TV NEWS ROUND-UP. Today's interesting TV stories to read - 16 September 2020.

Here's the latest news about TV that I read and that you should read too:  

■ The Crown on Netflix will show Princess Diana's heartbreaking battle with bulimia.
Could set up a clash between Netflix and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and their multi-million contract with the video streamer.

■ Donald Trump announces that he's getting weekly showtime on Fox News (StarSat 261) as bewildered Fox News hosts say it's fake news.

■ American anchor Jim Cramer on CNBC (DStv 410) calls Nancy Pelosi "Crazy Nancy" on TV ... in her face.
- Meanwhile CNN (DStv 401) is getting sued.


■ Nigerian filmmakers are risking jail with their lesbian film Ike.
Nigeria's Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) is monitoring and trying to prevent producer Pamela Adie and director Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim from screening and releasing their Yoruba-language film in the West African country.


■ South Park tackling the Covid-19 virus with its first hourlong episode.

■ I'm not interested. Bye," is all he has to say about it: Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo accused of stealing the Dinner with Somizi show idea on 1Magic (DStv 103) from Hastings Moeng (subscription required).
Producer says he send concept to Somizi in July 2014, and met with him and Dinner with Somizi executive producer Legend Manqele in 2016 to discuss putting the show together. Somizi's comment on the report is "I'm not interested. Bye."

■ Netflix's Ratched is wretched viewing; drama has no story to tell with incoherent characterisation and limited vision.

■ WWE trying to see if it can host WWE Raw and WWE SmackDown seen on SuperSport at outdoor venues in order to get people back to attend wrestling matches again.

■ Zambia praises China's StarTimes for funding its public broadcasting switch from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting.

■ The shocking departure of Anna Faris from Mom seen on M-Net (DStv 101) is a nightmare for the comedy series.

■ John Cena shows off his shocking physical change before his TV return as the new host of Wipeout.

■ Ellen DeGeneres: From sweetheart to degenerate - a timeline.
- Is this the perfect time for Drew Barrymore to launch her own TV talk show?

■ 250 000 people less are paying their BBC TV licence fee in the United Kingdom as younger viewers flee to streaming services.

■ Jerry Harris from Netflix's Cheer under FBI investigation for soliciting sex from boys.

■ How reality TV shows find and cast the "right" people - a director explains.

CNBC hires Shepard Smith as new general news anchor, will do new nightly news show, The News With Shepard Smith.

by Thinus Ferreira

The American TV news anchor Shepard Smith who abruptly left FOX News (StarSat 261) in October 2019 is joining CNBC from 13 July where he will be anchoring The News with Shepard Smith timeslot on weekdays, starting later this year.

It's not yet clear whether The News with Shepard Smith will be broadcast in South Africa and Africa on CNBC Africa (DStv 410) but if it is, it will be on at 01:00 in the mornings South African time, following The NBC Night News with Lester Holt at 00:30.

The News with Shepard Smith will be a general news show on the TV financial news channel that Shepard Smith says will be "fact-based, hour-long evening news program with the mission to cut through the static to deliver facts, in context and with perspective".

The show will serve as "the perfect bridge between CNBC's daytime investor-focused news programming and the network's aspirational business-oriented entertainment programs in primetime".

Shepard Smith will work from CNBC's headquarters in Engelwood Cliffs, New Jersey.

Shepard Smith will serve as CNBC's chief general news anchor and chief breaking general news anchor, as well as the executive producer of The News with Shepard Smith.

"Information is coming at us from every direction. If we're not careful, life-altering decisions will be made based on half-truth, rumour, misdirection or worse," says Mark Hoffman, CNBC chairperson, in a statement announcing Shepard Smith's addition.

Smith Shepard says in the statement that "Gathering and reporting the news has been my life’s work. I am honoured to continue to pursue the truth, both for CNBC’s loyal viewers and for those who have been following my reporting for decades in good times and in bad".

"Mark Hoffman presented me with CNBC’s vision for a fact-based, hour-long evening news program with the mission to cut through the static to deliver facts, in context and with perspective."

"I know I found a great home for my newscast. I am excited to be working with the exceptional talent at CNBC and eager to build a team focused on uncovering the news behind the headlines."


ALSO READ: Original FOX News anchor Shepard Smith shocks and abruptly quits after 23 years with the American channel.

CNBC downsizing as the business channel closes Tokyo and Paris bureaux; CNBC Europe cutting London live broadcast back by 2 hours.

CNBC is downsizing with the business news channel's bureaux closures and further cutbacks in daily live broadcasts from London on CNBC Europe that will also impact on CNBC Africa seen in Africa on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform.

The Guardian reports, as well as NewsonNews, that CNBC will soon be shutting down its bureau in Paris as well as in Tokyo which will mean less business news coverage from those regions.

There's also the likelihood that CNBC staff will get fired - about 5% of CNBC's international staff could be cut by the end of 2015.

CNBC Europe which has timeslots simulcast on CNBC Africa (DStv 410), is also set to decrease its daily live broadcast by a third, slashing its live news from London from 6 to just 4 hours per day.

The morning show Squawkbox Europe from CNBC Europe and seen on CNBC Africa on weekdays between 10:00 and 11:00 and done from London will not be affected.

Worldwide Exchange broadcast on CNBC Africa weekdays between 11:00 and 11:30 will likely be replaced by local CNBC Africa programming.

European Closing Bell with Louisa Bojesen is not seen on CNBC Africa but will likely also be cancelled on CNBC Europe.

CNBC viewership plunges to 2nd lowest level ever; CNBC Africa on DStv in South Africa similarly barely watched by subscribers.

The TV business news channel almost nobody's watching? CNBC.

The viewership of the American business news TV channel has plunged to its second lowest viewership month ever this August in the United States, and in South Africa the viewership of CNBC Africa (DStv 410) is also at dismal levels.

In America in August CNBC scraped the bottom of the barrel with only 28 000 viewers in the demographic of 24 to 54 - just 1 000 viewers more than the lowest viewership ever of 27 000 back in November 1992.

CNBC's viewership in the United States keeps going down and if the trend holds September should be the month during which CNBC reaches the lowest viewership of the business news channel ever - ironically despite there being more TV viewers available who could possibly be watching than ever before.

Of course CNBC Africa in South Africa of the ABN group (viewership figures for other African countries are not available) is as "barely there" as CNBC in the United States.

With CNBC Africa getting an almost negligible 2% of the total audience share of all DStv subscribers who watch the TV news channels (compared with eNCA at 51%, SABC News at 17% and Sky News at 11%) its perhaps time for the business network to actually tell the press, TV critics and viewers what there is to tune in for, and when.

Since its start in June 2007 in South Africa on DStv, CNBC Africa has done extremely little in consistently (or even non-consistently) publicising its schedule, programming highlights and shows or bringing it's line-up, special programming and breaking business news coverage under people's attention.

Ironically the myriad executive shuffles, content scandals and on-screen talent exists at CNBC Africa have been well-documented and publicised over the years.

No South African TV channel and no TV news channel had a worse launch than ANN7 (DStv 405). Yet ANN7 at one year old already has around 7% of the TV news viewers in South Africa.

CNBC Africa after 7 years couldn't even get a third of the viewers and audience share that ANN7 amassed in a year.

If CNBC Africa wants to grow it needs to lure viewers. Viewers however - with a bunch of choices - are not going to tune in if there's no reason for them to do so - and sadly CNBC Africa never tells anyone why or what for they should.

Opening bureaux across Africa isn't going to grow a TV news channel and you can do all the most incisive and exclusive and comprehensive reporting, talk shows with panel guests and stories you want.

If CNBC Africa viewers don't know about it - and in time to tune in and why it matters - none of it matters.

CNBC Africa silent as the mother brand CNBC kicks off its 25th anniversary today.

There's not as much as a peep from CNBC Africa (DStv 410) as its mother brand CNBC kicks off its 25 anniversary today.

The business media group Africa Business News (ABN), the holding company of CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa on the African continent couldn't be bothered with any press or publicity regarding CNBC's 25th birthday.

Nor does CNBC Africa bother with the "CNBC First 25" - the CNBC list of the 25 people who have had the greatest influence in business since the original American business brand launched as a TV business news channel in 1989.

Tyler Mathisen will appear tonight on CNBC Africa when CNBC Africa carries CNBC, to report on CNBC's 25th anniversary and the list of nominees. CNBC announced 200 nominees today which will be whittled down to the eventual "CNBC First 25" in April.

Maria Bartiromo signs off on CNBC and CNBC Africa on her final day: 'It's very emotional. I've been crying all day.'

Maria Bartiromo signed off on Friday night South African time in her final Closing Bell show on CNBC and CNBC Africa (DStv 410) in a huge loss for the financial news channel as she gets ready to jump to competitor Fox Business News and Fox News Channel (StarSat 405), telling viewers "this is my last day on CNBC. It's very emotional. I've been crying all day".

"I am coming back you know," said Maria Bartiromo. "I'm not going that far. I'm going to be back. Soon."

Business Insider details the insider reasons as to why South African viewers will no longer see the "money Honey" on CNBC and CNBC Africa after 20 years.

According to Business Insider sources its because Maria Bartiromo is getting more money at Fox Business News and Fox News Channel which CNBC wasn't willing to match, because she is getting her own Sunday show on Fox News Channel increasing her visibility, and the chance to again build something at a new financial news channel.

Some of Maria Bartiromo's colleagues at CNBC weighed in at the end of news segments during Closing Bell.

"Maria, I have to say in addition to all the contributions you've made to CNBC, I will most remember everything you've done to improve financial literacy for all ages, for everybody, outside of CNBC on your own time. I know you'll continue to do and I really have to say, it's been such a pleasure to work with you," said Sharon Epperson.

"I just want to say, it has been a privilege and a pleasure to be your colleague," said Bertha Coombs.

"Maria, good luck and we'll miss you," said Courtney Reagan.

"Maria, back to you for the last time, and best wishes," said Kayla Tausche.

BREAKING. Maria Bartiromo leaving CNBC, will disappear from the end of the week from CNBC Africa on DStv.

Maria Bartiromo is leaving CNBC and will soon no longer be seen on CNBC Africa (DStv 410) on MultiChoice's DStv on the business news channel which simulcast CNBC.

CNBC's star anchor is leaving CNBC in the United States after 20 years. She is expected to move to the little watched competitor Fox Business News (FBN) for a new daily markets related programme. FBN is not carried by a South African pay-TV operator.

Maria Bartiromo is however also expected to make appearances on Fox News Channel (TopTV 405) which is carried by On Digital Media's (ODM) TopTV, soon to be called StarSat.

Maria Bartiromo just celebrated her 20th year with CNBC last month which she joined in 1993 and where she has been the anchor of Closing Bell. Her loss comes as a huge blow to CNBC as well as CNBC Africa where she has been a very familiar face.

Maria Bartiromo became the first TV reporter in television history to broadcast daily from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange where she got the nickname "Money Honey".

"After 20 years of groundbreaking work at CNBC, Maria Bartiromo will be leaving the company as her contract expires on 24 November 24," says CNBC in a statement. "Her contributions to CNBC are too numerous to list but we thank her for all of her hard work over the years and wish her the best."

In a statement Maria Bartiromo says "After twenty great years of having a front row seat to some of the most important economic stories in the world, it's hard to sum up the gratitude and appreciation I have for the team that helped make it happen."

"I am incredibly proud of what we have been able to accomplish. I want to thank all the people at CNBC who have been with me on this journey, and of course the viewers and investors everywhere for making me love every minute of it."

CNBC correspondent Courtney Reagan stunned when her boyfriend surprises her with an engagement ring when he appears on set.

CNBC's Courtney Reagan, the business channel's American retail correspondent, was caught completely by surprise when she was asked to report on jewellery sales and engagement rings during the end of the year festive time - and when suddenly in walked her boyfriend onto the set to propose.

Courtney Reagan, flabbergasted on the set of Nightly Business Report, didn't know what to do as anchor Tyler Mathisen looked on.

Courtney Reagan didn't know that her Goldman Sachs investment researcher boyfriend Jared Baker had an engagement ring. The stunned correspondent tried to compose herself - and said yes after he got on one knee.

Watch.

Maria Shriver returns to NBC News, will appear on MSNBC, CNBC Africa and NBC Nightly News.

Maria Shriver is returning to NBC News.

Maria Shriver used to be a TV correspondent for NBC News in America, and is the wife of, but is currently separated from, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

South African viewers will soon start to Maria Shriver again on NBC News with Brian Williams (seen on CNBC Africa, DStv 410, daily at 00:30), the 24-hour business news TV channel CNBC which means CNBC Africa (DStv 410) due to content sharing, and she will be doing stories for the 24-hour American TV news channel MSNBC (TopTV 410) as well.

In a press statement NBC News says Maria Shriver will be "reporting on the shifting roles, emerging power and evolving needs of women in modern life."

"Through a series of special projects, prime-time reports and appearances across multiple NBCUniversal properties – including NBC News, CNBC, MSNBC Maria Shriver will examine the profound impact that women's rising influence and leadership has had on all aspects of American culture and society."

"I've always believed that television can inspire and elevate humanity, and that's my mission with this new partnership," says Maria Shriver in the statement.

"I look forward to shining a light on all areas of a woman's experience – from faith and finances, wellness and work, to relationships and the new realities of modern life - and exploring these issues in a way that brings the voices of men into these critically important conversations."

CNBC orders 7 unscripted projects ranging from a real-life antiques detective to reality cameras following a concierge service.

While a starting date is not yet known for the new local South African reality show Top Trader on CNBC Africa (DStv 410) supposed to start sometime in August, CNBC Africa's sister CNBC in America announced today 7 unscripted projects in development.

These 7 new shows which will be on CNBC - and could possibly later make their way to the CNBC Africa schedule as well - ranges from a real-life antiques detective working the high-end world of art forgeries using crime lab technology, to a life-changing competition that each week will give one person a chance to win his or her own franchise, and even cameras following a concierge service which makes the impossible possible for extravagant and very demanding clients.

The CNBC Africa schedule often include most of the CNBC special programming such as documentaries a few months later.

The new CNBC TV shows include the following:

Fakes and Forgeries (working title)
Produced by Endemol USA. Is that Warhol print worth millions or is it just a beautifully rendered fake? That $100,000 bottle of wine may be a great investment or it could be a cheap merlot with a carefully reproduced antique label. Welcome to the fascinating world of Curtis Dowling and his team of art investigators who work with clients that just may be the victims of a counterfeiter's elaborate scheme.


Franchised (working title)
Produced by Eyeworks USA. In each episode, Franchised gives five deserving contestants ─ high in qualifications but short on cash ─ a chance to win a nationally recognized franchise. It's an emotional once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a shot at the American Dream.


At Your Service (working title)
Produced by Zodiak  This show follows a high-end international concierge service that caters to a clientele that never needs to ask "how much". They are dream makers who take on the most outrageous requests. 


Outstanding (working title)
Produced by RelativityReal. Four four high-achieving teenagers who excel in sports, the arts and academics. It's an inside look at the gifted and talented and the parents who will stop at nothing to help their kids achieve their dreams. We see the glory, but we also witness the sacrifice, hardship and pressures.


Venture Men (working title)
Produced by Sharp Entertainment. Inventors, dreamers and thinkers a chance to pitch out their business ideas, get instant funding and then bring their products to market, all within a 72-hour period.


American Steel (working title)
Produced by Ellman Entertainment. American Steel takes you deep inside the world of competitive car flippers where motorhead Joe Petralia and moneyhead Jay Weinberg find, fix and flip classic and muscle cars. With the economy struggling, each transaction represents one more big risk for the owners who have to fight to keep their once multi-million dollar business afloat.


Flipping Wars: Vegas (working title)
Produced by MorningStar Entertainment. The housing market plunge has created big opportunities for folks who are willing to strap on a tool belt and take a gamble. Flipping Wars: Vegas set in the city hardest hit by the housing crisis, follows four teams of wheeler dealers who see dollar signs every time they bid on a foreclosed home.

BREAKING. CNBC announces a new global show, Access: Middle East, starting on 5 July at 23:00 in South Africa.

CNBC has announced a brand-new show Access: Middle East which will start globally on all CNBC regional channels - meaning CNBC Africa (DStv 410) as well - from 5 July at 23:00 (South African date and time) and will be shown every two weeks.

Like most of what counts as real news from CNBC Africa the past few months, CNBC Africa didn't so much as say anything or bother to even issue the press release about Access: Middle East which will be a half hour show anchored by Yousef Gamal El-Din.

According to CNBC Access: Middle East will be seen globally, including on all CNBC channels within the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, in which of course South Africa falls.

"The Middle East remains a critical region for business and finance and the start of Access: Middle East allows us to build on our business day coverage of the region, with a dedicated half-hour programme that will give investors more insight in to the region and where best to place their money," says John Casey, the vice president for news and programming for CNBC International.

Yousef Gamal El-Din will travel around the region taking an in-depth look at the key business centres and interviewing top business leaders and policy makers. Access: Middle East will start in Dubai and will also be produced from CNBC's bureau in Dubai.