Insidus

Friday, October 1, 2021

African Animation Network Rolls Out As A Programming Block With Plans For A 24/7 Station Still Underway

The AAN will first roll out a one-hour weekly edutainment block across networks in Africa at the end of this year, said its founder and head of projects and content Nick Wilson.

The animation-focused programming block will be trialled for three months in partnership with, at present, around 11 partner broadcasters in Sub-Saharan Africa that cannot yet be named.

“These broadcasters have a total audience reach of around 85 million viewers, and we’re conservatively estimating we can engage 8.5 to 12 million kids,” Wilson said.

The ANN plans to secure investment to launch its own linear channel if the trial is successful.

“We’re pretty bullish that we will get further investment to be able to run or at least build out a programme block or a 24/7 linear channel,” Wilson added.

“We want to create a broadcast network across the continent, but we also want to work in partnership with the local broadcasters and assist them in building ecosystems. We do not want to be in competition with them.”

On the content the network would greenlight, Wilson said: “There are only a handful of TV series that have come out of Africa and there is not enough catalogue for us to run a 24/7 linear channel.

“We have relationships with various distributors, who have plugs that we could license into Africa. But ultimately, the idea is for us to build up our channel around a new production company.”

Following the launch of a broadcast network, Wilson said the AAN would look to roll out accompanying digital platforms.

“In our roadmap, we have already identified that streaming or SVoD services will be part of the project’s long-term future, and we will pivot to that when it becomes necessary,” he said.

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Could ViacomCBS International Media Networks In Africa Also Be Opting To Streaming Following The Smithsonian Channels Closure Within The Market?

In September, it was reported that The Smithsonian Channel alongside FOX will stop airing on StarTimes across Africa meaning less international channels for their customers.

The reasons for FOX's demise was already disclosed but The Smithsonian Channel was never stated at least not until another platform being Zuku TV addressed the matter.

According to the East African provider Zuku TV, The Smithsonian Channel was apparently discontinued by the supplier being ViacomCBS International Media Networks.

ViacomCBS International Media Networks already handle other brands in Africa such as Comedy Central, MTV, MTV Base, MTV Hits, BET, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr and Nicktoons.

The problem here is none of Smithsonian's content fit any of these channels and ViacomCBS didn't give their viewers other means of viewing the programming.

So what is going on exactly with ViacomCBS? Why not leave your viewers with other means of viewing the entertainment? Is it possible that The Smithsonian Channel heading to streaming soon?

In 2018, ViacomCBS launched a streaming service for The Smithsonian Channel in the United States called Smithsonian Channel+ which has since been merged onto Paramount+.

Paramount+ which isn't available in South Africa as of yet is home to ViacomCBS other brands (as mentioned earlier) current and future programming.

By taking all this into account, is it possible that more channels from ViacomCBS will join The Smithsonian Channel in this turmoil as viewers wait on the launch of Paramount+.

You can find me on Twitter and Facebook

New Series Alert: Impak Coming Soon To eVOD

Also read:
- Afrikaans voice actors for Droomvelore and Die Put
- Doodsondes returning for a fourth season on eExtra
- Dokter Ali season 2 coming soon

eVOD has seemingly become the home of not only e.tv local dramas but the Turkish offering available through their Afrikaans block, Kuiertyd.

With most of them now available on eExtra such as Dokter Ali, Kurt En Shura and Voelvry. It looks like eVOD is trying to stay ahead of their linear counterparts by introducing another Turkish drama, Impak.

Impak (Çarpışma), follows Kadir Adalı is the Chief Commissioner of the Organized Crime Branch of the Istanbul Police Department. The moment he loses his wife and daughter in a terrorist act, his happy family life is destroyed. Feeling very sorry for what had happened and suffering from this loss, he decided to end his life. Without realizing it, he causes a catastrophe that changes the lives of four people.

The 2019 action series stars Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ (Die Vreemdeling), Elçin Sangu (As Die Skoen Pas), Onur Saylak, Melisa Aslı Pamuk and Alperen Duymaz which has aired in over 15 markets.

You can stream 10 episodes of the series from Monday 11 October or wait till 2022 to see it on e.tv or eExtra as a replacement for Voelvry, The Girl Named Feriha or Deur Dik En Dun.

You can find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. For Kuiertyd fans be sure to follow the Doodsondes on twitter.

Ahead Of Two New SABC Channels, Glow TV Is The Second Channel To Go Off Air On Openview This Year

After 8 years, eMedia Investments' Openview platform silently parts ways with Nismedia's Indian brand, Glow TV leaving many viewers devastated as to why the channel was terminated from the platform.

eMedia Investments as usual doesn't inform the media about any of the changes coming towards their Openview platform so we have search around for the necessary info.

Openview is in the process of launching two more channels from the SABC which to me could be their way of trying to make up for the loss of Glow TV so pretty much cost cutting.

Glow TV hasn't been off to a good start formerly owned by Urban Brew Studios. The channel was on the verge of shutting down in 2015 only to be saved by Nismedia.

Even after the new owners came into the equation. The channel has been repetitive not only that losing out on several programming as more competitors such as Zee World and Star Life entered the circuits.

Three years ago, the channel was removed from DStv as the contract ended with them so they sought to eMedia Investments for the unsuccessful eBella channel whose content is now directed onto eExtra.

Seeing that eExtra is now increasing their hours for Kuiertyd. It wouldn't surprise me if it became a Mzansi Magic and kykNET infused channel while the Indian and Koren content were put on a seperate channel perhaps in Rewind's place.

Getting back to Glow TV, viewers will still be able to watch the channel through StarSat while Openview viewers have eExtra and Star Life to keep them occupied.

You can find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. For Kuiertyd fans be sure to follow the Doodsondes on twitter.

M-Net City And VUZU Reportedly The Next Channels Set To Go Off Air On DStv, Will Merge Into One Brand, ME

According to several DStv customers, they've apparently recieved a message which stated that M-Net City (channel 115) and VUZU (channel 116) will go off air soon for a new channel called ME.

This news is really shocking considering how M-Net has been very clingy to VUZU I guess they finally realised how crappy the channel has gotten following the launch of 1Magic (formerly VUZU Amp) so the merge with M-Net City will give it's lineup some relevancy.

ME is said to be the home of world-class entertainment so basically it will be M-Net Series all over again. Why not give it an M-Net branding since they'll likely be using it for reruns on M-Net and 1Magic. The name ME might have been derived from VUZU's former counterpart GO.

VUZU is available from the family package while M-Net City starts from the Compact package.

It wouldn't surprise me if this channel is made available on channel 115 to Compact subscribers while Family customers are given E! or MTV to make up for VUZU seeing that it's a reality channel and M-Net will try to make ME a top priority.

This would be similar to what they did with M-Net Movies All-Stars on Family when it became M-Net Movies 3 for Compact customers due to M-Net Movies Action.

The demise of M-Net City will bring a lot of outrage amongst customers. Despite not being 24/7 with most of its lineup consisting of repeats. The channel was unique in a way some would say it had a better offering than Universal TV.

Now these same people will likely rally around Universal TV to avoid those housewives and if my assumption is correct for family customers they'll lose out on several sitcoms as well as the final season of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

These termination could have come as a result of the pandemic and also the rise in streaming with several of M-Net's distributors withholding content for their own platforms.

From 1st November, M-Net City and VUZU merge into one channel known as ME and with this change on the horizon, how long do you suppose it will be till the same is done to Mzansi Wethu and Mzansi Music?

You can find me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Thursday, September 30, 2021

New Channel Alert: WION Coming Soon To DStv In South Africa

The World is One News (WION) is an Indian multinational English language news channel headquartered in New Delhi. It is owned by the Essel Group and is part of the Zee Media network of channels which is set to merge with Sony Pictures Network India.

Zee Media operates other channels across Africa such as Zee TV, Zee World, Zee Alem, Zee Magic and Zee Cinema.

WION operates as a digital service and an app featuring their most watched show, WION Edge alongside other segments such as World Order, MELT, Pitstop, Tech It Out and many more.

The channel is scheduled to launch in South Africa later in October on DStv. The date and channel number hasn't been disclosed as of yet but a promo is available if you click here.

NHK World Japan is currently available on the DStv across Africa and seemingly on the DStv app in South Africa, is it possible will consider operating a linear channel?

MultiChoice is also holding a showcase in the coming months where they'll unveil upcoming developments for their customers.

You can find me on Twitter and Facebook

Friday, September 24, 2021

AYV Entertainment Launches On DStv In Liberia With Expansion Plans Underway As Well As Another African Adaptation Of The Dutch Reality Show, Big Brother

The King of the airwaves as well as the electronics media in the country, the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire has once more score another milestone within the broadcasting landscape of this country as AYV has gone an extra-mile of its visibility presence continentally by now being on DStv Channel 399 (DSTV Africa).

As a result of the materialization of this remarkable feat AYV is live in thirty (30) countries across Africa for now and there are twenty four countries to be brought abroad. All the West African countries are now connected apart from Ghana and Nigeria of which plans are underway for them to come on later but it must be categorically stated that other African countries are now on.

This new development is indeed a big boost in the sense that it has now made it possible for the country to gain another presence within the international broadcasting landscape. Sierra Leoneans living abroad will be abreast of current events taking place in the country.

Besides, AYV presence on DSTV will serve as the gateway for the outside world to know the critical issues that emanate from the country. Such will somehow be an aid to international policy makers to discuss pertinent related issues in order to make informed decisions geared towards addressing certain concerns.

In as much as we have realized that tourism could be a vehicle for national development, marketing our touristic potentials is critical in order to lure foreigners to explore Sierra Leone. It is believed that through the presence of AYV on DSTV much will be done in the direction of positioning our country at the international arena in an attractive manner that will make many outsiders yearn to visit the country.

There is no need to emphasize the importance of having a booming tourism industry as it is an open secret that it brings with it many job opportunities, boosts the hospitality sector and above all brings in foreign exchange.

The official launching of the partnership with DSTV was done on the 17th September, 2021.

Brain behind this great leap in Sierra Leone’s broadcasting history is no least a person than the patriot, entrepreneur and a fanatic development striker in the person of Ambassador Anthony Navo Jrn who happens to be the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the African Young Voices Media Empire. Many have described him as the embodiment of inspiration.

His ambition to establish the AYV Media Empire started as a dream. He started with a newspaper and later used his private house as collateral to secure a loan of $1.2 million United States dollars from the Bank loan which provided the necessary funds for the purchasing of global standard equipment for setting up the television and radio stations and covering initial operations.

Over the years, Amb Navo Jr. invested single-handedly over $10 million United States dollars in AYV Media Empire with the recent construction of a multi-million dollar complex hosting the Housemates – Salone Season-2.

From a small project, which started with a newspaper and 19 staff, today AYV Media Empire is the largest private media investment in Sierra Leone comprising newspaper, printing press (machines), film production, television stations, radio station and employing over 700 Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad.

It is the only Sierra Leonean owned television station with a broadcasting house in London. On March 22nd 2019, the AYV Media Empire announced a new partnership with the World Service Programme of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), in London.

Empowering young people has always been the guiding motivation of Amb. Navo Jr. Over the years, he has worked with and supported many talented and celebrated Sierra Leonean artists during their early years of their music careers.

Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr., passionately believes that if other African nationals can invest and make a difference in their countries, Sierra Leoneans can and must also invest to empower young people, which will in turn create jobs and promote talents.

AYV Entertainment is currently hosting auditions for Big Brother Liberia making it the second African market to host this event with Nigeria being first no dates has been set for this version but it could come in 2022.

New Series Alert: Hero Elementary Coming Soon To PBS Kids Africa

PBS Kids is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children through curriculum-based media, using new and traditional platforms to support children in their acquisition of knowledge and critical thinking skills while empowering their imagination and curiosity of the world.

The channel is set to introduce it's first superhero series created by Carol-Lynn Parente and Christine Ferraro (Sesame Street) onto the African shores, Hero Elementary.

Hero Elementary, centres on the students of "The Sparks' Crew"— Lucita Sky, AJ Gadgets, Sara Snap and Benny Bubbles — who are trained in superheroics by their quirky and enthusiastic teacher, Mr. Sparks. Together the students work as a team, using their own unique superpowers, as well as the "Superpowers of Science" to help people, solve problems, and try to make the world a better place.

The first season consists of 40 half-hour episodes, each of them containing two segments each.

On the first segment of Hero Elementary titled "Hatching a Plan", Sparks' Crew vow to reunite a baby bird with its parents with the second segment titled "The Invisible Force", the crew tries to find out why the decorations for a young girl's birthday party have vanished.

Double new episodes airs daily from 05:50 CAT with repeats at 09:10 CAT, 12:35 CAT, 16:00 CAT, 19:25 CAT and 22:50 CAT.

October 2021 On Disney Africa | Disney Channel Original Movie: Under Wraps | New Spider-Man Preschool Series On Disney Junior | New Episodes Of Ongoing Shows & More

Disney Channel:

SYDNEY TO THE MAX
Premiere episodes
Mondays to Thursdays, 4th October to 2nd November at 17:50

Sydney Reynolds has lots of fun while negotiating middle school with her single dad’s help. Join her for more of her adventures as season three of Sydney to the Max launches with premiere episodes on Mondays to Thursdays, from 4th October to 2nd November at 17:50.

Set in the present day, with flashbacks to the ‘90s, life revolves around outgoing middle schooler Sydney Reynolds, who lives with dad Max and progressive grandma Judy.

In season three Sydney and the amigas are back and ready to take on 8th grade! After returning from music camp, Syd feels she’s outgrown the vibe in her bedroom and asks her dad if she can remodel it. As part of a yearly school tradition, Syd and Olive get paired with two 6th graders to mentor. Between friends, family and finding herself as a musician, Syd is determined to make this the best year yet!

In the first of this month’s premiere episodes, He’s All That (Monday 4th October at 17:50), when Harry tells Sydney he is moving back to Portland permanently, she struggles with the idea of having a long distance relationship.

Season three of Sydney to the Max launches with premiere episodes on Mondays to Thursdays, from 4th October to 2nd November at 17:50, on Disney Channel.

BUNK’D
Premiere episodes
Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays 2nd October to 13th November at 19:05

Another summer is under way at Camp Kikiwaka, so get ready for more fun in the sun, as season five of Bunk’d continues on Disney Channel. Premiere episodes air at weekends from Saturday 2nd October to 13th November at 19:05.

In this fifth season Destiny, Matteo and Finn are back for more home-away-from-home adventures! Emma Ross shocks everyone when she drops in for a surprise visit. Noah volunteers to run Camp PeeWeeWaka, a new day camp that Lou is launching for younger kids. When Parker Preston shows up referring to himself as “co-owner,” Lou and Ava scramble to protect their beloved camp. Gather round the campfire as these Woodchucks take the Kikiwaka experience to the next level!

The first of this month’s premiere episodes, Everyone's Trap'D (Saturday 2nd October at 19:05), sees Lou stressed about camp duties. Parker completes Lou's assignment and drops it off at Matteo’s classroom, but Lou does not want Matteo to think she cheated.

Premiere episodes of Bunk’d season five air at weekends from Saturday 2nd October to 13th November at 19:05 on Disney Channel.

DISNEY CHANNEL MARVELLOUS MOVIES
Programming event
Fridays throughout October at 17:00, repeated at 10:40 on Saturday

Disney Channel’s Friday feast for film fans continues throughout October. This month we have two special premieres for viewers – a great new Halloween-themed Disney Channel Original Movie, and a brand new music-filled special. There are also three other classic DCOMs, so there’s a marvellous movie or special every Friday at 17:00, repeated Saturday at 10:40.
The Friday film fun starts with Twitches on Friday 1st October, followed by Twitches Too (Friday 8th October). Then we premiere our special, Disney Princess Remixed: An Ultimate Princess Celebration (Friday 15th October). This celebrates the timeless music of Disney Princess and themes of courage and kindness as part of the Ultimate Princess Celebration: a once-in-a-lifetime, global extravaganza surprising and delighting fans.
The following Friday we are airing popular film Zapped (Friday 22nd October), before the highlight of October’s marvellous movies.
The last Friday of the month is a very special one for us: the premiere of our brand new Disney Channel Original Movie Under Wraps (Friday 29th October). At Halloween, friends Marshall, Gilbert, and Amy accidentally revive and release a mummy. At first terrified, they quickly learn the mummy, affectionately named Harold, is very sweet and needs help!
Viewers can see great Disney movies and specials on Fridays throughout October at 17:00, repeated on the following Saturday at 10:40, all Disney Channel.

Disney Junior:

THE CHICKEN SQUAD
Series premiere episodes
2nd to 10th October at 09:30; 16th and 17th October at 16:00; and Sunday 31st October at 10:30.

Say hello again to the Chicken Squad, the world’s greatest (and possibly only) backyard chicken police squad! Meet these unlikely law enforcers in our new series Chicken Squad, which launched last month, and continues this month with more premiere episodes from 2nd to 10th October at 09:30; 16th and 17th October at 16:00; and Sunday 31st October at 10:30.

Three chicken siblings and their mentor, a retired police dog, become an unlikely team of community helpers and problem solvers for all the animals in their neighbourhood. No trouble’s too big, no problem’s too small, the Chicken Squad’s ready to answer the call! In October’s first premiere episode, Roommate Rumble/ The Need for Speed (Saturday 2nd October at 09:30) the squad is enlisted to save Frazz and Riley's housewarming party. When the squad's car gets souped up to go extra fast, speedy Boo feels like he doesn't have a place on the team.
Premiere episodes of Chicken Squad air at weekends: from 2nd to 10th October at 09:30; 16th and 17th October at 16:00; and Sunday 31st October at 10:30.

ELENA OF AVALOR
Premiere episodes
Sundays, 3rd and 10th October at 12:00
Princess Elena’s adventures continue on Disney Junior this month, as premiere episodes of Elena of Avalor air back-to-back on Sundays 3rd and 10th October at 12:00.
Elena’s epic journey continues in season three as she strives to protect her kingdom from a family of wicked wizards while learning how to control her new powers. In this month’s first premiere Shooting Stars (Sunday 3rd October at 12:00) Elena and Isa learn what it takes to succeed at science when they must fix a telescope in time for grandfather to see a rare comet.
Premiere episodes of Elena of Avalor air back-to-back on 3rd and 10th October at 12:00.

P J MASKS
Season premiere episodes
Weekends: 16th and 17th October at 09:30; 23rd and 24th October at 08:30
Season five of the hugely popular series featuring our Parisian pyjama clad heroes the P J Masks launches on Disney Junior this month, with premiere episodes on weekends 16th and 17th October at 09:30; and 23rd and 24th October at 08:30.
The PJ Masks are back for more heroics, meeting new villains along the way. The team will battle some familiar foes too - Luna, Romeo, Night Ninja, Octobella and Pharaoh Boy. But most of all, they will discover more about their animal powers
In the first season premiere episode, Ninja Power Up (Saturday 16th October at 09:30) the PJ Masks easily defeat the Ninjas and become over-confident in their powers. But Night Ninja’s secretly plotting to acquire PJ powers for himself.
Season five premiere episodes of P J Masks air at weekends: on 16th and 17th October at 09:30; and on 23rd and 24th October at 08:30.

SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS
Series premiere episodes
Saturdays and Sundays, 16th to 24th October at 10:00 and Saturday 30th October at 09:00
Web-slinging superhero Spidey returns to Disney Junior this month in an exciting new series of adventures entitled Spidey and his Amazing Friends. Premiere episodes air on Saturdays and Sundays, 16th to 24th October at 10:00 and Saturday 30th October at 09:00.
Spidey is teaming up with Ghost-Spider (Gwen Stacey) and Miles Morales to make up The Spidey Team, with some assistance from Spidey’s comical but loyal Spider-bot, TRACE-E. If Spidey finds himself in a sticky situation that needs even more super-hero power, rest assured that an Avenger pal will race in to help out. Whether it’s just The Spidey Team or adding an Avenger for the assist, these superheroes will work together to save the day!
In the first of these fun-filled adventures, S.O.S Kitty (Saturday 16th October at 10:00) when Peter and Aunt May's kitty, Bootsie, goes missing, Spidey must come to the rescue!
Series premiere episodes of Spidey and his Amazing Friends premiere on Saturdays and Sundays, 16th to 24th October at 10:00 and Saturday 30th October at 09:00.

MINNIE’S BOW TOONS: PARTY PALACE PALS
Series premiere shorts
Weekends from Saturday 2nd to Saturday 16th October at 10:55
Minnie and her mates have such fun planning parties they’ve decided to start their own party planning business! See how they get on as their new series Minnie’s Bow Toons: Party Palace Pals launches with premiere episodes on weekends from Saturday 2nd to Saturday 16th October at 10:55.
Come join the celebration as Minnie and Daisy open their business, The Polka Dot Party Palace! But initially it doesn’t all go to plan. In the first premiere episode Moving Day (Saturday 2nd October at 10:55) Minnie, Daisy, and Cuckoo Loca are moving to the east-side of Hot Dog Hills. On moving day, they learn the elevator is broken!
Premiere episodes of Minnie’s Bow Toons: Party Palace Pals air at weekends from Saturday 2nd to Saturday 16th October at 10:55.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Premiere episodes
Sunday 31st October from 10:00
Halloween, the spookiest day of the year, is fast approaching, and Disney Junior is here to ensure our young viewers have fun-packed festivities. Halloween themed premiere episodes of many of Disney Junior’s top shows air on Sunday 31st October from 10:00.
The fun starts with Mickey’s Mixed-Up Adventures at 10:00. In the episode entitled The Spooky Spook House! Mickey decorates Mr. Doozy's bed and breakfast for a chance to win Alistair's Halloween contest.

The entertainment continues with two premiere Halloween themed stories from Chicken Squad. In T-Wrecks / Trick or Eek (10:30) Coop referees a contest when Sweetie and Little Boo both want to dress as a T-Rex for Halloween. Then the Squad must help their critter friends track down a mischievous ghost.

Canine chaos ensues as Puppy Dog Pals join in with 221B Barker Street (11:00). When treats go missing from the Halloween party, Bingo and Rolly set off to solve the mystery.

What better time for Vampirina to return to the channel than Halloween? The first premiere episode airs at 11:30. In Double Double Halloween Trouble / The Creepover the Hauntleys must decide whether to trick or treat or attend the Boneyard Banquet that only happens every 100 years. Frankie comes to town so Vee hosts a "creepover!"

Mickey joins the fun with a special, Mickey Mouse: The Tale of Two Witches (12:00). On Halloween, Mickey tells of two witches-in-training (Minnie and Daisy), who must pass four tests to graduate from the Witch Academy in Happy Haunt Hills. While Daisy isn’t confident about passing, the girls learn that working together makes their magic and their friendship stronger. After they defeat a mischievous ghost, they prove their witchy worth and graduate to become real witches!

This bumper bundle of Halloween shows is followed by further new episodes of Vampirina, as further premiere episodes air in blocks from 13:00 to 15:30 and 16:00 to 17:00.

Sunday 31st October is packed with treats, and no tricks! Happy Halloween from everyone at Disney Junior.

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"Enter The Splat Zone": Paramount Rebrands Nicktoons In The UK, Might Rebrand Alongside TeenNick In Parts Of Europe And Africa In The Coming Weeks

Friday, October 1, 2021

African Animation Network Rolls Out As A Programming Block With Plans For A 24/7 Station Still Underway

Could ViacomCBS International Media Networks In Africa Also Be Opting To Streaming Following The Smithsonian Channels Closure Within The Market?

New Series Alert: Impak Coming Soon To eVOD

Ahead Of Two New SABC Channels, Glow TV Is The Second Channel To Go Off Air On Openview This Year

M-Net City And VUZU Reportedly The Next Channels Set To Go Off Air On DStv, Will Merge Into One Brand, ME

Thursday, September 30, 2021

New Channel Alert: WION Coming Soon To DStv In South Africa

Friday, September 24, 2021

AYV Entertainment Launches On DStv In Liberia With Expansion Plans Underway As Well As Another African Adaptation Of The Dutch Reality Show, Big Brother

New Series Alert: Hero Elementary Coming Soon To PBS Kids Africa

October 2021 On Disney Africa | Disney Channel Original Movie: Under Wraps | New Spider-Man Preschool Series On Disney Junior | New Episodes Of Ongoing Shows & More