Recap To The Week: Arise News Channel Goes Live In South Africa, 9 Other Southern African Countries On DStv

ARISE News Channel, Africa’s premier broadcaster, has announced its expansion into South Africa and nine other Southern African countries.

The channel is now available on MultiChoice's DStv Channel 416 in South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

With this expansion, ARISE News Channel is now live in 54 African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Cameroon, Sudan, Ghana, Senegal, and Cote d’Ivoire, among others.

Celebrating its 11th anniversary on January 31, ARISE News Channel continues to showcase Africa’s diversity in business, politics, technology, commerce, science, sports, show business, and fashion, while projecting the best of Africa and its cultures globally.

Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of ARISE News Channel, Nduka Obaigbena, expressed determination to launch the channel in all countries worldwide, stating, “The move to Southern Africa reaffirms ARISE News Channel’s position as the leading broadcaster in Africa with independence and clear thinking. We are determined to celebrate the best of Africa and tell the African story in the global marketplace.”

He added, “We shall continually showcase the emerging African century where Nigeria and other African countries will be some of the leading economies around the world. This is a marathon and not a dash: we will do for Nigeria and Africa what the CNN, the BBCs, and Aljazeeras have done for their nations and regions. In the emerging African AI- driven new information highway, no one will shape your narrative better than you.”

Could Toonami Relaunch On MultiChoice's DStv And GOtv As Canal+ Seeks Full Ownership Of The Pay-TV Company?

Toonami is an action and adventure driven young oriented channel operated by Warner Bros. Discovery. It is home to DC legends such as Batman, Superman, Justice League and Teen Titans alongside anime such as Dragon Ball and Inazuma Eleven. 

The channel currently resides within StarTimes through a separate agreement alongside Investigation Discovery, TLC and Discovery. Prior to this, MultiChoice added Toonami as a month long pop-up channel.

Although MultiChoice opted out of making it a permanent, Canal+ also offers Toonami alongside Cartoon Network and Cartoonito. Should the acquisition move forward Canal+ will be merging their platforms with that of MultiChoice's DStv and GOtv. 

Toonami could form part of an expansive deal as MultiChoice already offers these brands alongside factual entertainment from Discovery Inc. This merger would be more of DStv folding under Canal+ as opposed to Canal+ folding under DStv. 

This implies that Canal+ will put more focus on their brands and find ways to keep MultiChoice's offering intact. This could see them closing more channels while others like Mzansi Magic and M-Net would be handled by StudioCanal or Canal+ Premium.

Snoozefest Updates: Arise News Rolls Out On DStv In More Countries, A Rebroadcast Of Deur Dik En Dun Take Up Weekday Afternoons On eExtra With Isipho: The Gift On e.tv Every Weeknights

Arise News launches on DStv

Arise News is a London based television network that offers news and current affairs to audiences across the United States, Europe and Africa. It is operated by Arise Broadcasting Ltd., which is owned by Nigerian media mogul Nduka Obaigbena.

As some readers are aware, MultiChoice began tests on the channel a month ago leading to speculation over its possible expansion in more territories. Now it's listed on channel 416 so it's likely to go live by tomorrow from the DStv Access and up.

Deur Dik En Dun on eExtra 

As primetime continues to rise on eExtra following the launches of Die Fakulteit and Sommerdahl Moorde. eExtra continues to hike the flow of repeats on the channel with the addition of Deur Dik En Dun on weekdays at 12:55 from 26 April.

Growing up without her mother and father, Süreyya must fnd her way in life alone. Proud and beautful, she lives modestly with her only relatve, Aunt Senem. Working her way to graduaton at a music conservatory, she becomes a talented musician. But this independent, simple life is set to be turned upside down. The handsome and wealthy Faruk Boran transforms the young singer’s life. Mesmerized by his charm, she fnds herself swept up in a passionate romance and falls desperately in love.

Isipho: The Gift on e.tv

Isipho: The Gift was a 2019 supernatural drama series produced by HerbVision Multimedia and The Ntintili Factory for broadcasters e.tv and VIU. The series was quietly wiped of the rug with a short-lived 206 episodes with e.tv looking to air after Redemption ends.

A young Moses Shezi grew up with the gift of seeing into the future. When his gift leads to the death of his mother, he keeps silent about his gift. Now in his old age, Moses foresees his daughter Ntombi in danger. A series of visions show him four other strangers which he sets out to find in order to change the course of destiny.

It airs weeknights on e.tv from 20 May at 20:30.

Could M-Net And MultiChoice Look To Close The 1Max Channel On DStv Soon?

Last month, M-Net and MultiChoice had shuttered both 1Magic and Me channels from the DStv platform. As they consolidate further content to boost their streaming endeavors with the pay-tv company that had since then folded selected content on 1Max.

1Max is a Showmax based channel that is home to African originals alongside third party content. The channel kicked off its launch with Red Ink and Tracking Thabo Bester that garnered traction on Showmax alongside international shows like The Good Doctor and Ted.

From what has been established here, this channel was basically added as a replacement to both 1Magic and Me. But that may not be the case as Me was a low tiered brand while 1Max which is just 1Magic with more content is reserved on Compact+.

Why would Compact+ consumers care about 1Max if they have Showmax???

The channel was only unveiled when 1Magic and Me had shuttered with the media that wasn't informed beforehand about 1Max. If this was a channel MultiChoice intended to keep some marketing would have been included or notice days prior. 

Now we need to look at it like this 1Max is an absolute mess content wise. The channel features a chunk of repeats from other M-Net channels, retained 1Magic's music and sitcom block and finally retained Me's presence by 2 hours.

When M-Net City and VUZU merged to form Me although we'd get less adrenaline from the city it did however bundle lot of fiction. 1Max took a dunk on that and made it far worse as variety had been killed and overshadowed by those repeats. 

If 1Max was a channel MultiChoice intended to keep why not inform loyal consumers of Me about the channel or new season of The Good Doctor being broadcast. Another consumers in the rest of Africa are told to enjoy the 1Max experience on Showmax. 

Almost as if they're trying to destroy any chance this channel has of survival and distance consumers from the content. It wouldn't seem far fetched if 1Max was merely being used as a pawn to lure DStv consumers to Showmax and overtime just closed.

1Max is airing Wura which serves as a West African adaptation of The River perhaps the channel will close once it comes to an end similar to how The River was initially meant to close 1Magic before getting extended.

Channel Closure: Pearl Magic Loko Will Stop Airing On DStv And GOtv By 30 April, To Be Replaced By Pearl Magic Reloaded

Not long ago, it was reported that M-Net and MultiChoice would be axing Africa Magic Urban on DStv by the end of April. This comes after Akwaaba Magic Abusua had folded under Akwaaba Magic with Pearl Magic Loko that is set to follow.

Pearl Magic Loko was a Ugandan based entertainment channel operated by M-Net that would offer content in Luganda. Similar to the likes of Zee Zonke, all the content was imported from other countries basically archived material from M-Net.

MultiChoice Uganda in a statement over the launch of Pearl Magic Loko:

“We are living out the business’s mission to be the best African storyteller – it’s not just a slogan for us, it’s a reality we bring to our treasured audiences. Ensuring that stories are told in local languages and allowing for a wider audience to enjoy the country’s favorite shows in their own tongue is key. That’s why the addition of Pearl Magic Loko is so important.”

Now the channel is burned off after a year on air by the end of April. Pearl Magic is planning to offer select content from Pearl Magic Loko under the banner Pearl Magic Reloaded weekdays at 14:00 to 16:00 from 1st May.

Pearl Magic Loko's demise forns part of a bigger conspiracy seen within DStv as several channels had already exited their platforms in under 4 months. This includes 1Magic, Me, People's Weather, B4U Movies, Ginx TV, Emmanuel TV and DW.

Recap To The Month: Akwaaba Magic Extends Its Reach To DStv Access And GOtv Value Customers In ROA, Akwaaba Magic Abusua Set To Close

The roll out of Akwaaba Magic on DStv was the first step in MultiChoice quest to make authentic Ghanaian content accessible across the African continent. Since the channel was launched in 2021, this 24/7 entertainment flagship channel has been exclusive to DStv Compact, Compact Plus and Premium customers. 

Making this announcement, Managing Director of MultiChoice Ghana, Alex Okyere said: “we are excited that all customers on DStv can now watch hit shows like Inspector Bediako S2, Brenya, Play By Ear, Accra Stand Up, The Billionaire’s Wife and Nana Akoto amongst others from as little as Ghs80 per month. In the past three years, Akwaaba Magic has rekindled interest in Ghanaian content production and fulfilled our commitment to developing and upskilling the film ecosystem”.

He adds from the 1st of April, a section of our customers who hitherto did not have access to the diverse shows on Akwaaba Magic, will now be able to watch their beloved Ghanaian stars on our Ghs 80 per month pack”.

Head of the Akwaaba Magic Channel, Nosisa Doe explains that “this move is In line with MultiChoice’s commitment to offering more value to its customers and reinforces our strategic vision to be Africa’s most loved storyteller.” Customers can expect new Ghanaian shows, series and movies starting with the second season of Inspector Bediako every Monday evening on the channel. Furthermore, the Akwaaba Magic Abusua channel would be terminating on the 12th of April 2024 and all unfinished series would be moved to channel 150 on DStv.

Akwaaba Magic will continue to run never-before-seen premium local Ghanaian content 24/7 in English and content in diverse Ghanaian languages with subtitling in English.  The Akwaaba Magic channel will be available to subscribers on DStv Access and for GOtv customers on the Value packages on channel 102.

Channel Closure: Africa Magic Urban Will Stop Airing On DStv (And GOtv) By 30 April

Last month, it was reported WildEarth would be the 10th TV  exiting DStv by the end of April. This comes after the channel had been going through financial constraints and all of a sudden demanded carriage fees from MultiChoice.

This is also part of a bigger conspiracy seen within DStv as 9 channels had already exited their platforms in under 4 months. This includes 1Magic, Me, People's Weather, B4U Movies, Ginx TV, Emmanuel TV, DW, One Freestate Televisual and NWTV. 

With Africa Magic Urban that is set to be the 11th TV channel to exit DStv platforms across Africa. According to MultiChoice, they're consolidating their efforts as part of a strategic shift in order to deliver the highest quality entertainment that resonates with viewers. 

Similar to 1Magic and Me, MultiChoice is likely looking to cutback on content commissions for these channels in order to boost their streaming endeavors with Showmax. It was revamped in February to include a lineup of archived material from NBCUniversal.

Africa Magic Urban launched as Africa Magic Movies 1 in 2012 was a premium version to Africa Magic Epic and Family. Initially catered to local films expanded to include series most of which are now set to fold under Africa Magic Showcase and Family. 

If we had to be honest, there was not much variation with the content same with seasons. It was like how you'd view Moja Love and Moja 9.9. were instead of them gaining some independence same content launched elsewhere with variation being the package. 

Statement from MultiChoice about the closure of Africa Magic Urban:

Please note that this strategic shift allows us to focus on delivering the highest quality content that resonates most with our diverse audience. By consolidating our efforts, we can better invest in new and exciting programming that aligns with your interests. 

SuperSport Vs. Canal+ Sport: Who Is Likely To Survive Canal+ Potential Takeover Of MultiChoice?

Canal+ Sport is a French based sports broadcaster owned by Canal+ that offers services in parts of Europe and Africa. Similar to the likes of SuperSport, Canal+ Sport also comprises of various linear channels featuring football, rugby motorsport and basketball. 

Last month, it was reported that Canal+ had increased its offer to takeover DStv by 19% with a sum of R35,9 billion. This comes after their initial offering of R32 billion was rejected with the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP) ordering them to propose a new deal.

As some readers are aware, South African laws limit the ownership of businesses to foreign entities with Canal+ voting rights reduced to 20%. Although, they'd have majority stake of the company they wouldn't be able to exercise that level of ownership.

Since news of Canal+ possible takeover of MultiChoice came about, several consumers have been very skeptical about this ordeal. With some very keen on the fate awaiting several brands such as SuperSport for instance.

SuperSport is the biggest player in the world of sports across the African market. It is home to major sporting events such as Premier League, PSL, La Liga, MotoGP, Formula E and WWE most of which aren't accessible on Canal+ Sport.

Even if Canal+ was successful in obtaining MultiChoice most of the company's assets could remain intact this includes SuperSport. It has more reach in the market Canal+ also resides and offers sporting events Canal+ Sport was unable to retain due to exclusivity. 

Regions with Canal+ Sport will most likely see content from SuperSport surface on their channels and overtime fold under the trademark.

Could Canal+ Kids Expand Its Operations Through MultiChoice's DStv Or Showmax?

Canal+ Kids is a French based children's channel operated by the Canal Group that offers imported alongside locally produced content. It is known for shows such as Elvis Riboldi and Mush-Mush And The Mushables shows picked by Warner's kids networks.

With Canal+ looking to acquire Africa's largest pay-tv company MultiChoice with an announcement anticipated in the coming days. Several things await the possibly merged companies one of which is downsizing of staff and merger of assets.

As seen since the course of 2023, MultiChoice Studios expanded their local portfolio to the kids market with the addition of Jay Jay: The Chosen One. This serves as the first animated project with promises to expand the lineup if it proved to be favorable. 

By 2024, MultiChoice Studios has managed to launch an additional two titles Twende and Hero Space: Trust Your Inner Hero. The plan at the moment is to do more short form depending on their performance as the plan is to expand this to other countries. 

Canal+ Kids which is situated in French speaking countries had already followed on similar endeavors basically serving as a rival. With Canal+ looking to acquire MultiChoice its likely that Canal+ Kids could expand their portfolio to include other countries. 

I mean the idea wouldn't seem far fetched as Canal+ has an active presence in the kids circuit in parts of Europe. Through Poland, some content is distributed by Teletoon+ and in Africa this would be considered the equivalent of Play Room.

Could DStv And GOtv Undergo A Possible Restructure Following Its Possible Acquisition By Canal+?

For several years, Canal+ has progressively increased its ownership of MultiChoice and with them eyeing a possible acquisition of the pay-tv company. Several aspects from both brands come into question and these include their pay-tv services.

Similar to MultiChoice, Canal+ operates various TV channels and platforms within the African stake. With their 35% stake in MultiChoice, they were able to distribute various DStv exclusive content to their pay-tv platforms of the same name.

These included general entertainment brands Africa Magic Epic, Zee World and Telemundo to movies from M-Net Movies 3 and M-Net Movies 4. Even tailor made sports channels SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport La Liga are also added to the lineup. 

Should this acquisition move forward, we're likely to see some consolidation amongst DStv, GOtv and Canal+. Taking to account, they already offer pay-tv services in parts of Europe without the Canal+ trademark we presume DStv could survive in these endeavors. 

From what is understood, MultiChoice Africa isn't profitable as yet and Canal+ could work on making them cost effective. Either scrapping the Canal+ packages and GOtv in favor of DStv or most probably just phasing out Canal+ trademark in some properties. 

Markets in which DStv doesn't exist but Canal+ does will most probably rebrand while those were there's availability of both will probably be structured into separate DStv package if not GOtv.

Canal+ offers a range of entertainment from self titled channels such as Première, Cinema and Docs to third party brands like Game One, English Club TV and France24. Most of which will likely surface on DStv while other brands exit in favor of other TV channels. 

FilmBox Vs. M-Net Movies: Who Is Likely To Survive Canal+ Acquisition Of MultiChoice?

During the year, Canal+ expressed interest in acquiring pay-tv giant MultiChoice after gaining small stakes in the company and working closely on several shows. They're currently in talks with Patrice MotsepeIs in an attempt to increase their bid in MultiChoice. 

If Canal+ had succeeded in their first attempt at acquiring MultiChoice they'd have to grow through legal procedures who could have prevented this from moving forward. Now that talks of an SA player enters the equation they're likely to succeed. 

Canal seeks to merge their assets with MultiChoice making their portfolio accessible to over 50 million subscribers in Africa. Since talks of a possible takeover has taken place there's been various questions as to how this may affect the current offering. 

Canal+ owns various properties in Europe and one of which SPI International has garnered an international presence. This consists of various FilmBox entertainment channels alongside Gametoon, FashionBox, FightBox and DocuBox. 

As some readers are aware, these channels particularly FilmBox are already viewable in Africa and were basically a rival offering to M-Net Movies. Should the acquisition move forward these brands are likely to get merged if not restructured.

It's not only the content that bares various similarities but also the formatting of these brands. M-Net Movies 2 is basically FilmBox Action while M-Net Movies 3 and 4 have FilmBox Africa, FilmBox Family and FilmBox Stars.

Ideally, M-Net Movies could fold under the FilmBox trademark considering its presence in Europe but there's also chances that they may have a future. M-Net Movies 3 & 4 alongside various DStv channels are seen on Canal+ platforms in Africa.

If M-Net Movies wasn't that much of a priority they could have opted for FilmBox. It's likely that FilmBox could be phased out in favor of M-Net Movies but questions amount to whether Starsat and various other platforms would/are willing to include them.

MultiChoice is StarTimes biggest rival as it offers a diverse lineup of local content and premium sports. Of course, the mere thought of M-Net Movies possibly being added to these consumers would lure exiting DStv consumers to StarTimes for its affordable rates.

In Nederlands, Film1's offering compensate for FilmBox films movie channels with the main channel being what's left of the trademark.

Development Alert: Parliament TV Channel On DStv Might Be Getting The HD Treatment

Parliament TV had been operating on MultiChoice's DStv providing coverage of important parliamentary proceedings and other festivities. This serves as a underscoring and their commitment to supporting parliamentary transparency.

As seen later in the week, MultiChoice had closed 1Magic and Me as further content had been folded under 1Max. Applicable to consumers in South Africa, it serves as a promotional channel for Showmax with a mixture of local and international content.

With channel 115 vacated, MultiChoice had removed the HD feed from Me and replaced it with Parliament TV. Taking to account the current feed is only SD its likely that they're looking to align them with eNCA and SABC News whose feeds have been HD.

Other channels that have since then been going through similar tests and awaiting an upgrade include Disney Channel (since 2023) and TBN (since 2022).

In other developments, MultiChoice had sent notifications to consumers over the closure of WildEarth. After multiple failed attempts by the channel to secure payment for their carriage on DStv had opted to take their channel off air by the end of April. 

DStv Channel Changes From 01 January 2023 To 31 March 2024

2023 had proven to be the least productive year in terms of channel additions as opposed to terminations as MultiChoice continues to review their slate of content and explore other means of keeping viewers entertained.

DStv Access experienced the most wins during this period in terms of expansions as the pay-tv company allocated channels such as E! Entertainment, Trace Urban, WildEarth, ESPN 1 SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Schools and Ignition TV.

They continued their winning streak with new additions Play Room and Zee Zonke.

DStv Easyview didn't get that much limelight as seen in the previous financial period with Magic Showcase and BBC UKTV. However, they were very much present in the new channel circuit with the now defunct brands, NWTV and One Freestate Televisual. 

Consumers leaning toward the Family and Compact Plus tile had recieved the least amount of attention in the current financial period:

• DStv Family only got BBC Lifestyle after being made exclusive to Compact.

• DStv Compact+ welcomed a new channel Qwest TV from multi award-winning artist Quincy Jones.

DStv Compact consumers were the most "fortunate" amongst top to mid tier households. Although no new channels were reported, MultiChoice had extended the reach BBC UKTV which now serves 12 million households in Africa alongside ESPN 2.

Premium households continue to inherit nothing as the market for this audience declines with the last additions dating back to September 2020 with a full-time fliekNET channel and more sports channels. 

Terminations from this period range from channels like Maisha Magic Movies, HONEY, Da Vinci Kids, Deutsche Welle (DW), Emmanuel TV, B4U Movies, People's Weather, NWTV, One Freestate Televisual, Ginx eSports TV, 1Magic and Me:

• DStv Easyview would have lost 4 channels which is the most channels for any package: People's Weather, NWTV, One Freestate Televisual and Emmanuel TV. 

• DStv Access would have come in second with 3 channels: HONEY, Deutsche Welle (DW) and Da Vinci Kids. 

• DStv Compact would come in third with two channels: Ginx eSports TV and Maisha Magic Movies. 

• Other packages would have lost only one channel: 1Magic, Me and B4U Movies. 

Below we present a roundup of 2023 with various developments that took place and beside it the package.

Expansions

ESPN 1 - Compact to Access

WildEarth - Family to Access

Trace Urban - Family to Access

E! Entertainment - Compact to Access

Ignition - Family to Access

BBC UKTV - Easyview to Compact

ESPN 2 - Compact+ to Compact

BBC Lifestyle - Compact to Family

SuperSport Schools - DStv Stream to Decoder (excluding Easyview)

SuperSport La Liga - Family to Access

New channels

Qwest TV - Compact+

Zee Zonke - Access

* One Freestate Televisual - Easyview

Play Room - Access

* NWTV - Easyview

* means channel closed 

Termination

HONEY - Access

Maisha Magic Movies - Compact

Da Vinci Kids - Access

Emmanuel TV - Easyview

1Magic - Compact+

Me - Family

One Freestate Televisual - Easyview

B4U Movies - AddMovies

People's Weather - Easyview 

NWTV - Easyview

Deutsche Welle (DW) - Portuguese

Ginx eSports TV - Compact 

Recap To The Week: 1Max Has Been Excluded From The DStv Compact And Family Packages

During the week, MultiChoice had launched the standalone 24 hour service to Showmax, 1Max. After promising Compact+ consumers a rebranded offering, 1Max debuts on channel 103 with content already seen on 1Magic with a major boost from Me.

After having closed Me on channel 115 which targeted consumers on the Compact and Family packages. MultiChoice had opted alienate them from viewing further shows from M-Net and this includes Yellowstone and The sixth season of The Good Doctor.

Consumers on Compact+ confused and frustrated over the switch to 1Max as various traits from 1Magic had surfaced on the channel. This includes sitcoms Moesha and One And One with further additions of content viewed on Africa Magic and KykNET. 

From what we've grasped, 1Max is a Showmax tailored channel basically BBC UKTV and Nicktoons - secondary network. All the premium bonanza was axed when the premiere of Champions moved from 1Magic to Mzansi Magic. 

Honestly speaking, 1Max's debut on DStv almost seems rushed as the programme guide still includes 1Magic's termination card. On top of that, further details as to the name and programming was only unveiled by yesterday.

MultiChoice in these regards opted to unveil further details about 1Max through content highlights on their website. They didn't think to even brief the media beforehand not even a press release leading some to question MultiChoice's confidence on 1Max.

One of two theories come to mind over the lack of marketing first being its current positioning as the latter is on Showmax. If anything, its likely that the availability has to do with some content viewed on channel like Ted and Red Ink.

From Old Favourites Like Moesha And Wura To Originals Like Tracking Thabo Bester And Red Ink: List Of Confirmed Shows For DStv's Newest Addition, 1Max

Not long ago, it was revealed that 1Max was the name of the TV channel set to replace 1Magic and Me on DStv. It is currently unknown if 1Max will also be included on Compact and Family as tests are also being conducted on 1Magic's channel number.

1Max from what we could figure based on the logo is a Showmax tailored channel. Unlike 1Magic which was catered to Southern Africa with a separate feed in West Africa, 1Max seems to be following its streaming counterpart and unifying this lineup.

The West African telenovela Wura after launching on the Africa Magic channels in 2022 will rollout on 1Max. Based on the 1Magic telenovela The River, Wura follows an iron lady who doesn’t care whose ox is gored in her path to get what she wants.

This will be followed by the Afrikaans romcom Troukoors (Wedding Fever) after debuting on KykNET in 2021. Starring an all elite cast, It followed a wedding planner who surrounded by friends and family is on a journey toward self discovery. 

There's also going to be some flash from the past shows from 1Magic such as One On One and Moesha which will form part of a classic sitcom block. Joining this lineup will be Me favourites such as 6th installment of The Good Doctor alongside Yellowstone. 

In hindsight, 1Max is basically 1Magic with a new coat of paint and additional content. Initially structured to offer an independent lineup from M-Net through 1Magic will also serve as an open window to shows exclusive and already seen on DStv Premium.

If we had to guess, MultiChoice will probably be putting more buzz on Tracking Thabo Bester, Red Ink and Sport Wives.

Tracking Thabo Bester is a four part miniseries based on the lives of the titular character alongside medical doctor Nandipha Magudumana. It debuted on Showmax last month and had the most views compared to any other doccie.

Red Ink is a eight-part thriller tells the story of a journalist turned publicist, Lucy Khambule, who is approached by an imprisoned serial killer to tell his story. Followed by Sports Wives, a reality show that follows the lives to wives of South Africa's sporting greats.

Development Alert: MultiChoice And M-Net To Rollout 1Max As A Replacement To 1Magic And Me On DStv

Earlier in the year, it was reported that MultiChoice was currently working on a TV channel with the letter X in its name. Not much details was shared about the content or when this channel would be ready for distribution to consumers.

As reported last month, MultiChoice and M-Net had shuttered the M-Net's Me and 1Magic channel on DStv. As they continue streamlining their portfolio further reducing the amount of linear channels available. 

Not long ago, the pay-tv company had begun experimenting on the reported Channel X brand which we now know is 1Max. It describes itself as the best TV channel for Showmax viewing offering shows such as Tali's #JoburgDiary, Wura and The Good Doctor. 

Considering that M-Net will be merging Me and 1Magic into a single TV channel. It would make a sense for the channel to be available to consumers as Me and 1Magic but MultiChoice had promised this channel would be available to their Compact+ consumers.

There's chances that certain DStv customers might be excluded from this offering. But considering that MultiChoice had failed to address the situation pertaining to the shows chances of that risk 1Max joining the latter to have been axed.

The Possible Damage Awaiting MultiChoice Following The Cancellation Of M-Net's Me And 1Magic On DStv

In a few days, DStv customers will be bidding farewell to two channels, 1Magic and Me. As M-Net further streamlines and consolidate their entertainment offering consumers will be paying more but have less channels at their disposal.

These channels would have joined B4U Movies, Deutsche Welle (DW), People's Weather, Ginx eSports TV, Emmanuel TV, NWTV and One Freestate Televisual to have been axed since the start of the year with WildEarth to follow soon.

MultiChoice in these endeavors have made their closures very distasteful with the lack of marketing to their consumers. Not even a press release on their website to probably explain the matter and what fate awaits the programming on these channels. 

As these channels play an important role in their respective packages and were one of the few reasons anyone would latch on to their consumers. With their inevitable demise,  MultiChoice risks losing more DStv consumers and revenue. 

Amidst these inflated prices, MultiChoice had promised their Compact Plus consumers a rebranded offering. This would see one of their current entertainment channels convert into open window for Showmax originals alongside third party content.

Seeing as it will not launch immediately after 1Magic and Me would depart from several consumers. The channel would have lost an audience as the only means of survival for this brand would be extending its reach to more DStv consumers. 

Not much details has shared on whether the channel would replace Me or if select shows would be accessible on the channel. With the amount of content coming from Showmax not much space would be available to accompany M-Net's existing offering.

Although some programming from Me such as Chicago Med and The Equalizer can be accessible on Universal TV they're lagging behind by several seasons from Me. Aside from that, they haven't obtained nor have plans to broadcast Chicago Fire.

BOMBSHELL. WildEarth Goes On A Rant And Exposes Lucrative Business Deal With MultiChoice's DStv

During the week, it was mentioned by WildEarth's CEO that they have made numerous attempts to in securing carriage fees for their channel on DStv. Following unsuccessful attempts, the company is looking to take their channel off DStv by the end of April.

The only way WildEarth can remain on the DStv platform would be for MultiChoice to pay for the channel and not vice versa.

Earlier the company had mentioned that MultiChoice would rather pay for National Geographic and National Geographic Wild. But through ongoing interaction with viewers some minor details had been revealed about their agreement with DStv.

Here’s a little David and Goliath story - although at this point, it is difficult to see how David is not going to get...

Posted by Wildearth on Tuesday, March 26, 2024

On top of their financial woes, WildEarth has been paying MultiChoice to keep the channel on air. For 4 straight years, WildEarth on top of generating some ad revenue had to split part of those earnings to keep their space on DStv and cover other expenses. 

Taking to account such deals are not unlawful but haven't proven to be favorable either. It's like running your own website where the publisher (DStv) offers ad platforms (WildEarth) a space to promote in exchange for money with ad platforms getting exposure.

Based on circumstances, it's "likely" WildEarth approached MultiChoice and only agreed to this as they were hoping to salvage more out of this. Not a lot of people were familiar with the brand as seen with flagship show SafariLIVE it seems like the only logical conclusion. 

Another would be that MultiChoice positioned WildEarth as a business type channel as seen with former channels VOOV and TV Mall.

MultiChoice had agreed to carry WildEarth as a pop-up channel initially under those terms. Based on figures opted to continue this agreement while WildEarth running on the platform was hoping to join the league of Warner Bros. Discovery and BBC Studios. 

Donate to WildEarth: click here 

Petition to keep WildEarth on DStv: click here 

Reminder: M-Net's Me And 1Magic Alongside Ginx eSports TV Will Close On DStv From 31 March 2024 (Schedule Attached)

MultiChoice will be axing M-Net's 1Magic and Me alongside Ginx eSports TV from the DStv platform by the end of March. This would bring the number of scrapped TV channels on the platform to nine joining B4U Movies and People's Weather which exited a month prior. 

Another brand looking to exit DStv soon is WildEarth as both parties failed to reach new agreement. Since then, a petition has been going around to keep it on DStv with the channel seeking donations as they've been going through financial woes.

1Magic

1Magic will end its run with the female led drama Lee Daniel's Star at 23:55 and from what we've seen most shows within that week would end to their climax. With a few exceptions such as Lockdown seeing as those are basically repeats.

According to the pay-tv company, further content from 1Magic would be available on the remaining M-Net channels. That would mean those currently watching 1Magic would have to revert their focus to Mzansi Magic for further content currently viewed on Showmax. 

Unlike most items on the list, MultiChoice had promised to supplement 1Magic with another TV channel known as Channel X. It has no relation to Elon Musk but will base their lineup and identity on Showmax as the revamped streamer also trademarks an X.

Me

Me will ends its run with reality based series The Real Housewives Of Atlanta based from The Real Housewives franchise at 23:10. Most shows within this week would reach their climax including M-Net originals Reyka and Recipe For Love And Murder.

According to the pay-tv company, further content from Me would be available on the remaining M-Net channels. That would mean those watching Me would need DStv Premium to watch the latest international and locally produced content on M-Net.

Although some of the entertainment like Chicago Med and The Equalizer is available on Universal TV with Young Sheldon on Comedy Central. These channels are lagging behind with one of two not having an estimated timeframe on new episodes. 

It's currently unknown whether Me will fold under Channel X or the pay-tv company will look find other means for compensation.

Ginx eSports TV 

Ginx eSports TV will end its run with The Games That Made Me at 23:00. Despite SuperSport handling distribution rights and other technical aspects of the brand, current seasons of programs won't be completed with other portions being repeats.

Unlike the other two, MultiChoice doesn't offer an alternative offering to Ginx eSports TV this leaves WWE as the only sports brand to be grouped under general entertainment section of their platforms. 

WildEarth To Cutback On Live Shows Following Its Possible Exit On MultiChoice's DStv

WildEarth is an interactive wildlife channel which brings viewers closer to nature with live safaris within the hotspot of Africa. Founded in 2007 by Graham Wallington and Emily Wallington, WildEarth has developed a global community of viewers.

Not long ago, it was reported that WildEarth would be looking to take their channel off DStv by the end of April. This comes months after the channel's current CEO was negotiating with MultiChoice over adding carriage fees to the channel.

As some readers are aware, WildEarth hosted a live event where several notable figures were briefing audiences on the future of the brand. Aside from the departure from DStv, they are looking to no longer offer any live content and transition to short form.

This means shows like Sunrise Safari and Sunset Safari will continue to exist but will be pretaped. On top of that airtime for these shows will be further reduced as they try to offer more short form content as they eyeing potential deals who feel the offering is lacking. 

SafariLIVE was one of their signature shows and what helped them garner an online presence. For that to be minimized or possibly scrapped, consumers are led to wonder if this would bring about its end on YouTube where part of their content resides.

They are looking to film some of these shows in other countries as opposed to limiting their stance in South Africa and Kenya. Of course, they'll need further donations to remain on the air and get some of this content of the ground. 

If you're interested in donating: click here

If you're looking to save WildEarth from being removed on DStv: click here

With WildEarth looking to add more variety to their lineup and eyeing potential deals. Some of this content will likely be deprived from consumers if not minimized something that wasn't discussed as much.