Insidus

Friday, December 4, 2020

OpenView Launches Two Music Channels Without Notice

At this point, both e.tv and OpenView are killing themselves with these last minute announcements and failure to engage with the media. Don't know who told them it was the brightest idea to leave the media out in the cold.

Recently, viewers noticed that there's two music channels onboard which are SA Hits and Soul Playlist.

SA Hits (Channel 135) will feature house music and possibly several other genres from Euphonik, DJ Zinhle, Mahoota, Master KG and more.

Soul Playlist (Channel 136) will feature other genres on top of Jazz with artists ranging from Jamie Callum, Nina Simone, Diana Krall, Billie Holiday and many more.

Both will launch as a pop-up channel on Friday, 4 December. You notice how they don't mention an end date so perhaps they're working towards having it full-time. Expect them to be more repetitive than the ones on DStv and local based as mentioned above.

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This festive season, Openview turns up the volume with two new pop-up music video channels, premiering on Friday, 4 December.

SA Hits will have its home on channel 135 of the Openview Free-To-Air satellite platform. The channel will be a dedicated and dance-inducing mash-up of proudly South African music, the latest in social media culture, local fashion, together with local destinations and brands.

You can expect local mega hits from musicians such as one part of KZN's Finest DJ Tira, Heavy K, Busiswa, Black Coffee, DJ Zinhle, and Euphonik.

Experience nostalgic trips down memory lane with hits from yesteryear by Oskido, Trompies, and Mahoota.

Openview Channel 136, Soul Playlist, is where you head for a dose of relaxation, courtesy of soothing video hits from Mzansi and the world's most renowned RnB, Jazz, and Soul maestros.

Sit back and unwind with Nina Simone, Jamie Cullum, Diana Krall, Billie Holiday, and Ella Jane Fitzgerald.

The Free-To-Air satellite platform has officially surpassed 2.2m household activations, with a steady increase promising to propel Openview to greater heights.

Openview MD, Mmatshipi Matebane is delighted at the premiere of the SA Hits and Soul Playlist pop-up channels, "Our efforts to provide our fans with festive cheer through music are proving to be fruitful. We look forward to families bonding over song, as either one of the Openview channels lends itself to the makings of long-lasting memories. We want to thank all our Openview viewers for the continued love and support and wish them a safe and joyous holiday season," said Matebane.

Openview is South Africa's only free satellite TV service, with 18 TV channels and 9 radio stations.

There are no contracts and no monthly fees, pay once for dish and decoder and enjoy more TV for free, forever.

Unlike The U.S. Counterpart, Paramount Network Still Continues To Rollout In Another Region + It Might Launch In Africa

Hungary became the latest victim in ViacomCBS revamp portfolio. Under these changes the male skewed channel, RTL Spike will convert into the teen based channel TeenNick with The Paramount Channel which was used for movies taking the best of RTL Spike and placing it under the Paramount Network.

Back in September, ViacomCBS in the US announced that Paramount Network will convert into a movie channel next year under the name, Paramount Movies Network. At the time, it was currently unknown whether this would have some effect on the Paramount Networks around the world (guess not).

The likely reason for Paramount Network continuation may have something to do with the upcoming rebrand for the streaming service CBS All Access which is set to be called Paramount+ later in the new year and also rollout in more countries.

It's kind of like what Latin America is experiencing with the FOX branding which is getting replaced with Star. Disney is rolling out a mature version of Disney+ under the banner Star or Disney+ Star.

Now in Africa, Paramount Network doesn't exist yet and certain media outlets have been very curious about the future of the brand here. Even some theorized that it might launch to replace MTV.

My theory would be that Paramount Network launches to replace Comedy Central which is very accessible in Africa. Not only that MTV gets booted with some of its programming moving inbetween Paramount Network, BET and perhaps MTV Base.

Right now, Comedy Central especially BET are very redundant and not tough competitors - they look more like placeholders. Comedy Central case is partly justified since genre based channels can be very repetitive. These two love sharing programs especially with The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air.

MTV is the only decent channel amongst the three and channels like that are usually the ones that get most blows. It wouldn't be a complete loss as the channel didn't gain much recognition and acknowledgement like MTV Base.

This is common in Africa, you had channels such as Animal Planet, Crime & Investigation, BBC First and several others get snatched only for the mediocre and useless batch of channels to stay afloat.

Paramount Network launches in Africa carrying and likely rehash MTV shows such as Teen Mom, Ex On The Beach and Geordie Shore. The twist would be the channel actually replaced Comedy Central so if you want to see The Roast Specials and South Park then this will be your station. Paramount Movies Network in the U.S. will be producing movies maybe that will be added as a bonus constellation.

BET gets a boost with MTV shows such as Lasizwe: Fake It Till You Make It, Have Faith, The Code Trilogies and Love And Hip-Hop mixed with their dry lineup of shows strengthening the channel's offering.

At this point, MTV shifts it's focus towards music perhaps all the music award specials and musician based reality shows will be put on the Afro obsessed channel, MTV Base.

2021 is shaping up to be an interesting year for TV with more companies streamlining their channels and portfolios being reviewed.

Ricky Zoom Coming Soon To e.tv

During the festive season, e.tv will be dishing out a new animated series for their revamped Craze block called Ricky Zoom.

Ricky Zoom, the series follows the titular character whose a young motorcycle and his friends, Loop Hoopla, Scootio Whizzbang and DJ Rumbler in the town of Wheelford. They form the "Bike Buddies" and have adventures in their community, and Ricky dreams of becoming a rescue bike just like his parents and his idol, Steel Awesome.

It made its international debut last year with a second season currently in development.

The series is produced by Hasbro's Entertainment One who brought up shows such as Peppa Pig, PJ Masks and Power Rangers.

You can catch the first episode on Tuesday, 15 December at 15:15 on e.tv

Black Money Love Is Back On Another Station

If you're reading then you guessed correctly, Black Money Love returns to Africa once again. The show made its debut on FOX Life (discontinued), eExtra, Novelas E Plus and now Timeless Dizi Channel. You must have a high level of tolerance if you're able to rewatch this whole story again.

Black Money Love (Kara Para Ask), follows the life of Omer (Engin Akyurek) and Elif (Tuba Buyukustun) whose destinies cross after a death of their loved ones. They team up to track down the killer and meet a man who knows their secrets and is one step ahead of them.

Since it's debut back in 2014, the show won 19 awards with 6 of them going to the lead actor and 5 going to the lead actress.

The show's debut shouldn't surprise the media after all SPI International mentioned at their upfront last year and all markets that have this channel will likely get the same content at different times. So other shows that still have yet to air is 20 Minutes, Five Brothers, The End and The 8th Day.

There could be a movie block like a file stated perhaps after the trail period ends on DStv or when the channel manages to rollout enough content.

You can catch this "new" show on Monday 7 December at 19:00 CAT/18:00 WAT/20:00 EAT

Timeless Dizi Channel (TDC) is available on DStv and StarTimes (or Starsat)

Africa: Disney Channels Bring Festive Cheer These Holidays

This festive season Disney brings with it a treasure trove of festive cheer on Disney Channel, DStv channel 303 and Disney Junior, DStv channel 309 starting from 30 November.

Delight the little ones with premiere episodes of some of their favourite shows at 18:00 every day, taking off with a brand-new episode of The Rocketeer on Monday, 30 November. The episode, entitled, The Christmas Star, sees Rocketeer Kit save the town's Christmas when the annual Hughesville Christmas celebration is threatened by Sylvester Slapdash's attempt to steal the town's gifts.

Then on Tuesday, 1 December, everyone’s favourite ghoul girl Vampirina offers up two premiere episodes on consecutive days. In the episode entitled A Gargoyle Carol Vee and family embrace the human ways of Christmas but Gregoria feels differently. Then in Deliver-eek! (Wednesday, 2 December at 18:00) the Hauntleys discover a new delivery service that delivers specialty items from Transylvania.

The perennially popular P.J. Masks provide the entertainment on Thursday, 3 December for another great premiere episode where the pyjama-clad heroes save Christmas after Romeo decides to ruin Christmas for everyone after discovering he's on the naughty list, the PJ Masks partner with Santa Claus to save the day!

The festive fun continues with T.O.T.S. in the first part of a premiere double episode titled Santa Baby on Friday, 4 December, Pip and Freddy teach a magical baby reindeer the joy of Christmas giving.

The week of Christmas premieres concludes with Elena of Avalor on Friday 4th December at 18:30, where a freak snowstorm threatens to ruin Elena's plans of spending a quiet, peaceful Navidad at home.

Additional Disney Junior Christmas programming continues weekdays throughout December with episode blocks featuring three viewer favourites, as well as a daily special. Each weekday from Monday 30th November a block of back-to-back episodes of Bluey from 08:00 to 09:00 will kick things off, with specials such as Minnie’s Winter Bow Show (Monday, 21 December) running from 10:00. These specials are followed by T.O.T.S, from 11:00 to 13:00, P.J. Masks, from 13:00 to 15:00, before another bumper bundle of Bluey from 15:00 to 17:30.

On Disney Channel, The Ross kids are back at Camp Kikiwaka for a fourth year, and their adventures continue on Bunk’d on weekends from Saturday, 5 December at 19:05. In Season 4, Lou adjusts to her new job as camp director, reunites with Destiny, Finn and Matteo and also welcomes new counsellors Noah and Ava, as well as an eccentric new camper, Gwen. In the first of this month’s episodes, Cramped Champions, pool at Camp Champion floods the grounds. Barb and her campers are left camp-less. Lou invites Barb and her kids to stay at Kikiwaka for a week, but immediately regrets it.

Christmas Day holds back-to-back entertainment with Christmas morning for Gabby Duran and the Unsittables at 06:25. In this episode Olivia and Gabby are excited to see their dad for the holidays, but when a snowstorm ruins those plans, Gabby enlists Swift's shapeshifting ability to create a substitute dad.

Bunk’d follows with an episode entitled Secret Santa at 06:55 where Ravi advises Emma and Lou on their gift exchange, but it doesn't go as imagined. Skai, Xander, Jorge and Tiffany run into a man they think is Santa and help him save Christmas.
Seasonal episodes of Stuck in the Middle and K.C. Undercover take centre stage before Phineas and Ferb take the reins at 09:00 with the Phineas and Ferb Family Christmas.
Festive fun is followed by Miraculous Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, Liv and Maddie and Big City Greens through the rest of the day.

Great new programming will continue into January with Season 3 premiere episodes of Vampirina from Monday 11 – 22 January at 07:00 on Disney Junior and a brand-new Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) Upside Down Magic on Friday, 29 January at 17:00. The movie revolves around 13-year-old Nory who discovers she can flux into animals, and her best friend Reina can manipulate flames, together they enter the Sage Academy for Magical Studies. Reina's expert ability to harness the power of fire lands her at the top of her class of "Flares," but Nory's wonky magic and proclivity for turning into a "Dritten" (a half-kitten, half-dragon)-lands her in a class for those with Upside-Down Magic, otherwise known as UDM. While Headmaster Knightslinger believes the UDM's unconventional powers leave them vulnerable to dangerous and evil "shadow magic," Nory and her fellow UDM classmates set out to prove that Upside-Down Magic beats right side up!

“Both Disney Junior and Disney Channel are the destination for inspirational, authentic, optimistic, inclusive and relatable Disney storytelling with deep emotional resonance, beloved characters, parent-approved developmental values. We are delighted to be bringing such a diverse and entertaining array of family content to DStv viewers this festive period, with a promise that this is only the start for what will be an exciting 2021.” says Evert van der Veer, Vice President, Media Networks, The Walt Disney Company Africa.

Monday, November 30, 2020

Disney Latin America Renaming FOX Channels In Latin America To Star, Will FOX Follow In Africa Very Soon?

Earlier this year, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced that the Walt Disney Company would be launching a new streaming service called “Star” internationally, rather than Hulu. With “Star” including general entertainment movies and shows from its brands such as ABC, FX, Freeform, Searchlight Pictures and 20th Century Studios. “Star” will also be fully integrated into the established Disney+ platform from both a marketing and a technology perspective, possibly similar to how Hotstar became Disney+ Hotstar in India.

Just ahead of the launch of Star, according to a statement that was provided to cable operators, Disney is going to be renaming it’s “FOX” channels to “Star” in Latin America from February 2021. With both the Fox channel and Fox Life, becoming Star Channel and Star Life.

-FOX Channel will be Star Channel.
-FOX Life will be Star Life.
-FOX Premium will be Star Premium.
-FOX App will be Star App

Fox Premium channels will also be rebranded, becoming: Star Premium Movies, Star Premium Series, Star Premium Action, Star Premium Comedy, Star Premium Fun, Star Premium Cinema and Star Premium Classics.

In Africa, Star operates Indian channels such as StarPlus, Star Vijay and Star Life. There's a chance that Star Life (currently seen on StarTimes, DStv and OpenView) will get a name change perhaps into Star India or something close to that in order to not cause confusion if they do end up rebranding FOX into Star in this region.

Now the issue here is their channels are operated under Star India and not Disney in general. So maybe this whole thing has no effect on us but there's a chance it could have some effect since Latin America is changing the channels and not India. Or perhaps the one here will be called Disney's Star or Star By Disney.

SA Government Might Enforce A Local Quota On Linear Platforms

The government is considering adding a local quota onto streaming services where 30% of the programming needs to come from South Africa. So they're likely to go after DStv, Starsat and OpenView.

While they're looking at the content for streaming platforms. On cable they might exploring more aspects such as the channels offered by these operators.

MULTICHOICE:
One things for certain is they've slowly begun investing more in local programming look at M-Net they've started prepping up dramas such as Trackers, Inconcievable and ongoing soap opera, Legacy.

Internationally, most channels offer very little local content you have Comedy Central with its CC Roast Special, MTV and Lasizwe and E! with Celebrity Game Night. No one knows if the government will inflict the quota on these type of channels or the extant of them.

This year alone they managed to get stations like the interactive wilderness channel Wild Earth, KykNet's pop-up movie channel fliekNET returned on a permanent basis alongside KykNet Lekker - a channel carrying old content from their archives.

In short, MultiChoice is more than ready for this than any other platform. The question remains on whether they have enough local content.

STARSAT:
They invest very little onto the market when it comes to programming which is justified since they're not entirely based in South Africa and a cheap version of DStv.

This might not be enough as the government will likely want them to invest more in the community like M-Net is doing with its local programming.

In the end, they have shown support for the local community with their wide range of channels such as eExtra, Soweto TV, 1KZN TV, OnseTV, Mindset and few others.

OPENVIEW:
For a free-to-air platform they have a decent amount of local channels like Starsat and since not a lot of entertainment is available on this platform. They might meet up with the government's expectations should they consider it.

Out of 15 channels, only 2 come from a foreign market and only 7 offer local programming.

Will eMedia Investments Launch A Standalone News & Sports Channel On OpenView Very Soon?

By the end of November, News & Sports which is currently available on OpenView channel 120 and the digital platform VIU will no longer broadcast news from 16:00-19:00 which led some viewers to believe that news will be getting a dedicated channel for news but perhaps their newsroom is taking some time off.

Maybe it's true since neither OpenView or e.tv seem to care about approaching the media on any developments seen on their platform. When it comes to stability, they've always had their ups and downs with news & sports.

For starters, they had BBC World News for 3 years then after you got the French lifestyle channel, France24 which looks like a gonner. Then they tried to operate their own news channel OpenNews with the help of international news blocks such as CGTN, TRT World, DW and a few others before just downsizing to eNCA bulletins and magazine shows on top of having their name changed 3 times in the span of 3 years.

On the sports section, OpenView didn't express much interest until 2016 when they got the underperforming lifestyle channel, Trace Sports Stars. When that didn't work, they got Kwesé Free Sports as a means to give viewers the best in sporting action that was until Econet got liquidated which led to its demise. Then there was the outdated sumo and wrestling channel, Fight Sports which lasted a year.

Right now, News & Sports is the only reliable channel on OpenView and it seems e.tv will be more dependant on itself for these categories as opposed to third parties.

At the moment, they don't have enough content to make them stand seperated perhaps it will be like that in future for now it's impossible but hey OpenView is full of surprises.

Friday, November 27, 2020

Australia Is Following South African Government And Have A Much Higher Demand In Local Content For Streaming Services

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
Netflix and other global streaming services could be forced to spend millions of dollars on Australian programs and films under major changes to media laws proposed by the federal government that could level the regulatory playing field with free-to-air TV networks.

The government is also considering scrapping annual broadcast spectrum taxes for commercial TV networks and replacing them with a new licensing regime which could save broadcasters up to $12 million each year.

Netflix and other global streaming services could be forced to meet Australian content quotas under the proposed changes.

Federal Communications and Arts Minister Paul Fletcher, who will launch a green paper with the proposed reforms on Friday, said the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic had reinforced the need for regulatory action to help the TV industry.

"What we are proposing would rebalance Australia's media regulations so that the industry can continue to support jobs, connect communities, and keep Australian stories on our screens regardless of whether they prefer to watch free-to-air television, subscription television or video-on-demand services," Mr Fletcher said.

The green paper proposes creating a law that requires streaming services to invest a percentage of their Australian revenue on local content, either in the form of commissions, co-productions or acquisitions of content. However, it stops short of stipulating what the percentage should be.

"We're seeking feedback on all of the proposals including the percentage rate," Mr Fletcher said.

Communications Minister Paul Fletcher will release the green paper on Friday with several proposed changes to media laws.
Communications Minister Paul Fletcher will release the green paper on Friday with several proposed changes to media laws.

He said the content obligation would not apply to streaming services such as Stan, which is part of a group that has a broadcasting licence and is already subject to Australian content obligations.

A 2017 federal parliamentary inquiry into the Australian film and television industry recommended subscription streaming services invest 10 per cent of the revenues they earn in Australia in new local content. But when the government announced plans for changes to rules around content in September, it did not outline any plans for streaming services to meet a local content quota.

Under the plans announced two months ago, Mr Fletcher said commercial broadcasters would no longer be required to create a certain amount of hours of local children's content and drama. But 55 per cent of total content on a free-to-air broadcaster must be Australian.

Mr Fletcher said Netflix was an "increasingly significant acquirer of Australian content" and there was a possibility it would already meet a content obligation should one be imposed.

Other streaming services operating in Australia include Foxtel's Binge, Disney Plus, Amazon's Prime Video, and Apple TV. The streaming services are expected to oppose any move to regulate their local content.

In a joint submission to a federal government options paper earlier this year, Netflix, Stan, Prime Video and Disney Plus said "we strongly believe that there is no market failure to address" and claimed each company "already makes a significant contribution to Australia's screen production industry".

As part of the proposed reforms, free-to-air TV networks would also be given the choice to opt-in to a new broadcasting licence in exchange for transitioning to using less radiofrequency spectrum. The spectrum made available would be sold to telecommunications companies and used for their rollout of 5G, which will deliver faster mobile network speeds.

Mr Fletcher said broadcasters could move to transmission arrangements which used less spectrum but which maintain their service levels at close to current levels, with a minimal impact on viewers.

Media companies such as Nine, Seven West Media and Network Ten were put under financial pressure this year due to sharp falls in advertising spend caused by the crisis. Regional broadcasters such as Prime Media, WIN Corp and Southern Cross Austereo were also badly affected and were forced to slash jobs or put staff on JobKeeper to adapt to the market conditions. The government provide some interim relief to cope with the financial pressure such as the removal of spectrum licence fees.

Spectrum fees were introduced after the abolishment of broadcast licence fees back in 2017. The fee is dependent on a range of factors, including how much spectrum a network has and its strength, but broadcasters have advocated for these to be removed altogether.

Should sufficient numbers of industry players opt for the new licence, the government is further proposing to allocate some of the proceeds from the auction of the extra spectrum to establish trust funds to support the Australian media and production sectors.
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SA GOVERNMENT
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies said that it plans to enforce local content quotas on streaming services such as Netflix.

The proposal is contained in the department’s white paper on Audio and Audio-visual Content Services policy framework which is currently open for public comment. The department presented the framework to parliament on Wednesday (25 November).

In his presentation, the department’s chief director of broadcasting policy Collin Mashile said that local content should be ‘enabled’ by further policy interventions within the audiovisual broadcasting space.

“Where video-on-demand subscription services come and operate in South Africa, everything that they show to South Africans in terms of their catalogue – 30% of that catalogue must be South African content,” Mashile said.

“What this means is that we are trying to create opportunities for the production and creative industry sector.”

While US-based streaming services like Netflix have increased local content output in recent years, making just under a third of all content on the platform local may prove particularly onerous for the streaming giant.

Mashile addressed this by pointing to the popularity of local shows in South Africa. “We were asked where we got the idea that South Africans are interested in this 30%,” he said. “The most popular shows in every country remain the local shows.”

The White Paper also broadens definition of a “broadcasting service” to include online broadcasting services.

By implication, that would require the payment of a license fee for the viewing any “broadcasting services” which would include a streaming services, regardless of the device on which it is viewed.

In an op-ed published at the start of November, the SABC’s head of TV licences Sylvia Tladi said that changes need to be made to South Africa’s broadcasting regulations – including an expanded definition of a ‘TV set’ or now, a broadcasting device.

Some of the devices which are being considered under this expanded definition include: Laptops; Tablets; IPTV; Internet; Decoders; Set-top boxes; Smartphones.

Tladi said that these devices, which have resulted in new media platforms and content dissemination channels, have a direct impact on TV licence legislation.

She said that the SABC’s submission also calls for an overhauled TV licence fee system and changes to the legislation regarding public funding strategies envisaged by TV licences.

“To ensure maximum compliance with legislative requirements concerning the payment of TV licence fees, the SABC proposes that the act should place stricter obligations on all relevant stakeholders or role players because the ‘traditional’ television set is no longer the only means of receiving a television broadcast.

“Therefore, to administer compliance on the payment of licence fees, the SABC is of the view that other entities must be compelled to report on the sale, lease or usage of these ‘television sets’ or ‘viewing devices’.

WildEarth Extends Its Reach To More DStv Customers

MultiChoice launched WildEarth as an experimental channel back in August offering live wildlife content from across the world.

The people who manage this brand also supply SafariLIVE which is currently on SABC 3.

The channel was set go off on November 25 but went past it's trial date as MultiChoice kept it onboard full-time now. Not only that WildEarth which was exclusive to DStv Premium and Compact+ is now available to DStv Compact and Family customers.

It seems like DStv Compact is starting to lose its edge now that most new channels are being leached between that package and Family. It's evident that DStv is losing a lot of Premium customers and they even went as far as merging the stats of Premium with Compact+ to easen the blow.

DStv Family is slowly replacing DStv Compact kind of like how that package including Plus replaced Premium.

WildEarth wasn't the only pop-up channel on DStv. There's currently 3 experimental channels running on DStv with the fourth one set for an early 2021 release.

December 2020 On Zoomoo Africa | WMD Specials | Urmel | Holiday Specials | ZS: WS

World Monkey Day Specials
December 14, Monday 12pm
World Monkey Day was created to spread awareness for the animals, and to show love and care for them. Find out more about this cheeky primate on ZooMoo this December!

Program Line-Up:
Animal Alphabet, Animal Noises, Download This and Feeding Time

Urmel
New Series | 13x25'
Premieres December 21, Monday 11.30am
Urmel is neither a dragon, a dinosaur nor a mammal. Urmel is one of a kind! As the single example of his species, his prehistoric foundling lands on an ideal Island of Happening somewhere in the middle of the ocean. Freshly hatched, Urmel finds himself among a colorful group of funny, talking animals as well as a brilliant but sometimes scatterbrained scientist Professor Tiddlyporn. Based on Max Kruse's most successful book, Urmel inspires all kids inspiration.

Holiday Specials
December 21 - January, 1
Mondays to Fridays 9am - 12pm

Program Line-Up:
Bob's Beach, Gloria's House, Albert Says: Nature Knows Best, Jelly Jamm and Urmel

Zoomoo Special: Winter Special
December 25, Friday 11am
Hooray for winter! Join the Zoomoo team and celebrate the winter and the animals you just love the ice and the snow!

Zoomoo is available on Zuku TV and DStv

Plans For Mindset Pop, People's Weather And Supa TV

Admist the pandemic, MultiChoice partnered up with Mindset to launch a second educational channel to help learners from Grade 4-9 catch-up to their schoolwork while Supabets launched its first linear channel exclusively on OpenView.

People's Weather went from being a 24 hour weather channel to an environmental and lifestyle channel.

Mindset POP has shown remarkable success introduction on DStv and Supa TV has helped viewers win some extra cash and also managed to grow the owner's brand.

According to both suppliers, they're looking into expanding the reach of these channels to more platforms meaning that more learners will get access to the educational material on Mindset POP and more viewers can engage with Supa TV since most of them don't have an OpenView.

People's Weather which was only on DStv has been added onto OpenView recently. If you want nature, documentaries and wildlife then this is your channel. There's even a chance it will pop-up on Starsat and StarTimes.

Mindset POP joins other current educational kids channels in the market such as Mindset, Baby TV, CBeebies, Nick Jr, Disney Junior, JimJam, Da Vinci Kids, PBS Kids, SABC Education, DBE TV, Zoomoo, CBeebies.

Supa TV joins Tellytrack as the only few betting channels within the market.

People's Weather is the only accessible channel within the market other channels like Curiosity Channel, National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, Da Vinci Kids, Wild Earth and Discovery Channel require you to pay monthly.

January 2021 On EVA | Repeats & More Repeats | Bold And The Beautiful

Throughout the year, Eva has been filled with repeats of past programs already seen on the channel to make it even worse the rest of Africa operate Eva+ which is full-blown reruns channel. They also offer a Portuguese version of the channel.

The only current program on the channel is the ongoing drama from CBS' Bold And The Beautiful.

To start of 2021, Eva will be airing a rerun of La Seleccion (Football Dreams) from January 20. The channel is up for renewal between February and March so I'd look at those months if it doesn't go off by then it could go off at some point.

Sony Channel and Sony Max were lurking around that corner for 2 years with the only relevant program being the popular game show The Amazing Race now that's on M-Net since Sony Pictures International no longer distribute these channels anywhere in Africa.

Even FOX Life joined these set of channels from 2016 up until April 2020 where they introduced 4 new telenovelas which took Africa by storm while rehashing old reality shows and that Cathy Kruger show. In the end, the channel never got to see the light of day due to realignment strategies at Disney.

There is a chance that the channel will look for new suppliers perhaps in other regions but due to the climax of the pandemic that seems very unlikely.

When SABC 3 stopped airing Bold And The Beautiful. M-Net was looking into snatching the show for their channel but already had a packed schedule. The fact they considered the show just makes Eva redundant at this point.

M-Net could pick the show up now that The Kelly Clarkson Show moved to VUZU and the controversial talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show is on production break.

Since the pandemic which has been jeopardizing the release of new content especially movies. What if The Ellen DeGeneres Show ends at some point leaving The Kelly Clarkson Show to takeover on VUZU. This could be their chance to acquire the show like they originally intended.

Even though, M-Net can only be seen on the Premium package there's chances that either VUZU or one of the Mzansi channels would have supplied reruns to Bold and perhaps even takeover the show.

Even if DStv were to do away with Eva there is a chance that AMC International will look into continuing the brand through another platform like Starsat and StarTimes for starters regardless the fate of this channel looks vague I could be wrong but you never know as 2021 is shaping up to be an interesting year for TV.

Supa TV And Tellytrack Might Have More Competition As MultiChoice Is Part Owner Of BetKing

MultiChoice expanded its repertoire with an agreement to buy a 20% stake in Africa-focused sports-betting platform BetKing for as much as 1.8 billion rand, giving it access to a sector that’s emerged as a winner from lockdown restrictions that have encouraged homebound entertainment.

“Sports betting is an interesting market that is aligned to our Pay-TV business,” said Mawela. “We have a lot of sport on our platform, and many people that are betting watch more games.” he said. DSTV packages include live English soccer, while MultiChoice agreed to a deal with Walt Disney Co. earlier this year to add two ESPN channels showing U.S. pursuits such as basketball.

BetKing started in Nigeria and has shown rapid growth over the past two and a half years, according to the CEO. “They plan to be pan-African and will be entering South Africa at some stage too,” he said.

Limpopo TV Launches On OpenView This December???

Limpopo TV launched back in October as the province first commercial channel offering content that is created, delivered and produced by talent of the province.

The channel failed to materialize on other platforms as promised earlier in the year which angered a lot of potential fans and damaged a bit of the channel's image.

Through a media enquiry, OpenView denied the allegation made about the channel's launch on their platform. Now Limpopo TV started advertising their launch on OpenView this December.

Like I mentioned earlier, Limpopo TV hasn't started out on a good note and they're a tad unorganised on top of everything. If it does launch hopefully you'll see none of that.

OpenView and e.tv have also been lurking around that area as they've been silent with the media on upcoming attractions which led some media outlets to maintain some distance from the brand.

January 2021 On History Africa | Greatest Mysteries | Apocalypse | Secrets In

HISTORY’S GREATEST MYSTERIES
24 January - 28 February
Sundays from 19h25
Incredible discoveries are revealed on History’s Greatest Mysteries, a series hosted and narrated by Academy Award® nominee and Emmy Award® winner Laurence Fishburne. These include a 100+ year old box flled with the investgatve fndings of Lord Mersey, the man charged with leading the ofcial inquiry into the sinking of the Titanic and a personal diary from Major Jesse Marcel, the frst person to investgate the wreckage in Roswell, New Mexico - believed to contain coded clues to what really happened that night in 1947. In additon, for the frst tme, the family of John Wilkes Booth is releasing 60 boxes of sealed family documents and allowing a DNA test to be facilitated which may hold the answers to whether he truly died in a fre following the assassinaton of Abraham Lincoln or if he faked his death as many believe. History’s Greatest Mysteries investgates the greatest mysteries of the past, analysing evidence, following leads, and atemptng to make progress that could change history as we know it.

Brand New & Exclusive
HISTORY’S GREATEST MYSTERIES:
ROSWELL: FIRST WITNESS
24 January to 28 February
Sundays at 19h25
In July 1947, a mysterious object crashed near Roswell, New Mexico. The US military originally claimed it was a fying saucer but then changed their story. It became the biggest enigma in UFO history, and now 70 years later the family that started it all wants answers. History’s Greatest Mysteries: Roswell: First Witness follows the Marcel family - Jesse Marcel III, John Marcel, and Denise Marcel. They are the grandchildren of Major Jesse Marcel, the frst person to see the wreckage in 1947. Major Marcel, an air force intelligence ofcer, was dispatched to the Roswell wreckage site and transported the wreckage back to a military base (stopping to show it frst to his 12-year old son, Jesse Jr.). Both Marcels later said the craf was constructed from an unknown substance, like a liquid metal, with hieroglyphic-like markings on it. The family believes Major Marcel was forced by the U.S. government to deny he ever saw a UFO. They possess Major Marcel’s journal, believed to contain coded clues about the truth of what happened at Roswell and where alien wreckage might stll lie buried. This diary will be decoded for the frst tme on TV...

Brand New & Exclusive
HISTORY’S GREATEST MYSTERIES: TITANIC’S LOST EVIDENCE
24 January
Sunday at 20h15
For 107 years, a dust-covered box has remained hidden in a Britsh manor house, and may contain evidence that will rewrite the most famous maritme disaster in history. This box contains the personal notes of Lord Mersey, the respected Britsh jurist and politcian charged with investgatng the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. HISTORY has secured permission to open it – a frst in history. The box contains informaton about Titanic’s voyage including new context on fatal mistakes allegedly made by the captain and crew, and perhaps signs of a cover-up.

Brand New & Exclusive
HISTORY’S GREATEST MYSTERIES: ENDURANCE:
THE HUNT FOR SHACKLETON’S ICE SHIP
31 January
Sunday at 20h15
In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton led an expediton to Antarctca but soon afer arrival, Shackleton’s ship - The Endurance - was destroyed by shifing glaciers, and he was tasked with leading his 27 men across the frozen tundra, on an epic struggle for survival. Shackleton’s batle against the odds and his unfailing commitment to bring all his men out alive turned him into the legend that stll inspires today. Now, HISTORY follows a new ground-breaking expediton heading back into the frozen seas to hunt down the last piece of the story: Shackleton’s lost ship. The Endurance is as illustrious as the Titanic, yet it’s remained lost for over a hundred years. Its fnal restng ground is one of the greatest polar mysteries and a team of explorers and experts set out with the goal of being the frst to break through the ice and uncover the wreck site.

Brand New & Exclusive
HISTORY’S GREATEST MYSTERIES:
DB COOPER FINAL SHOWDOWN
07 February
Sunday at 20h15
With over 7,500 hours investgatng the D.B. Cooper mystery including analysing evidence, interviewing witnesses, reading 20,000+ pages of FBI case fles and exploring important locatons, top D.B. Cooper expert, Eric Ulis, believes that he’s found the true locaton where Cooper landed during his daring dive. Ulis has also assembled a team of specialists to explore the untouched Washington backcountry, federally restricted (wildlife refuge) land, to hunt for the missing evidence Cooper lef behind. Armed with new informaton, the team will travel to parts of Washington state that have never been searched atemptng to solve the only unsolved skyjacking in United States history.

Brand New & Exclusive
APOCALYPSE
EARTH
05 January – 09 February
Tuesdays at 20h15
Earth, air, water and fre are essental elements in life. But what happens when these natural elements turn on humanity? Apocalypse Earth will examine the catastrophic threat natural phenomena can pose to the US and around the world.

Brand New & Exclusive
SECRETS IN
THE ICE
29 January – 05 March
Fridays at 19h25
From a missing World War II aircraf to a frozen lake flled with human remains, take a look at how and why humans have become frozen in tme in Secrets In The Ice.

Friday, November 20, 2020

OpenView Plus Won't Be Launching Anytime Soon

Parent company eMedia initially indicated it would start offering its own OTT streaming service during the announcement of its 2020 annual report in September.

CEO Khalik Serriff said that Openview was planning to provide additional platform choices for its viewers.

In preparation for this, eMedia content would be placed on the Openview website and on over-the-top (OTT) services including VIU.

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He also stated that the group would launch its own OTT offering called Openview Plus by October 2020.

“Work on this offering is happening in earnest as this report is published,” Seriff added.

The company did not provide specific details such as pricing or content which will be available on the service.

No sign of service
As alluded to in the annual report, the Openview website has added a selection of on-demand content which is free to stream.

This library consists of only a few international movies and local Etv shows, which are supported by ads.

VIU now also offers several seasons of various Etv series, including soapies like Scandal and Rhythm City.

However, MyBroadband was unable to find any mention of the Openview Plus service on either the Openview or Etv websites.

We asked the company to confirm whether the launch has been delayed, but it declined to provide further information.

“Please note that there is no media communication about Openview Plus at this stage,” eMedia stated.

“eMedia will communicate plans as they develop,” it added.

SABC to launch own streaming service
While pay-TV broadcaster DStv already offers a large chunk of its content via MultiChoice’s Showmax streaming service, free-to-air broadcasters have been slow to adapt to the streaming trend.

The SABC recently also revealed details on the plans for its iPlayer streaming service, which was first announced back in 2013.

It has also entered into an agreement with Telkom to offer a selection of its content on the recently-launched TelkomONE streaming service.

South African TV broadcasting analyst Thinus Ferreira previously told MyBroadband that anyone in broadcasting in South Africa must understand a streaming service, on-demand service, and digital service are the future.

“Switch to digital and start and grow your video streaming ecosystem or become irrelevant and die like the dinosaurs,” Ferreira warned.

“As a content provider – like a broadcaster – if you don’t have or own a space in the very near future in whatever way, for instance an app, on a smartphone, you might as well not exist,” he added.

As Expected, Rhythm Is Cancelled On e.tv With It's Last Episode Airing Next Year

e.tv announced that it is cancelling daily drama Rhythm City. The show will air its last episode on 16 July 2021 at 19:00, marking the end of an era for the much-loved daily.

Rhythm City has been a compelling offering that has captivated e.tv viewers for over a decade. It has taken millions of South African's on the journey of authentic storytelling while simultaneously launching the careers of many unknown faces and some now famously talented musicians.

Over the past few years, the show has been performing well, peaking at almost 5.2 million all adult viewers this year and consistently ranking amongst the Top 10 most-watched soapies in South Africa.

The decision to decommission Rhythm City is part of a business strategy, which includes reviewing a show's on-air life cycle.

Providing further insight into concluding the show, Marlon Davids, Managing Director at e.tv, explained," Marlon continues to look forward to fulfilling its mandate of producing exceptional and relevant local content, and the production has successfully achieved its part of the obligation throughout the past 13 years. Rhythm City has secured its place in e.tv's history books, and a legacy mark has been made. We want to extend our gratitude to the entire production staff, crew, and cast for their incomparable craft."

e.tv would like to unequivocally thank the show's production team Quizzical Pictures, for their unwavering dedication and passion that has gone into the hard work of producing the multi-award-winning drama.

Over the past decade, Rhythm City has given viewers a delicious mix of earth-shattering rivalry, overwhelming big loves, debilitating betrayals, and unforgettable duplicitous behaviour. The next few months of the show will have a strong focus on finalising prominent plot lines, some of which, like the introduction of Suffocates long lost adoptive son Pule, will take fan favourites back into time, to when it all started.

In keeping with e.tv's mandate on local productions, Rhythm City will be replaced by another local daily drama, adding to a now increased local offering of 4 daily dramas.

Rhythm City currently airs every weekday at 19:00, preceded by Durban Gen and followed by Scandal!

December 2020 On WarnerMedia Africa | New Series | New Movies | New Adventures | Christmas Specials & Stunts | More

TNT:

CHRISTMAS WEEK PARTY SPECIAL
One thing’s for sure, 2020 will go down in history books as a truly unforgettable year. It has quickly come to a spectacular end, and Christmas is upon us yet again. TNT has prepared a refreshing line-up of movies for you and your loved ones this festive season to share together. Every evening during December, TNT will air two fun, family-driven titles including the premiere of Shrek, The Croods and The Best Man from Thursday the 24th to Wednesday the 30th of December.
Thursday, 24 December
18:20 – Wall-E (2008)
20:00 – Shrek (2001) channel premiere Friday, 25 December
17:55 – The Best Man (1999) channel premiere
20:00 – The Best Man Holiday (2013) channel premiere
Saturday, 26 December
18:15 – Big Hero 6 (2014)
20:00 – The Croods (2013) channel premiere
Sunday, 27 December
18:25 – Catch that Kid (2004)
20:00 – Sky Kids (2008)
Monday, 28 December
18:05 – Splash (1984)
20:00 – Dreamer (2008)
Tuesday, 29 December
18:25 – George of the Jungle (1997)
20:00 – Race to Witch Mountain (2009)
Wednesday, 30 December
18:05 – Mighty Joe Young (1998)
20:00 – Willow (1988)

TNT ORIGINAL MOVIES PREMIERE – DEADTECTIVES
They say laughter is the best medicine, and there’s no better way to end 2020 than with a necessary bout of laughter. This December, TNT Africa brings on the humour, parody and a little bit of horror with the channel premiere of Deadtectives. This TNT Original follows a group of paranormal investigators from a reality TV show who go hunting for better ratings, but things get scary for real this time… The latest TNT Original movie premieres on Saturday, 5 December, on prime time, with a re-run each week of the month.
And, for those who don’t have plans for New Year’s Eve, TNT Africa will stage a TNT Originals Movie marathon on the last day of the year. All 2020 TNT Original Movie titles like the critically acclaimed Escape from Pretoria, Guns Akimbo and Bufaloed will be aired as part of the Happy TNT Original’s Eve stunt starting at 13:40 CAT!
Saturday, 5 December
20:00 – Deadtectives (2018) channel premiere
Happy TNT Original’s Eve
Thursday, 31 December
13:40 – Days of Bagnold Summer (2019)
15:10 – Human Capital (2017)
16:50 – Bufaloed (2019)
18:25 – Deadtectives (2018)
20:00 – Guns Akimbo (2020)
21:45 – Escape from Pretoria (2020)

BETTER TOGETHER SPECIAL
Teaming up may not be an easy task for everyone, but we are stronger when we come together for a common cause. In the spirit of reconciliation, TNT has put a mix of action and popular movies about teamwork, empathy and friendship to coincide with The Day of Reconciliation on 16 December. This programming special will contain features such as Bring It On, The A-Team and the American action-thriller, Backdraft, proving that we are better together!
Wednesday, 16 December
10:55 – The Goonies (1985)
12:50 – Twins (1988)
14:40 – Bring It On (2000)
16:20 – The A-Team (2010)
18:20 – Ride Along (2014)
20:00 – Backdraft (1991) channel premiere
22:15 – Safe House (2012)

TNT is available on DStv, GOtv (varies), Starsat (SA) and StarTimes (ROA)

CARTOON NETWORK:

BRAND NEW CARTOON NETWORK STUDIOS ORIGINAL
THE FUNGIES
MONDAY 14/12/2020 MONDAY @ 17:00 CAT
Long ago, on prehistoric Earth, lived THE FUNGIES! a bustling town of colourful mushroom people! Seth, a 10-year-old Fungie kid who is mad about science, is fascinated by how the world works and wants to tell Fungietown all about it.
The Fungies! explores the world through 10-year-old Seth’s wondrous and whimsical quests, accompanied by his older, artistic brother Pascal. In his search for the ultimate adventure, Seth often fnds himself causing hilarious problems for the utopia and its colourful inhabitants. But, as Seth comes up with a solution, he always fnds a newfound emotional understanding.
This brand-new original Cartoon Network series is the brainchild of none other than Stephen P. Neary, a Hoosier-born, LA-based artist and animator. Neary is the creator, executive producer and voice of Pascal. A graduate of New York University, Neary started his career as a story artist at Blue Sky Studios on the animated feature flms ‘Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs,’ ‘Rio,’ ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift,’ ‘Epic,’ ‘Rio 2’ and ‘The Peanuts Movie.’ Neary also directed and animated his own 2D short for the studio, ‘Umbrellacorn,’ after winning a studio-wide pitch fest.

Join Seth and his friends on a fun, prehistoric adventure as The Fungies! Only on Cartoon Network.

NEW EPISODES
CRAIG OF THE CREEK
MONDAY 30/11/2020 @ 15:15 CAT
FREE YOUR IMAGINATION!
How far can the imagination run? As far and wide as possible, if Craig has anything to do with it! More adventures are brewing in the untamed, kid-dominated wilderness in the creek, and, best believe that Craig, JP and Kelsey are always ready to explore. This December, the Stump Kids discover a dollhouse with a little doll inside, but leave it, only to fnd it following them back to their hideout. They enlist the aid of the Witches of the Creek and Kelsey’s friend, Stacks, into fnding out what the dollhouse wants from them. Will they be able to contact Arthur Rolly, the dollhouse owner, in time to end his haunting? Tune in to Cartoon Network and find out!

SPECIAL HOLIDAY STUNT
SUPA AND POWER NEW YEAR
FRIDAY 01/01/2021
POWER RANGERS SUPER BEAST MORPHERS FROM 10:00 CAT
SUPA STRIKAS FROM 12:05 CAT
••
FESTIVE BALLIN’…
Cartoon Network is kicking butt all around this festive season with some crazy action, on and of the pitch! Cartoon Network’s top two favourite shows, Supa Strikas and Power Rangers Super Beast Morphers go head to head in an impressive marathon stunt to start the new year on the right foot! The gloves are of and its game on the frst day of 2021 on Cartoon Network where being the best is only the beginning! You won’t want to miss a second of the action!

Cartoon Network is available on DStv and GOtv (varies)

BOOMERANG:

NEW EPISODES
SCOOBY-DOO AND GUESS WHO?
Saturday 19/12/2020 @ 18:30 CAT
Solving bigger mysteries…
If anyone has the who’s who of this world on speed dial, it’s Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. Gang, and they don’t disappoint this time around either. This December, the gang solves some of the most mind-boggling mysteries alongside guest stars such as international model, Gigi Hadid, actor and comedian, Jason Sudeikis, and rapper, Macklemore, just to name a few!
When Scooby-Doo and the gang are on the trail of a monstrous gargoyle in the night-time city of Paris, they’re stumped and need help solving the mystery. Velma turns to a close friend that’s in Paris for work. It’s none other than the famous fashion model, GIGI HADID! Velma and Gigi studied Criminal Psychology together, and Velma was always impressed with how great Gigi is at picking up clues. Gigi happily joins our gang to get to the bottom of this mysterious gargoyle and what it’s after in the City of Lights.
Based on the iconic show from the late 1960s, the new 2D WarnerBros Animation spinof series, launched in 2019, premieres new episodes weekly. Join Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, and their special guests, as they face their toughest mysteries yet.

FILMS SPECIAL
MOVIE STARS SPECIAL
Tis the season!
Monday 21/12/2020 Monday to Friday @ 08:30 CAT
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to kick of your shoes, relax and plug into the Boomerang movie special, specially prepared for you and your family this festive season! There’s so much to laugh at with Tom & Jerry’s decades-old rivalry and never-ending cat and mouse games, to the interesting mysteries to unravel with Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. Gang. Tune in every weekday from Monday, 21 December, and enjoy a special movie picked just for you!

MASTER MOLEY – BY ROYAL INVITATION SPECIAL
Friday 25/12/2020 @ 17:00 CAT
A gift just for you!
Surprises are always welcome, especially during this festive season. So, Boomerang has packed a little treat for its viewer with a special teaser of Master Moley with a special 30-minute flm, titled Master Moley by Royal Invitation this December. Prepare to go on a trip of mystery and suspense with Master Moley (voiced by Warwick Davies), the moles, the Queen and the magical book which has slept for a thousand years. What happens when it awakens? Find out on Boomerang this festive season with a full series The Misadventures of Master Moley to follow in 2021!

Boomerang is available on DStv

January 2021 On Curiosity Channel Africa | Super Science Mondays | Wildlife Wednesdays | Travel & Adventure Fridays | Human Story Saturdays | Best Of Curiosity Sundays

SUPER SCIENCE MONDAYS
ENGINEERING THE FUTURE
Brand New Series - premieres 04 January 2021 CAT: 21:00
Episodes: 3x 60 mins –ends 18 January 2021
A mega-engineering series featuring the latest cutting-edge technologies and the science behind them. Filmed throughout the world, these are the new machines that will revolutionize life as we know it.
Episode Breakdown: Ep 1 "Wind Turbine" Ep 2 "Aviation" - In conversation with Airbus/Rolls Royce over the first electric airplane. Also, filming test flights of new hybrid helicopter/plane to be used as a taxi service in Scandinavia.
Ep3 "Fusion" -Follows the groundbreaking of the new $24 billion dollar ITER facility. The new installation is hoping to produce unlimited, clean nuclear fusion energy. Filmed in France and UK.

WILDLIFE WEDNESDAYS
MIGRATIONS: THE BIG SWIM
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 06 January 2021 CAT: 20:00 Episodes: 1x 60 mins
We live on an ever-moving planet, and as landscapes are altered, wildlife must march to its rhythm. Driven by instinct, they follow the maps hardwired into their DNA. Some run, some fly, but most swim.

ROLLING WITH THE WAVES
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 13 January 2021 CAT: 20:00 Episodes: 1x 60 mins
We love our coasts, and so do animals! The corridor of water where the open ocean meets coastal habitats is known as the surf zone. The churning forces of the waves crashing with the land make these some of the most food-rich waters on Earth.

ICY COAST
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 20 January 2021 CAT: 20:00 Episodes: 1x 60 mins
Cold coasts create bleak and challenging landscapes for all wildlife. Some are found in cold places and some are in hotter environments but engulfed by freezing ocean currents. However, both can reveal surprising riches for wildlife.

MY WILD BACKYARD
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 27 January 2021 CAT: 19:00 Episodes: 1x 60 mins
When traveling in unfamiliar territory, what better guide than a local? My Wild Backyard highlights some of the most pristine wildlife environments throughout the world. Journey around the globe as some of the best up- and-coming wildlife filmmakers take you on a locals-only tour of their home countries. This original documentary goes beyond the iconic animals you may know and uncovers some of the other extraordinary wildlife that also call these countries their home.
Filmed in continents across the globe: from California to New York City, the fabled mountains of Patagonia, the brush of South Africa and the deserts of Mexico. Shot entirely by locals, the compact film crews were able to shoot fascinating animal behavior sequences and produce stunning new content.

ENCHANTED FOREST
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 27 January 2021 CAT: 20:00 Episodes: 1x 60 mins
There are few places on the planet more magical than the forest. To spend a day here is nature’s way of offering a spa, a bathe in nature. There is enchantment at every turn.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE FRIDAYS
Y’AFRICA
Season 1 continued with brand new episodes -premieres 08 January 2021 CAT: 19:00 Episodes: 3x 30mins –ends 22 January 2021
In this new documentary series that profiles 39 artists from 10 different African countries –Tunisia to Madagascar –three artists from each country per episode talk about their unique takes on the culture in their own field of expertise. Get ready to see painters, sculptors, photographers, musicians, choreographers, chefs and designers express themselves with a distinctly African flavour.

HUMAN STORY SATURDAYS
PLANE RESURRECTION
Brand New Series - premieres 09 January 2021 CAT: 18:00
Episodes: 6x 60 mins –ends 13 February 2021
Climb into the cockpits of historic planes and meet the craftsmen who dedicate their time to bring these aviation icons back to life.

DOUG TO THE RESCUE
Brand New Series - premieres 30 January 2021 CAT: 19:00 (back to back) Episodes: 6x 30 mins
Nothing is easy in the aftermath of a natural disaster. There’s no power, no public services. No internet or cell phones. Food and fresh water are in short supply. The airports and hotels are closed. People are displaced, often form their loved ones, with no easy way to make contact
When resources are scarce and too many people are in need, little thought is given to the domesticated animals that people were forced to leave behind, or the wildlife. That’s where aerial cinematographer, Doug Thron comes in. He travels into the hardest hit areas—relying on nothing but the supplies he carries on his back—to rescue the animals that are lost or left behind and try to reunite them with their owners. Doug connects with local rescue and wildlife agencies to either help find the proper home for these animals or rehabilitate them for re-entry into the wild.

BEST OF CURIOSITY SUNDAYS
DRANCY 1943: THE GREAT ESCAPE
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 17 January 2021 CAT: 19:00 Episodes: 1x 60 mins
70 Jewish prisoners dig a tunnel to escape from Drancy transit camp, working in shifts day and night for three months. Only a few meters from freedom, their plan is discovered by the SS guards. Fourteen of them are immediately arrested and tortured before being deported to the death camps.

THE INTERPOL CASE
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 17 January 2021 CAT: 20:00 Episodes: 1x 60 mins
We all know this international crime-fighting organization. But how does it work? Through interviews of Interpol’s leaders, active agents and experts, this captivating investigation lifts the lid on one of the world’s most secretive organizations which has recently made strategic alliances with Philip Morris, Sanofi and FIFA. Can one of the regulatory authorities of our states be financed by private funds? How can it maintain its integrity and avoid any conflicts of interest?

Curiosity Channel is available on DStv channel 185 in South Africa and the rest of Africa

January 2021 On Da Vinci Kids Africa | DYK | Siyaya | Dangerous Earth | Special Highlights

Kids Programmes – Premiere
Do You Know? – BRAND NEW (Series)
From January 23rd
Saturdays & Sundays 14:35
Do You Know? presenter Maddie Moate uses special cameras and animation as she explores the everyday world around us, finding out how things work, and how they are made.

Siyaya: Search for the Big 7 – BRAND NEW (4 episodes)
Saturday, January 16th at 14:00
The Garden of Eden: When a group of young explorers set off for an adventure in the vast Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa, they get more than they bargained for. They meet buffalo, snakes and a giant lizard big enough to kill a rabbit.
The Big One: A group of young adventurers continue their search for the Big Seven wild animals in Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa. They discover ancient rock art in caves and experience exciting moments with a large herd of elephants.
Whale of a Time: A group of young explorers head for the sea on their search for the biggest of the Big Seven wild animals in South Africa – the whale. On the way they meet giant snails, noisy frogs and dolphins. They are about to give up their search when they spot two playful whales.
Hunters of the Deep: A group of young explorers are on a search for the Big Seven wild animals in South Africa. Today they are on the trail of a Great White Shark. From the research boat they spot a massive five-meter shark, one of the biggest ever seen at Bird Island.

Adults Programmes – Premiere
Dangerous Earth – BRANDNEW (6 episodes)
From January 10th
Sundays 22:00
Recent developments in camera technology are giving scientists stunning new insights into natural phenomena. Each episode focuses on a different subject: volcanoes, auroras, avalanches, icebergs, hurricanes and lightning, bringing the science to life.

Special Highlight
Inventions and Life-Hacks
Sunday, January 10th
From 10:05 to 14:30
10:05 How To Do Stuff Good – Awesome Animal Hacks
Abhi makes an amazing dog bed, Molly cooks delicious koala lamingtons, and Jenna plays a joke on her parents with fake dog poo. They have a great idea for a pet photo and then discover how to get rid of real bloodsuckers – leeches.
How To Do Stuff Good – Movie Magic Hacks
For movie night, Christian makes a dish of giant Nachos, Miles makes his own projector, Hari and Lila discuss how to behave at the movies, and Abhi makes an epic dinosaur lamp.
10:50 Did I Mention Invention? - Luxury Treehouses
Host Alie Ward presents an inventor building mansions in trees, fingertip lighting, a book that filters water and a penguin chick bot that is giving researchers a new perspective on the penguin world.
How To Do Stuff Good - Yasmin’s Science Gloop
How to find water in the wild, make a prank ice cream cone, and create the coolest cornflour gloop.
11:20 Did I Mention Invention? - Medical McGyver
Host Alie Ward presents a Medical MacGyver who makes health devices from toys, an inventor with dozens of inventions, including the Pocket Fisherman, kids learning computer code in school, and a 3D Printing Pen.
How To Do Stuff Good - Adelaide’s Sponge Waterbombs
How to cook an easy pizza base, make a squishy eco waterbomb, and colourful kinetic sand.
11:50 Did I Mention Invention? - Dog Food Chef
Host Alie Ward presents a man who started a business that cooks fresh food for pets, a wireless phone-charging purse, a medicine-free pain-relieving device and a teenager who invented a novel way to clean water.
How To Do Stuff Good - Adelaide’s Bird Feeder
How to attract birds to your garden, print your own t-shirt designs, and make the tastiest cake pops.
12:20 Did I Mention Invention? - Ski Jump Slip n Slide
Host Alie Ward presents printable pancakes, a way to get power from rivers, the physics behind a waterslide, and windmills the size of a flea that could revolutionise electric power.
How To Do Stuff Good - Jenna’s Disgusting Vomit Slime
How to make relaxing bath bombs, ingenious ice cream in a bag, and some really gross vomit slime.
12:50 Did I Mention Invention? - Girls Who Code
Host Alie Ward presents a former politician who is teaching girls to code, a fold-up kayak, headlights for running shoes,and a woman who invented a new way to keep food fresh.
How To Do Stuff Good – Secrets and Spy Hacks
Everyone wants to be a super-spy, as Gabe creates a periscope, Molly has a cake filled with an awesome surprise, Abhi makes a hidden diary safe, and Miles creates a secret you can eat!
13:30 Absolute Genius with Dick and Dom - Wright Brothers
Dick and Dom reveal the genius of the Wright Brothers, the men behind the first ever powered and controlled flight. With the Wright Brothers as inspiration they come up with their own genius idea, which involves a terrifying flight in a stunt plane.
14:00 Absolute Genius with Dick and Dom – Benz
Dick and Dom reveal the genius of Karl Benz, the man behind the first petrol powered car. Inspired by his genius idea Dick and Dom come up with their own genius idea – to build and race their own cars.

Da Vinci Kids is available on DStv and StarTimes (Starsat in South Africa)