by Thinus Ferreira
The NisMedia Group and Glow TV says that it is taking eMedia's Openview satellite TV service to court following an apparently acrimonious behind-the-scenes dispute and channel carriage conflict that became public after Openview abruptly removed the channel from its platform on 1 October.
Openview gave its customers no warning about the sudden and unexpected removal of Glow TV, angering a large group of Openview viewers who publicly vented about Glow TV's abrupt removal and slammed Openview over both the channel's removal and Openview's lack of communication or any prior warning about it.
The same thing happened in August 2020 when Openview replaced BBC World News with France24 without warning and without communicating to viewers.
Openview didn't publicly explain any of the reasons that led to Glow TV's removal but said publicly on Friday on its Facebook page that its partnership with Glow TV "has come to an end".
In a Facebook post, Openview said that "To our fans, we apologise for the last minute notice! Glow TV is no longer available on the Openview bouquet".
Glow TV, that remains available on China's StarTimes satellite pay-TV platform and that operates under the StarSat brand in South Africa, said that the unavailability of the channel on Openview's platform is due to a "technical problem" and that it's trying to resolve the problem.
Glow TV claims that it has an agreement to remain on the Openview service until at least February 2023.
Glow TV is run by CEO Nazeer Noormohamed who is also the CEO of the NisMedia Group.
"Glow TV was removed from Openview from Friday 1 October, despite us having a binding agreement til February 2023," Glow TV said on Saturday in a public statement attributed to Glow TV management.
"Unfortunately, all avenues to resolve the matter amicably have failed. Thus, we have no option but to go the legal route and the matter will be heard in the High Court in two weeks time, on an urgent basis."
"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to you, our loyal viewers and ask that you bear with us until then."
Glow TV said that "We trust that we will see you soon on the platform again" and that "we hope with your prayers and wishes we will be successful in our court application".
"We assure our loyal viewers that all content missed during this period will be repeated for your convenience. Remember that Glow TV is still available on the StarSat platform and on the StarSat app for subscribers."
Very upset Openview viewers
A large number of Glow TV viewers responded to this statement from Glow TV over the weekend, saying they want Glow TV back, and slamming Openview for the decision to remove the channel, as well as not communicating about its removal beforehand.
The outpouring of comments from angry and upset Openview viewers show a high-engagement level and affinity that a lot of Glow TV viewers have for this particular TV channel that shows Indian-inspired content and telenovelas.
"I really hope you win in court as Glow TV is the most-watched channel in my family," said Neervashnee Rampersad.
Simone Ramsamy said "The only reason I own Openview is I was following Glow TV".
Jenal Macky said "Thank you for the update Glow TV as we couldn't get answers from Openview themselves, we pray that you guys win the case because Openview has really let many of us down especially with their lies and inconsideration for many of us who changed from DStv to Openview. They really don't appreciate and value their customers. Sad."
Onneile Wilson said "Glow TV is the reason I subscribed to Openview. They are selfish and irresponsible".
The Openview viewer Chrisna Jansen said that she doesn't care about the politics. "All I want is Glow TV back. I switched off DStv because of Glow TV and will do so with Openview".
Kershree Pillay remarked that "Many people buy Openview just for Glow TV as it is not on the DStv packages. Openview is constantly removing channels that we enjoy and are replacing it with unnecessary channels. Very soon people won't even buy Openview anymore".
Mamie Ngoy said "It's about time that we throw away their decoder just like we did with DStv. Openview doesn't care about us at all. They take out channels that are important to us without hesitation".
Sithembiso Khanyase said "I think you need to focus your energy into making your channel to be more inclusive so you can gain more audience. Service providers should be fighting to keep your channel on their platform, not the other way around".
Sudesh Sookdew said "So Openview advertises that states 'free for life' which means free for them to do whatever they want and not the viewers. Very disappointing".
Natasha Ramsamy asked: "What can the viewers do to convince the judge that the public needs Glow TV?" and Mala Khan said "Was very disappointed on Friday when I put that channel on and there was nothing. Been watching for many years".
Mia Joao said "I changed from DStv to Openview because of Glow TV. They removed it on DStv and I went to Openview. Seems like now I have to go back, plus Openview has nothing on it, just Star Life and e.tv which only repeats movies and shows".
"Absolutely ridiculous from Openview," said Niran Reddy. "I only bought the decoder as my daughter watches Glow TV".
