by Thinus Ferreira
The earthy, scribbly, camo-esque Me from M-Net will launch on Monday 1 November at 16:00 when it will replaced the two axed M-Net-packaged channels M-Net City and VUZU on DStv channel number 115.
M-Net City (DStv 115) and VUZU (DStv 116) will officially close on Friday 29 October on DStv.
Last week TVwithThinus reported that MultiChoice and M-Net are ending M-Net City and VUZU and replacing the two channels with one channel as it continues its process and strategy to consolidate its linear TV channels line-up on DStv to try and strengthen its offering in the facing on the video streaming wars.
While VUZU is available to DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus, DStv Compact and DStv Family subscribers, M-Net City is only available to DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus and DStv Compact subscribers.
MultiChoice and M-Net is therefore making the softer-looking, pastel-coloured Me available down through all of the DStv packages to DStv Family.
In effect DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus and DStv Compact subscribers lose a TV channel, although DStv Family subscribers don't lose anything.
Me is targeted at DStv Family and DStv Compact viewers but will also be available to DStv Premium and DStv Compact Plus audiences.
M-Net describes the new "Me" channel as "TV made personal. It's a place to unwind. It's a channel that will change and evolve to continue to offer viewers more of what they like".
M-Net says that "Me will feature the best of both its predecessors, while establishing a new identity strategically crafted with the discerning audience in mind."
M-Net says that Me is "a destination for primarily the 18 to 34-year-old market, and, in addition to international scripted content, it will feature lifestyle shows and celebrity content that has been previously broadcast on M-Net (DStv 101) and 1Magic (DStv 103)".
Yolisa Phahle, MultiChoice Group CEO of general entertainment and connected video, says "We're changing the way we package content and creating a single, extensive, well-curated destination".
"Me will give our viewers and subscribers a multifaceted, competitive channel offering, and we're pleased to offer the best international entertainment in one place."
"Me is taking us in an exciting direction that speaks to the multiplatform world we live in and further sharpens our aim to give our subscribers content that they connect with."
M-Net's Me channel will launch with daily episodes of The Rookie, NCIS: New Orleans, Survivor Australia and Young Sheldon from 17:00 to 20:00.
From 20:30 DStv subscribers will be able to watch a mix of local and international series like Lioness, Prodigal Son, All American and 911.
The Real Housewives (starting with The Real Housewives of Atlanta) will be shown every weekday at 21:30, leading into a late-night slot at 22:30 where Me will feature international dramas and thrillers like Godfather of Harlem, Clarice and Flight Attendant.
Over weekends Me will have The Bachelorette SA or a movie on Friday nights.
On Saturdays and Sunday Me will broadcast game shows, talent shows and reality shows like Beat Shazam, American Idol and Growing Up Hip Hop. Sunday evening at 20:00 Me will feature drama series like Queen Sugar.
