Animal Planet boss Susanna Dinnage dumps Discovery to run the English Premier League (EPL) as the first woman in this role.

Susanna Dinnage, the boss of the Animal Planet channel, has dumped Discovery to become the top boss of the English Premier League (EPL) as the first woman to hold this position, and will start in her new job as EPL CEO in early-2019.

Susanna Dinnage quit as the first vaunted global boss of Animal Planet a year after she was appointed as Animal Planet global president in November 2017. Before this she was chief content officer at Discovery Networks International

Susanna Dinnage is now switching one set of animals for a whole other set of animals as she replaces Richard Scudamore as the top exec at the EPL who is leaving at the end of this year.

The EPL - seen on SuperSport on MultiChoice's DStv - is the United Kingdom's top football league and hugely popular around the world with expensive and highly lucrative international broadcasting rights.

Discovery has named no Animal Planet boss successor yet. Susanna Dinnage has been at Discovery since 2009.

Susanna Dinnage quitting Discover's Animal Planet is shocking and surprising, given how she and Discovery effusively hyped her "global" Animal Planet role, the channel that of course got culled without much notification at the end of 2017 in South Africa on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform.

"We had a very strong field, but Susanna was the outstanding choice given her track record in managing complex businesses through transformation and digital disruption," says Bruce Buck, chairman of the Chelsea Football Club and the Premier League's nominations committee, in a statement.

"She is a leading figure in the broadcasting industry, a proven business executive and a great developer of people. She is ideally suited to the role and we are confident she will be able to take the Premier League on to new heights."

"Richard Scudamore, having provided exceptional stewardship for almost 20 years, will leave us at the end of the year in great shape and with an excellent executive team and board able to fully support Susanna."

Susanna Dinnage says "I am excited at the prospect of taking on this fantastic role. The Premier League means so much to so many people".

"It represents the pinnacle of professional sport and the opportunity to lead such a dynamic and inspirational organisation is a great privilege. With the support of clubs and the team, I look forward to extending the success of the League for many years to come."

Jean-Briac Perrette, president and CEO of Discovery Networks International, says in a statement: "Susanna has been a terrific leader for Discovery over the last 10 years. She has a strong understanding of brands and running diverse media businesses both in the United Kingdom and more recently with Animal Planet globally".

"She has been a fantastic teammate for all of us at Discovery, and we are delighted that she has been given this unique and groundbreaking opportunity to lead one of the world's preeminent sports organizations."

Discovery Science on StarSat and StarTimes dropped after 8 years and replaced by Discovery Family; Discovery Networks' new Real Time as a competitor for its own TLC added and branded as 'StarTimes Real Time' although its packaged by Discovery.

The beloved Discovery Science (StarSat 222) channel on StarSat is getting dumped at the end of August and will be replaced by the bland Discovery Family channel from Discovery Networks International already running on MultiChoice's DStv.

Discovery Science is one of three channels from Discovery Networks International that launched on TopTV - StarSat's brand-damaged predecessor - when it started in May 2010, along with Travel & Living that was changed into TLC and then removed, and Investigation Discovery (ID) that's still running along with Discovery Science.

The well-liked Discovery Science is going dark at the end of August on StarTimes Media South Africa and On Digital Media's (ODM) StarSat in South Africa, as well as on StarTimes in all the other African countries where the channel has been available, and will be replaced by the watered-down Discovery Family.

Discovery Communications' Discovery Family channel replaced Discovery World in April 2016 on MultiChoice's DStv with viewers complaining about the old, rerun programming, blandness of the channel and the overload of repeats on Discovery Family.

MultiChoice and Discovery Networks International that dumped Animal Planet at the end of 2017 as part of a new channels carriage renewal contract and with very little notification to DStv subscribers, is still to replace it with a new, as yet unannounced channel within months.

Discovery Networks International in response to a media enquiry from TVwithThinus about the removal of Discovery Science says that "as part of our recent renewal with StarTimes, we will be replacing Discovery Science with Discovery Family later this year".

"Discovery Family has proven particularly successful with South African audiences since launching in 2016, thanks to its quality programming and family-friendly genres including magic, pop-science, clip-based shows and competition formats, and we look forward to expanding the channel's presence across Africa and presenting it to StarTimes subscribers in the coming months."

StarSat subscribers in South Africa are angry, sad and disappointed about the removal of Discovery Science.

StarSat subscribers like Thando Ntabamhlophe said "We demand Discovery Science continues. A favourite channel. Food Factory, documentaries, education. Do not stop Discovery Science!"

"Discovery Science is best. Why can't they add channels without removing any?" asked KD Mzwandile.

Meanwhile StarSat and StarTimes are also adding the StarTimes Real Time (ST Real Time) channel that is actually a Discovery Networks International packaged channel, but strangely branded as "StarTimes" Real Time, instead of just Real Time.

StarTimes Real Time is added on StarTimes/StarSat on channel 179 and is being made available on the Special package, as well as the Super package tiers.

In the public signing ceremonies for its channel carriage agreement renewal contracts that StarTimes held last month in Beijing, China - and that StarTimes and StarSat didn't want to talk about with the South African press - StarTimes revealed to some of Africa's other journalists that Real Time will be coming from Discovery.

Discovery Networks International packages and distributes this new female lifestyle channel as a competitor to its own TLC (DStv 135) brand already carried on MultiChoice's DStv in South Africa and elsewhere across Africa.

Discovery's Real Time that ran in Europe and the United Kingdom was finally shut down there in April 2013 and turned into TLC, but that Real Time name has now been revived by Discovery for StarTimes in Africa as a parallel, yet differently branded, channel to TLC.

The "StarTimes" in front of Real Time is presumably to make a more distinctive break with Discovery so as to not let the very direct competition with TLC, from the same channels group provider, be so obvious.

TV CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK: Mortimer Harvey dropped as Discovery Networks International moves the repping of its Scripps-acquired Food Network and Travel Channel to FleishmanHillard.

FleishmanHillard in South Africa has taken over the PR and repping for the Scripps' Food Network (DStv 175), Travel Channel (DStv 179 / Cell C black 255) and Fine Living HD (StarSat 281 / Cell C black 251) with the channels that were abruptly left rudderless since the end of May.

Mortimer Harvey that did the PR for the Food Network since around July 2011, and added the Travel Channel in early-2013, got dropped after 7 years with no word as to who would be taking over.

TV critics and journalists covering television stopped getting programming information at the end of May without as much as a goodbye and with nothing issued in advance for June, July or August (the month we're in now), making it impossible to cover the Food Network or Travel Channel during this time period.

Back in March Discovery Communications completed its acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive, with the press assuming even before the acquisition was completed, and also asking, whether Scripps PR would be folded into Discovery's public relations efforts.

After silence of over a month and a half and various journalists asking each other and not knowing what's going on and not being communicated with, TVwithThinus made the effort to reach out in mid-July - something you'd think a PR company would do - to try and find out what's going in with the PR of the Food Network and the Travel Channel.

I emailed and spoke on the phone to reps at Mortimer Harvey, MultiChoice and FleishmanHillard (doing the PR for Discovery Networks International's existing Discovery channels portfolio), to try and find out what's is happening and why there's no programming publicity information for these channels anymore.

I was told Mortimer Harvey isn't involved with it anymore and no longer has the contract.

On Thursday morning FleishmannHillard sent an advisory to South Africa's press, officially noting that the firm's team has now taken over from Mortimer Harvey in repping the Food Network and Travel Channel, with these channels now folded into the existing Discovery Networks portfolio's publicity work.

After 7 years a proper goodbye - any kind of goodbye - from Mortimer Harvey (that works in the public relations business) would have been nice.

StarTimes signs new carriage agreements for Africa with Discovery Networks International that includes a new female-focused channel, Real Time; and FOX Networks Group for the set of Fox channels.

The Chinese pay-TV operator in Africa, StarTimes, have signed two new channels carriage agreements with both Discovery Networks International and the FOX Networks Group.

At a "cooperation signing ceremony", Janet Liu, StarTimes' head of the content operation centre, signed a contract with Amanda Turnbull, the vice president and general manager for Discovery Networks International for the Africa and Middle East (MEA) region.

Under the new carriage deal the crime channel Investigation Discovery (ID) will remain on StarTimes and StarSat in South Africa, with the Discovery Family channel that will be added to StarTimes and presumably StarSat in South Africa.

Discovery Family is already carried by MultiChoice on DStv in South Africa and elsewhere across the continent by MultiChoice Africa.

Discovery Networks International will also create and package a new female lifestyle channel called Real Time. Real Time - like TLC already carried on MultiChoice's DStv in South Africa and elsewhere across Africa - will launch later this year on StarTimes and presumably StarSat, and according to StarTimes "will be customised especially for the modern African woman".

Discovery's Real Time was shut down in April 2013 and turned into TLC, but that Real Time brand is now being revived by Discovery for Africa as a parallel, yet differently branded, channel to TLC.

Discovery Networks International didn't issue any statement by Wednesday night about its carriage deal with StarTimes and if there is one it will be added here.

In a second "cooperation signing ceremony", Janet Liu, StarTimes' head of the content operation centre, signed a contract with Adam Theiler, the executive vice president of the FOX Networks Group for Europe and Africa.

Under the new carriage deal the FOX, FOX Life, FOX Sports, FOX Sports 2, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Baby TV and Voyage will remain available on StarTimes in the rest of Africa and on StarSat (Voyage excluded) in South Africa.

In Africa these channels managed by FNG Africa will be available in English, French and Portuguese.

FOX, FOX Life, National Geographic, and Nat Geo WILD are also carried by MultiChoice on DStv in South Africa and MultiChoice Africa across the continent in several other African countries.

The FOX Networks Group Africa (FNG Africa) didn't issue any statement by Wednesday night about its carriage deal with StarTimes and if there is one it will be added here.

As part of the carriage agreement between StarTimes and Fox, StarTimes will also offer Fox and National Geographic content on its StarTimes/StarSat app and the subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services Fox+ and NG+ will be added to the 70 TV channels already available on the StarTimes app. The StarTimes app now reaches 450 million mobile phone users.

MultiChoice and Discovery Networks International for Africa upgrade TLC, Discovery Family and Investigation Discovery channels to HD on DStv.

MultiChoice and Discovery Networks International for Africa are upgrading three more of Discovery's TV channels seen in South Africa and across Africa on the DStv platform from standard definition (SD) to high definition (HD) channels from Monday 21 May.

The upgrade means that all of Discovery's channels portfolio available in South Africa will now be shown in HD.

TLC (DStv 135), Discovery Family (DStv 121) and Investigation Discovery (ID) (DStv 171) will all broadcast in HD from 21 May, joining the Discovery Channel (DStv 120) that is already in HD.

"At Discovery we are constantly seeking ways to enable our passionate audiences to explore their world and unlock new experiences," says Amanda Turnbull, the vice president and general manager for Discovery for the Africa and Middle East region, in a statement.

"With our entire DStv portfolio available in HD, Discovery fans can now catch their most loved shows in the best quality."

After MultiChoice's abrupt removal of Discovery's Animal Planet channel with very little advance warning to DStv subscribers at the end of 2017 that was poorly communicated and infuriated and confused viewers, Discovery will be adding a new channel to DStv in mid-2018.

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.

Sony is changing its Sony Channel in the United Kingdom into Sony Crime Channel targeting women, will the same be happening for Sony Channel in South Africa and Africa at some point?

Sony Pictures Television Networks (SPTN) is ending The Sony Channel in the United Kingdom and switching it to the Sony Crime Channel from 6 February, raising questions as to whether the Sony Channel (DStv 127 / Cell C black 203) in South Africa and across Africa on MultiChoice's GOtv service is destined for the same fate sooner or later.

Sony Pictures Television Networks announced that in the United Kingdom the Sony Crime Channel will start on 6 February on Freeview, Sky and Virgin - but it will happen by merging the existing Sony Channel and its True Crime channel.

The result is apparently the end of the Sony Channel in the UK, and a new channel targeting female viewers with more high-profile programming and crime series.

The Sony Crime Channel will be similar to A+E Networks UK's Crime+Investigation (DStv 170) channel and Discovery Networks International's Investigation Discovery (ID) (DStv 171) that are both also strongly focused on female viewers with schedules packed with "true crime" investigation shows.

The Sony Crime Channel will run series like CSI, Person of Interest, Law & Order, Deadly Women, Crime 360, as well as repeats of British dramas like Spooks and Hustle.

SPTN says "With a predominantly female audience, Sony Crime Channel will create a one-stop destination for crime fans to immerse themselves in the genre with a vibrant fusion of fascinating stories, heart-pounding thrills, engrossing characters and stunning reveals.”

Now to South Africa and Africa where The Sony Channel has been largely neglected over at least the past year. Here's more perspective:

In 2016 MultiChoice Africa removed The Sony Channel and Sony MAX (DStv 128), targeting a male viewership, from DStv in Africa.

In South Africa, DStv also came close to removing the channels according to sources at the time, who said the channels were destined to suffer the same fate as in the rest of Africa as MultiChoice started a drive to cut back on channels with too much repeat programming that were angering DStv subscribers, but in the end both channels got a stay of execution.

In African countries outside of South Africa, after their removal from DStv,Sony and Sony Max were added to MultiChoice's GOtv pay-TV digital terrestrial television (DTT) service because it was seen as less premium pay-TV channels with too much old content and repeats - but then the channels were even removed from GOtv ... only to eventually be added back to GOtv.

The past year there's not been much on The Sony Channel or Sony Max for viewers in South Africa and Africa to make pay-TV viewers excited, and there's been other clues as well about how The Sony Channel and Sony Max have been backsliding during 2017.

In mid-2016 Sony Pictures Television Networks for Africa and The Sony Channel was involved in the scandal of faking Gogglebox South Africa by making as if TV households are watching content on DStv that MultiChoice never even showed.

Of course Gogglebox SA was cancelled and there's not been a second season, with no word from The Sony Channel if there ever again will be one. In December 2017 a veteran producer who was involved with the show at the time, told TVwithThinus that people who were involved in the scandal and allowed it to happen actually got fired.

2017 was also the first year in about 3 or 4 years since Sony Pictures Television Networks from the UK responsible for Africa, failed to do any kind of annual Sony upfront event in South Africa.

Sony did similar upfront events like BBC Worldwide South Africa, Discovery, FOX and others, in previous years but not in 2017 and was conspicuously absent on the upfront circuit where channel providers do their "show and tell" events for the media.

Either SPTN for Africa didn't see it worth spending the money and/or doing the effort, didn't feel it had or has any content or news on The Sony Channel and Sony Max worth crowing about to advertisers and the Press Covering Television, or just lessened the focus and attention that it's giving to these channels in South Africa and across Africa.

Add also the quiet departure of the lovely Sonja Underwood, who used to be Sony Pictures Television Networks' territory director for Sony's Africa channels, and who left Sony at the end of March 2017 for all3media International, something that Sony didn't even announce.

Sonja Underwood whilst at Sony for a decade since 2007 would often directly engage with the media and advertisers, and since she left there's definitely been much less of a tactile interaction and a presence as far as Sony and The Sony Channel in South Africa and Africa is concerned.

Lyle Stewart, is still the senior vice president for the Sony Pictures Television Networks' Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMA) region but it doesn't seem as if Sony bothered to appoint any new Sony territory director for Africa specifically. If there is one, TVwithThinus isn't aware of such a person.

Taking all of this into account as background on how Sony and The Sony Channel slipped in the ranks the past year and a half, it definitely wouldn't come as any surprise news if there were suddenly some announcement that The Sony Channel during 2018 is being flipped to The Sony Crime Channel in South Africa and Africa just like what is happening in the UK now.

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.

BREAKING. Discovery's Animal Planet axed from DStv after 14 years at the end of December; MultiChoice says other 4 Discovery channels will remain in new carriage deal.

Animal Planet (DStv 183) is the next channel getting culled from MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service, with the channel from Discovery Networks International that will go dark in two weeks' time at the end of December after 14 years.

TLC Entertainment on DStv is also dropping the "Entertainment" and reverting back to just being known as TLC from January 2018.

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.

Discovery Networks International for the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region didn't respond when asked on Monday through its FleishmanHillard SA PR agency if Animal Planet is being removed off DStv, but on Thursday morning MultiChoice confirmed that Animal Planet is getting axed.

DStv added Animal Planet in 2003 but started cutting it back two years ago when the channel from Discovery was scaled back in December 2015 and removed from DStv Compact, making it only available to DStv Premium and DStv  Compact Plus subscribers only.

Recently DStv subscribers watching Animal Planet noticed a warning advisory on the Animal Planet DStv electronic episode guide (EPG) saying the channel will be discontinued on 30 December.

Interestingly, Discovery Networks CEEMEA didn't have any end-of-year upfront for advertisers and the press in South Africa for the first time in years.

Discovery's conspicuously absence at the annual upfront show-and-tell circuit was noticeable since Discovery in South Africa's upfront is widely regarded by the TV, advertising and media industry as the best annual upfront presentation year after year for over the last half a decade since at least 2010.

MultiChoice says despite Animal Planet being removed from DStv, "customers will not miss out, as some of the much-loved shows will be available on the other Discovery channels, including shows such as Treehouse Masters, which will move to Discovery Channel, while shows such as Tanked and Insane Pools: Off The Deep End will move to Discovery Family."

MultiChoice says it will be launching a new channel from Discovery in mid-2018 with some of Discovery's other animal and wildlife content that will be made available on this unnamed channel as well.

Animal Planet has been left out of a new MultiChoice carriage deal with Discovery Networks International that will see the Discovery Channel, TLC Entertainment, Discovery Family and Investigation Discovery (ID) continue on the DStv platform.

MultiChoice says the new carriage agreement includes "extended video-on-demand and Catch Up hours for Discovery’s entire portfolio" and for the first time TLC Entertainment, ID and Discovery Family shows".

"All four of Discovery’s channels will be available to launch on DStv Now from early 2018, meaning DStv customers will be able to enjoy the best of Discovery, anywhere, any time".

MultiChoice will also upgrade ID, Discovery Family and TLC Entertainment to high definition (HD) channels on DStv soon.

"Our customers love the Discovery family of channels and we're pleased that we could renew this agreement, including offering this world-class content to our customers wherever they are, to watch whenever they are ready," says Yolisa Phahle, CEO: General Entertainment at MultiChoice.

Discovery has included a statement in the MultiChoice statement, but isn't saying anything about the axing of Animal Planet.

"Our channels and content have been providing hours of enjoyment for DStv customers for many years and we’re thrilled to continue this legacy, with an unbeatable slate of programming across our portfolio which, thanks to this renewed agreement, DStv customers will now be able to access whenever and however it suits them," says Dilek Doyran, the vice president and country manager for Africa at Discovery Networks CEEMEA.

Discovery has been asked again for a comment on Thursday on Animal Planet's axing after confirmation that the channel will be removed from DStv.

When or if Discovery CEEMEA responds about its channel leaving the airwaves in South Africa after 14 years, that response will be added here.

Discovery's TLC Entertainment (DStv 135) channel will also from January 2018 revert back to just being called TLC and will be dropping the "Entertainment" add-on from its name, TVwithThinus has confirmed.

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 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.

Kasia Kieli appointed as Discovery's new head of Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Kasia Kieli has been appointed as the new head of Discovery Networks International's Africa, Europe and Middle East region, with the title of president and managing director of EMEA, effective immediately.

Kasia Kieli has been with Discovery for 17 years and has managed operations across 112 markets.

"Kasia Kieli has demonstrated great vision and determination with unmatched expertise in managing what is probably one of the most complex and diverse regions in the world," says Jean-Briac Perrette, CEO and president of Discovery Networks International.

"EMEA represents our largest region in terms of revenue as well as the focus of considerable investment in the past and big ambition for the future."

"I have no doubt that under Kasia's strong and effective leadership, we will see our combined EMEA organization continue to grow to new heights and in unimaginable ways."

Kasia Kieli says "I joined Discovery in 2000 because I loved the brand, believed in its values and saw the opportunities it was creating".

"I still share that very same excitement with millions of viewers who come to watch our programs every day to be entertained, inspired, and amazed."

"After 17 years, my belief in Discovery is stronger than ever. It is an exhilarating time as we can now offer our fans so many new ways to engage with the content they love through multiple partnerships, platforms and devices".

Marinella Soldi becomes chief strategy officer for Discovery Networks International EMEA, and managing director of Southern Europe.

James Gibbons meanwhile has been appointed as general manager for the United Kingdom/Ireland, Australia and New Zealand and head of commercial development EMEA.

The moves come after Discovery appointed Susanna Dinnage as the first global president for Animal Planet (DStv 183).

Discovery appoints Susanna Dinnage as the first global president for Animal Planet as its American side is folded into the global division.

Discovery has appointed Susanna Dinnage as the first global president for Animal Planet (DStv 183) as the American part of Animal Planet is being absorbed into the global Animal Planet management as part of a reorganisation.

Susanna Dinnage based in London in the United Kingdom will now report to David Zaslav, Discovery CEO and Discovery Networks International chief executive and president Jean-Briac Perrette.

It means that Animal Planet will now be run globally from London.

Susanna Dinnage has been the president of Discovery UK and Ireland as well as the chief content officer for Discovery Networks International.

Running Animal Planet globally, Susanna Dinnage will be in charge of developing and commissioning animal programming.

"The animal kingdom and natural world give us all such joy and, in times of uncertainty, there is no better antidote than to spend more time immersed in the wonders of the world around us," says Susanna Dinnage in a statement.

"I look forward to bringing new talent and more adventure and reflecting the worldwide love of animals to every screen on Animal Planet. With a team based in London and New York, this is a great opportunity to work with a wide range of production companies across the world."

"As Discovery continues to strategically pivot and deliver our content to consumers across all screens and services, it is more important than ever that our brands are structured and managed in a way that best exploits their global potential," says David Zaslav.

"We are confident that this new global model, combined with Susanna's expert leadership and the worldwide appeal of our animal content, will maximize Animal Planet's power across linear channels and create new digital opportunities around the world."

Jean-Briac Perrette says "Susanna's creative prowess, commercial expertise and deep understanding of consumer viewing preferences across diverse markets has driven success for Discovery's international business for many years. This new structure will expand Animal Planet's strong heritage and affinity among passionate superfans across the globe".

INTERVIEW. 'Show courage'. Riaan Manser talks about his new series, How to Adventure on Discovery Channel, fatherhood and shares his 3 golden rules for stepping out and tackling life.

"Show courage. Take the first step." So says the South African adventurer, Riaan Manser, who is taking everyday people on big adventures in his brand-new locally produced series How to Adventure starting on Discovery Channel (DStv 121) on Tuesday 14 November at 21:00.

Produced by Oxyg3n Media, in How to Adventure Riaan Manser takes South Africans out of their comfort zone, travelling across the country on interesting and nail-biting adventures.

From snorkeling with seals while keeping an eye out for sharks, to jumping off cliffs and bridges, deep sea fishing and mountain hiking, Riaan Manser will show viewers in 12 episodes that anyone can have an adventure, an in-between offers tips and tricks for rookie adventurers everywhere, drawing on his years of experience travelling the world.

"Riaan's travel tales have captured the imaginations of viewers worldwide and we are thrilled to present this 12-part series where he showcases even more of South Africa's magnificent scenery and the thrilling adventures the country has to offer," says Dilek Doyran, the Discovery Network International's vice president of commercial development and country manager for Africa

Speaking during a presentation session at the recent DStv Media Showcase for the press held at MultiChoice City in Randburg, Johannesburg, Riaan Manser said the show came about because "I always knew I wanted to do something where I could share adventure with other people".

"All of us like adventure. And we want to share it with other people, so very simply How to Adventure came about just with my idea thinking, 'How can I get other people to do adventurous things?"

"We've been growing in this How to Adventure journey in that we realised in having the person as the guest doing adventure, we actually learn more about them than when we interview them."

"We hope the first season is going to be incredible. We hope we're going to get even better. It's exciting and a new take on adventuring in television and we're proud that it gets showcased on Discovery," said Riaan Manser.

TVwithThinus asked Riaan Manser for his thoughts on the lack of local and quality local adventure programming, and as local TV is starting to master doing good cooking shows, what his advice is for TV makers to properly approach and do the adventure genre well.

"The mentality of South African production companies: We need to be challenged, we need to look at what other production companies are doing and that's the only way we criticise ourselves on what we producing and putting on."

"When a broadcaster takes it, it doesn't mean that it is the greatest ever, ever, ever put on TV. And if we're honest with ourselves - we're going to create local but we're producing international. And I buy into that idea."

"I'm not partnering with Rebecca Fuller-Campbell, Oxyg3n Media CEO, and with Discovery Channel because I'm hoping it's just going to be on TV over here in South Africa. We've got to make it big globally," said Riaan Manser.

"The advice I think is to just be yourself. People who want to do adventure shows have to be authentic. A lot of people are trying to be a Bear Grylls, or trying to be this or that. South Africans are better than that."

Riaan Manser says anything that you have in your life that you want to take on - a task or an idea, three things will dictate if that can happen.

"The first thing is courage. If you're not going to be brave enough to take on the task you're talking about, it's just not going to happen. We can stand around a fire and we can chat about things. I can tell you from experience if I didn't take the courage to take the first step, nothing will happen in my life."

"I'm not the bravest person out there, but I am the person that will act. That's the difference between me and other people. Show courage - whether in your life or relationship or anything you do.Take that first step. Courage. Be brave."

"The second thing is perseverance. Perseverance will decide whether something will happen or not. Not just your enthusiasm through the first stage, second stage and third stage. It's about seeing something through, persevering."

"And the last thing is having the wrong attitude. Something I've been so guilty of. It's cliched, but it dictates whether you're going to be successful or not."

"Next time you're sitting in an environment where you're not doing candyfloss and lollipop stuff, look around the room. And ask yourself what attitude you're going to have," says Riaan Manser.

TVwithThinus also asked Riaan Manser how he thinks fatherhood is going to change him and if he's going to become more cautious, careful and more risk averse in life. He's becoming a first-time dad with his wife Vasti of their son James.

"Ooh, tough question. I'm as naive as I was when I sat on a bicycle [in 2005 he became the first person to have circumnavigate the coast of Africa by bicycle]."

"People look at me now and I stand in front of audiences. You should have seen me at the V&A Waterfront in 2003 for that bicycle trip of mine, climbing on that bicycle - 5 people and a dog saying goodbye to me."

"There was no razzmatazz for me. I stood there and I said 'I'm going to absolutely make this."

"I think the naivety I took on that trip - hey, that son of mine, his name is James. And we're going to give him the same enthusiasm that I think I'm known for. And if I put on the nappies the wrong way, that's okay for the first few times, I think I'm going to get the hang of it."

Riaan Manser says he and the family plans to just stay home as he gets used to fatherhood.

(But just for a little while.)

QUESTION: If a TV channel or show has a media launch or a media screening of an episode and don't tell the press or invite them, do you still cover it and report about it?

Here's a vexing question - the answer of which after many years of being a journalist and a TV critic, I haven't yet been able to distill down to a singular, binary "yes or no" answer.

What do you do as a journalist, editor, or critic if a TV channel or show has a media launch or media screening to show an episode or previews a series or film and doesn't bother to tell the press it's happening?

If a show or channel doesn't bother to extend an invitation, doesn't bother or care to make the screener or the information that was made available to the media who were there available to the rest of the press corps who were not there, do you try to support it anyway?

Do you still cover it? Or do you completely ignore it?

And if you do cover it, how do you cover it knowing you can't compete in terms of some of the stuff those who did get to see the content and who got to ask questions? How do you cover it differently?

And if you deliberately don't cover it, how do you align that with the journalistic ethos of serving readers and viewers by disseminating information and helping them to be better informed and knowing more?

The issue arose again this past Thursday a week ago when I completely co-incidentally noticed a publicist on a red carpet in a photo on social media. Not behind-the-scenes helping with exposure but actually on the red carpet.

It wouldn't grate so much if you actually heard from the people on the red carpet, but was got me was how there was nothing - and I mean nothing - about it.

The red carpet step-and-repeat backdrop banner told me what I didn't know and had no clue about: That Discovery Networks International had a media launch event and screening for the series Madiba on The Discovery Channel (DStv 121) in South Africa.

Of course there was no communication about it in the slightest from either Discovery Networks International's publicity division to me or other journalists or TV critics who have covered Discovery's channels and shows for many years.

Besides the obvious diss of being outright ignored, is the more deep-seated question of why press who actually care are often discarded in favour of "influencers" who take selfies, although longtime media would have reported on Madiba - even if we weren't there - had we simply known beforehand and got the courtesy of basic communications.

Have you ever opened Facebook on a Monday to see someone you thought you were good friends with got engaged on Saturday and that there was an engagement party but you actually didn't matter enough to even be told? Brutal, but the truth.

Do you now continue to "invest" in that friendship and try to be the desperate"add-on" friend, knowing your friendship and contribution doesn't really register or matter, or do you cut them loose and let them be?

Now transpose that same situation to a professional media environment. Do you cover something where you get excluded and ignored as media, and if so, how? Or do you just ignore it?

Discovery Channel decided to get some of the South African stars of Madiba together for the media screening and to walk the red carpet. There was even a media Q&A.

Besides no heads-up, Discovery couldn't bother to automatically just give media outside of Johannesburg who were not told and not invited something as basic as a link or screener disk to see and media preview the same. Why?

There were no rush transcripts of the media Q&A issued, nor even publicity photos. Why?

What makes it all so inexplicable and crazy is that Discovery Networks International would spend money having an event and trying to get exposure for a TV property, but not actually take what was generated there and actually send it to media who were not invited and media who couldn't be there.

In fact, Discovery Networks International spent money to piss of critics. Take a look at how many reviews and stories you can find about Madiba on Discovery Channel.

Then realise that although they won't ever say it, several TV critics and journalists chose to ignore the show for whatever reason.

It's now two weeks later.

Where are the interviews, the photos, the articles about the Madiba screening from the media who were are the media event and preview?

They asked questions, the stars talked at length. Where are those stories and coverage?

Who and what type of Johannesburg media were there, and how good (terrible?) are they are their jobs that there's so little about the Madiba media screening and event?

Did I end up watching the Madiba mini-series?

I didn't. Will I still? No. What I decided is that Discovery Channel sent a very clear signal to me and other TV critics about not just the importance of Madiba, but also the importance of the value it attaches to what press for this show.

Discovery Channel signaled that it wasn't of any importance or relevance to let me know about a media preview, interviews with the stars or to get me or other journalists to see it - so I gladly moved on and gave my limited time and focus to the other gazillions of shows and channels who made an effort during November.

I asked several other journalists covering television if they knew about Discovery Channel's Madiba media launch and some asked me about it. We all feel the same way: Since we didn't matter to it, it doesn't matter to us. All in all, one less show to worry about.

For readers and viewers wanting to know about the show, sorry. You will have to get that from the Johannesburg media who is supposed to do the reviews, run the interviews and bring the stories since they got the access, were communicated with, and did matter when it came to Madiba.

Nigerian pay-TV upstart TStv misses its 2nd launch date on 1 November; now blames dealership accreditation delays, keeps lying to consumers about content.

The Nigerian pay-TV upstart, TStv has missed its second launch date of 1 November and is now blaming dealership accreditation, while it continues to lie to consumers about the content it will have on its platform and carriage agreements with channel distributors that it definitely doesn't have.

TStv (Telcomm Satellite TV) on Tuesday announced that it will again miss its self-imposed, pushed-out deadline of 1 November for a commercial launch - the latest abrupt delay coming after TStv retro-actively referred to its first hyped commercial launch on 1 October 2017 as a "ceremonial" launch.

On Tuesday TStv suddenly said that its commercial launch is being postponed indefinitely, without giving a new date.

TStv is now suddenly calling November another "test month" and says on its website that the few people who have decoders will now get "all our channels free-to-air for one month".

Further revealing the amateur and fake-trash nature of TStv, services, especially pay-TV services, do their "signal testing" long before the launch commercially, or announce a launch date.

"We are very conscious of the need to offer Nigerians value. That is why we have opened all our channels for free," TStv suddenly says now.

"All our channels are up and free-to-air for this period of test broadcast".

Subscription television content from pay-TV providers is not allowed to be shown free to air anywhere in the world due to encryption and digital video content rights issues - suppliers want their content protected - as well as issues regarding age and content restrictions for which channels must get proper licenses, usually from local broadcasting regulators.

Meanwhile Nigerian newspapers who don't have the ability to properly investigate TStv's channels and content claims, keep parroting TStv press statements and did so again on Tuesday, and are doing a disservice to Nigerian consumers.

Nigerian consumers remain largely unaware that the content and TV channels that TStv keeps promising won't be available, and that where some of it is, it is being illegally transmitted.

TStv blamed so-called "dealer accreditation" for the latest delay - as if TStv is required to have all dealerships properly accredited in bulk as one big group before it can start selling decoders.

It's a reason that doesn't hold water since pay-TV dealers - agents and street shop vendors who sell decoders - are never accredited in bulk, but on a one-by-one basis.

There's no reason why the agents and dealerships who have been accredited the past month - if any were - and those possibly accredited prior to October, shouldn't be operating and selling TStv decoders.

TStv latest abrupt "commercial launch" delay signals bigger and as yet unknown problems that are very likely besetting TStv and its CEO Bright Echefu behind the scenes of the Abuja-based pay-TV operator.

TStv in a statement on Tuesday said the latest indefinite delay is "to ensure the proper monitoring and evaluation of the signal strength and quality of channels and programmes nationwide" and that "the accreditation of selected dealers was ongoing in addition to the full branding of the dealers' outlets across the country in order to achieve uniformity and evenness in the sales of its decoders".

TStv said that while "accreditation of our dealers are still ongoing, commercial sale of decoders will not commence until the accreditation process is concluded".

TStv said "we are not unaware of our promise to commence full commercial sales and operations of TStv Africa on 1 November 2017 nationwide," and said "we seek your further understanding and support in this value driven course".

TStv keeps telling Nigerian consumers that its rumours and fake news that TStv does not have carriage agreements with the beIN Media Group to carry 10 beIN Sports channels.

TVwithThinus confirmed with beIN Media Group in Qatar that no agreement exists.

TStv keeps telling consumers that it will be showing sport like English Premier League (EPL), UEFA Champions League and other big international soccer tournaments.

These sports rights however MultiChoice Africa and SuperSport already acquired previously for sub-Saharan Africa, and in exclusive multi-year agreements stretching into the future.

Turner Broadcasting also confirmed that TStv has no deal to carry its news channel CNN International that TStv in October laid claim to.

Discovery Networks International also confirmed that TStv doesn't have any carriage agreement for the range of Discovery-supplied TV channels TStv in October claimed it will carry.

Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) and FOX Networks Group Africa (FNG Africa) both also confirmed that they have no channel dealings with TStv despite TStv claiming in October to carry some of their channels.

TStv in October claimed it will carry channels ranging from FOX Life, FOX Sports and Nat Geo WILD to even MTV Base. All of these channels said no contracts with TStv exist.

TStv in October also claimed in printed marketing and publicity materials - using channel logos and names - that it will carry channels like Fashion One and even AMC Networks International's kids channel Jim Jam - all channels that seem very unlikely to have contract agreements with TStv.

TStv in October also claimed that it will carry channels like eMedia Investments in South Africa's e Africa channel. eMedia Investments told TVwithThinus on Wednesday that "e.tv does not have an agreement with TStv to carry eAfrica. We are investigating the matter".

TStv also claimed in October that it will have Scripps Networks Interactive's Fine Living channel.

TStv for instance used a wholly-wrong, green leaf-type logo simply grabbed off of the internet that isn't remotely Fine Living's correct channel logo.


Angry consumer backlash starting
Despite little real information and reporting from the lame-duck Nigerian press that didn't do much to really probe TStv's fake promises and failed to contact content providers TStv said it had deals with, more and more gullible Nigerian consumers on Thursday finally started figuring out for themselves the murky mess of TStv's fake promises and lies.

TStv started to trend on Thursday in Nigeria as a consumer backlash against TStv started, and angry Nigerians wanted answers and started slamming TStv for its litany of false starts and fake promises.

"Your PR is poor. I can do better," said Adams Emmanuel.

"TStv tell us the truth, so it can set you free. What really is the matter?" asked Val. "Lies upon lies. No sale of any TStv decoder," said Agharandu Ugochukwu.

"You guys are just taking people for a ride," said Innocent Inedu. "Liars," said Kadri Akeem.

TStv CONTENT SCANDAL: TStv's list of lies over TV channels grows - it has no deals to carry channels from Discovery Networks, Viacom International or FOX Networks either.

TStv, Nigeria's new pay-TV operator, is engulfed in a growing content piracy scandal over false promises and lying about channels and content that it has no contracts for, with multiple more channel and content distributors who are coming forward to deny that they have any carriage deals with TStv.


UPDATE Friday 13 October 2017 19:00 - TStv has now taken down its "All Channels" list on its website, although it can still be seen and accessed on the internet cache of the TStv webpage.


Last week Turner Broadcasting System confirmed to TVwithThinus that TStv doesn't have and isn't allowed to advertise and market CNN International that TStv claims it has a right to.

Qatar's beIN Media Group, also confirmed to TVwithThinus that TStv has no rights to its 10 beIN Sports channels.

Now several more content and channel providers are confirming that TStv is making fake claims about a fast-growing string of TV channels on its pay-TV platform that it simply doesn't have and isn't allowed to broadcast.

After its 1 October launch the white TStv decoders are unavailable for sale with TStv CEO Bright Echefu that on Saturday at the company's green-painted head office in Abuja, Nigeria, suddenly moved the date for its "commercial availability" to 1 November and again repeated false claims that it has a right to CNN International and the beIN Sports channels.

TVwithThinus can reveal that TStv (Telcomm Satellite TV) that on its website displays its list of "all channels" to potential customers is lying not just over having CNN International and 10 beIN Sports channels but also has no right or contracts to carry TV channels like FOX, National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD, Discovery Science, Investigation Discovery, MTV Base, EuroSport, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2 or Nickelodeon.

These are the channels TVwithThinus has so far been able to confirm having no carriage agreements with TStv despite them being advertised by TStv, with several other channel operators who have not yet responded to media enquiries.

On its website TStv also lies and says it "will show the EPL matches and other soccer leagues live" - pay-TV sport content rights that MultiChoice and SuperSport secured exclusively for DStv in the sub-Saharan Africa region.

TStv hasn't responded to multiple media enquiries made since last week seeking comment and asking about the growing TStv content piracy scandal.

In late June the satellite operator ABS, headquartered in Bermuda, in a press statement from its CEO Tom Choi, announced that it has signed a multi-transponder satellite agreement with TStv to deliver its direct-to-home (DTH) service in Nigeria on the ABS-3A satellite.

ABS publicist Penny Hill didn't respond to media enquiries seeking comment from ABS over TStv claiming to carry TV channels it doesn't have authorisation to.

Global video content providers supplying news, entertainment and sports channels have warned TStv to stop using their content and to immediately stop the display and use of their brand logos, with Turner Broadcasting System and the beIN Media Group that have already sent TStv cease and desist letters.

TStv lied to Nigerian media in a press conference and in statements, as well as to consumers on social media, claiming that the cease and desist letter "are fake", although TVwithThinus confirmed with the content providers directly who emphasised that the letters are authentic.


No agreements with TStv to carry channels
Turner Broadcasting System that runs CNN International told TVwithThinus that "Turner does not have an agreement with TStv to carry CNN and did send a notification letter to the platform not to distribute the channel".

beIN in response to a media enquiry told TVwithThinus that "TStv does not have authorisation from beIN to carry our channels, or use our trademarks. We take this matter very seriously and will take the necessary action to ensure that our intellectual property rights are not violated."

Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) that runs MTV Base told TVwithThinus that TStv has no right to MTV Base or kids channel Nickelodeon.

"We are aware of the situation and that the TStv website is currently carrying certain Viacom trademarks: MTV Base and Nickelodeon."

"We are currently investigating the matter and confirm that we do not have any contracts with TStv - either through MTV Networks Africa or any other Viacom entity. We became aware of their claim to carry our channels a short while ago".

FOX Networks Group Africa responsible for the FOX entertainment channel, National Geographic, Nat GEO WILD and the FOX Sports channels told TVwithThinus that TStv isn't allowed to have its channels and has no carriage deals for any of these channels

"Despite advertised claims regarding the availability of FOX channels, FOX does not have an agreement with TStv regarding the distribution of the channels, but remains confident that TStv will normalise the situation prior to launch of the service to ensure the consistency between platform content claims and subscriber expectations," said FOX Networks Group Africa in response to a media enquiry.

Discovery Networks International (DNI) also confirmed to TVwithThinus that TStv isn't allowed to have any of its Discovery channels like Discovery Science, Investigation Discovery (IDx), TLC Entertainment or Eurosport.

Discovery Networks International confirms that they "have no agreement with TStv to broadcast their channels".

Meanwhile other pay-TV operators are aware of TStv's misleading claims to consumers and Africa's TV industry and they are concerned about infringement of secured content rights - some of which were acquired exclusively - as well as things like copyright and content piracy.

TVwithThinus understands that MultiChoice Africa is aware of, and monitoring, the situation although it declined to comment specifically on TStv.

In response to a media enquiry, MultiChoice Africa says that "MultiChoice can't comment on another provider as we are not privy to their channel agreements or business plans as they are an independent operator and thus this information would be confidential to them". 

JUMP THE SHARK. Viewers upset over Discovery Channel's shark week stunt after Michael Phelps only raced against a CGI Great White shark.

Viewers are upset with Discovery Channel (DStv 121) after the channel's stunt kick-off to Shark Week in which American swimmer Michael Phelps was billed to race against a shark in Phelps vs Shark: Great Gold vs Great White turned out to be a CGI shark.

For the first time ever, Discovery's (in)famous "Shark Week" with all kinds of shark programming is happening in South Africa and around the world, in the same week as in America - but seems to have proverbially "jumped the shark" - a TV show term for when something good on TV goes bad.

A few years ago in December 2014, Discovery Channel hyped up the special Eaten Alive in which a man would be "eaten and regurgitated" by a massive snake. But not only did it not really happen, it caused a backlash from viewers who felt duped.

Discovery afterwards said it would move away from that type of programming.

For the latest Shark Week, Phelps vs Shark: Great Gold vs Great White was shown in America on Sunday and in South Africa last night at 22:00 - and viewers were not happy when Phelps vs Shark turned out to not be a real shark.

In the hour-long TV event, Michael Phelps ended up swimming not again any type of live sharks, but against a CGI creation that was made after recording how fast real types of sharks can swim and then having Phelps swim, adding in a CGI shark in post-production.

"Clearly, we can’t put Michael in one lane and a white shark on the far lane. We’re gonna have to do a simulation," said ecologist Tristan Gutteridge, one of the scientists in the episode.

It also didn't help -spoiler alert! - that Phelps lost.

The computer simulated Great White shark finished 100 metres in 36.1 seconds while Phelps with the aid of a "monofin" that kept his legs together, took 38.1 seconds. As a consolation prize he did however win against a reef shark by 0.2 seconds.

smh Michael Phelps isn't actually racing a shark. He's just racing a simulation of a shark. Biggest scam of 2017

— Marcus ¬ (@M_Frosti) July 24, 2017

When you find out that Michael Phelps isn't actually racing an actual shark pic.twitter.com/6KwHGaWXc9

— t (@tatummowery) July 24, 2017

Turns out “Michael Phelps races a shark” was really just “Michael Phelps swims alone and then compares his time to a shark’s time.”

— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) July 24, 2017

So you mean to tell me Michael Phelps didn't even race a real shark? It was just a simulation. I'm mad. More like Shark WEAK! pic.twitter.com/gwIGTe7Y9p

— Frank Costa (@feistyfrank) July 24, 2017

i’m disappointed because i thought Phelps was racing an actual shark :/ #SharkWeek

— olivia hager (@oliviahager) July 24, 2017

The rest of the week's Shark Week programming on Discovery Channel is as follows:

Shark-Croc Showdown, Tuesday 25 July, 22:00

Dr. Mark Meekan and conservationist Paul de Gelder go on an expedition to one the sharkiest places in the world - a remote wilderness called the Cobourg Peninsula in the Northern Territory of Australia. 

Meekan is there to count sharks and species as part of Vulcan’s Global FinPrint project – Paul de Gelder’s going because he heard that sharks and crocodiles fight over sea turtles out there. What happens when 14-foot crocs move into shark infested waters?

African Shark Safari, Wednesday, 26 July, 22:00

Madagascar is not known as a location for great white sharks. According to the shark sanctuary here, both great whites and tigers are "extinct" in Madagascan waters.

So why has a great white shark, tagged in South Africa, traveled 1500 miles up the African coast to Madagascar? Craig O'Connell and the team make the long journey to the remote island to investigate and see if Madagascar is the next big great white shark hotspot.

Great Hammerhead Invasion, Thursday, 27 July, 22:00

Early November, giant hammerheads arrive off Bimini, in the Bahamas. But why? 

Leading shark scientist Tristan Guttridge tags and follows these normally solitary sharks to find out. Many of the sharks appear to be pregnant females, as an ultrasound of a female hammerhead shows. Guttridge believes they spend winter in Bimini to feed their growing young – and then move on to the Florida coast to prey on migrating blacktips.

Great White Shark Serial Killer Lives, Friday, 28 July, 22:00

Every two years in October – in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 – a secluded beach on the central California coast has been the scene of great white shark attacks. 

Is it the same shark returning again and again? And will the attacks continue in October 2016? Dr. Michael Domeier believes the Surf Beach attacks may be more than a tragic coincidence. With the help of shark experts Ralph Collier and Cal Lutheran, and using satellite tags and DNA technology, he wants to out the killer once and for all.

Alien Sharks: Stranger Fins, Saturday, 29 July, 22:00

Dr. Craig O'Connell goes to the Bass Strait for sawsharks, while Victoria Elena Vasquez and Dr. David Ebert go into deep water in Tokyo Bay to find the star of the show, the goblin shark. They find both sawsharks and goblins - and many more, including ghost sharks, frilled sharks, and the amazing luminescent lantern shark.

Shark School with Michael Phelps, Sunday, 30 July, 22:00

Michael Phelps joins Doc Gruber and Tristan Guttridge of the Bimini Shark Lab to get a crash course on everything "shark" related.

Together, they will dispel the myths and common misconceptions, while Michael gets schooled on how to safely dive with sharks – including how to stay calm when a hammerhead swims two feet above his face.

MultiChoice and Discovery Networks International are also adding additional Shark Week content on DStv Catch Up with Shark Week premieres, Sharks and the City: Los Angeles, Return to the Isle of Jaws, Lair of the Sawfish and Shark Swarm that's exclusively available on DStv Catch Up only.