You're reading it here first.
I can exclusively reveal that M-Net Action (DStv 106) will most likely be the next channel getting the high definition (HD) treatment on MultiChoice's DStv Premium bouquet in 2011 as well as this shocker: M-Net execs are mulling getting rid of the series on the channel and turning it over to just movies.
Various sources tell me that M-Net Action will definitely become an HD channel in 2011 (underscoring what I was told by MultiChoice in October RIGHT HERE) - the only thing still to be determined is whether M-Net Action HD will actually be the first HD channel of 2011.
Multiple insiders also confirm to me that talks and discussions are afoot about getting rid of the TV series on M-Net Action. There's now 3 possibilities on the table. One: Dumping the one hour TV shows could co-incide with M-Net Action becoming M-Net Action HD. Two: Moving the TV series of M-Net Action could happen first, and then M-Net Action turns into M-Net Action HD. Three: The TV series stay on M-Net Action, which becomes a high definition channel. ''No final decision on the future of M-Net Action [without series on it],'' has yet been made,'' a reliable source tells me.
''Currently talks surrounding M-Net Action centers around having to decide whether to move the series out of M-Net Action and then make the channel HD after that, or make the channel M-Net Action HD and at the same time get rid of series so that it becomes just a high definition movie channel. There is also the possibility that the series could stay,'' another insider with knowledge of the discussions tells me.
''Most things on M-Net Action - more than on other channels that's not yet HD - are already in the 16:9 aspect ratio, which is why M-Net Action HD is next on the list,'' another source whispers, saying ''so it's much easier turning M-Net Action to HD first in 2011. The thought is now 'the sooner the better''.
When I asked what would happen to the action and science fiction shows currently having a home on M-Net Action should they be removed, I'm told that ''M-Net will find a place for it elsewhere, most probably on a new channel.'' (Not the new M-Net channel, M-Net City awaiting board approval which would specialize in local shows.)
