How just 3 SABC shows lost almost 3 million viewers last week.

by Thinus Ferreira

Drastic moves between TV channels and timeslot changes saw just three locally-produced SABC programmes lose close to a combined three million viewers on Monday last week with ad buyers saying the struggling public broadcaster will pay the price when it's forced to cut advertising rates.

Last week Monday was the day the SABC implemented a drastic change: Moving shows on SABC1 later and to SABC2, removing Afrikaans shows from SABC2 and shunting the Afrikaans TV news bulletin that was at 18:30 to the much later timeslot of 20:30 on SABC3 with the channel that has much more limited transmission reach.

The SABC decided to move the youth soap Skeem Saam to a later timeslot on SABC1 at 19:30 where the show itself lost viewers. 

The SABC filled its successful 18:30 timeslot on SABC1 where Skeem Saam used to air, with a rebroadcast in early primetime of old episodes of a series called The Executives. 

This caused SABC1's 18:30 timeslot to abruptly lose over 2.1 million viewers last week Monday, plummeting to just 1.87 million viewers in the timeslot.

The second season of the Primedia Studios produced Deal or No Deal SA that was on SABC1 got shunted to SABC2 at 18:30 where the show itself lost over 1.5 million viewers last Monday.

The Afrikaans TV news bulletin was moved to SABC3 where this bulletin lost almost 75% of its viewers on Monday. The move also meant the end of the longtime Afrikaans block on SABC2 following the cancellation of the long-running 7de Laan which wasn't replaced with a new show despite promises from the SABC to do so.

On Monday evening, Skeem Saam produced by Peu Communications, which reached a high of 4.04 million viewers on SABC1 in February in its 18:30 timeslot last month plunged to 3.2 million viewers in its 19:30 timeslot up against Scandal! on e.tv.

While Skeem Saam with its 3.2 million viewers won the 19:30 timeslot over e.tv's Scandal!, Skeem Saam as a show itself lost around 840 000 viewers between 20 February and last Monday's timeslot change.

According to ratings data from the Broadcast Research Council of South Africa (BRCSA), Deal or No Deal SA which had a high of 1.92 million viewers on SABC1 last month on 19 February, lost a whopping 1.5 million viewers last Monday when it only managed to get 414 556 viewers on SABC2 in the 18:30 timeslot. 

It means Primedia Studios and the SABC lost a whopping 78.4% of the specific show audience that used to watch Deal or No Deal SA on SABC1 and didn't tune in for it last Monday on SABC2. Primedia Studios and the SABC share revenue from the show and will now earn less money from it on SABC2 than what it made on SABC1.

The Afrikaans TV news bulletin that reached a high of 621 215 viewers on SABC2 in February on SABC2 as one of the channel's most-watched shows, plunged to just 163 663 viewers on SABC3 last Monday night according to BRCSA viewership data.

It means that this TV news bulletin shed a massive 457 552 viewers and almost three-quarters (73.6%) of its dedicated audience which evaporated in the channel switch from SABC2 to the much smaller SABC3.

Combined, just these three TV programmes - Skeem Saam, Deal or no Deal SA and the Afrikaans TV news - lost 2.8 million SABC viewers that used to watch these three specific shows in February and on last Monday no longer did so.

Timeslot-wise the SABC gained 1.3 million viewers on SABC1 at 19:30 last Monday but lost 2.1 million viewers on SABC1 at 18:30.

Advertisers follow audiences and audiences follow - or unfollow - shows.

Mmoni Seapolelo, SABC spokesperson, in response to a media query, says "The SABC would like to reiterate that the video entertainment division continuously engages on various strategies to improve the content offering and which may result in programming shifts, involving moving shows to other channels".

"The shifts are informed by detailed insights including consideration of the SABC financial sustainability. In line with our mandate, the delivery of the Afrikaans content remains a key deliverable for the SABC and will not be compromised."

"In terms of the performance of the network, the SABC's goal is to have optimal performance and experience audience growth. The change has only been in effect for a week, and we need to review at least a month to see how the changes affect the schedule."

The SABC said that at 18:30 where The Executives is running in early primetime as a rebroadcast instead of original content "the drama is currently performing at 1.4 million viewers on average".

"Skeem Saam at 19:30 has increased the slot and has achieved an average of 3.2 million viewers with the launch. SABC1 has maintained its viewership. Deal or No Deal SA on SABC2 replaced die Nuus at 18:30 and is currently performing at 400 000 on average, which means that the slot has maintained as die Nuus on SABC2 performed around the same average."

"On SABC3 at 20:30, previously occupied by a variety of content (Unfiltered, Conflict Zone, Global 3000, Focus on Europe and AFCON – SA vs Nigeria) performed at an average of 200 000 viewers is currently performing at an average of 140 000 viewers."

'SABC will lose ad money'

The SABC which is already in a financial struggle will definitely start to lose millions of rand in potential ad revenue from advertisers due to the latest show, channel and timeslot changes, a highly-experienced ad placement executive told TVwithThinus.  

The person who doesn't want to be named since they place TV commercials and buy ads across broadcasters including SABC inventory and doesn't want to damage relationships with the broadcaster, says if the SABC loses audience and ratings, it undoubtedly loses ad income.

"Ads are bought on a cost-per-point (CPP) basis. For example, let's say you pay R100 for a show with a 20 rating. That's R5 per ratings and your CPP is R5."

"The moment you start losing viewers - instead of 20, you suddenly have a 10 rating - half of the viewers. Instead of paying R5, you're effectively asked to now pay R10 per rating," the person explains.

"When the SABC loses viewers, they don't change the ad rates - they keep it the same, meaning the SABC becomes less competitive and starts to lose money since the advertiser decides to rather place the ad or buy the ad space elsewhere."

"What they then have to do the next month is to adjust the ad rate. We as advertisers still just want to pay R5 per rating. In order to try and remain competitive, the SABC is then forced to also cut the ad rate in half if they want me to keep advertising with them."

"The result is that now I'm only paying R50 for fewer viewers, instead of R100 like before, which means that the SABC gets less ad  revenue from the advertiser."

4 must-see TV shows for 2024 New Year's day.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Year of the Dragon - 2024 - according to Chinese astrology, kicks off today with four must-watch television shows, ranging from an annual royal variety show to a local celebrity competition, a bitcoin fraud documentary and an enjoyable murder mystery. 

Here are the must-see TV on 2024's New Year's Day to ring in the new year:

Bitconned (true-crime documentary)

Netflix, released: 1 January 2024

Another one of those truly eye-popping, jaw-dropping true-crime documentaries, this one is set in the world of cybercrime and tells the shocking story of how brazen lies and manipulation built the Centra Tech cryptocurrency kingdom (which imploded).

Strong language makes this film doc adults-only, smartly weaving a lurid fraud investigation tale that's so true although you will shake your head in disbelief. 

When the cryptocurrency craze started in 2017, a young man named Ray Trapani exploited people and the industry's lack of knowledge to create a fake debit card scheme for crypto transactions in a "Wolf of Wall Street" like racket that was spectacular - until it all came tumbling down. 

Deal or No Deal SA Celebrity Special (game show)

SABC1, 19:30

A special celeb week of Deal or No Deal South Africa kicks off this evening, with well-known South Africans competing to win money for charities.

From tonight viewers will see the flamboyant Lasiswe Dambuza, DJ Lamiez Holworthy-Morule, culinary queen Siba Mongana, Ukhozi FM's Selby Mkhoze and KFM's Sibongile Mafu open the boxes to see what numbers they can eliminate in the hope of winning a lot of money.

The boxes they pick will be held by 20 previous fan-favourite contestants who will hand out advice and update viewers about what they've since done with the money they have won.

Death in Paradise New Year's Special (murder mystery drama)

BBC Brit (DStv 120), 20:00

Before we get to the 13th season later this year which will open with episode 100, the 12th season ends with this feature-length special in which it's Christmas and unlucky-in-love Neville's mom visits the island of Saint Marie.

The episode's murder mystery revolves around a wealthy entrepreneur who goes missing and is found dead at the bottom of a ravine, with a house guest who has also mysteriously vanished. Can the detectives puzzle out the crime in time?

Royal Variety Performance 2023 (variety special)

M-Net (DStv 101), 20:00

Bradley Walsh is the host of the 2023 Royal Variety Performance at London's Royal Albert Hall, with multiple star-studded performances, including from legendary superstar Cher, with Kate Middleton and Prince William, as well as Sweden's Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel attending.

Since Disney is celebrating its 100th anniversary there's a medley from the casts of The Lion King, Aladdin, Frozen and Beauty and the Beast, along with multiple other West End musicals. 

Other performers include Paloma Faith, Rick Astley, Zara Larsson and Hannah Waddingham who will be accompanied by the ENO chorus.

Primedia revives SA's Got Talent for 9th season on SABC in 2024.

by Thinus Ferreira

After seven years off the air, SA's Got Talent is getting revived and is jumping back to the SABC in 2024.

As TVwithThinus reported last month Primedia now confirms that SA's Got Talent is getting a TV berth back on the South African public broadcaster where it ran for two seasons on SABC2 since 2009 before the Rapid Blue-produced show jumped to e.tv for another six seasons, ending in 2017.

The revived 9th season of SA's Got Talent will air on a SABC channel and will now be produced by Anele Mdoda's Rose and Oaks Media production company.

In late September Primedia, at its second PrimeX event held at Montecasino in Johannesburg, announced that it is bringing several retired international formats back to South African television, like SA's Got Talent, as well as Strictly Come Dancing SA which was on SABC3 and moved to M-Net as Dancing with the Stars SA.

Primedia is also reviving The Voice SA which was also on M-Net for a free-to-air audience. 

Primedia also said it plans to take M-Net's Idols which has run out of ratings steam on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) currently in its 19th and final season there, to the SABC and a free-to-air audience.

The Masked Singer SA on SABC3, also produced by Rose and Oaks Media, has been renewed for a second and a third season, while the revived Deal or No Deal SA currently on SABC1 produced by Homebrew Films is also getting a second season.

It's not clear whether the new season of SA's Got Talent will be on SABC1 or SABC2 although it will very likely return to SABC2 as its former channel home, with the season that will have 14 episodes.

"In less than a year we've come further and achieved more than we ever dared hope - not least winning three major television format commissions from our country's largest broadcaster," says Jan du Plessis, Primedia Studios president, in a statement.

"All three shows have the power to bring joy and improve lives while showcasing African talent and culture with passion and authenticity".

ALSO READ: Idols, The Voice SA, SA's Got Talent and Strictly revived for SA's free-to-air viewers, Masked Singer SA renewed for 2 more seasons.

Katlego Maboe to host Deal or No Deal SA revival on SABC1 from 6 March.

by Thinus Ferreira

SABC3's Expresso presenter Katlego Maboe has been selected to become the host of the revival of the Deal or No Deal SA gameshow on SABC1 from 6 March.

Katlego Maboe recently returned to Expresso's presenter emsemble following his relationship cheating scandal. He will now host Deal or No Deal SA that Anele Mdoda's Rose and Oaks Media production company is producing for SABC1.

SABC1 will strip the half-hour Dealor No Deal SA episodes in which contestants get to choose which of 20 boxes to open to win possible cash prizes ranging from R1 to R250 000, on weekdays at 19:30. Repeats will run on weekdays on SABC3 at 17:30.

Primedia decided to revive the game show which lasted for two seasons on M-Net (DStv 101) in 2007, together with a version for Southern African countries which was carried by MultiChoice for DStv subscribers outside of South Africa. 

"We are delighted to offer this exhilarating, upbeat show to our audiences," says Lala Tuku, SABC head of local content.

"While we will be using the winning format that has seen Deal or No Deal become a global broadcasting phenomenon, the show will feature new innovations and be distinctively South African. Every day, a contestant will have an opportunity to win up to R250 000. With an electric energy that makes dreams come true in an instant, this is television entertainment at its best."

About choosing Katlego Maboe as the show's host, Lala Tuku says "We needed an all-rounded host for this very special show, and we are convinced that he has the requisite flair and finesse, and the generosity of spirit to ensure that Deal or No Deal becomes an essential, not to be missed, part of the daily life of South Africans across the nation".

"His charisma and compassion will ensure that each episode of Deal or No Deal is an emotive, highly charged journey for both contestant and viewers."

Lindile Xoko, Primedia Broadcasting CEO, says "Deal or No Deal is a result of collaborative work and we are very fortunate to be in a position to leverage our relationships with our advertisers".

"It was through a synergetic partnership approach that we have successfully identified a suitable sponsor for the show and to indeed make it a reality. Deal or No Deal, an uplifting show which can make the dreams of ordinary South Africans come true, is a definite winner and it is a much-needed antidote for the people of Mzansi".

ALSO READ: South Africa's Primedia ties up rights to The Masked Singer SA with Anele Mdoda to produce for unnamed TV channel, plans to revive Deal or No Deal SA.

South Africa's Primedia ties up rights to The Masked Singer SA with Anele Mdoda to produce for unnamed TV channel, plans to revive Deal or No Deal SA and take EWN visual with video news version.

by Thinus Ferreira

South Africa's Primedia primarily dabbling in radio has picked up the rights to The Masked Singer South Africa which will be produced by Anele Mdoda's Rose and Oaks Media for an as-yet-unnamed TV channel, potentially putting a spoke in the wheels of the SABC's SABC3 TV channel which has been trying and looking at producing a localised version of the singing competition show.

Primedia also plans to revive the game show Deal or No Deal South Africa which lasted for two seasons on M-Net (DStv 101) in 2007, together with a version for Southern African countries which was carried by MultiChoice for DStv subscribers outside of South Africa. 

At Primedia's Tuesday evening event, Anele Mdoda revealed that Primedia has secured the rights to The Masked Singer SA which Rose and Oaks Media will produce in at least three different South African languages.

SABC3 channel boss Pat van Heerden has been trying to get a local version of The Masked SA off the ground as the channel's big new local variety competition show with the channel which has been carrying the American version of The Masked Singer on its schedule.

It's unclear if SABC3 will be able to or has secured a deal with Primedia to broadcast The Masked Singer SA, or whether the show will go to another channel like e.tv, or one of the M-Net produced channels for MultiChoice's DStv.

Primedia also plans to launch video versions of its Eyewitness News (EWN) news bulletins - an English version done by the former eNCA anchors Jane Dutton and Shahan Ramkissoon now at the Eclipse PR company, and a Zulu version anchored by Kwazi Kwaza.