Discovery suddenly pushes Thando Thabethe's new TLC talk show, Thando Bares All, out to May on the schedule although all episodes have been filmed.

Discovery Networks International has suddenly postponed the debut of Thando Thabethe's new South African talk show, Thando Bares All, that was supposed to start this month on TLC (DStv 135) by 3 months to May without saying why.

Thando Bares All with Thando Thabethe and Carissa Cupido was supposed to start on Saturday 24 February at 20:55 on TLC but Discovery Networks CEEMEA has yanked the show, produced by Oxyg3n Media, from the schedule and moved it to May.

Discovery isn't willing to give any specific reason for the sudden move of the show 2 weeks before it was supposed to debut with the "slightly risque" 8-episode Thando Bares All that would be about with people about "body positivity" and "things that society might be afraid or embarrassed to speak about".

Topics in the 8 episodes of Thando Bares All will discuss polygamy, "naked attraction", outrageous style and body issues with themes borrowed and synchronising with other well-known TLC programming.

One strong possibility for the sudden postponement is that Discovery wants to prevent Thando Bares All - geared towards trying to capture a local female audience - from getting lost in the initial high audience sampling before ratings level off when a new TV channel launches.

Moja Love (DStv 157) from Siyaya TV starts on 14 February on DStv as a new TV channel and is a new direct competitor to TLC and A+E Networks Africa's Lifetime (DStv 131).

With a swarm of new locally produced female-driven talk shows on Moja Love that DStv subscribers will take for a TV test ride, Discovery likely thought to protect Thando Bares All from the cacophony of voices like Show Me Love starting on Moja Love that is based on the American talker The Real with KG Moeketsi, Unathi Msengana, Abigail Visagie and Nontobeko Sibisi. 

Dilek Doyran, vice president of commercial development and country manager of Africa at Discovery Networks Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA), in late-2017 said "Thando Bares All is about bringing people together and tackling topics we know our viewers will have strong opinions on."

A potential problem with the delay is that episodes will be seen more than half a year after they were filmed in late-2017. In the 6 month gap some of the content might have become somewhat stale or irrelevant, with guests and what they have to say that might likely no longer be as current as when the in-studio sit-downs were taped.

Discovery doesn't yet have a new starting date for Thando Bares All. Discovery was asked whether the postponement was a production issue - for instance episodes not being finished in time, or a scheduling issue, or a combination of both.

Discovery told TVwithThinus the episodes of Thando Bares All have been delivered by Oxyg3n Media and that the postponement is purely a scheduling decision.

WHO KNEW? After switching Investigation Discovery to ID Xtra on MultiChoice's DStv and StarSat, the IDx channel has quietly been switched back to Investigation Discovery.

Discovery's Investigation Discovery (ID) channel on DStv and StarSat that was switched to ID Xtra (IDx) in January 2016, has quietly been switched back to just ID after a year and 10 months.

Investigation Discovery (ID) that changed to IDx with a big hoo-haa, is back to quietly just being ID on MultiChoice's DStv on channel 171, and on StarSat run by China's StarTimes Media SA and On Digital Media (ODM) on channel 223.

IDx was switched back to ID in mid-October but there was no official announcement from Discovery Networks International for the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region.

Quite awkwardly, because there was no announcement, the media has been blissfully unaware and months later even operators like MultiChoice still uses the IDx channel logo on some of its websites for channel 171, instead of just ID.

In January 2016 Discovery Networks CEEMEA said that ID is being replaced by ID Xtra and that “with its glossy reconstructions of real-life mysteries, ID Xtra will have viewers glued to their screens for hours at a time.”

"Mystery and suspense is one of the fastest growing genres within pay-TV and Discovery is in pole position, leading the category with a channel that has already been a proven success across CEEMEA. We are delighted to offer yet another high-quality channel.

Aletta Alberts, MultiChoice general manager for content said in a statement at the time that “our DStv customers love mystery and suspense stories and ID Xtra takes these stories to a glossier and more dramatic level.  Avid fans of this genre will have an even wider selection of brand new and intriguing content to choose from and still be able to catch up on their old time favourites from Discovery ID.”  

TVwithThinus, that like other media, also wasn't aware of the Investigation Discovery channel branding backtracking back from IDx to just ID, asked Discovery Networks International when ID Xtra flipped back to ID and why.

Discovery says the brand alignment roll-out took place between 18 and 31 October 2017.

"Based on the global success and high demand of the investigation genre, as well as a wider strategy that will see us unify our brands in an increasingly connected world, we have decided to transform IDx into investigation Discovery (ID) across CEEMEA".

"Borrowing from the highly successful American Investigation Discovery, a market-leading channel across both pay and free television, we will start using a new, more sophisticated, cinematic brand package which maintains premium quality and broad appeal, while becoming more seamlessly integrated with the channel's programming".

"This transformation is also accompanied by continued heavy investment in content, to deliver a broad mix of high quality shows and noisy event programming which reflect consumer priorities".

BREAKING. Discovery's TLC Entertainment on DStv dropping the 'Entertainment' from January 2018 as it goes back to its abbreviated name after 4 years.

Discovery's TLC Entertainment (DStv 135) channel on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform will be reverting back to being known as just TLC and will be dropping the "Entertainment" add-on from its name from January 2018.

Discovery changed TLC to TLC Entertainment in October 2013 when it added programming from Oprah Winfrey's OWN but after 4 years it is now changing back to just TLC.

According to Discovery and in response to a media enquiry, Discovery tells TVwithThinus that the move of TLC Entertainment back to just TLC is part of a wider global brand alignment. "The channel itself and its content will remain the same," says Discovery.

In other changes to Discovery Networks' African TV pride, the Animal Planet (DStv 183) channel is abruptly getting culled from DStv at the end of December 2017 in just two weeks' time. Animal Planet was carried on DStv for 14 years since October 2003.

These changes are very likely big parts of the reason why Discovery Networks didn't hold any year-end upfront presentation for South African advertisers and media this year, marking the first time in at least 7 years that Discovery in South Africa broke with its own annual upfront modus operandi.

New shows on TLC will include Dr Miami, Judge Jenkins and The Healer while new wedding shows Diva Brides and Curvy Brides Boutique will join returning seasons of 90 days to Wed and Surrounded by Daughters.

Discovery Networks in South Africa's big local push on the back-to-abbreviated TLC in early 2018 will be around its new local show with Thando Thabethe. 

Her upcoming TV talk show on TLC (DStv 135) in early 2018 that will be entitled Thando Bares All.

Discovery Networks veteran James Gibbons appointed as executive vice president heading up business development in Africa, Middle East and parts or Europe.

James Gibbons at Discovery Networks has been promoted to executive vice president, head of product and business development for the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region.

The veteran Discovery Networks executive who was the executive vice president and country manager for emerging business, will report to Kasia Kieli, president and managing director of Discovery Networks CEEMEA.

In his new role James Gibbons will now look at the creation of new partnerships and consumer offerings from Discovery.

"CEEMEA is a complex and diverse region, with tremendous potential in both the linear and digital space, and I'm looking forward to tapping into every opportunity, bringing Discovery and Eurosport content to more people, across more screens than ever before," says James Gibbons.

Kasia Kieli says "James has pioneered the way in establishing transformative partnerships and creating new products in territories like Turkey, Africa and the Middle East, and I now look forward to seeing his entrepreneurial spirit and risk-taking mentality in action across the wider CEEMEA region."

SMILEY FACE. TLC Entertainment on DStv updates its logo, adds emojis as the channel looks to engage viewers beyond just the TV viewing experience.

The TLC Entertainment (DStv 135) channel has refreshed its look with a slightly updated channel logo and by incorporating social media "emojis" on-air to enhance the appeal and "playfulness" of the channel skewed towards a female target audience.

With the emojis introduction, TLC Entertainment - a channel from Discovery Networks International supplied to MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform in South Africa and Africa - wants to get viewers to take their in-viewing and off-viewing conversation further and beyond the confines of just the actual viewing experience.

TLC Entertainment also added a custom Meme Generator on its new African website at www.TLCAfrica.tv

"Now in its 5th year, TLC has truly captured the hearts of South African audiences, through its unique mix of eye-opening stories and larger-than-life characters that will never fail to get our viewers talking," says Lee Hobbs, the vice president of channels for emerging business at Discovery Networks for the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region.

"Building on two of TLC's core values - surprise and emotion - this new campaign celebrates the channel's brand-defining programming with the introduction of emojis which, with their universal appeal, are the perfect tools to express, embrace and elevate our TLC stories and encourage a new level of viewer engagement," says Lee Hobbs.

Programming TLC Entertainment include the 8th season of Buddy Valastro's Cake Boss, weight-loss show Fat Chance following 8 people on a quest to lose the fat and find love, My Extreme Excess Skin in which people cut kilo's of skin away and Two in a Million uniting people who suffer from the same rare medical conditions.

Discovery World finally a gonner on DStv? As expected since November 2015, the Discovery World channel is very likely going to end soon.

The Discovery World (DStv 187) channel on DStv is basically a dead man walking with the channel that will likely be cut and terminated on MultiChoice's satellite pay-TV platform sometime in April.

The deafening silence is growing that the Discovery World channel from Discovery Networks International (DNI) will be gone from DStv sooner rather than later - possibly morphing or relaunching as another Discovery channel, or simply reducing Discovery's number of channels available in South Africa.

Discovery World was conspicuously absent at the Discovery Networks CEEMEA Upfront 2016 that took place in November 2015 and where Discovery shows and talks about what it will be doing and showing across all of its channels for the next year.

It was instantly noticeable that Discovery World didn't feature on any branding material, banners or posters, Discovery World wasn't mentioned even once, and the channel logo was banished from any and all step-and-repeat banners.

I immediately asked Discovery Networks International about Discovery World's absence and specifically also asked if the Discovery World channel is begin terminated in 2016.

Discovery Networks CEEMEA was evasive not giving a clear answer and I was told it "wanted to concentrate the  isn't giving a definite answer and says it "wanted to concentrate the story on less channels this year to increase the impact on the audience, and we were very pleased with the results".

Since March, Discovery Networks CEEMEA isn't even mentioning Discovery World anymore, only talking about its "5 local channels" Discovery Channel (DStv 121), TLC Entertainment (DStv 172), Animal Planet (DStv 183), Discovery Science (StarSat 320) and ID Xtra (DStv 171 / StarSat 223).

Now there is no more monthly highlights or schedule for Discovery World like for the other channels and none is being shared with the press.

The channel, a more high-brow and cerebral version of the Discovery Channel just turned 6 years old since it started on DStv in February 2010. Like BBC Worldwide's BBC Earth channel it targeted and catered to a more upmarket audience interested in a more serious side of natural history programming, with a slightly toned down "entertainment" element.

I again asked Discovery Networks International through its South African publicity agency to please help with Discovery World information as a channel and if the channel is being discontinued. So far no answer.

When I get an answer back from DNI, if there is a specific answer as to whether Discovery World is being terminated, I will report it.

UPDATE Wednesday 23 March 12:34 - I just heard back from Discovery Networks International's reps:

"We have issued all the highlights for our May schedules that are currently available and will follow up with news about Discovery World shortly."


What is business practice though, is that when you wind down a brand and prepare to remove it from a market, one of the tell-tale signs are that you stop spending marketing and publicity effort, budget and capital in the form of attention, time and energy on it.

TVwithThinus asked MultiChoice about Discovery World's future as well, including specifically, if Discovery World is being removed and ending on DStv. Again, no direct answer.

It signals that MultiChoice isn't willing, or in a position at the moment, to clear up the growing doubt about Discovery World's ongoing future as a TV channel.

Asked if Discovery World is being removed and ending on DStv and how MultiChoice feels about the performance of the channel the past few years on DStv and if MultiChoice has been happy with the channel, MultiChoice responds:

"Performance of channels on DStv is subject to confidentiality and can therefore not be disclosed. Should we make any changes to channels on DStv, we will make the necessary announcements."

With (1) nothing that Discovery Networks International wants to highlight anymore on Discovery World after March and not being able to supply a schedule or highlights even when asked, coupled with its (2) total absence from the Discovery Upfront for 2016, and with (3) MultiChoice's avoidance of wanting to give a clear answer about the channel's ongoing future, it's becoming even more obvious what's going to very likely be happening soon with Discovery World as a channel.

Discovery's ID: Investigation Discovery on MultiChoice's DStv also being changed to ID Xtra from January 2016 a few months after it happened on StarSat.

Discovery's ID: Investigation Discovery channel on MultiChoice's DStv is now also being changed into the ID Xtra channel as what happened on StarTimes Media SA's StarSat a few months ago, with the switch set to take place on 5 January 2016.

Discovery Networks International for the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region launched ID Xtra as a replacement channel in April 2014. 

It switched ID: Investigation Discovery out for ID Xtra on 31 July on StarSat where the channel has been running for the past five months.

The same switch will now happen on 5 January 2016 on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform on channel 171. ID Xtra will be available to DStv Premium, DStv Extra and DStv Compact subscribers.

ID Xtra is more geared towards targeting specifically female viewers with predominantly tabloid-focused crime stories, since a lot of Discovery's existing other channels like Discovery Channel and Discovery World are mostly geared towards a male audience.

Besides TLC Entertainment, ID Xtra as a mystery and suspense channel will give female viewers another channel catering to their viewing taste with crime programming and dramatic crime reconstructions covering "desperate housewives" and "salacious real-life stories of passion, revenge and murder". 

"With its glossy reconstructions of real-life mysteries, ID Xtra will have viewers glued to their screens for hours at a time," says James Gibbons, the executive vice president and country manager for emerging business for Discovery Networks' CEEMEA region.

"Mystery and suspense is one of the fastest growing genres within pay TV and Discovery is in pole position, leading the category with a channel that has already been a proven success across CEEMEA."

"Our DStv customers love mystery and suspense stories and ID Xtra takes these stories to a glossier and more dramatic level," says Aletta Alberts, MultiChoice South Africa's general manager for content.

"Avid fans of this genre will have an even wider selection of brand new and intriguing content to choose from and still be able to catch up on their old time favourites from Discovery ID."

ID Xtra carries shows like Tabloid with Jerry Springer (weekdays at 20:20) covering shocking and bizarre crime stories making headlines.

Other ID Xtra programming include Do Not Disturb: Hotel Horrors (Saturday 9 January, 22:00) going behind closed doors to uncover shocking crimes inside hotels; Bad Blood (Sunday 24 January, 22:00) following families driven apart by heinous crimes as they come together for the first time; and Mansions & Murders (Monday 11 January, 22:50) that re-enacts crimes involving wealthy mansion dwellers.

Time again for the best annual TV upfront in South Africa as Discovery Networks CEEMEA gets ready to showcase what viewers will see in 2016.

The best annual TV upfront in South Africa – the one from Discovery Networks International – is once again set to wow TV and ad execs, TV critics and ad buyers today.

Discovery is set to trot out its on-screen TV talent and executives as it previews its upcoming channel content for the 2015 festive period and the whole of 2016.

The past few years Discovery Networks South Africa's annual programming upfront has constantly ranked tops among all TV channels and broadcasters, followed by Disney South Africa and then BBC Worldwide South Africa.

The three, with Discovery far in the lead, are the only ones who bring a level of razzle-dazzle and provide a lot of programming information at annual upfront events most other local and international TV channels and broadcasters don't care to invest in or do.

Discovery Networks for the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region remains the only of the TV content providers in South Africa and operating in the Africa region that not only does an annual upfront, but at their showcase event also rolls out high-level executives, local and international TV talent and gives advertising executives and the media a detailed, year-long glimpse of what the next year holds across all of its individual channels.

On Wednesday evening, after a selection of stars from across the various Discovery channels have done media interviews, Discovery Networks CEEMEA is once again set to show the South African TV biz not just why its necessary to do a programming upfront and to create buzz around your TV shows, but how to properly do your show-and-tell.  

  

Discovery Networks CEEMEA will once again take the 250 invited media and advertiser guests through the programming highlights for the whole new year for each of its channels like Discovery Channel, Discovery World, Animal Planet and TLC Entertainment at its upfront at Level Three in Johannesburg.

Tonight Discovery will also announce the winner of its TLC Next Great Presenter campaign who will present the 4-part series TLC Top 10 in December.

Besides on-screen Discovery channels' stars like magician Troy Von Schneibner, the "Lion Queen" Andi Rive and Whitney Thore of My Big Fat Fabulous Life, a phalanx of Discovery executives are once again jetting in to South Africa.

Some of the senior management set to show at this evening's Discovery Networks upfront are Kaisa Kieli (president and managing director Discovery Networks CEEMEA), James Gibbons (executive vice president for emerging business), Lee Hobbs (vice president of channels for emerging business), Debbie Brady (commercial director for emerging business) and Matt Brown (creative manager for emerging business).

Discovery Networks International looking for the a TV presenter for TLC Entertainment in Next Great Presenter Search which will start in August.

The lifestyle channel TLC Entertainment (DStv 172) is looking for its first South African star – someone who thinks they can be the next Oprah, Buddy Valastro or Randy Fenoli.

Discovery Networks International (DNI) is looking to uncover the first South African presenter to appear on TLC Entertainment, with the competition, TLC Next Great Presenter, which will kick off on Sunday 9 August – Women's Day.

People who consider themselves "super-fans" from across Africa, will be able to enter from 9 August.

DNI hasn't released any more specific details yet, but Lee Hobbs, the vice president of channels for the emerging business division of Discovery Networks for the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region, is hoping for a big response.

"South Africa's Women's Day is the perfect opportunity for us to give back to our TLC fans and launch this fantastic campaign which will see one lucky winner get the chance to present a brand-new show on TLC," says Lee Hobbs.

"We know how vocal our TLC fans are and I'm certain we'll get a tremendous response when the competition officially opens on 9 August and look forward to receiving all the brilliant entries".


Will have to make a presenter’s video
Viewers will have to make and submit a video clip of their TV presenting skills. In the short video for TLC Next Great Presenter, contestants will have to explain why they should be chosen and why they will make a great TLC presenter.

Something people should keep in mind is that TLC Entertainment is the number one lifestyle TV channel on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform for adults older than 15, as well as women aged between 20 and 49.

Wannabe presenters have to appeal therefore to this market demographic – these viewers must feel as if the person they're looking at is relatable and is speaking to them and their lives.

A panel of experts will create a shortlist out of all of the entries received, after which it will be up to TLC viewers to choose the lucky winner who will get the chance to present TLC Top 10 – a brand-new series coming to TLC Entertainment later this year.

TLC Top 10 will celebrate the biggest and most popular shows that viewers have seen on the channel in South Africa in 2011.

DNI rebranded its Discovery Travel & Living channel in September 2011 to TLC on On Digital Media's (ODM) StarSat which was then still known as TopTV.

A month later, in October 2011, MultiChoice added TLC as well. In October 2013 DNI changed the schedule and rebranded the MultiChoice channel to TLC Entertainment to create a separate and differentiated channel feed on DStv from the TLC channel running on StarSat.

BREAKING. Discovery Channel HD coming to MultiChoice's DStv as Discovery gets upgraded to a high definition channel from 2014.

You're reading it here first.

Discovery Channel (DStv 121) on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform is getting upgraded to a high definition (HD) channel as HD Discovery Channel, within Q1 - or the first three months - of 2014.

The current Discovery HD Showcase - the only Discovery Networks International channel which was in HD on DStv and one of the few HD channels besides sport channels which were HD in DStv - will be discontinued as it is effectively replaced by the new HD Discovery Channel.

MultiChoice says it will replace Discovery HD Showcase with something else. Viewers without access to high definition television will see a standard definition (SD) version of the HD Discovery Channel.

The content which was on Discovery HD Showcase will be funneled to DStv subscribers through the DStv Explora decoder which is HD enabled, as DStv on Demand content.

DStv subscribers with DStv Explora access will therefore get more HD content not otherwise available and which wasn't first broadcast on a linear basis.

DStv Premium subscribers will now however be able to watch the factual entertainment Discovery Channel in high definition which means that brand-new programming will become in HD much quicker for South African viewers such as Magician Impossible, Bear Grylls, River Monsters, Wheeler Dealers and Gold Rush Alaska.

A lot of Discovery Channel programming was only viewable in HD during a second run on Discovery HD showcase after its been on the Discovery Channel. Now DStv subscribers will be able to see it originally in HD during its first broadcast.

The Discovery Channel HD version for South Africa and the rest of sub-Saharan Africa will be what is known in the trade as a "bespoke" or uniquely packaged and programmed channel similar to what Discovery HD Showcase was.

The Discovery Channel HD feed is specifically tailored and scheduled for DStv subscribers in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

"The launch of the new dedicated HD Discovery Channel is an important milestone for our services in Africa and represents our continued committment to offering DStv viewers the best, high quality programming experience possible," says James Gibbons, the senior vice president for emerging business for Discovery Networks for the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region.

"We're sure that our DStv viewers and South African advertisers will relish the chance to watch their favourite Discovery Channel programmes in unbeatable high definition quality. We're also planning more new shows targeted at our DStv viewers starting with the launch of the epic Klondike drama," says James Gibbons.

Mark Rayner, the new chief operating officer (COO) of MultiChoice South Africa says "we want DStv to be our customers' home for great entertainment. Offering the adventurous and life-affirming content on Discovery as HD simulcast to our customers gives DStv Premium customers access to the best HD content in the world."

South Africa's TV executives in attendance - and talking - at the upcoming week's annual 16th AfricaCom 2013's AfricaCast TV

TV executives from South Africa and across the African continent will descend on Cape Town this upcoming week who will be in attendance - and talking - at the 16th annual AfricaCom 2013 event and its AfricaCast 2013 seminar series taking place from 12 to 14 November at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

AfricaCast - fast becoming a must-attend event on the annual calendar in already busy TV executives' diaries - is filled with television and technology executives giving keynote speeches, talking about, and engaging in discussions ranging across the entire spectrum and aspects of Africa's burgeoning satellite and television market.

Included on AfricaCast 2013's speaking roster is Alex Okosi, the executive vice president and managing director of Viacom Media International Networks (VIMN Africa) who will talk about multiplatform connectednesss and how VIMN Africa is leveraging social media to drive TV viewing.

VIMN Africa will also give a preview of Comedy Central's programming for the African version of the channel on MultiChoice's DStv.

Maxwell Nonge, the managing director of Platco Digital will be in attendance and speaking after the launch of OpenView HD last month in South Africa as e.tv's new push within the direct-to-home (DTH) satellite market. Maxwell Nonge will be talking about how e.tv is preparing to position the free-to-air commercial broadcaster as a "broadcaster for all devices".

Sivan Pillay, the managing director of production company Endemol South Africa will talk on Wednesday about unlocking  African television through digital transformation.

Olivier Laouchez, the founder and CEO of the Trace Group responsible for the Trace Sport Stars and Trace channels on MultiChoice's DStv will talk about Trace as an entertainment broadcaster in Africa.

SABC CEO Lulama Mokhobo will talk about how triple-play is impacting on African broadcasting revenues; and Christoph Limmer, a senior director for Africa at satellite company SES will talk about how satellite will shape future broadcasting in the African continent.

Richard Bell from the Wananchi Group which runs the Zuku pay-TV service in East Africa will talk about how fixed broadband networks and content represent the next leap forward for Africa

Kaisa Kieli, the president and managing director for Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region of Discovery Networks CEEMEA will talk on Thursday at AfricaCast 2013 about engaging target audiences with focused content.

Alessandro Tucci, the senior vice president and general manager for Africa for Fox International Channels (FIC Africa) and the FOX Networks which runs the FOX channels on DStv and TopTV will talk about developing pay-TV channels in emerging markets, creating balanced TV bouquets and share insight from emerging TV markets in Africa.

AfricaCast 2013 panel discussions include topics ranging from "How are broadcasters adapting to multiplatform engagement strategies?", Africa's preparations for the switch-over to digital terrestrial television (DTT) and how it's been going, to what the major challenges are of being a global broadcaster in Africa.

Other notable executives attending AfricaCom 2013 and AfricaCast 2013 include Rudolf Kogler, the head of IPTV at MultiChoice; Sid Wadhi, the CEO of ANB Digital which runs CNBC Africa; Mike Aldridge, the managing director of community TV station Cape Town TV (CTV); Solomon Mugera from the BBC, as well as executives from Neotel, Vodacom, MTN, Orange, Cell C, Telkom and Google.

MultiChoice CEO Collins Khumalo: 'Welcome back to South Africa and Africa, Oprah!'

"Over 4,5 million DStv subscribers in South Africa and over 2 million DStv subscribers across the continent will be able to tune in to the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) programming block on Thursdays as well as on Sundays on TLC Entertainment," said Collins Khumalo (below), CEO of MultiChoice South Africa.

"To Oprah, welcome back to South Africa and to Africa," said Collins Khumalo who spoke at the exclusive VIP reception and the official launch event of TLC Entertainment and OWN on DStv held Monday afternoon in Johannesburg.

"TLC has been a real success for us internationally, including here in South Africa," said Kasia Kieli (above), the managing director and president of Discovery Networks for the Central& Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region at the launch event.

"We're looking forward to the new TLC Entertainment with an Oprah Winfrey OWN programming block on it. Some of Oprah Winfrey's shows were seen on TLC already, such as the interview with Lance Armstrong, an incredible documentary about Oprah's school here, and there's more of that going to be shown on a regular basis," said Kasia Kieli.

"I also want to thank our partners at DStv to make it possible for us. It's really wonderful for us to take this partnership to a next level."

"Im really excited," said Oprah Winfrey. "I have a deep love for your country and from the very beginning of our launch in the United States of the Oprah Winfrey Network I was saying to my partner David Zaslav: 'I think people really like me in South Africa."

"Everywhere I go I still run into people who say: 'We miss your show, we miss your show.' And now I say that now on Thursdays and on Sundays you can see me again," said Oprah Winfrey.

"I'm really thrilled. This is the way we should have done it in the United States. OWN should have started with a few shows that we really, really, really powerfully believed in and then have built from there," said Oprah Winfrey.

"So we are learning from all the challenges that we've had, that the way to build the audience and to grow the audience is to start small, but strong, with programming that you believe in. So Oprah's Next Chapter and the documentary about my girls' school in South Africa really represents the heart of OWN."

Discovery to review whether Oscar Pistorius footage filmed in 2012 will remain in an episode of the third series of Dynamo: Magician Impossible.

Discovery tells TV with Thinus it will review whether to leave in or cut the appearance of Oscar Pistorius from a new episode in the new upcoming third season of the magician Dynamo's TV show Dynamo: Magician Impossible which was filmed at the end of last year in South Africa.

The third season of Dynamo: Magician Impossible is set to start within months on The Discovery Channel (DStv 121) and the amazing magician filmed various scenes in and around South Africa such as in Johannesburg and Cape Town for inclusion in the new series.

The interaction between Dynamo (Steven Frayne) and Oscar Pistorius was filmed in November 2012 before Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentines Day, 14 February 2013. 

Oscar Pistorius was arrested and accused of premeditated murder and the paralympic athlete is currently embroiled in a sensational court trial.

"Dynamo filmed a scene with Oscar Pistorius last year while on location in South Africa for the third series. We will review the final program before making a decision about its broadcast later this year," says Lee Hobbs, the channel director for emerging business for Discovery Networks for the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region.

Discovery Networks International has a high-gloss, vibrant, amazing, terrific, functional brand book. Oh, you can also add the word Beautiful.

Discovery Networks International is ahead by miles compared to any of South Africa's broadcasters such as the SABC, M-Net or e.tv in the game of talking and showing about its various channels and what's on it.

One of the ways in which Discovery towers above the M-Net, the SABC and e.tv (besides of course the annual upfront which remains the best TV talk-and-tell showcase of any outfit running a TV channel in South Africa) is the absolutely terrific, functional and beautiful brand book for 2013.

Discovery Networks CEEMEA (Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa) once again distributed a simply beautiful brand book at the end of 2012 which is utterly relevant, functional and beautiful for the whole of 2013. I cannot look through this book enough.

Discovery Networks' brand book has been on my desk every single day since I got it at the end of last year and its pure gold as a guide to me as a TV critic to know what's going on, is on, and what it's about - even more so I suspect for potential advertisers, ad agencies, ad buyers and media houses.

TV critics, editors, TV writers, advertisers, ad buyers, ad agencies and any stakeholders or anyone with an interest in Discovery Networks International's TV channels (such as Discovery Channel, Discovery World, Discovery Science, Discovery Showcase HD, Animal Planet, ID: Investigation Discovery and TLC) can instantly see at glance what every channel is about, what shows are on what channel, and what those on-air properties are about.

I cannot fathom why Discovery Networks can constantly do things like this - amaze! - while the rest mostly do very little. Just like in 2012, the 66 page Discovery brand book of 2013 is hyper functional, yet incredibly beautiful in its own right.

Of course it's supposed to sell channels and shows, but its impact actually stretches much, much wider: it "sells" Discovery overall as a professional TV channel provider who clearly knows their stuff. As you turn the pages, the brand book evokes a secondary feeling: that Discovery provides great all-year round quality programming and is proud to tell about it to advertisers and other stakeholders.

With the brand book you know what's on, you know what channel it's on, why, and what a channel is about. And it's done in a beautiful way.

Discovery's 2013 brand book is exquisite. The high-gloss pages are a delight to look at and read. The colours are vibrant and bold and beautiful with striking images from almost every show on every page. They almost leap off the page spreads. For a company that's in the business of making television, Discovery gets the publishing part perfectly right.

Every channel in the brand book has its section, every Discovery channel tells how its different, gives key insight into what it is and what the brand personality is, and then has summaries of shows on that channel and what it is about.

Discovery Networks International's 2013 brand book is truly an exercise in awesomeness.

It's incredibly well-done and an excellent example of a small way (with big impact) in which broadcasters and content providers can speak and bring awareness and create excitement around their channels and shows for a whole year.

Discovery Networks CEEMEA resumes its carriage agreement with TopTV and returns its 3 Discovery channels after a massive public embarrassement.

Discovery Networks International for the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region restored its carriage agreement with the struggling On Digital Media (ODM) today to resume carrying its three Discovery channels - TLC (TopTV 453), Discovery Science (TopTV 302) and ID: Investigation (TopTV 303) - on its TopTV satellite pay-TV platform in South Africa after a massive public embarrassement.

In a case study of "how NOT to" when it comes to crisis management and crisis communication, neither the arrogant and aloof Discovery Networks International nor the arrogant and aloof TopTV bothered or felt the need to talk to those who presumably matter most: its viewers and pay-TV subscribers.

TopTV's pay-TV subscribers - those who remain after multiple public missteps from the company currently in business rescue and which faced liquidation - were left angry, perplexed - and vented - after Discovery Networks CEEMEA abruptly and without any warning from them as content provider or from TopTV, pulled the three channels.

TopTV's channels were set to go dark on Tuesday night if TopTV shareholders didn't vote to approve the StarTimes bail-out deal. TopTV's third-party channel providers and creditors were aware of that and were ready to shut down their channels.

It's foreseeable that TopTV forgot to tell Discovery Networks CEEMEA that TopTV is still an ongoing business after the end of April - or that TopTV didn't communicate and that Discovery presumed the carriage agreement is over.

It's also possible that Discovery would have shut its channels down anyway at the end of April similar to Manchester United Television (MUTV) in November 2012 and Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) which pulled Showtime, Star! and Silver in December 2012 due to millions in outstanding debt.

It's also possible that TopTV didn't in time,or forgot to do so in time, communicate with Discovery Networks CEEMEA to discuss the new bail-out agreement with StarTimes and to ask Discovery to be lenient since new cash flow will be forthcoming.

Which one of these possibilities it is - or anything else - is not yet known since Discovery Networks CEEMEA and TopTV declined to give answers when asked and offered the opportunity to explain.

At 16:51 today TopTV's PR company paid to handled public relations and media enquiries, Amplified Communications, suddenly issued a press statement saying "TopTV is pleased to announce that the three Discovery Channels broadcast from its platform - Science, ID and TLC - will be restored on-air after 17:00 this evening."

It follows after media enquiries on Friday with specific questions as to what went on - both to TopTV marketing and publicity executives, Amplified Communications, as well as to Discovery Networks CEEMEA through their local employed South African PR firm, Fleishman-Hillard.

Specific questions about what is going on with the missing Discovery channels all went blatantly unanswered. The PR companies of course get paid by Discovery and TopTV and operate according to their instructions.

During the day TopTV didn't communicate with TopTV subscribers and refused to answer questions from the press about what is happening and why it happened, as TopTV subscribers wondered what's going on.

"Due to the technical nature of the business rescue process and a misunderstanding between the parties, Discovery Communications suspended its services to TopTV yesterdat (02 May)."

"Following a discussion between TopTV and Discovery earlier today, the situation was resolved and the three channels will be switched back on during the course of this afternoon," says the late-issued statement attributing quotes to Eddie Mbalo, TopTV's acting CEO.

"TopTV would like to apologise to its subscribers for this inconvenience and thanks them for their continued and loyal support."

Sadly for thousands of TopTV subscribers this "apology" came far too late.

TV with Thinus asked Amplified Communications and TopTV for specific answers to specific questions early on Friday after first asking on Thursday evening. On Friday no answers or explanations were forthcoming.

Fleishman-Hillard repping Discovery Networks CEEMEA said today "Discovery Networks will not be commenting on the issue at this stage."

I asked TopTV bare-minimum, bare basics questions which ordinary TopTV subscribers wanted and needed - and has a right - to know, since they pay actual real money for a service (they're not getting).

Subscribers of TopTV say they can't get their Discovery channels and were not told the channels are discontinued.
Why did the channels stop broadcasting?
No response.
Subscribers are wondering whether more TV channels on TopTV will be lost. Can TopTV give any assurances that the channels currently broadcasting will remain "on", or what does TopTV want to say and communicate to subscribers?
No response.
Why was TopTV subscribers not told that the Discovery channels would no longer be transmitted from yesterday, or, was TopTV informed, or when was TopTV told?
No response.

After the press statement was issued 9 minutes before the Discovery channels came back on, I asked - again - to please get specific answers to my specific questions and media enquiries made. I was told the press statement answers the "issue".


ALSO READ: Shocking lack of communication from Discovery Networks CEEMEA and TopTV after Discovery's 3 TV channels abrupty disaappear.
ALSO READ: Discovery's three TV channels on TopTV - Science, ID and TLC - all gone and blank as Discovery Networks International pulls their channels from TopTV.

Editor's note: You would think PR companies, media companies, companies whose business is relationship management and companies whose business is making money from communication would communicate better than the average. Clearly not. That's sad.
Companies, entities, corporations and individuals of course have the right of reply.
As a journalist I have to ask people. I also have to ask because it's my job and I ask on behalf of those who can't.
Companies and people and institutions have a golden opportunity to mitigate brand and reputation damage by responding and talking and being open, instead of pulling back, instead of having publicist become gatekeepers and blockers instead of being instrumental communicators and conduits for information. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's the business you're in. Media. Communication. How terrible when its not happening.
And the people suffering the most? The TopTV subscriber who not only gets handled and treated badly and without respect - but who are also shown through a total lack of proper corporate and public communication that they seemingly don't even "deserve", and are unworthy, of real-time answers.

Shocking lack of communication from TopTV and Discovery Networks International CEEMEA after 3 Discovery channels just disappear.

Neither On Digital Media (ODM) and it's TopTV pay-TV service, nor Discovery Networks International for the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region is bothering to talk to, or to do any communication to pay-TV subscribers who've suddenly - with no word, warning or advisory -lost the three Discovery channels - Discovery Science, ID: Investigation Discovery and TLC - on TopTV yesterday.

TopTV put up an on-air note on the three channels saying "we apologize for the break in transmission and will be back shortly". That shortly has now long since come and gone. 

Meanwhile TopTV is refusing to explain what is going on, why it happened, what is happening now, or to give TopTV subscribers any reason, explanation, or indication of what is happening right now.

Likewise Discovery Networks International - which also runs TLC, ID: Investigation Discovery on MultiChoice with a set of further Discovery channels - isn't responding after being asked yesterday what is going on. 

Discovery was asked again today what it wants to say to TopTV subscribers and South Africa's TV industry, what is happening with its channels which was pulled and why there is a problem. 

"Discovery Networks will not be commenting on the issue at this stage," says Discovery Networks CEEMEA.

Discovery Networks CEEMEA not addressing the problem is like Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) blatantly showing how little it feels for TopTV subscribers and South African TV viewers by not giving any response at all to their confusion, sadness and shock.

South African viewers and South African pay-TV subscribers deserve better from media monoliths who stubbornly refuse to talk and want to issue press releases when its in their self-serving interest and don't talk and communite when they really need to.

The arrogant silence of TopTV and Discovery Networks CEEMEA to not talk or want to talk and comunicate because it serves them, is indicative of how little they seemingly think of those they provide a service and product to: the ordinary television viewer.

South African pay-TV subscribers pay money for a service and deserve answers when that service is not forthcoming. International content distributors like Discovery Networks CEEMEA who take South African rands and do business here, have an obligation to say what is going on. 

TopTV which take subscription fees has an obligation to talk to customers when it takes money and then stops providing what it promised. 

Both Discovery Networks CEEMEA and TopTV is damaging their brands, reputation, credibility, trust and customer relations by refusing to speak and saying what is going on. Their lack of communication is utterly shameful.

BREAKING. Discovery's 3 TV channels on TopTV all go blank; TopTV 'trying to get the problem sorted out' with missing Discovery Science, TLC and ID.

You're reading it here first. 

Discovery's three TV channels on On Digital Media (ODM) struggling pay-TV service TopTV suddenly went completely dark today without warning and with no notice or announcement to TopTV subscribers, as the satellite pay-TV operator is scrambling to fix the problem of the missing Discovery Science (TopTV 302), TLC (TopTV 453) and ID: Investigation Discovery (TopTV 303) - all provided by Discovery Networks International CEEMEA.

Angry TopTV subscribers are fuming about the three missing Discovery channels with no indication of why Discovery Science, ID: Investigation Discovery and TLC suddenly disappeared.

TopTV failed to talk to subscribers today or to give bewildered subscribers any reasons for the channels suddenly being missing. Likewise Discovery Networks International CEEMEA didn't say a word to viewers of their channels on TopTV as to why they're paying for something they're not getting and suddenly can't see.

ALSO READ: Shocking lack of communication from TopTV and Discovery Networks CEEMEA after 3 Discovery channels suddenly disappear.

All three Discovery TV channels of Discovery Networks International CEEMEA on TopTV simply display an on-air sentence: "We apologise for the break in transmission and will be back shortly."

It's exactly what TopTV displayed when other TV channels on its bouquet ceased and never returned. Once again TopTV subscribers - especially pre-paid TopTV subscribers who gave money at the beginning of a month - are not getting the product that they've been promised and paid for.

While TopTV's normal channel offering keeps dwindling, TopTV has put focus and effort behind a second attempt - which was approved by South Africa's broadcasting regulator - to start a separate porn bouquet with three sex channels from Playboy.

No starting dat for the porn channels is known yet which will carry a classification of R18 and for which TopTV will now have to register as a porn distributor with South Africa's Film and Publication Board (FPB).

TopTV would have gone dark on Tuesday night as channel and content suppliers were ready to turn off the taps to their content if ODM failed to get approval for the StarTimes business rescue plan bail-out, but shareholders voted overwhelmingly to approve the bail-out deal.

It's possible that Discovery Networks International decided to pull their channels off of TopTV at the end of April anyway, similar to what Manchester United Television (MUTV) did in November and Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) did in December when Turner yanked its three channels, Showtime, Silver and Star! from TopTV's line-up.

It's now come to light that TopTV owes millions to several content providers who decided to pull their TV channels from TopTV due to outstanding debt.

TopTV owes Fox International a massive R43,8 million which amounts to 3% overall of TopTV's debt to creditors. Warner Bros. is owed R25,4 million or 1,7% of the total, Paramount is owed R13,1 million and Manchester United Television is owed R9,5 million, Turner Broadcasting is owed R6,4 million and The Walt Disney Company R7,2 million.

"Where did Discovery Science, TLC and Discovery ID go? Nothing on air on TopTV," is the response to TV with Thinus from just one irate TopTV subscriber, echoeing the sentiment of several subscribers who can't watch any of their three Discovery channels on TopTV - without any explanation from the company.

TLC (DStv 172) and ID: Investigation Discovery (DStv 171) - which ironically today had a show entitled Disappeared on - are both also available on competitor MultiChoice's DStv channel line-up and are showing uninterrupted and unaffected.

I've made a media enquiry to Discovery Networks International CEEMEA and I'm awaiting a response.

I've also asked TopTV what is going on. TopTV says the pay-TV operator is "trying to get the problem sorted out with Discovery".

I've asked, but TopTV isn't explaining what exactly the problem is, why is happened, what went wrong, or when - or if - the three Discovery channels will be restored.

BREAKING. Special Oscar Pistorius killer documentary coming to South Africa; Discovery grabs one hour special most likely for TLC.

You're reading it here first. 

No official announcement yet but South African viewers are soon going to get to see the special one hour documentary on the "Blade Gunner" and girlfriend killer Oscar Pistorius - most probably on TLC (TopTV 453 / DStv 172) after Discovery Networks International acquired the broadcasting rights of the quick turnaround documentary.

The broadcasting rights of the British documentary Oscar Pistorius - What Really Happened? which was a huge ratings hit in the United Kingdom recently has just been sold to Discovery in America where it will be shown on TLC as Blade Runner: The Untold Story.

Discovery Networks for the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region has also scooped up the one hour special from Passion Distribution, which is sure to make a massive viewership splash when it's shown in South Africa.

A broadcasting date and time is not known and neither which title of the documentary will be used for Africa and South Africa, although it's highly likely that Discovery Networks CEEMEA will be showing it on the TLC channel, available on both MultiChoice's DStv as well as On Digital Media's TopTV.

The case of Oscar Pistorius having shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp and now on trial for alleged premeditated murder continues to garner international media attention and commands rapt attention and interest from South Africans.

The Oscar Pistorius documentary features never before seen footage, exclusive interviews and access to those closest to Reeva Steenkamp, including her best friend Gina Meyers and was produced by Mentorn media. Rick Edwards is the presenter.

If the Oscar Pistorius documentary is placed on TLC (as opposed to The Discovery Channel or ID: Investigation Discovery - both also run by Discovery Networks CEEMEA) it would be the 4th high profile programming stunt on TLC within just 6 months which has so far each time lured record ratings and has suddenly propelled TLC into the realm of "must watch" channels.

At the end of 2012 Discovery Networks CEEMEA and TLC suddenly wowed South African and African viewers with an Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls TV documentary special, quickly followed by an Oprah's Next Chapter Justin Bieber interview and early this year another Oprah's Next Chapter Lance Armstrong interviewed which scored off the charts in record ratings and the biggest viewership numbers for TLC in South Africa ever.

Given the huge interest in Oscar Pistorius and the murder case, the TV special is clearly set for huge ratings in South Africa, whether its scheduled for TLC or for one of the other Discovery channels.

TLC FOR TLC: How Discovery's reshaping of TLC in South Africa with compelling content is lifting its profile - and luring the viewers.

It's buoyant hightide for TLC. No single other third-party TV channel available on pay-TV in South Africa is having its profile rising faster as a sudden big-time contender in the must-watch television stakes.

When it comes to providing compelling, appointment television the channel has moved close to the top of the game - the result of some consistent and very careful tender, loving care for TLC.

In two years TLC has gone from just another general entertainment TV channel with a slant towards women's interest on an electronic programme guide littered with non-descript, little watched channels, to now "miss it and miss out status" on the popular culture barometer.

It was just over two years ago that the Discovery Travel & Living Channel launched on On Digital Media's TopTV platform on channel 453 as just another channel.

Yet in just two years the executives at Discovery Networks's Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region which runs TLC and the other group of Discovery channels in South Africa and Africa, took and transformed the channel into an eye-popping and compelling media stopover neither viewers nor advertisers in South Africa can - or in fact dare to - ignore.

Consider this: Within the space of just two years Discovery Networks CEEMEA rebranded Travel & Living to TLC, moved the huge TV property Cake Boss successfully from The Discovery Channel to TLC and added TLC as a channel to MultiChoice's DStv platform (which massively expanded its reach into millions more pay-TV households).

In addition Discovery executives in Europe have clearly been on a frenetic drive to add must-watch and can't-ignore compelling content at such as fast rate for the channel on DStv and TopTV in South Africa that the channel has - as if overnight - elevated itself to another "TLC" status - that of being a definite "Track and Look Channel".

The major ratings climb of TLC under South African audiences is due to extremely strategic programming decisions and clever content acquisition, not only building TLC's viewership and fuelling its huge increase in attractiveness under advertisers but also lifting the channel in the important buzz stakes. Say Yes to the Dress? Say yes to growing buzz.

TLC has fast transformed from wallpaper television viewers would merely click to to peruse what's currently on, to a channel South African pay-TV subscribers now make sure they check the upcoming week's programming schedule of.

Take for instance the TV special in September 2012 in which Oprah Winfrey went inside her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.

The special documentary which was broadcast exclusively on TLC in South Africa before it was shown anywhere else in the world grabbed in excess of 200 000 South African viewers aged 15 and older.

It was a massive surge of viewers to TLC, proving that subscribers not only know about the channel and where to find it, but that they're aware of special programming across DStv and TopTV channels and that they will tune in for wanna-watch television when it happens.

The Oprah school documentary on TLC was followed in quick succession by more Oprah.

Oprah Winfrey's interview with Justin Bieber as a once-off episode of her talk show Oprah's Next Chapter which Discovery secured for Africa and South Africa last month (December 2012) was followed just this week again with another two-parter exclusive broadcast with the disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong of which the buzz couldn't have been more deafening. The biggest winner in the TV channel stakes was of course TLC.

This succession of ongoing waves not only help to bring new viewers to TLC, it also keeps bringing existing viewers back to the channel again and again. Meanwhile all the waves together are making for a solid rise in both viewership as well as channel profile. It's all putting TLC firmly on the map as a can't-ignore TV channel - and that's before the start in March of the Honey Boo Boo.

As guiltily watched as the Kasdashians on E! Entertainment, as slavishly followed as Top Gear on BBC Entertainment and as excessively foamed over in the media as outrageous personalities such as Khanyi Mbau and Nonhle Thema's, will be Here Comes Honey Boo Boo from 6 March on TLC.

Viewers and advertisers who miss the Boo Boo boat will very likely be missing out on the huge buzz - both disdain and delight - the show will undoubtedly create under South Africans. (It created a sensation in created in America where the reality show started towards the middle of last year.)

Watch out Style, FLN, E! Entertainment, Vuzu and BBC Lifestyle. In South Africa it is TLC that's rising fastest in viewers' presence of mind. The TLC take-away? Take notes and Learn from this Channel.

When broadcasting pop culture is your business, it's not a Boo Boo as a TV channel to give viewers exactly what they want and desire the most: an active reason to tune to your channel because of the promise of true appointment television.

BREAKING. Oprah Winfrey's Lance Armstrong interview on TLC broadcast in South Africa on Friday 18 January at 19:30.

You're reading it here first. 

I now have the times for you: The highly-anticipated interview of Oprah Winfrey with the disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong will be shown on  the TLC channel in South Africa on MultiChoice's DStv channel 172 and On Digital Media's TopTV on channel 453 on Friday 18 January at 19:30 (South African time).

South Africans will be able to watch a repeat of this special 90 minute interview which is an episode of Oprah Winfrey's new weekly talk show, Oprah's Next Chapter, on TLC on Saturday 19 January at 12:50, Sunday 20 January at 17:50 and again on Monday 21 January at 11:35.

The interview which is being recorded today at Lance Armstrong's home in Austin, Texas, will also be streamed worldwide at the same time as it is being shown in America, so South African viewers who want to watch it online immediately, will be able to do so immediatel at www.oprah.com on Friday 18 January at 04:00 in the morning (South African time).

Lance Armstrong is widely expected and anticipated to reveal and admit to Oprah Winfrey that he is indeed a drug cheat, after the fallen cyclist had been stripped of numerous racing titles and his career plunged into scandal.

Discovery Networks International (DNI) secured the once-off episode of Oprah's Next Chapter, similar to her interview with popstar Justin Bieber last month which was also shown on TLC. No South African broadcaster has picked up the rights to the highly-rated new weekly talk show and it's not currently being shown on any of the third-party TV channels on DStv or TopTV after it started a year ago with high profile interviews.

"Lance Armstrong's controversial story captured the attention of the world last year and Discovery Networks is providing a platform to air his story for the time time on TLC for our South African viewers," says Lee Hobbs, the channel director for emerging business for Discovery Networks' Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region.

"Oprah's Next Chapter has proved a real hit with South African TLC viewers, and Oprah's most recent interview with multi-platinum superstar Justin Bieber was well-received by ebliebers and non-beliebers alike. Lance Armstrong's interview is sure to spark even more debate, and we look forward to bringing our viewers more of the same quality content in the near future," he says.