The Disney/FOX Channels Go Dark On Starsat

Statement from The Walt Disney Company Africa:
“We can confirm that our channels (Fox, Fox Life, ESPN, ESPN 2, Fox Portuguese, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, National Geographic Portuguese, Baby TV, Voyage, National Geographic French, Nat Geo Wild French) are currently not being provided to StarSat. This follows ongoing commercial issues with StarSat.

Despite Disney’s negotiations in good faith and significant efforts to find a resolution, The Walt Disney Company Africa has had to suspend the feeds of all our channels to StarSat at this time.

We continue to work to find a positive resolution but in the meantime our channels will remain available on various other platforms across the continent. Viewers are encouraged to visit https://www.foxafrica.com/, https://www.natgeotv.com/za, and https://www.espn.com/ to find tune-in information.”

Statement from StarSat:
1. Yes these channels - FOX, FOX LIFE, NGC and NGW  were offline from 1st October 2019

2. The current Fox channel discontinuation is an extra ordinary occurrence as proliferation of 5G signal testing stations (in SA), due to rapid expansion of 5G network has created unavoidable interference with signal feeds of aforementioned channels.

The 5G signal testing is specifically interfering with c-band satellite frequency which has in turn compromised viewer experience in terms of sound and picture quality.

This has caused unacceptably high levels of viewer dissatisfaction amongst loyal StarSat subscribers. We are unfortunately left with little or no choice but to indefinitely suspend the effected channels.

3. Channel replacement measures aimed at revitalising and refreshing our content offer are currently underway.

The Disney/FOX Channels Go Dark On Starsat

Statement from The Walt Disney Company Africa:
“We can confirm that our channels (Fox, Fox Life, ESPN, ESPN 2, Fox Portuguese, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, National Geographic Portuguese, Baby TV, Voyage, National Geographic French, Nat Geo Wild French) are currently not being provided to StarSat. This follows ongoing commercial issues with StarSat.

Despite Disney’s negotiations in good faith and significant efforts to find a resolution, The Walt Disney Company Africa has had to suspend the feeds of all our channels to StarSat at this time.

We continue to work to find a positive resolution but in the meantime our channels will remain available on various other platforms across the continent. Viewers are encouraged to visit https://www.foxafrica.com/, https://www.natgeotv.com/za, and https://www.espn.com/ to find tune-in information.”

Statement from StarSat:
1. Yes these channels - FOX, FOX LIFE, NGC and NGW  were offline from 1st October 2019

2. The current Fox channel discontinuation is an extra ordinary occurrence as proliferation of 5G signal testing stations (in SA), due to rapid expansion of 5G network has created unavoidable interference with signal feeds of aforementioned channels.

The 5G signal testing is specifically interfering with c-band satellite frequency which has in turn compromised viewer experience in terms of sound and picture quality.

This has caused unacceptably high levels of viewer dissatisfaction amongst loyal StarSat subscribers. We are unfortunately left with little or no choice but to indefinitely suspend the effected channels.

3. Channel replacement measures aimed at revitalising and refreshing our content offer are currently underway.

Scooby-Doo Shaggy Showdown As Part Of Movie Stars Along With Brand New Episodes Of Your Favorite Shows Debuts In November 2019 On Boomerang Africa

ORIGINAL TITLE
TAFFY
CATEGORY
New Episodes
SYNOPSIS
Bow off – Raccoon. Bow on – cat!
Welcome to Muchmore manor, home of uber-rich senior Mrs. Muchmore and her beloved dog with a red bow, Bentley. They want for nothing – unlike the down-on-his-luck trash-eating raccoon Scraggs, who spends his days jealously gazing at the constant food deliveries to the Manor.
Eventually it becomes too much for the little scavenger, and he gets an idea – he’ll disguise himself as an adorable kitty cat and infiltrate the manor, where it’ll be a never-ending buffet!

PREMIERE DATE
Monday 04/11/2019
TUNE-IN
Monday To Friday @ 17:35 CAT

ORIGINAL TITLE
WACKY RACES
CATEGORY
New Episodes
SYNOPSIS
When the engines start, the laughter roars in this animated comedy series featuring the return of your favorite racers … and, of ourse, their wacky cars! 
Joining these familiar faces will be a whole new roster of racers ready to take the track and race to strange and exotic locales around the world — and beyond!  With new racers, new vehicles and spectacular new locations, “Wacky Races” is not just a tune-up, it’s a full-engine overhaul filled with fast-paced slapstick comedy, high-octane thrills and pure zany fun from start to finish.

PREMIERE DATE
Monday 18/11/2019
TUNE-IN
MONDAY TO FRIDAY @ 18:10 CAT

ORIGINAL TITLE
SCOOBY DOO! SHAGGY’S SHOWDOWN
CATEGORY
New DTV
SYNOPSIS
The Mystery Incorporated gang goes to visit the Crazy Q Dude Ranch, which is owned by Shaggy Rogers' long lost cousin, Tawny Rogers. When the gang arrives, the residents scream in fright at the sight of Shaggy, and claim he is a ghost. Tawny explains that years ago, the ranch has been haunted by a ruthless western outlaw named Dapper Jack and points out that Shaggy looks just like him, as he is Jack's descendant. Tawny says if Dapper Jack's ghost continues to haunt the ranch, she will be forced to sell it. Afterwards, the gang begins investigating so Tawny will not have to sell the ranch.

PREMIERE DATE
Saturday 30/11/2019 @ 09:40 CAT

Victor And Valentino Makes Its Debut In November 2019 Alongside Brand New Episodes Of Beast Morphers And Craig Of The Creek On Cartoon Network Africa

ORIGINAL TITLE

VICTOR AND VALENTINO
CATEGORY
New Cartoon Network Original Series
SYNOPSIS
Victor and Valentino is a supernatural adventure comedy about two half-brothers who spend the summer with their grandma in a place called Monte Macabre, a small,
mysterious town where the myths and legends of Latin American folklore come to life.

Sneak Peek : 09/11 @ 08:40 (4 Regular Show episodes + Victor and Valentino 1st episode)

PREMIERE DATE
Saturday 23 November 2019

TUNE-IN
Weekends @06:00, 17:05, 19:20 CAT

ORIGINAL TITLE
POWER RANGERS BEAST MORPHER
CATEGORY
New Episodes
SYNOPSIS
Set in the future, a secret agency combines a newly discovered substance called “Morph-X” with animal DNA to create the Power Rangers Beast Morphers team. The Rangers must fight off an evil sentient computer virus bent on taking over the source of all Ranger power, the Morphin Grid itself.

PREMIERE DATE
Monday 4 November 2019

TUNE-IN
Monday-Friday @16:45 CAT

ORIGINAL TITLE
Craig of the Creek
CATEGORY
New Episodes
SYNOPSIS
Grab your toilet-paper sword and follow best friends Craig, JP, and Kelsey as they explore their neighborhood creek — a boundless, kid-run world full of colorful characters that fosters new imaginative adventures every day.

PREMIERE DATE
Monday 25 November 2019

TUNE-IN
Monday-Friday @16:00 CAT

November 2019 Is All About Superheroes, Martial Arts And Jim Carrey On TNT Africa

STUNT NAME
Film Fight Night : SUPERHEROES!
DESCRIPTION
Superheroes have been around for a long time in the history of cinema and people have their favourites, identifying with some more than with others. Either you are more into Spiderman or into Batman... and more into Blade or The Crow. So on this occasion, TNT proposes a new version of its Film Fight Night. Every Sunday evening, two superhero movies will be broadcast back to back, in a battle that will put their skills against each other’s' in order to prove who is worthy of the audience’s trust!
FILMS
Sunday 3 November
17:55 Batman (1989)
20:00 Blade (1998)
Sunday 10 November
18:00 Green Lantern (2011)
20:00 Spider-Man (2002)
Sunday 17 November
17:30 The Dark Knight (2008)
20:00 The Crow (1994)
Sunday 24th November
18:20 The Mask
20:00 Spy Kids

STUNT NAME
Martial Arts Mega Marathon
DESCRIPTION
The list of the all time greatest martial arts actors is very wide, but there isn't the slightest doubt that Bruce Lee is its maximum precursor. His cinematographic legacy has influenced many actors who copied his style and spirit, keeping the genre alive over the years. Jean Claude Van Damme, Jackie Chan and Jet Li are a few of these celebrated names. For this special, TNT will premier a biographic documentary about Bruce Lee’s life called I am Bruce Lee , accompanied by a selection of martial arts titles, every Saturday in a double
FILMS
Saturday 2nd of November
18:20 –Documentary: I am Bruce Lee (2012) channel premiere
20:00 –Enter the Dragon (1973)

Saturday 9thof November
18:35 –First Strike (1996)
20:00 –The One (2001)

Saturday 16thof November
18:20 –3 Ninjas (1992)
20:00 –Knock Off (1998)

Saturday 23thof November
18:20 –Street Fighter (1994)
20:00 –Above the Law (1998)

Saturday 30thof November
11:50 –I am Bruce Lee (2012)
13:30 –Enter the Dragon (1973)
15:10 –3 Ninjas (1992)
16:50 –Street Fighter (1994)
18:35 –The One (2001)
20:00 –First Strike (1996)
21:25 –Knock Off (1998)
23:00 –Above the Law (1998)

STUNT NAME
Jim Carrey Fan Month
DESCRIPTION
Jim Carrey is one of the most recognized actors in Hollywood, especially known for his successful career in comedy and his hilarious body language. Influenced by some of the great names in slapstick such as Jerry Lewis, he went from performing monologues in clubs to superstar. Huge blockbusters such as The Mask and Liar Liar marked a milestone in his career and established him as one of the best humorists of his time. In November, TNT will dedicate every Thursday to one of his titles on prime time.
FILMS
Tuesday 5thof November
20:00 –Fun with Dick and Jane (2005) channel premiere

Tuesday 12thof November
20:00 –Batman Forever (1995)

Tuesday 19thof November
20:00 –The Mask (1994)

Tuesday 26thof November
14:50 –Batman Forever (1995)
16:50 –The Mask (1994)
18:30 –Fun with Dick and Jane (2005)
20:00 –Liar Liar (1997)

DStv Has Issued A Statement Regarding The Cancellation Of History, Lifetime And C&I Channels

"As part of our ongoing efforts to refresh our content line-up and optimise the suite of channels on offer, MultiChoice Group will be saying goodbye to the History, Crime + Investigation and Lifetime channels on its DStv platform at the end of the current contract term. The current contract expires on 1 November 2019. Viewers will however be able to continue enjoying some of the firm favourites such as the Housewives franchise that’s already available on 1 Magic.

We will soon be announcing the introduction of two new channels to DStv. The first is an established global brand and the other, a new innovative brand. Both channels will bring exciting new titles and genres that viewers will really enjoy, including among others blue chip documentaries, history and factual reality shows. In addition, we continue to increase our significant investment in local shows and content, which have great resonance with customers and are a key driver of engagement.

We are continuously reviewing our content line-up and channel selection to improve our entertainment offering to our customers, as well as ensuring customers continue to get good value. This process includes ongoing engagement with various content partners to ensure we can provide more compelling content offerings for customers."

A+E Networks Issued A Statement Regarding The DStv Decision To Cancel History, Lifetime And C&I Channels

NOTE! This is the unedited statement!

“DStv announced that they plan to take away the A+E Networks Africa family of channels, including HISTORY (channel 186), Crime+Investigation (channel 170) and Lifetime (channel 131) from their customers. DStv has decided that our channels do not offer good value to their subscribers. Fans of our channels could soon miss out on the thousands of hours of new and unique shows we provide across our world class global brands including Surviving R Kelly, Forged in Fire, American Pickers, Curse of Oak Island, Damian Lewis Spy Wars, The First 48, Homicide Hunter, Married at First Sight, Little Women, Lifetime movies, Lost Gold of World War2, Watergate, Treasures Decoded, and many more. This includes current and upcoming local programming such as Crime Stories SA, Don’t Tell the Bride SA and Loved Like Crazy.
We have been very proactive in trying to reach an agreement that is best for our viewers and for DStv. Our goal is to continue to bring our high-quality, award-winning programming to our local audiences. Our channels are available to viewers in over 160 countries around the world, and we negotiate several of these deals every
year. We are willing to keep negotiations open and we sincerely hope DStv will find a way to work with us to keep our channels so we can continue to share our great upcoming local and international programmes with our loyal fans. Everyone at A+E Networks Africa is committed to continue working with DStv to try to achieve a positive outcome.”

DStv To Cut 3 More Channels With Two Launching Soon

DStv is set to cut three popular channels from its network at the end of October – History, Crime + Investigation, and Lifetime.

The contract term for these channels, which are all produced by the American broadcasting company A&E Television Networks, ends on 1 November 2019.

MultiChoice said the decision to cut these channels forms part of its “ongoing efforts to refresh our content line-up and optimise the suite of channels on offer”.

“We are continuously reviewing our content line-up and channel selection to improve our entertainment offering to our customers,” MultiChoice said.

“This process includes ongoing engagement with various content partners to ensure we can provide more compelling content offerings for customers.”

New channels to be announced soon
MultiChoice said it will soon announce the introduction of two new channels to DStv – an established global brand and a new innovative brand.

“Both channels will bring exciting new titles and genres that viewers will really enjoy, including among others blue chip documentaries, history and factual reality shows,” MultiChoice said.

The company added that it continues to increase its investment in local shows and content, which it said have great resonance with customers and are a key driver of engagement.

A New African Animation And Pop Culture Thematic Channel Is Coming To Africa

Its time for Africa to rejoice as Nick Wilson, head of projects and content at African Animation Network (AAN) announced the launch of Africa's first animated and pop culture kids channel AAN at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

The official launch is set to be held at DISCOP Johannesburg later this year. According to Wilson, the channel is said to launch the channel in the last quarter of 2019 with African produced content which he mentions will grow overtime as the country's capacity grows.

The name of the kids channel is called African Animation Network as mentioned earlier. AAN is a pro-profit, talent-driven social enterprise and open network with a core mandate to empower African animation professionals and build a sustainable African animation industry.

As you African animation has going through some challenges over the years due to the lack of funding and animation studios you've come across series that have been produced overseas like Supa Strikas. Regardless animation has been growing exceptionally in Africa with critics seeing potential in the market.

Animators particularly in Africa have perused hobbies or part time jobs to put food on the table. Over the years some of them will take part in an animation festival to boost their creative spirits and keep them close to their passion. Usually the winner's work gets a lot of attention from across the world only to get shelved with hope of trying to find a studio that will fund and expand the program footprint. This new channel will broadcast many of these animator's hardwork.

For now, there's currently no details on whether this channel will be accessible on MultiChoice's DStv or ODM and StarTimes Media's Starsat platform since both are your best pick to boost the channel's brand and audience reach. More details on this might be available in November.

The programming remains a mystery as well for now only two shows were highlighted at Annecy 2019 such as L'arbre Palimpseste and Wool Wool Town (not sure these series will be available). Expect exciting, new and old programs just don't expect this channel to get as much new content in the year as any other kids channel would have gotten in the United States regardless the people associated with the channel are working hard to bring to boost productivity. Most of the channel's lineup MIGHT consist mostly of acquisitions including Jabu's Jungle (SABC 1), Jozi Zoo (e.tv), Silly Season (e.tv) and URBO: The Adventures of Pax Afrika (SABC 3) to just to name a few.

AAN didn't bother engaging with journalists or the media (some of which are reliable) about it so they chose to leave them in the dark. Even I am one of the people who felt left out but chose to let it slide since this kind of behaviour has been ongoing over the years with other companies.

Anyways congrats to Wilson and his team for the new linear channel. Africa and other parts of the world are rooting for you, I hope you engage more with the media when you do get some exciting news to share on the channel and not let us down, good luck.ch