Canal+ And MultiChoice Deal Set To Appear In Front Of The Competition Tribunal Before The End Of July + More

In South Africa, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Canal+ said he was awaiting "a final decision," which will be made via the South African Competition Tribunal, after receiving a "positive opinion" from the South African Competition Commission in May.

Maxime Saada reported a hearing scheduled in this regard "before the end of July." "This chapter is moving very quickly," he concluded.

The Chairman of the Board discussed the preparations underway to anticipate what comes next and identify "the operational model of the future company" and the distribution of "responsibilities," so that "the day after the transaction closes, everyone knows what their responsibilities will be."

CRUCIAL ACQUISITION

This transaction is all the more crucial for Canal+ as it should enable it to boost its share price, which has plummeted since its listing on the London Stock Exchange in December, following the spin-off from its former parent company, Vivendi.

"It will be very important to complete the transaction with MultiChoice," Yannick Bolloré responded to a question from an individual shareholder about this "disappointing" stock market performance.

"The few investors I've met have all talked to me about the MultiChoice deal," added Yannick Bolloré, believing the acquisition could be "a catalyst for acceleration" (sic).

The Chairman of the Supervisory Board also reiterated, as he did at Vivendi's shareholders' meeting (where he holds the same position) in April, that it would take "time to make ourselves known" to investors.

TAX DISPUTES

The audiovisual group Canal+ also announced on Friday that it had reached an agreement with the French National Center for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC) regarding a tax dispute.

Canal+ stated in a press release published shortly before its shareholders' meeting that it had "put an end to the disputes" and thus removed "the uncertainty regarding the possibility of significant additional disbursements."

The CNC and Canal+ disagreed over the television services tax (TST) owed by the group and collected by the public body.

Canal+'s Chief Financial Officer, Amandine Ferré, clarified that the €44 million requested by the CNC for the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years had been canceled, and that the group was also "protected from claims" from the public institution for nearly €50 million for 2022 and 2023, "for a total of €90 million."

"The cash impact [of the agreement] is therefore neutral," the Chief Financial Officer concluded.

Canal+'s Chief Financial Officer, Amandine Ferré, clarified that the €44 million requested by the CNC for the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years had been canceled, and that the group was also "protected from claims" from the public institution for nearly €50 million for 2022 and 2023, "for a total of €90 million."

"The cash impact [of the agreement] is therefore neutral," the Chief Financial Officer concluded.

However, Canal+'s dispute with the tax authorities regarding the VAT it owes to the State is still ongoing, Canal+ stated. Amandine Ferré affirmed that she is "actively engaging with the tax authorities to find a solution as quickly as possible."

This article was published by Boursorama

DStv Shorts: ROK Might Be Loading In High Definition (HD), Teen Africa TV Gets Yanked Off And SuperSport Liyu's Launch Likely Postponed

ROK is going HD

MultiChoice is currently in the process of completing its acquisition by ROK owners Canal+ as the deal is set to finalised by the Competition Tribunal in the coming months. Amidst this, ROK had been making some headlines in the previous months.

As recalled, it appeared that ROK was experimenting on a third TV channel with ROK 2 available in other parts of Africa. As this channel had its own schedule with most of the content (mainly movies) borrowed from the current ROK channels on DStv now that appears to have been killed off (maybe).

Usually in testing stages, placeholders usually come in before the actual channel begins development but in ROK's case that could as well remain a mystery. For now, it appears to be an HD feed for the eldest ROK channel so we can only assume when the buyout commences ROK will remain unaffected.

Teen Africa TV takes a raincheck 

Teen Africa TV is a Nigerian based youth channel that offers locally produced content which range from reality, educational content and drama series. For sometime, Teen Africa TV has struggled to remain consistent as broadcast hours and content offering had further been reduced.

According to posts on their social platforms, Teen Africa TV is planning to go "fully online" which implies it's discontinuation on DStv, GOtv and StarTimes as they're not listed on any of their websites. On top of that, their new home YouTube has been inactive and has very little noticeability.

Kind of curious where this funding will come from and how they'll be able to monetize any of this going forward.

Since it's inception, Teen Africa TV has controversial first with allegations of workers not getting paid. Another had to do with MultiChoice moving it's frequency closer to other children channels on DStv despite being a youth channel some of its content caters for a much older audience.

SuperSport extending the reach of Liyu

We were the first to report on this and from what some subscribers had seen last month MultiChoice added SuperSport Liyu on channel 236 - probably a test launch. Since then, MultiChoice hasn't stated the exact reason for inducting the channel to more consumers across Africa.

It is a football channel with majority of content already accessible on other SuperSport channels. To top it off, the content is broadcast in Amharic which is only known to consumers in Ethiopia my hunch still stands it's likely a pop-up channel they're using to boast a major event.

The fact it was allocated with the other SuperSport channels only to get removed means one of two things first the channel was delayed as MultiChoice had been notorious for such. Second, they likely scrapped the launch for some apparent reason.

July 2025 On Disney Channel And Disney Junior Across Europe And Africa | Channel Premiere: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ | Returning Shows Including Primos | More

Disney Channel 

* For ROA

Big Hero 6

Starts 1 July at 16:30

Hiro and Baymax, along with their friends Wasabi, Honey Lemon, Go Go and Fred, unite to form the legendary superhero team Big Hero 6, protecting their city from a colorful array of scientifically-enhanced villains.

Mighty Med 

Starts 7 July at 17:00

Teenagers Oliver and Kaz discover a hidden entrance to a secret hospital for superheroes called Mighty Med. When they prove their knowledge of superheroes they are offered a job there!

Kiff: Lore Of The Ring Light 

Airs 5 July at 10:15

Kiff and her friends go on an adventure to destroy a ring light of immense power.

Returning shows include Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir S6 (Part 2 of 4) starts 7 July at 15:40.

* Returning shows include Kiff S3 (Part 3) on 7 July at 07:40 and Primos (Part 4) on 21 July at 09:45.

Disney Junior

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+

Starts 26 July at 08:30

Mickey and his friends Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Daisy, Goofy, Pete, Clarabelle and more go on fun and educational adventures.

Returning shows include Robogobo (Part 2) on 14 July at 14:30.

Anime-Inspired ‘Miraculous’ Spinoff ‘Miraculous Stellar Force’ Acquired By Disney With A 2025 Special And 2027 Series Launch Planned

Disney Branded Television has officially acquired “Miraculous Stellar Force,” marking a major expansion of the globally popular “Miraculous” franchise. Announced just ahead of the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, the new series is scheduled to premiere in 2027 on Disney Channel and Disney+.

“Miraculous Stellar Force” will be the franchise’s first original spin-off and promises a fresh, dynamic experience that blends high-stakes action, kung fu comedy and heartwarming storytelling, all in a hand-drawn 2D format inspired by Japanese anime. Created by Thomas Astruc, the original creator of “Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir,” the new series swaps Paris for Tokyo, introducing fans to an entirely new team of culturally diverse young superheroes.

Set at an international school in the Japanese capital, “Miraculous Stellar Force” follows 12 students who discover they are guardians of the Stellar Matrix, a fractured ancient cosmic weapon. Under the leadership of Miki, Mayotte and Yu Lu, these heroes must overcome personal differences and chaotic friendships to face formidable galactic villains such as the revenge-driven Modeler and the ominous force known as The Supreme.

Ahead of the full series release, fans will get their first taste of the new universe with the premiere of “Miraculous World: Tokyo Stellar Force” later this year. This one-hour special event spans Paris and Tokyo, and features beloved characters Marinette and Kagami as they help unite a new generation of Tokyo-based heroes.

“With ‘Stellar Force,’ we’re expanding the ‘Miraculous’ universe in bold and exciting directions, with a completely new team, setting and mythology, while staying true to the values that made ‘Miraculous’ a global phenomenon,” said Andy Yeatman, CEO of Miraculous Corp. USA and Global Operations. “Kids around the world will see themselves reflected in these diverse, relatable heroes navigating friendship, identity and teamwork amidst epic cosmic stakes. With its blend of action and comedy and unforgettable characters, ‘Stellar Force’ is a fresh take on what it means to be a hero and perfectly positioned to become an instant classic.”

Heath Kenny, chief content officer at Miraculous Corp, added, “With its dynamic mix of thrilling action, martial arts, heartfelt character arcs, comedy and stunning views of Tokyo, ‘Miraculous Stellar Force’ reinvents the anime superhero genre with style and substance. As the friendship between the teens grows, so does their strength as a team, a powerful reminder that true strength comes not just from power, but from the bonds we build along the way.”

This latest addition marks a new chapter for the “Miraculous” brand, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its award-winning content, now spanning television, film, digital media, merchandise and more.

Mr. Crocodile: Nickelodeon Acquires Brand-New Animated Series

Nickelodeon announced the acquisition of Mr. Crocodile, a brand-new animated kids' series, based on the beloved French children’s book Monsieur Crocodile a Beaucoup Faim (Mister Crocodile is Very Hungry) by best-selling author Joann Sfar, published by Gallimard. Produced by Joann Sfar’s Magical Society and distributed by Mediawan Kids & Family, with the participation of Nickelodeon and France Télévisions, the series will air globally on Nick Jr. channels, and on France Télévisions in France.

Mr. Crocodile follows the toothy, loveable Mr. Crocodile, alongside his best friend Daisy, as he cheerfully navigates life with boundless enthusiasm and comical misunderstandings due to his instinctive crocodile logic. New to a diverse and lively mobile home community, Mr. Crocodile lives with Daisy, and they split their time between her Mom and her Dad’s homes. Together, they turn everyday activities into zany adventures as they share an unconditional acceptance of each other's approach to life.

“Nickelodeon is continuing the legacy of beloved kids' stories with the acquisition of Mr. Crocodile," said Layla Lewis, Senior Vice President, Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships, Nickelodeon. "This delightful series brings the charm and adventure of Joann Sfar's original book to a new generation of viewers, emphasizing our commitment to delivering engaging and entertaining content for kids. We can't wait for audiences to join Mr. Crocodile and Daisy on their fun-filled adventures."

“We are delighted to collaborate with Nickelodeon to introduce Mr. Crocodile to audiences around the globe. Joann Sfar’s Magical Society has assembled an exceptional international team of passionate talent to bring to life this innovative story, conceived by one of France’s most creative and prolific artists. We are confident that the show will captivate and inspire children everywhere,” says Julien Borde, President of Mediawan Kids & Family.

“Joann and I are thrilled to launch Mr. Crocodile, our first CGI series based on Joann’s iconic book, through Magical Society, the studio we founded together. Our teams have done an incredible job adapting Joann’s characters and universe into stunning 3D designs, while staying true to his whimsical and mischievous universe. It was deeply moving to see Mr. Crocodile, Daisy, and all their friends come to life for the very first time. We are incredibly proud and grateful to have our friends and partners at Nickelodeon, France Télévisions, and Mediawan Kids & Family on board for this wonderful adventure. With their support, the brand will shine, and Joann’s beloved characters will enchant children around the world,” adds Aton Soumache, Magical Society Co-Founder and Producer.

Monsieur Crocodile a Beaucoup Faim is a beloved French children's book written by New York Times bestselling author Joann Sfar. Published by Gallimard, the story follows the adventures of a hungry crocodile who sets out to find something to eat, encountering unique challenges along the way. The book is a cherished favorite among children and parents alike, known for its charming illustrations and humorous narrative. For the past 30 years, Joann Sfar has created universes of fantastical worlds and magical characters, his works spanning comic books, novels, series, films that reach a worldwide audience. Sfar is also known for his bestselling illustrated book Little Vampire and for his adaptation of the French literary classic, The Little Prince.

Mr. Crocodile was developed by Simon Nicholson and Joann Sfar, and is directed by Fabien Brandily. Rachel Lipman serves as Executive Producer alongside producers Aton Soumache, Joann Sfar, Rachel Lipman, and Cédric Pilot. Max Goodman and Lynsey O'Callaghan serve as the Executives in Charge for Nickelodeon.

Iyanu Premieres On Showmax With All-Nigerian Voice Cast

The animated series Iyanu will make its African debut on Showmax starting on June 13, 2025. It will feature an impressive lineup of Nigerian voice actors, including Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Serah Johnson, Stella Damasus, and Shaffy Bello.

The show follows the story of a brave young orphan living in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. When danger arises, she unwittingly activates divine powers that have been dormant since the Age of Wonders. With the help of her adventurous friend Biyi, voiced by Okey Jude, and the bookish Toye, played by Samuel Kugbiyi, Iyanu embarks on a journey to confront the evil threatening her community. They are joined by a magical leopard named Ekun, adding to the excitement of their adventure.

Iyanu has already made waves in the United States since its launch on Cartoon Network in April 2025. It has received critical acclaim and considerable viewership, ranking number one on the network and within the top 10 for kids and family series on Max. Screen Rant lauded it as “The Last Airbender and Black Panther hybrid you didn’t know you needed,” emphasising its innovative fusion of African mythology and contemporary superhero themes.

Adapted from the graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Nigerian creator Roye Okupe, the animated series has captured audiences worldwide. Okupe expressed his excitement for the African premiere, emphasising the importance of representation in superhero narratives. “To see Iyanu launching on Showmax across 44 African countries is truly a full-circle moment,” he said.

Iyanu showcases the rich tapestry of Nigerian culture, music, and mythology and highlights the universal appeal of superhero stories. It invites viewers of all ages to connect with a hero who looks and feels like them. The series promises a magical journey of self-discovery and adventure for audiences throughout Africa and beyond.

Paramount May Be Looking To Distance Themselves From MTV, Comedy Central And Nickelodeon

Skydance is currently in a process of acquiring MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central's parent company Paramount Global with the deal valued at $8 billion dollars. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025 and similar to the Canal+/MultiChoice deal was undergoing media scrutiny.

"New Paramount" or "Paramount Skydance Corporation" is the purposed name for the merged company if Skydance acquires Paramount. Fro. what's outlined, they're looking to increase their reach with "New Paramount" venturing into sports and gaming with some citing Hasbro and Take One as potential investments.

In general, "New Paramount" is doing what Canal+ disliked about MultiChoice - diversification. Although these endeavours could leave you with extra money in your pocket, for MultiChoice they let it's pay-tv market crash which is where Paramount resides with MTV and Nickelodeon.

Skydance and Paramount are looking to slash costs which amounts to $2 billion dollars and there's a moderate to high chance this will affect MTV's suite of channels globally. According to an article on THR, New management doesn't view this offering as a priority like CBS.

They're likely to follow Comcast and Warner Bros. Discovery in streamlining their endeavours which will led to reduced content and channel closures. Paramount has made several attempts at selling BET and Showtime so that could enter into the equation.

At the moment, Skydance only views Paramount's studio and streaming endeavours as a priority so most probable guesses is they'll reduce their linear footprint by slashing their operations in Europe and Asia. Especially if they're generating very little revenue and obviously this will lead to job losses.

Another scenario would be spinning most of its cable networks which include BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and MTV. From what some platforms outlined, MTV Studios produces cheaper content so I'd imagine Skydance would want something on par with HBO which is CBS. 

If anything, Paramount will most definitely keep it's other studios including that of Nickelodeon Animation and integrate it with Skydance's existing lineup. The cable networks alongside MTV Studios become a separate entity presumably called MTV Entertainment Corporation.

MTV Entertainment Corporation could enter into various agreements with Paramount when it comes to IPs such as SpongeBob Squarepants and The Loud House. But then again, if Paramount is diversifying to gain extra revenue streams I'd imagine them wanting to close a couple of channels globally.

Internationally, Netflix has been licensing a batch of content from Nickelodeon so I'd imagine a couple of those channels closing in Europe, Asia and Africa. Most kids are watching content online and if these networks aren't bringing the income I'd imagine them wanting to sought out third parties.

Look at Britbox, when it was launched in South Africa most consumers sought to MultiChoice for its lineup with BBC even licencing content exclusively. Some sought how BBC executed it's rollout as a reason for its downfall but if I had to guess it mainly derived from a competitive landscape.

In South Africa, we have a number of streaming services from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Showmax as you know it not everyone can pay for this bulk of platforms. Britbox was a pay service and with existing competitors most would have likely paid if the content was with their current provider.

That's the same rationality management at HBO Max opted for when removing most of Cartoon Network's shows. They couldn't get it monetized as the audience was very small but the moment these shows popped up on other providers it started garnering traction and Warner was able to capitalise on its success.

Reminder: Iconic South African Battles Brought To Life By The HISTORY Channel Africa With New Documentary Series ‘Battlefields South Africa With John Robbie’ Is Launched

Battlefields South Africa with John Robbie, a documentary series which brings three of the country’s most notable historic battles to life, will start on Friday 6 June at 21h05 on the HISTORY® Channel (DStv 186). The three-part documentary series explores the pivotal moments, bold strategies, and fateful decisions that shaped some of the country’s most iconic battles. It is produced by The Schultz Creative.

Of the series, MultiChoice Group Acting Head of 3rd Party Channels Partnerships, Melusi Sibisi says, “At MultiChoice, we believe in the power of storytelling to not only entertain but to educate, preserve and deepen our understanding of who we are as Africans. Battlefields South Africa is more than just a history series—it’s a compelling exploration of the defining moments that have shaped our nation. By bringing these stories to screen through powerful visual storytelling and authentic voices, we are creating space for reflection, dialogue, and renewed connection to our shared past. We are proud to partner with the HISTORY Channel Africa in delivering a production that honours our complex history while igniting curiosity and pride in a new generation.”

The series is hosted by radio legend, John Robbie, who is joined by a different celebrity guest in each episode to unravel the story of a battle central to local history by using a large-scale model of the battlefield and figurines which represent the relevant armies.

Through devastating mistakes, and hard-fought victories, Battlefields South Africa uncovers many of the lessons that still shape modern warfare.

In episode one, comedian Themba Robin and Robbie explore the first major clash of the Anglo-Zulu War - the Battle of Isandlwana. They guide viewers through the terrain, formations, and fatal misjudgments of this battle. Of the series, Themba Robin says, “One of the things I love, is viewing things that are seemingly ordinary from a different perspective. With the actual battlefield board in front of us, viewers will be able to see tangible information moving about in real time.

In episode two, investigative journalist and avid history enthusiast, Ruda Landman walks the historic battlefields of Colenso and Spionkop during the South African War together with Robbie. She says, “We always hear about history in shorthand. Unless you really immerse yourself in it, you might only read two or three lines about a battle. So, to actually take it step-by-step and see how it evolved and the decisions that were made is fascinating.”

Radio and TV presenter Jeremy Maggs, who is the guest in episode three which tells of the Battle of Delville Wood, adds, “I think what really excites me about this series, is the way in which we see the visual personification of something which is so crucial to South Africa’s history. I have thoroughly enjoyed looking at the board, working around the board and actually seeing the graphic representation of this battle.”

So, what does John Robbie hope viewers take away from Battlefields South Africa? “I hope viewers take away the futility of war. The classic example is that 14 years after the South African War, fighting each other to the death, you had South Africans and British join forces to fight together against the Germans. The other key takeaway is the incredible bravery and the interesting individual stories that emerge during each of these battles.”

Audiences are invited to learn from history through the engaging storytelling, immersive visuals, and relatable discussions in Battlefields South Africa. Don’t miss it, every Friday at 21h05 starting 6 June on the HISTORY Channel (DStv 186) or catch the repeats on Sunday evenings at 20h15.