’s Last Case (1×90’) for its SVoD service Blue Play in Switzerland and Lichtenstein.

In a partnership that takes Inspector Gadget onto FAST channels in Germany, LG has picked up season one of Inspector Gadget’s Field Trip (26×30’), seasons one and two of the classic Inspector Gadget (86 x 30’) and specials Inspector Gadget Saves Christmas (1×30’) and Inspector Gadget’s Last Case (1×90’).

An Inspector Gadget FAST channel is also available on Amazon Freevee in Germany and Austria.

In the US, MeTV Toons has picked up seasons one and two of the classic Inspector Gadget, along with Inspector Gadget Saves Christmas.

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.