Recap To The Decade: M-Net Movies Gets A Dedicated Children's Channel

In September 2020, M-Net in an attempt to continue to be forefront of entertainment restructured M-Net Movies offering which saw the movie offering be divided amongst 4 channels previously 6 with each using a numbering system as seen at launch decades ago.

M-Net Movies Premiere was divided between M-Net Movies 1 and 2 which supplemented M-Net Movies Smile and Action+ while M-Net Movies Action was divided between M-Net Movies 3 and 4 to supplement M-Net Movies All-Stars and Zone.

Since then the channels were met with mixed to negative feedback following the cutback of Action from the Compact and All-Stars on Family alongside the restructure of content across the brands with Zone's successor M-Net Movies 4 serving as a kids channel.

Tailor made for lower tiered consumers particularly Access and Family consumers, M-Net Movies Zone was added in May 2013 as a BET inspired channel featuring films from the likes of Queen Latifah, Gabrielle Union, Morris Chestnut, and many more.

At the time, the channel wasn't getting much buzz especially with brands like TNT and eMedia's e.tv, eMovies and eMovies Extra reeling in most consumers. With that in mind, the channel was restructured into a thematic and film festival oriented channel.

As seen since September 2020, M-Net Movies 4 doesn't bare much resemblance to the former M-Net Movies Zone as its stellar lineup targets families and kids. If I had to hypothesis what led to the current setting maybe this is was M-Net's way of differentiating channels.

The previous setup didn't cater that much to kids or at least not for those on lower tiered packages so M-Net Movies 4 is probably one way for M-Net and MultiChoice to reach out to more audiences while other consumers could enjoy other content on TNT and Movie Room.

Recap To The Year: OUTtv Relaunches On eMedia Investments' Openview Platform And Also Streaming On Showmax

OUTtv is a gay oriented entertainment channel based in Canada which specialises in made for TV films and series including Finding Prince Charming, RuPaul Drag Race, The Villberg Chronicles, Dr. Jackie: Unlicensed Psychotherapist and Haus Haus.

During the year, it formed part of eMedia Investments' initial offering alongside FUSE to their unbundled pay-tv service Ultraview which is similar to MultiChoice's DStv AddMovies which too comes with a limited number of alternatives at a high price.

As mentioned, OUTtv is a member of the LGBTQ something not supported by some religious groups. On top of that, such acts are prohibited in various African territories. So when you look at it you can kind of see why MultiChoice went against the channel.

Prior to its rollout on Openview, MultiChoice added OUTtv as a pop-up channel back in 2018 and were involved in a nudity scandal but that's not what stopped it from becoming permanent. Perhaps the issue at the time had to deal with preferences.

MultiChoice comes with a range of channels and consumers pay for selected while opting to tolerate the least necessary. OUTtv would have probably been that brand to drive away consumers or had smear campaigns launched against them and DStv as seen in Uganda.

Hence the reason for Showmax and Ultraview, as one comes with less restrictions while the other gives consumers particularly religious households the option of not viewing content from this particular brand.

eReality On DStv: Here's Everything Briefly Wants You To Know About The eFamily Member Channel

Briefly News is a South African digital media and news platform that was founded in 2014. It is one of South Africa’s largest news and entertainment websites and one of the top-earning brands on Facebook in Africa. It is also partner to Genesis Media Emerging Markets.

Genesis Media Emerging Markets, a digital media holding operating in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and worldwide. Other GMEM news projects include Legit.ng (Nigeria), TUKO.co.ke (Kenya), YEN.com.gh (Ghana) and Sportsbrief.com (Worldwide).

In 2018, eMedia Investments launched a free-to-air reality channel on the Openview platform, eReality. It currently ranks as the most popular reality channel in the market featuring local and international series from e.tv, NBC, M-Net, Oxygen, BBC and MTV.

Prior to its rollout on Openview, rumours swirled around that eMedia Investments would be adding eReality as the 6th channel to MultiChoice's DStv joining the now defunct eBella alongside eExtra, eMovies, eMovies Extra and eToonz.

Of course, not much was known about its potential rollout it was believed to be replacing eBella as news of a possible rollout of the reality channel coincided with the termination of the channel which introduced viewers to shows like Qubool Hai and Fatmagul.

Last year, an author of Briefly published a story about eReality but this time as a channel for DStv. Of course, not much is known about what led to the mix up or which channel the author was referring as they listed it under the Compact bouquet but not Openview.

eMedia Investments gave away broadcasting rights to eNCA to MultiChoice for another 5 years preventing Openview consumers from ever viewing the channel with SABC News currently viewable on SABC's DTT and streaming service, SABC+.

Briefly now viewing eReality as a DStv channel, would it be a bad idea to rip the channel away from Openview consumers as the switch to DStv could help give brands like TLC and MTV a ran for their money with their 90 Day Fiance and Teen Moms.

Honestly, it's better off on Openview as there's not much alternatives to the content and as seen with eMedia's 4 other channels on DStv. It would have likely joined the group of channels awaiting their departure from the pay-tv operator for carrying "DStv Repeats".

Source: Briefly

Universal TV Vs. BBC Brit: The Home Of Premium Entertainment

Universal and BBC Brit are international general entertainment channel respectively owned by US based company NBCUniversal and UK based company BBC Studios. These happen to be one of the few premium entertainment channels left globally as streaming has taken a toll with how content is viewed.

Universal is an action, adventure and crime based channel which is home to cop dramas such as Chicago PD and NCIS: Los Angeles, medical shows like Transplant and Chicago Med and finally mystery and supernatural dramas like Departure and Fantasy Island.

BBC Brit adapts to a similar form as Universal as they too offer dramas such as EastEnders and William Shakespeare. But the channel doesn't consider itself Universal exclusive as there's other content like The Graham Norton Show, Total Wipeout and Top Gear.

One of the things I think most people won't like about Universal is the amount of rehashed content that various local providers air first-hand. I mean I don't mind a little nostalgia every now and then I mean they got Bones and Rizzoli And Isles but these rebroadcasts get a bit annoying.

When it comes to BBC Brit, I'd say a lot of channels need to be done. I mean it's more like Universal on the repetitive side but imagine watching the same season of Top Gear repeatedly on top of that having 3 shows take up most of the schedule.

Not long ago, BBC First was shelved with BBC Brit having to pull the muscle I mean come on 2 hours of primetime with 2 hours of repeats during the day but Top Gear gets more than that on a daily basis.

If you're looking for top notch entertainment head on down to Universal sure you won't get Graham Norton or Planet Earth but you sure won't have a lineup that is as repetitive as a certain kids brand I prefer leaving unnamed.

BBC Brit is a waste but the channel has its own perks that some have to grasp for the time being I mean there's BritBox or BBC iPlayer but to those without these services have to view the bulk of content on this channel which appears as an absolute disaster.

Reminder: Cartoonito USA, Latin America And Africa To Broadcast Cartoon Salon's Silly Sundays By Late 2023 To Early 2024

WarnerMedia Kids & Family has greenlit Silly Sundays from Cartoon Saloon for its new Cartoonito preschool block on HBO Max and Cartooon Network. Created by Oscar®-nominated producer Nuria González Blanco (Late Afternoon), the endearing animated series follows cousins Sonia, Hugo and Mel on fun, unexpected adventures at their family get-togethers. Silly Sundays will debut in 2023 before making its international debut in LATAM and EMEA.

The world of Silly Sundays brings us back to our family days together, when school and work are out for the week and there is nothing scheduled except spending time with family and friends. A feel-good comedy series, full of heart and deeply rooted in familial themes, everything centers around Sonia, Hugo, Mel, Mom, Dad and Granny as they create unforgettable memories together during their weekend gatherings. The stories focus on their ups, their downs and mostly their fun times as they embrace every little moment together.

From Paul Young, Cartoon Saloon co-founder and producer: “I would like to thank WarnerMedia Kids & Family for choosing to partner with us on Silly Sundays! We are so delighted to be reunited with their talented team again for this new show that is going to be very funny and sunny, just like it’s creator Nuria Blanco. I’d like to send our very special thanks to Amy Friedman, Adina Pitt and Zia Bales for all their support and for being such believers in our work.”

Adina Pitt, Vice President, Partnerships, Acquisitions and Co-Productions for the Americas, WarnerMedia Kids and Family added: “Cartoon Saloon is an esteemed studio that masterfully approaches storytelling with love and humanity, and Silly Sundays is another great example of how the beloved studio perfectly captures the essence of family bonding.”

Nuria will direct alongside Fabian Erlinghäuser (Dorg Van Dango, Wolfwalkers, The Breadwinner). The show is developed and produced with assistance from Fís Éirean/Screen Ireland and Creative Europe.

Cartoon Saloon Brand Development will handle ancillary and merchandising and once again Cartoon Saloon will partner with Superights (Puffin Rock) for sales outside the WarnerMedia regions.

The series is currently in production at Cartoon Saloon’ studio in Kilkenny, Ireland. In addition to airing on Cartoonito across U.S., LATAM and EMEA, RTE will also broadcast Silly Sundays in Ireland.

NBA Finals To Broadcast Live On ESPN Across Africa

ESPN Africa today announced that it will be broadcasting all of the 2023 NBA Final games, live across the African continent. Showcasing the highest level of professional basketball in the world, this year’s finals will see the Denver Nuggets go up against the Miami Heat, with the action being broadcast live on ESPN from Friday 2 June 2023 at 02:00 (CAT).  

The Miami Heat closed out a nail-biting Eastern Conference finals series against the Boston Celtics with a Game 7 win on Monday night and will face the Denver Nuggets in their quest to hold up the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy for the fourth time in the league’s history, with three previous wins under their belt. The eighth-seeded Heat are just the second No. 8 seed team in NBA history to appear in the Finals.

The Denver Nuggets, who are appearing in the NBA Finals for the very first time, completed a sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers in their lead up to this point. Making good on their billing at the top seed in the Western Conference, featuring superstars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, Denver have yet to lose a game at home this postseason.

The NBA Finals follows a "best of 7" format, where the first team to win four games out of the seven played is crowned as the champion. Should a winner not have been reached in the first four games, play will extend for an additional one or three games.

While the live broadcast of the NBA Final games will enable basketball enthusiasts to enjoy the games live at 02:00 or 02:30 (CAT), depending on the game, an additional broadcast will take place at 8:00 AM, with additional repeats at 11:00, 15:00 and 20:00 to provide viewers in regular viewing times more options to enjoy the sport. Now with extended reach through recently being made available on the DStv Compact packages, ESPN Africa will ensure that even more basketball enthusiasts across Africa have access to comprehensive coverage, including pre-game analysis, in-depth interviews, and captivating behind-the-scenes content, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the excitement and exhilaration of the games.

“ESPN Africa's commitment to delivering high-quality sports content extends to the NBA Finals games, providing viewers across the continent with an unrivalled viewing experience and the opportunity to witness basketball greatness unfold in real-time,” said Kyle De Klerk, Director: Sports of Africa at the Walt Disney Company Africa. “ESPN Africa continues to showcase its dedication to bringing the best sporting events to audiences across Africa, and we are looking forward to an exhilarating NBA Finals 2023” he added.

Basketball fans across Africa can stay updated regarding the NBA Conference Final games and other sports news by following @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visiting https://www.espn.com/. 

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NOTES TO EDITORS

How to tune in to ESPN:

ESPN: DStv 218, Starsat 248 
ESPN2: DStv 219, Starsat 249

NBA 2023 Finals schedule:

Game
Date
Live Broadcast
Repeat Broadcast

NBA Finals Game 1
02-06-2023
02:30:00
02-06-2023 at 8:00, 11:00, 15:00 and 20:00

NBA Finals Game 2
05-06-2023
02:00:00
05-06-2023 at 8:00
11:00, 15:00 and 20:00

NBA Finals Game 3
08-06-2023
02:30:00
08-06-2023 at 8:00
11:00, 15:00 and 20:00

NBA Finals Game 4
10-06-2023
02:30:00
10-06-2023 at 8:00
11:00, 15:00 and 20:00

NBA Finals Game 5 *if necessary
13-06-2023
02:30:00
13-06-2023 at 8:00
11:00, 15:00 and 20:00

NBA Finals Game 6 *if necessary
16-06-2023
02:30:00
16-06-2023 at 8:00
11:00, 15:00 and 20:00

NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary)
19-06-2023
02:00:00
19-06-2023 at 8:00
11:00, 15:00 and 20:00

All times are stated in CAT / SAST.
Schedule subject to change

StarSat To Implement Another Price Increase Effective 15 June

During the year, MultiChoice increased prices for several of their products (excluding DStv Easyview) with AddMovies taking a pay cut. At the time, StarSat announced a 0% increase to their services meaning consumers can enjoy more content at the same price.

Some of the channels to have rolled out on the platform during the year include Kartoon Channel (replacement for DreamWorks), FilmBox Action (replacement for FOX), CBS Reality and Justice (replacement for Discovery Family, Real Time and Investigation Discovery).

StarSat taking to account the invasion of the Ukraine and SA's allegations of weapon supply to Russia have implemented another price increase despite earlier promises for a 0% increase with Max (R360p/m), Super (R250p/m) and Special (R130p/m) from 15 June.

In a recent survey, it was revealed that 18% of consumers who participated are cutting back on necessities like DStv due to load shedding, unemployment and inflation, and with the news consumers are likely to abandon the platform if they hadn't done it sooner.

As to whether MultiChoice will implement another price increase will likely reflect these factors in the next fiscal year which will conclude in March 2025. They could be more channel changes awaiting consumers in the meantime on top of the rollout of new channels.

In which StarSat alongside free-to-view rival eMedia Investments is looking to rollout before March 2024.

More Repeats Coming Soon To The Openview Platform??? As Beef! And Dare Lie To Me Were Scheduled To Air On e.tv

Not to be mistaken with eKasi: Our Stories much less eKasi+, eKasi is a programming block on eReality that eMedia Investments use for original productions like Beef! or Pay Back The Money alongside other content like Date My Family or Our Perfect Wedding.

Since 2022, eMedia Investments has been working on building their original slate which led to the decline of international content on e.tv as they want to reshape the channel to better compete with brands like SABC 1 and Mzansi Magic which seen success for such content.

e.tv is shaping up to become another SABC 1 which too has seen a lot of rebroadcasts (such as The Estate) build their lineup or in e.tv's case Kuiertyd and eNCA.

During the month, eMedia Investments reshuffled primetime having shows like Devi and Checkpoint air on Sunday with repeats throughout the week to compliment The Last Word With Shahan Ramkissoon and these changes caught viewers by surprise.

From the looks of the channel's EPG, these changes kind of seemed rushed as they have the ABC comedy, The Goldbergs listed under the channel. For those not viewing on Openview, the international lineup on e.tv was supplemented by eXposed.

Anyways as I'm looking, I noticed e.tv has Beef! and Dare To Lie Me scheduled for 11 June. The only problem is Devi is airing where Beef! would be seen with CrimeWatch in Dare To Lie Me's timeslot. All of this kind of proves my point these changes were rushed.

It's not surprising to see these shows on the channel considering how much airtime is latched onto eExtra's Kuiertyd as well as the local series and films produced by eVOD. It was only a matter of time as this content costs them a lot of money and e.tv gives them exposure.

Considering that the week these series were slated to air has The Goldbergs it's likely to be phased out alongside the sitcom. But if I had to guess, it will probably air in the timeslot used by My Wife Rules which is 1 hour and the individual series 30 minutes.

Development Alert: LM Radio And TransAfrica Radio Stop Airing On The Openview Platform

LM Radio, a Mozambican based radio station catering to the oldies with hits from the 50s and 80s alongside the youth centric TransAfrica celebrating pop culture and featuring content for the trendsetters become the next channels to get culled from the Openview platform.

LM Radio was added on the Openview platform in February 2015 serving as one of the few radio stations on the platform while as TransAfrica Radio was introduced alongside eMovies Extra in October 2016.

Openview doesn't mention why these channels have been switched off but recommend consumers to their 25+ regional stations (19 of which are operated by the public broadcaster). Although, these brands are no longer on the platform it remains on DStv.

In eMedia Investments' annual report, they announced plans to rollout a few more channels in the current fiscal year alongside new decoders which would come with more memory and WI-FI capabilities. They recently launched 4 channels under the pay tier, Ultraview.

Openview added 513 840 activations, taking the total activations to just shy of 3.2 million and this doesn't include Ultraview. eMedia did not say how many of those who have activated set-top boxes remain current viewers of the platform same goes.