by Thinus Ferreira
WildEarth is set to return to MultiChoice's DStv from December as its interim CEO André Crawford-Brunt is apologising for nasty comments he made earlier this year when he said he's removing the TV channel.
Seven months after WildEarth was yanked from DStv at the end of April, the nature channel will return to DStv's channel 183 and all packages, although it's not yet known whether WildEarth is getting paid or how much according to the new channel carriage agreement.
Earlier this year André Crawford-Brunt, chairman and interim CEO, went on a scathing public rant against MultiChoice, slamming the Randburg-based pay-TV operator on social media and in interviews, saying WildEarth will be removed from DStv over non-payment.
This was despite the existing channel carriage agreement that WildEarth had entered into with MultiChoice in August 2020 which wasn't one where the channel would be paid.
MultiChoice agreed to carry and give WildEarth exposure on the DStv platform where it could then leverage that viewership to get advertising and sponsorships but André Crawford-Brunt was no longer happy with the contract.
In comments André Crawford-Brunt cast aspersions on South Africa's TV ratings system, claiming that the measurement of TV viewership in South Africa and on DStv was "archaic".
He also slammed MultiChoice repeatedly and said that WildEarth was "getting binned by a big corporate because someone sitting in an ivory tower or sitting in an office in London can make a decision that this doesn't fit the short-term goals and needs of a big corporate".
André Crawford-Brunt also told 702 that MultiChoice "has put their head in the sand" and slammed MultiChoice for "having just increased prices" and saying "people are particularly unhappy with them".
Behind the scenes, insiders told TVwithThinus in March that MultiChoice was shocked and taken aback by André Crawford-Brunt's public outburst.
MultiChoice at the time was only willing to comment and say that it was "disappointing that WildEarth is seeking to publicly pressurise MultiChoice into providing additional commercial support".
The pay-TV operator said that it "wouldn't comment further on this matter and wishes WildEarth success in its future endeavours" when the channel went dark on DStv.
Seven months later, in response to a media query, MultiChoice confirmed to TVwithThinus that WildEarth will now be back from December on DStv.
Asked why it's returning WildEarth to the DStv channel line-up, MultiChoice says it follows after "constructive discussions" that led to MultiChoice and WildEarth reaching a new agreement to bring the channel back to DStv.
"Both
companies are dedicated to delivering unique, immersive local content,
allowing customers to experience African wildlife in a truly engaging way.
This aligns with MultiChoice’s commitment to providing African-centred
content that resonates with audiences".
MultiChoice declined to say whether it is now paying WildEarth, after it earlier offered to pay WildEarth R6 million per year which was rebuffed.
"The contractual terms between DStv and WildEarth are
confidential. Both parties reached an agreement that benefits viewers by
bringing back unique, nature-focused content to DStv," MultiChoice says.
André Crawford-Brunt, striking a much more conciliatory tone, is now apologising and says "Our transition from MultiChoice was deeply emotional for everyone involved, reflecting the genuine passion and dedication we all feel toward bringing wildlife into people’s homes".
"In the heat of this change, there were moments when things were said that, in hindsight, would have been better handled privately."
"In this regard, I express regret and thank MultiChoice for the willingness to re-engage and find a way forward. Our shared vision for connecting people with nature remains, and we look forward to exploring new ways to bring this vision to life."
Calvo Mawela, MultiChoice Group CEO, in a statement, says "We're pleased to have WildEarth back. Local, African-centred content has always been a focus of MultiChoice, and the unique programming on WildEarth is one of the ways we're fulfilling our priority of delivering the best and most inspiring local entertainment to our customers."
