A+E Networks rebrands as Hearst Networks EMEA.

by Thinus Ferreira

A+E Networks for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, known as A+E Networks EMEA, has rebranded as Hearst Networks EMEA which is fully owned by Hearst.

The international broadcaster which operates across the United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, is fully owned by Hearst and will now operate under the new name of Hearst Networks EMEA.

Hearst Networks EMEA will continue to be comprised of four unique companies: Hearst Networks UK, a long-standing joint venture with Sky operating across the UK, Nordics, Benelux, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; Hearst Networks Germany, Hearst Networks Italia, and COSMO Spain, each of which is wholly owned by Hearst.

Dean Possenniskie, Hearst Networks EMEA managing director, says in a statement "We are proud to unveil our new company name as we continue to provide the best in quality factual entertainment and share important stories with audiences throughout EMEA".

"We look forward to building on our success at Hearst and shaping a positive future for all our premium services."

Hearst Networks EMEA operates channels like The History Channel (DStv 186) which is carried on MultiChoice's DStv, and other channels like Crime + Investigation which used to be on DStv.

History channel set for 2nd season of Great African Mysteries with John Robbie and once-off show Great African Crimes with Mandy Wiener.

by Thinus Ferreira

From the Thulamela kingdom to the quagga, the History channel will debut a second season of Great African Mysteries from 3 August with presenter John Robbie, while journalist Mandy Wiener is set to front Great African Crimes that will start in October for the channel's first-ever "Crime Month".

A second season of Great African Mysteries will start on History (DStv 186) on Saturday 3 August at 19:25 with John Robbie continuing as the presenter with three episodes looking at geology and mineralogy, zoology, as well as archaeology.

The second season of Great Africa Mysteries and Great African Crimes were both produced by Clive Morris Productions (CMP) which is facing financial problems which led to the abrupt abrupt shuttering since June of Paramount Africa's Queendom telenovela and CMP also losing the production contract of Showmax's Empini telenovela that MultiChoice decided to take away and move to another company. 

The first episode of the second season of Great African Mysteries looks at the earth's oldest and largest meteor crater created over 2 billion years ago when an asteroid hit the planet near the present-day town of Vredefort and how this led to the discovery of gold billions of years later.  

The second episode looks at the quagga, extinct for over 140 years but which scientists are working to revive. John Robbie explores how, through selective breeding, an attempt is being made to retrieve the genes responsible for the quagga’s characteristic striping pattern.

The third episode explores the secrets behind the ancient walled kingdom of Thulamela inside the Kruger National Park. Dating back to the 15th century, its ruins unveil a rich history of trade and culture, offering a unique glimpse into Africa's past.

"As in the first season these stories will educate, thrill and challenge people's perceptions about aspects of the past in Africa," says John Robbie.

"South Africa, and indeed Africa, have such incredible history and prehistory and so much of it has either been forgotten or not widely taught. I'm hoping that this project will inspire people to look into this with newly opened minds."

Great African Crimes is a once-off show on 22 October with three stories, uncovering the details behind some of the most riveting crimes from South Africa's past and will explore three dramatic crimes which left South Africa stunned. 

It will screen in October during History channel's first-ever "Crime Month" programming block.

"Great African Crimes has all the ingredients of a compelling TV show – really interesting crimes, complex characters, intriguing narratives, the backdrop of the African context," says Mandy Wiener.

"I'm looking forward to telling these stories and working with a great team of producers and creators. I hope to bring my two decades of experience in the news environment, telling crime stories, to this project."

In September, History will have a second instalment of its My History Moments - a short-form series where well-known South Africans share pivotal moments from their lives.

 Also in September, Laurence Fishburne will unpack the puzzles of the world's most enigmatic unsolved mysteries in the 5th season of History's Greatest Mysteries with Laurence Fishburne.

Actor Morgan Freeman executive produces and features in the documentary 761st Tank Battalion: The Original Black Panthers which will be on History from October. 

It will tell the true story of the first black tank unit to serve in combat during WWII and explore in-depth the major battles they faced both overseas while in combat and back home in the United States.

History channel ventures inside South Africa's Oceanos and Helderberg mysteries, Homo Naledi discovery in new Great African Mysteries and Great African Escapes series.

by Thinus Ferreira

History (DStv 186) has made two new local documentaries, Great African Mysteries and Great African Escapes, both with host John Robbie, which will look at three remarkable South African mysteries, as well as three daring escapes over the upcoming two Friday nights including the sinking of the Oceanos, the disappearance of the Helderberg, and the discovery of Homo Naledi.

Great African Mysteries and Great African Escapes were both produced by Clive Morris Productions, with the two episodes that will air on Friday 21 July at 21:05 and on Friday 28 July at 21:05.

Great African Mysteries on 21 July explores three of the biggest mysteries in South Africa, including the discovery of Homo Naledi at the Cradle of Humankind, the hoard of gold which Paul Kruger supposedly hid from the British during the Second Boer War, as well as the events surrounding the crash of a South African passenger aircraft, known as the Helderberg in 1987 in which all 159 people on board were killed.

Great African Escapes on 28 July investigates three daring local escapes.

The three stories in this episode includes a look at the death-defying passenger rescue from the sinking MTS Oceanos cruise liner in 1991 on the South African coast and also reveals in detail the sensational prison break from Marshall Square by four anti-apartheid activists: Mosie Moolla, Harold Wolpe, Arthur Goldreich and Abdulhay Jassat.

Also included in this episode is the story of Albie Sachs' miraculous escape from a car bomb explosion in 1988.

Khayelihle Dom Gumede, Clive Morris Productions chief operating officer, says that "Unearthing just a few of South Africa's historical mysteries and great escapes has been an incredible journey of fact-finding and storytelling for CMP".

"Along the way, to meet inspiring people like Justice Albie Sachs and Professor Lee Berger who've had such an impact on our world and our country has had a profound influence on our production team. To be part of the channel known as the premier destination for historical features is an enormous privilege."

John Robbie says "I've always been a fan of the History channel, so I was delighted when the team reached out to me to be involved," John Robbie says. 

"It is such an important project because so many South Africans don't necessarily know about these stories which are key moments in our country's history, shedding light on significant events and remarkable individuals. Both shows go beyond surface level and tell the stories behind the actual events."

Anita Gardini, marketing manager of the History channel in Africa, says "We're a premiere channel for historical storytelling, so we are incredibly proud to uncover six local stories through these two shows".

"It was great to work with John whose effortless narration and additions of little-known facts bring each of these moments in time to life. History Africa believes it's important to uncover and share our history in order to safeguard our shared heritage."

"We hope that viewers find these stories gripping and engaging and walk away wanting to know even more about our country's history."

History channel hauls Greatest Heists with Pierce Brosnan and goes deep sea treasure hunting with Ross Kemp during May.

by Thinus Ferreira

The History (DStv 186) channel is taking a dive with Ross Kemp and going for a steal with Pierce Brosnan, with new series Greatest Heists with Pierce Brosnan starting on 20 May and Ross Kemp: Deep Sea Treasure Hunter on Tuesdays at 19:25 from 16 May.

Greatest Heists with Pierce Brosnan brings to life some of the most devious and high-stakes heist attempts of all time on Saturday nights at 20:15 from 20 May.

Throughout history, people have done anything and everything in their power to get their hands on lots of money, including formulating some of the most scheming heist attempts. 

Greatest Heists with Pierce Brosnan delves into these intricate schemes and the audacity of the criminal masterminds who risked their freedom for a shot at a lifetime of wealth and riches.

Pierce Brosnan is embedded into each heist through state-of-the-art technology and breaks down every aspect of the plan, including the conniving team, the mark, the execution and finally the aftermath. 

The series also features leading criminologists, journalists, criminals, police, and historians to create an in-depth investigation into each real-life heist. 

The 8-episode Greatest Geists with Pierce Brosnan investigates amongst others the Baker Street Bank burglary which saw enterprising thieves tunnel underneath and up into the vault of a London bank and the notorious airline heist known as the Lufthansa Heist of New York.

There is also the Antwerp Belgium Diamond Heist, which saw thieves make off with more than $100 million in diamonds, gems, and cash after more than two years of planning.

Also on History in May underwater treasures are revealed in Ross Kemp: Deep Sea Treasure Hunter on Tuesdays at 19:25 from 16 May. 

In his second instalment of the History channel original, Ross and his expert team - including legendary dive master Neil Brock, marine archaeologist Mallory Haas and dive buddy Mark Culwick – travel further around the world to dive even deeper on shipwrecks of major historical importance.

This new season follows Ross as he explores the remnants of some of the most significant moments in history. 

In a TV first, Ross and Mallory dive the wreckage of one of the world's most famed shipwrecks, the Mary Rose – a warship of the English Tudor navy of King Henry VIII. 

Assisted by historians and maritime experts, the team unearth new treasures and discover more about how and why the sinking impacted on the war and the King himself. 

"It's been exhilarating to dive with Neil, Mark and Mallory, into some of the most remote and dangerous wreck sites across the world," says Ross Kemp. "We have not only unearthed secret treasures but also discovered more about the history around them with some incredible finds and revelations along the way." 

Other wrecks explored in the series include the SS Mohegan, a luxury liner that hit the rocks off the coast of Cornwall on its way to New York; the SS Carnatic off the coast of Egypt in the Red Sea, a new breed of fast cargo ship delivering supplies to the colonies that hit a reef near Suez on its way to Bombay and two further merchant cargo ships, the Rosalie Moller and the Thistlegorm, along the Red Sea, tasked with resupplying troops to North Africa.

In the final episode, Ross travels to Normandy to dive some of the wrecks of D-Day; exploring the SS Empire Broadsword, a British troop carrier, and USS LST-523, a tank landing craft, as well as discovering some heroic acts as the wrecks reveal their secrets.

Showmax tells an American publication 'exclusively' it's looking for South African and African first-time directors for 10 new films.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice's streamer Showmax sent the American online publication Deadline a general announcement on Tuesday about South African content - a general announcement which Showmax PR deliberately chose not to share with South Africa's media on Tuesday - about looking for South African and African content.

Showmax further has the audacity to claim that it supports local content - it just doesn't actually support local media. 

Yolisa Phahle, now CEO of Showmax and Connected Video at MultiChoice, says that Showmax audiences prefer local content. 

It hasn't yet dawned on MultiChoice or Showmax that that same audience also reads local news and publications dedicated to South Africa and Africa. Claiming "MultiChoice and Showmax support local" rings hollow when running to American media about news and announcement about South Africa and Africa "exclusively".

Showmax is now looking for pitches for 10 live-action films but is telling American media that - not South Africa's media or Ghana, Kenya or Nigeria. The films can be made in South Africa, Ghana, Kenya or Nigeria and must be done by a first-time director attached.

The pitching period closes 1 April 2023.

"Showmax audience prefers local content, with 7 of the 10 most-streamed titles in South Africa, 8 of the top 10 titles in Kenya and Nigeria, and 9 of the top 10 in Ghana last year being African," says Yolisa Phahle in a statement in the general pitching announcement, sent "exclusively" to Deadline.

"Making your first film is a key turning point in any director's career. So this brief is another way we are trying to empower local filmmakers to tell their own stories for their own communities in their own languages."

"We're looking for authentic stories that will resonate with our local audiences. Popular genres like romcoms, family dramas, and thrillers are always welcome."

Whoarr! Netflix commissions Vikings: Valhalla as a Vikings sequel series set 100 years later.

by Thinus Ferreira

Netflix has commissioned MGM Television to create and produce Vikings: Valhalla as a sequel drama series that will be set 100 years after the original Vikings series.

Vikings, that was shown on History internationally and on M-Net and Showmax in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa and that will conclude with its 6th season in 2020 after it starts in December, is getting a spin-off.

The new series will dramatise the adventures of the most famous Vikings who ever lived: Leif Erikson, Freydis, Harald Harada and the Norman King William the Conqueror who is also a Viking descendant.

Vikings series creator Michael Hirst is also behind Vikings: Valhalla as executive producer, with the spin-off series that will begin 100 years after the original series concludes as a new chapter of the Vikings legend, following the men and women blazing new paths as they fight for survival in an ever-changing and evolving Europe.

"I am beyond excited that we are announcing the continuation of our Vikings saga," says Michael Hirst in a statement. "I know that the millions of our fans across the globe will be thrilled by the belief being shown in our show by MGM and Netflix."

"Jeb Stuart, a truly wonderful writer, will bring new storylines and a powerful visceral vision to stories about some of the most famous Vikings known to history."

Steve Stark, MGM Television's president of television production and development, says "We are thrilled to be partnering with Michael, Jeb and Netflix on the next chapter in the incredible Vikings universe".

"Vikings: Valhalla has been a labour of love for everyone involved and as we look ahead to the continuation of this great saga, we are excited to know that fans the world over will have the opportunity to continue with the series on its new home at Netflix."

Channing Dungey, vice-president of original series at Netflix, says "Vikings: Valhalla promises to be everything that fans love about the franchise: heart-pounding, unstoppable action rooted in rich characters and dramatic storytelling that shines the light on family, loyalty and power. We are thrilled to bring the next iteration of the Vikings saga to life".

EXCLUSIVE / BREAKING. It’s Halloween and the living dead are alive! MultiChoice to keep axed History and Lifetime on DStv after reaching new channel carriage deal with A+E Networks.

TVwithThinus can reveal that MultiChoice has made a U-turn after reaching a new channels carriage deal with A+E Networks and will no longer take away the History (DStv 186) and Lifetime (DStv 131) channels from DStv subscribers although the Crime+Investigation Network (DStv 170) will still go dark on Halloween.

Negotiation brinkmanship between MultiChoice and A+E Networks led to a breakdown in the relationship between the Randburg-based pay-TV operator and A+E Networks UK that operates a local affiliate office, A+E Networks Africa, after channel carriage negotiations failed when neither companies could settle on the terms and price that MultiChoice had to pay to keep the channels set.

Following MultiChoice's shocking announcement that History, Lifetime and C+I would disappear from DStv at the end of October,  renegotiations started up again between MultiChoice and A+E Networks although it's still unclear who blinked and made the first overture.

Furious DStv subscribers added massive pressure when they started a petition that by Thursday morning had over 8 700 signatures and comments since it started in early-October, while shocked and angry South African production companies making content for the channels were also vocal in their unhappiness about losing channels as platforms that allow them to make shows and earn a living.

Disgruntled local producers who were commissioned by A+E to do local shows were upset that their productions - some just-commissioned and some already in post-production - won’t be seen and that they have been kept in the dark about what's going on. 

South African production companies who spoke privately to TVwithThinus were extremely upset, saying they were kept in the dark that A+E Networks didn’t have a channel renewal when their recent content was announced at A+E Networks Africa’s upfront showcase. 

Producers said that they have been kept out of the loop about what is going and about what will be happening with their shows - including programming already commissioned, produced and scheduled for November 2019 all the way to February 2020. 

These shows range from plans to do Don't Tell the Bride SA, to Crime Stories SA (from Clive Morris Productions), Loved Like Crazy (from Nala Media), as well as Your People, Our People (from Pillay Media). 

Dean Possenniskie, the managing director of A+E Networks for the Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, spoke at A+E Networks Africa's content showcase upfront on 19 September in Johannesburg and touted the ongoing, increasing production spending going to the creation of local South African programming on its set of channels. 

Possenniskie described it's channels supplied to MultiChoice as its "core business" and part of a long-standing partnership with DStv, and that A+E Networks had already invested R30 million in creating local content in South Africa in 2019.


Trick or treat: Two further channels to be added
MultiChoice on Thursday morning told TVwithThinus in response to a media enquiry that both History and Lifetime will now remain on DStv after the signing of a new multi-year contract with A+E Networks but that C+I will still get axed.

MultiChoice will also still add the two further replacement channels that it promised to give in the place of the channels that would have been removed.

MultiChoice has removed the channel termination notices for both History and Lifetime from its electronic programme guide (EPG) on DStv.

Similar to the radio silence of the past 4 weeks when it had no comment, A+E Networks publicists didn't respond to a media enquiry on Thursday about A+E Networks Africa, led by Yusuf Nabee, as general manager, and its latest channel carriage developments.

"We're reached an agreement with A+E Networks for terms that we think are acceptable to our DStv subscribers for both History and Lifetime but Crime+Investigation is still ending," Mark Rayner, MultiChoice SA CEO said.

"Two further new channels will still be announced before the middle of November as a replacement for C+I from another provider, as well as another factual documentary channel from a new provider. We're just finalising technical launch plans so that we can be clear on a launch date."

MultiChoice was asked what the damage has been to both the pay-TV provider, A+E and South Africa's TV industry because of the earlier announcement that A+E Networks' channels are getting axed when negotiations stalled.

"Some customers voiced their concerns and the media. The reality is that the two parties just couldn't find each other and expectations were not met on either side. As soon as we realised we can't, we're obligated to give proper notice. We can't just cancel channels at short notice."

"As soon as we realised we don't have a deal that triggered our legal obligation to advise our customers of a potential change. I think it's worked out well for everybody that we've come to agreement on those two channels."

"We welcome History and Lifetime back and look forward to continuing with those and there's no break in service because they haven't gone down and won't go down."

A+E Networks goes into hiding after MultiChoice axes its channels; petition grows to over 5 000 signatures from angry DStv subscribers as MultiChoice posts Channel Termination notices on the DStv EPG.

A+E Networks has gone into hiding as MultiChoice has now posted Channel Termination notices across its DStv electronic programme guide (EPG), with A+E Networks Africa refusing to talk to the media after channel carriage negotiations with the Randburg-based pay-TV operator broke down that will see its channel set of History, Crime+Investigation Network and Lifetime get dumped from DStv at the end of October.

After an ugly breakdown in the partnership when the commercial relationship between MultiChoice and A+E Networks UK turned sour over what A+E Networks demanded in channel carriage fees for a contract renewal and what MultiChoice was willing to pay, DStv subscribers will now lose access to History (DStv 186), Lifetime (DStv 131) and Crime+Investigation Network (DStv 170) on 31 October.

With A+E Networks calling the channels that it supplies to MultiChoice its "core business", dark clouds are now hanging over not just the uncertain future of A+E Networks Africa - the Johannesburg-based office of A+E Networks' Europe, Middle East and Africa region employing a staff of 12 - but also over the just-announced local South African content slate that could very likely all be axed since nobody will get to see it if produced.

MultiChoice has now added "Channel Termination" notifications to all three of A+E Networks' channels.

MultiChoice is telling DStv subscribers that channels will be ending and sending them to competing channels' alternative, for instance saying "The History channel will stop airing on 1 November 2019. Find similar content on Discovery Channel (121), Discovery Family (136) and National Geographic (181)."

A petition from angry and disappointed DStv subscribers, started a week ago on Change.org and that continues to grow, has now surpassed over 5 000 signatures with comments from MultiChoice customers demanding that the set of A+E Networks channels remain on DStv.

Meanwhile there's been nothing but silence from A+E Networks Africa who isn't willing to talk to the media.

A+E Networks has decided to refrain from giving insight to consumers or South Africa's TV industry and doesn't want to talk to the media to clear up massive uncertainty about the turmoil the channel supplier is finding itself in, its operational future, or whether and what of its announced local content plans including shows like Don't Tell the Bride SA, Crime Stories SA and Loved Like Crazy will go ahead.

For a week and a half and counting since 1 October, A+E Networks Africa - through its publicists - hasn't responded to any ongoing media enquiries, requests for comment, and enquiries seeking clarity on a number of issues.

A short while before, Dean Possenniskie, the managing director of A+E Networks for the Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, spoke at A+E Networks Africa's content showcase upfront on 19 September in Johannesburg and touted the ongoing, increasing production spending going to the creation of local South African programming on its set of channels.

Dean Possenniskie described it's channels supplied to MultiChoice as its "core business" and part of a long-standing partnership with DStv, and that A+E Networks had already invested R30 million in creating local content in South Africa in 2019.

"We're proud to say that in the last 5 years we have invested in excess of R50 million into local productions which I think is very important for the local production community and which is something I believe that we will absolutely go on and do more of in the future."

While he mentioned that a slate of "exciting new local productions are coming your way in 2020 for our subscribers and viewers" all of that is now apparently under threat of never being produced - or not to be seen.

At A+E Networks Africa's upfront event, Fatime Kaba, A+E Networks Africa's head of programming and scheduling, said that "There are more announcements to come in the next few months as we continue to close deals and invest in these channels that we all love and also invest in our local creators and industry".

MultiChoice in response to a media enquiry about why the A+E Networks channels have been dropped said that it "needs to consider the costs for the channel, the terms which may apply and whether we can get better value elsewhere".

"In some instances decisions will be made due to channels not performing up to expectations, particularly given the costs concerned, but the world over its not unusual for channels to be changed if parties cannot agree on terms, for whatever reason."


ALSO READ: MultiChoice dumps History, Lifetime and Crime+Investigation from DStv in South Africa and across Africa after channel carriage renewal negotiations break down with A+E Networks.

ALSO READ: Loss of a Lifetime sees thousands of livid DStv subscribers sign petition demanding that MultiChoice keeps the History, Crime+Investigation and Lifetime channels. 

ALSO READ: MultiChoice on axing the A+E Networks channels from DStv after a bitter carriage fee fight: 'Unfortunately, some deals don’t go as intended'.

ALSO READ: Knowing there's no channel carriage renewal deal in place, MultiChoice warned A+E Networks not to go ahead with its 2019 upfront and content showcase event - but A+E Networks Africa did it anyway. Then came the shocking revelation.

ALSO READ: Local plans in peril: Cancellation threat hangs over A+E Networks Africa's entire local content slate after MultiChoice dumps its channels from DStv.

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. In the ugly divorce between dad and mom MultiChoice and A+E Networks the biggest loser is the kids - viewers - who will bear the brunt of TV parents who now dislike each other.

Local plans in peril: Cancellation threat hangs over A+E Networks Africa's entire local content slate after MultiChoice dumps its channels from DStv.

The just-announced local TV content slate of A+E Networks Africa for its set of channels carried on DStv in South Africa and across Southern Africa is in danger of getting scrapped, with huge uncertainy over what - or if any - of the projects will go ahead after MultiChoice's shocking decision to dump all of A+E Networks' channels from its pay-TV service. 

The termination of the long-standing commercial partnership between A+E Networks and MultiChoice comes as Yolisa Phahle is currently MultiChoice's CEO for general entertainment, with Aletta Alberts as MultiChoice's head of content strategy and third-party channels, and with Calvo Mawela as MultiChoice CEO.

MultiChoice, through its decision to dump A+E Networks Africa's channels after having carried the slowly growing channels collection for an established number of years on DStv, is inflicting some direct damage on South Africa's TV industry as well as the local content production industry.

MultiChoice is making victims of South African production companies commissioned to produce local content for A+E Networks Africa, ranging from established ones like Clive Morris Productions doing Crime Stories SA to new companies like Nala Media from Katy Katopodis and Penny Peppa producing the gender-based violence special Loved Like Crazy.

These production companies might all likely have their programming cancelled, with their work - even if produced - that won't be seen by South African viewers since the channels will no longer be available in Africa for Dstv subscribers.

MultiChoice is also endangering jobs within the local South African TV industry with A+E Networks, a joint venture between Hearst and Sky, that established a localised A+E Networks Africa office in Johannesburg a few years ago that has slowly expanded to employ 12 people and is overseen by Yusuf Nabee as general manager.

With A+E Networks' "core" business - its History (DStv 186), Crime+Investigation Network (DStv 170) and Lifetime (DStv 131) channels that MultiChoice decided to remove from DStv - it is likely that jobs at A+E Networks Africa will now be under threat, if not the future of the entire local office which now remains unclear.

TVwithThinus asked A+E Networks and A+E Networks Africa in a media enquiry through its publicists how MultiChoice's axing of its channels on DStv will affect its announced programming.

A+E Networks didn't respond to the question.

A+E Networks and A+E Networks Africa was asked whether A+E will continue to produce the recently announced localised format show Don't Tell the Bride South Africa set for 2020 on the Lifetime channel. A+E Networks didn't respond to the question.

A+E Networks and A+E Networks Africa was also asked what is happening with the Loved Like Crazy special announced as earmarked for a broadcast date in November and which is supposed to be produced by Nala Media, and whether the second season of Crime Stories SA will still be produced by Clive Morris Productions.

A+E Networks didn't respond to the question.

A+E Networks and A+E Networks Africa was asked that if the commissioned programmes were to be produced, why A+E would go ahead since viewers won't be able to see it - or if the shows were to be cancelled, what the impact is on A+E Networks Africa and the production companies, as well as South Africa's local TV industry, and how A+E feels about having to cancel announced shows.

Again A+E Networks didn't provide any response to the question.

Dean Possenniskie, the managing director of A+E Networks for the Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, spoke at A+E Networks Africa's content showcase upfront on 19 September in Johannesburg and touted the ongoing, increasing production spending going to the creation of local South African programming on its set of channels.

Dean Possenniskie described it's channels supplied to MultiChoice as its "core business" and part of a long-standing partnership with DStv, and that A+E Networks had already invested R30 million in creating local content in South Africa in 2019.

"We're proud to say that in the last 5 years we have invested in excess of R50 million into local productions which I think is very important for the local production community and which is something I believe that we will absolutely go on and do more of in the future."

While he mentioned that a slate of "exciting new local productions are coming your way in 2020 for our subscribers and viewers" all of that is now apparently under threat of never being produced - or not to be seen.

At A+E Networks Africa's upfront event, Fatime Kaba, A+E Networks Africa's head of programming and scheduling, said that "There are more announcements to come in the next few months as we continue to close deals and invest in these channels that we all love and also invest in our local creators and industry".

This premature pronouncement now looks like a pipe dream.

TVwithThinus asked MultiChoice in a media enquiry what MultiChoice's response is to DStv subscribers about taking this new local content like Don't Tell the Bride SA, Crime Stories SA and Loved Like Crazy away from them.

MultiChoice didn't answer the specific question but said in a broad response that "We encourage fresh content from all our channel suppliers, including our third-party channels as well as our owned channels that are constantly renewing their content".

MultiChoice said that "When making changes to channels on our platforms, we need to consider the content, how it resonates with our customers and its longevity".

"In addition, we need to consider the costs for the channel, the terms which may apply and whether we can get better value elsewhere".

"In some instances, decisions will be made due to channels not performing up to expectations, particularly given the costs concerned, but the world over its not unusual for channels to be changed if parties cannot agree on terms, for whatever reason."


ALSO READ: MultiChoice dumps History, Lifetime and Crime+Investigation from DStv in South Africa and across Africa after channel carriage renewal negotiations break down with A+E Networks.
ALSO READ: Loss of a Lifetime sees thousands of livid DStv subscribers sign petition demanding that MultiChoice keeps the History, Crime+Investigation and Lifetime channels.
ALSO READ: MultiChoice on axing the A+E Networks channels from DStv after a bitter carriage fee fight: 'Unfortunately, some deals don’t go as intended'. 
ALSO READ: Knowing there's no channel carriage renewal deal in place, MultiChoice warned A+E Networks not to go ahead with its 2019 upfront and content showcase event - but A+E Networks Africa did it anyway. Then came the shocking revelation.
ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. In the ugly divorce between dad and mom MultiChoice and A+E Networks the biggest loser is the kids - viewers - who will bear the brunt of TV parents who now dislike each other.
ALSO READ: A+E Networks goes into hiding after MultiChoice axes its channels; petition grows to over 5 000 signatures from angry DStv subscribers as MultiChoice posts Channel Termination notices on the DStv EPG.

Knowing there's no channel carriage renewal deal in place, MultiChoice warned A+E Networks not to go ahead with its 2019 upfront and content showcase event - but A+E Networks Africa did it anyway. Then came the shocking revelation.

"Tonight's dining experience is all about the drama, mystery and suspense - much like our channel brands I guess," said Yusuf Nabee, the general manager for A+E Networks Africa, when he spoke at A+E Networks' content showcase held on the evening of 19 September.

Ironically, the majority of the invited guests - feasting on a channels-inspired, immersive 3-course dining experienced prepared and brought out by private chef Neill Anthony - had no idea that Yusuf Nabee's words were applicable to the very channels of History, Crime+Investigation Network and Lifetime: Themselves shrouded in a tense behind-the-scenes drama of mystery and suspense.

While Yusuf Nabee and other A+E Networks executives were poised to announce a slate of new local content and wow with sizzle reels of upcoming international content for the channels in 2020, A+E Networks had no deal in place to actually keep its channels on DStv from November 2019 following a brutal and bruising channel carriage negotiation stand-off.

From this in medias res, the tale rewinds to a short while earlier.

When MultiChoice got word that A+E Networks Africa was planning a content showcase event for 19 September, it sent major alarm bells ringing inside the pay-TV operator's Randburg-based MultiChoice City headquarters.

With the existing channel carriage contract between A+E Networks and MultiChoice for its trio of channels including History (DStv 186), Crime+Investigation Network (DStv 170) and Lifetime (DStv 131) expiring at the end of October and up for renewal, no deal was in place.

In fact, despite protracted to-and-fro negotiations over months between MultiChoice and A+E Networks UK over the terms and conditions for the channels and what A+E demanded MultiChoice to pay for them, neither companies have found each other by late-September at which time the soured relationship had already fractured and turned ugly.

Meanwhile A+E Networks, a joint venture between Hearst and Sky, went ahead and invited journalists; producers like Clive Morris and Katy Katopodis; as well as TV and radio presenters like Iman Rappetti and John Robbie to the event.

Even Dean Possenniskie, the managing director of A+E Networks for the Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, was diarised to fly to Johannesburg to host the event.

MultiChoice, cautious and apprehensive over the unrealistic expectations that an A+E Networks presentation for the press about upcoming new content would create in the media and with the public, fired off an unambiguous and stern warning to A+E Networks and A+E Networks Africa about its planned A+E content showcase event.

In no uncertain terms MultiChoice warned A+E Networks not to go ahead with its planned A+E Networks content showcase and that MultiChoice would not be involved, with no MultiChoice executives, publicists or any of the pay-TV operator's staffers who ended up attending as is customary for the upfront presentations of channel partners.

Earlier this past week TVwithThinus asked A+E Networks UK and A+E Networks Africa why it decided to push through and go ahead with its A+E content showcase when it was aware that there was no contract renewal deal in place with MultiChoice, and after MultiChoice as a commercial partner specifically warned it not to go ahead with the presentation.

A+E Networks didn't respond to the media enquiry.

Don't Tell the Media South Africa
Yet A+E Networks Africa did a dazzling presentation for the press inside the Daytona showroom at Melrose Arch, announcing a flurry of new local programming.

This ranged from Don't Tell the Bride SA for 2020 as a new local commission, a 13-episode second season of Crime Stories SA from Clive Morris Productions, and a local gender-based violence special Loved Like Crazy from Nala Media set to broadcast in November 2019 on C+I - a channel which now won't even be on the air or available anywhere in South Africa past the end of this month.

Besides the new and expanded local content slate - programming that is now all under threat of possibly getting cancelled - A+E Networks Africa gave a preview of sparkling upcoming content over the next few months on its various channels, ranging from 60 Days In: Narcoland, Marrying Millions, Damian Lewis: Spy Wars, Watergate and The UnXplained.

"A+E Networks Africa promises a robust schedule of exciting and impactful original programming, as well as brand-new local and international content that will resonate with audiences," said A+E in its press statement.

The statement oddly and very conspicuously didn't contain any trace of the words "MultiChoice" or "DStv" anywhere in the 3-page content showcase announcement, with channels that always refer to the pay-TV services by name and the channel numbers that their channels reside on.

Creating a fake sense of 'future'
A few days later after A+E Networks's upfront presentation, the bomb exploded when MultiChoice - with a month left before the channels would go dark on its service - was forced to confirm to its subscribers that A+E's entire available channel collection on DStv is getting scrapped at the end of October.

The utter shock to paying DStv subscribers, the media, as well as South Africa's TV industry over the imminent loss of the A+E Networks channels was magnified by several degrees, and the ongoing brand and reputational damage inflicted on both MultiChoice and A+E has been much bigger, directly because of the showcase presentation that created buzz and hyped up new upcoming content.

Not only did the content showcase of A+E Networks Africa create anticipation over new and upcoming programming, it also created and reaffirmed a sense of stability and "future" - that the presence of A+E Networks, A+E Africa, and its channels on DStv, were secure and ongoing.

"The core of our business is a long-standing partnership with DStv. We highly value this partnership and we always look to innovate with DStv," said Dean Possenniskie from the stage, who mentioned that A+E had invested R30 million in creating local content in South Africa in 2019.

"We're proud to say that in the last 5 years we have invested in excess of R50 million into local productions which I think is very important for the local production community and which is something I believe that we will absolutely go on and do more of in the future."

"This evening you're going to see that - you'll see more of the exciting new local productions that are coming your way in 2020 for our subscribers and viewers."

Fatime Kaba, A+E Networks Africa's head of programming and scheduling, said that "There are more announcements to come in the next few months as we continue to close deals and invest in these channels that we all love and also invest in our local creators and industry".

"Our goal across our entire portfolio is to entertain, engage, challenge and make a difference in our viewers' lives. Lifetime helps our viewers to celebrate life in all its messiness, all its fun - with just a little controversy thrown in for good measure."

Then she quipped: "We love a good scandal here."


ALSO READ: MultiChoice dumps History, Lifetime and Crime+Investigation from DStv in South Africa and across Africa after channel carriage renewal negotiations break down with A+E Networks.
ALSO READ: Loss of a Lifetime sees thousands of livid DStv subscribers sign petition demanding that MultiChoice keeps the History, Crime+Investigation and Lifetime channels.
ALSO READ: MultiChoice on axing the A+E Networks channels from DStv after a bitter carriage fee fight: 'Unfortunately, some deals don’t go as intended'. 
ALSO READ: Local plans in peril: Cancellation threat hangs over A+E Networks Africa's entire local content slate after MultiChoice dumps its channels from DStv.
ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. In the ugly divorce between dad and mom MultiChoice and A+E Networks the biggest loser is the kids - viewers - who will bear the brunt of TV parents who now dislike each other.
ALSO READ: A+E Networks goes into hiding after MultiChoice axes its channels; petition grows to over 5 000 signatures from angry DStv subscribers as MultiChoice posts Channel Termination notices on the DStv EPG.

MultiChoice on axing the A+E Networks channels from DStv after a bitter carriage fee fight: 'Unfortunately, some deals don’t go as intended'.

In response to questions about why MultiChoice is not supporting an international TV channel supplier like A+E Networks that is investing in local content in South Africa, and which of the channels from A+E had content that didn't resonate with viewers, MultiChoice says that channel carriage renewal negotiations failed and that "unfortunately, some deals don’t go as intended".

An ugly relationship breakdown saw channel carriage negotiations fail during which MultiChoice and A+E Networks UK - that operates a local affiliate office, A+E Networks Africa, from Johannesburg - couldn't settle on the terms and price MultiChoice has to pay to keep the channels set.

As a result, History (DStv 186), Crime+Investigation (DStv 17) and Lifetime (DStv 131) will now all become history on MultiChoice's pay-TV platform at the end of October 2019, inflicting massive mutual damage on both companies.

MultiChoice and DStv is suffering growing brand and reputation damage after the news of the channels axing unleashed the wrath of thousands of DStv subscribers threatening to cancel their subscriptions, and even going so far as starting a petition demanding that MultiChoice must keep the channels.

If DStv subscribers follow through on their threats to dump their subscriptions or downgrade to cheaper packages, it will also have an negative income impact on MultiChoice in terms of subscription fee revenue.

A+E Networks, in turn, is facing a precarious position as well with all of its revenue-generating channels eviscerated in a sudden and wholesale culling from DStv.

With the removal of the channels from DStv it places all of the already-announced newly commissioned content for South Africa from A+E Networks in danger of all getting scrapped and cancelled.

In addition, a dark cloud is now hanging over its A+E Networks Africa office where 12 jobs are now in jeopardy, as well as its ongoing local expansion plans, with A+E Networks that can't sustain an expanding local office when it has no channels on the air in the territory. 

TVwithThinus asked MultiChoice 4 specific questions, all pertaining to content.

TVwithThinus wanted to know:

1.A+E at the end of September announced that it has commissioned more local programming for its international channels, including a gender-violence special, Loved Like Crazy that would have broadcast in November, series like Crime Stories SA, a new series Don’t Tell the Bride SA, etc. – none of which DStv subscribers will now see. What is MultiChoice’s response to DStv subscribers about taking this new local content away from them?

2. MultiChoice says it’s looking for content that resonates with its customers. Did the content of History resonate with DStv subscribers? Did the content of Lifetime resonate with viewers? Did the content on C+I resonate with viewers? If it didn’t, did all 3 channels' content deteriorate during the past 2 and a half years since the last channels carriage agreement was signed?

3. DStv Premium customers have been complaining that for the price they pay the package doesn’t offer enough value. MultiChoice is now taking away 3 channels for its upper-tier product and says it will replace it with 2. What is MultiChoice’s message to customers who have to pay the same but get less and content taken away that they like?

4. A+E Networks says it remains open to negotiating with MultiChoice to keep carrying the channels, that MultiChoice decided that History, C+I and Lifetime don’t offer enough value, and that A+E was pro-active to try and reach a deal with MultiChoice to keep the channels on DStv. Is MultiChoice open to continue negotiations, if not, why not, and what is MultiChoice’s response to what A+E is saying?

MultiChoice didn't answer these 4 specific questions.

Instead, MultiChoice responded with a statement, saying that the pay-TV operator "needs to consider the costs for the channel, the terms which may apply and whether we can get better value elsewhere".

"In some instances decisions will be made due to channels not performing up to expectations, particularly given the costs concerned, but the world over its not unusual for channels to be changed if parties cannot agree on terms, for whatever reason."

Here is the full statement from MultiChoice in response to the 4 questions asked.

"At MultiChoice we are always looking to improve our customers’ viewing experience."

"This is motivated by our drive to ensure that we listen to and respond to our consumers, basing our decisions on their needs that are identified through detailed research. This includes the content they receive, and ultimately the value-for-money offering they get."

"We encourage fresh content from all our channel suppliers, including our third-party channels as well as our owned channels that are constantly renewing their content."

"We will be saying goodbye to the History channel, Crime+Investigation and Lifetime channels on the DStv platform at the end of the current contract term, which ends on 1 November 2019."

"When making changes to channels on our platforms, we need to consider the content, how it resonates with our customers and its longevity."

"In addition, we need to consider the costs for the channel, the terms which may apply and whether we can get better value elsewhere."

"In some instances decisions will be made due to channels not performing up to expectations, particularly given the costs concerned, but the world over its not unusual for channels to be changed if parties cannot agree on terms, for whatever reason."

"Negotiations with channel suppliers will also consider the bundling of content."

"It would make little sense to take a whole portfolio of channels if they don’t suit our customers’ tastes and requirements. When one is unable to come to terms on the specific channels and shows that are of interest and appeal to our customers, reaching agreements becomes difficult."

"We need to negotiate in a manner that ensures a good return on investment and protects the value-for-money offering for our customers. Unfortunately, some deals don’t go as intended and that’s the nature of the business."

"We’re conscious about the content that our customers enjoyed on the A+E Networks channels and we are in talks with other suppliers to get similar content."

"We’re also currently in the process of onboarding two new channels, both promising top shows for our customers. The first is an established global brand and the other, a new innovative brand."

"Both channels will bring exciting new titles and genres that viewers will really enjoy, including among others, blue chip documentaries, history and factual reality shows. In addition, we continue to increase our significant investment in local shows and content, which have great resonance with customers and are a key driver of engagement."

"We value our customers and are continuously reviewing our content line-up and channel selection to provide them with more compelling content offerings."

"We are quite conscious about what our customers want, and we are confident that our future plans will ensure they continue to get the best in local and international entertainment."


ALSO READ: MultiChoice dumps History, Lifetime and Crime+Investigation from DStv in South Africa and across Africa after channel carriage renewal negotiations break down with A+E Networks.
ALSO READ: Loss of a Lifetime sees thousands of livid DStv subscribers sign petition demanding that MultiChoice keeps the History, Crime+Investigation and Lifetime channels.
ALSO READ: Knowing there's no channel carriage renewal deal in place, MultiChoice warned A+E Networks not to go ahead with its 2019 upfront and content showcase event - but A+E Networks Africa did it anyway. Then came the shocking revelation.
ALSO READ: Local plans in peril: Cancellation threat hangs over A+E Networks Africa's entire local content slate after MultiChoice dumps its channels from DStv.
ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. In the ugly divorce between dad and mom MultiChoice and A+E Networks the biggest loser is the kids - viewers - who will bear the brunt of TV parents who now dislike each other.
ALSO READ: A+E Networks goes into hiding after MultiChoice axes its channels; petition grows to over 5 000 signatures from angry DStv subscribers as MultiChoice posts Channel Termination notices on the DStv EPG.

Loss of a Lifetime sees thousands of livid DStv subscribers sign petition demanding that MultiChoice keeps the History, Crime+Investigation and Lifetime channels.

The loss of a Lifetime has seen thousands of livid DStv subscribers sign a fast-growing petition that continues to rake in signees after  after MultiChoice's shocking decision to axe A+E Networks' History (DStv 186), Crime+Investigation Network (DStv 170) and Lifetime (DStv 131) channels at the end of the month after contract renewal talks soured and broke down.

After just 3 days, a petition on Change.org where DStv subscribers are demanding MultiChoice keep the 3 channels it plans to drop, has quickly shot up to become one of the week's most popular after it was started on Wednesday and reached over 2 200 signatures and comments and counting by Saturday morning.

"DStv has decided to remove the History, Crime+Investigation and Lifetime channels off their platform from 1 November 2019. These are amazing channels and very loved by the South African DStv community," reads the petition.

"The decision is illogical and clearly shows DStv only worries about their profits and not the quality of shows for their customers. Imagine DStv without these. Further to this, A+E Networks has amazing local productions and many more coming. They have also opened up an African office which is growing and creating local employment, this will all come to an end if these channels are cut."

"I urge you to show your support for A+E Networks in terms of their channels and their contribution to our country," the petition reads.

MultiChoice that has carried the three channels for years failed to come to terms with A+E Networks UK over the increased carriage fees the pay-TV operator must pay for the content as part of a possible renewal deal.

The History channel has been on DStv for 16 years since 2003, Crime+Investigation on DStv for 11 years since 2007, and Lifetime on DStv for 5 years since mid-2014.

According to insiders MultiChoice was allegedly forced to take all three channels as a packaged "all-or-nothing" deal but didn't necessarily want all 3 channels anymore, and also balked at the price. A+E Networks Africa was asked about it but didn't respond to a media enquiry made Friday morning.

MultiChoice alluded to the content on the channels and the channels themselves allegedly not resonating with viewers as the reason for the culling, but the massive outcry from DStv customers has shown that subscribers are heavily invested emotionally in viewing these channels and the shows on them.

Earlier the week A+E Networks said that "we have been very proactive in trying to reach an agreement that is best for our viewers and for DStv" but that "DStv has decided that our channels do not offer good value to their subscribers."

We are willing to keep negotiations open and we sincerely hope DStv will find a way to work with us to keep our channels so we can continue to share our great upcoming local and international programmes with our loyal fans."

MultiChoice in response to a media enquiry says "we need to consider the costs for the channel, the terms which may apply and whether we can get better value elsewhere".

"In some instances decisions will be made due to channels not performing up to expectations, particularly given the costs concerned, but the world over its not unusual for channels to be changed if parties cannot agree on terms, for whatever reason."

"We conscious about the content that our customers enjoyed on the A+E Networks channels and we are in talks with other suppliers to get similar content."


DStv subscribers tired of channels being removed
"This is b.s. ,we are sick and tired of channels being removed and with History and C+I and Lifetime gone, it devalues the DStv Compact Plus package and we have this package to get these channels. Sis on you," said Jenni Mahlnecht who was one of thousands of people who signed the online petition and left a comment.

"My dad loves History and I love Crime+Investigation. Do you really want to push more of your viewers to Showmax and Netflix? Both subscriptions together cost less than a DStv Premium subscription," said Nicole Carrick.

"Those are educational and my best channels now I will have nothing to watch," remarked Nonhlanhla Dlamini.

"I personally upgraded my subscription to watch Lifetime. It has great content and moreover all Lifetime, C+I and History channels' picture quality are worth paying for," said Khathutshelo Mudau.

"There are other useless channels that can be cancelled, just not these ones. There is so much to be learned from these channels," said Thandeka Ndlela.


ALSO READ: MultiChoice dumps History, Lifetime and Crime+Investigation from DStv in South Africa and across Africa after channel carriage renewal negotiations break down with A+E Networks.
ALSO READ: MultiChoice on axing the A+E Networks channels from DStv after a bitter carriage fee fight: 'Unfortunately, some deals don’t go as intended'.
ALSO READ: Knowing there's no channel carriage renewal deal in place, MultiChoice warned A+E Networks not to go ahead with its 2019 upfront and content showcase event - but A+E Networks Africa did it anyway. Then came the shocking revelation.
ALSO READ: Local plans in peril: Cancellation threat hangs over A+E Networks Africa's entire local content slate after MultiChoice dumps its channels from DStv.
ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. In the ugly divorce between dad and mom MultiChoice and A+E Networks the biggest loser is the kids - viewers - who will bear the brunt of TV parents who now dislike each other.
ALSO READ: A+E Networks goes into hiding after MultiChoice axes its channels; petition grows to over 5 000 signatures from angry DStv subscribers as MultiChoice posts Channel Termination notices on the DStv EPG.

MultiChoice dumps History, Lifetime and Crime+Investigation from DStv in South Africa and across Africa after channel carriage renewal negotiations break down with A+E Networks.

MultiChoice is ripping the very popular and long-running channels of History, Crime+Investigation Network and Lifetime away from DStv subscribers after channel carriage contract renewal negotiations between the pay-TV operator and A+E Networks supplying the channels, turned ugly and broke down.

A+E Networks UK says that DStv plans to take these channels away from subscribers although it tried very hard to reach a new channel carriage agreement and is still willing to work with MultiChoice to keep the channels on the air for DStv subscribers in South Africa and across the African continent.

A+E Networks, a joint venture between Hearst and Sky, says that if the channels disappear, DStv subscribers will have to bear the brunt of MultiChoice's decision when they will no longer be able to watch a slew of shows ranging from Little Women and Homicide Hunter to Curse of Oak Island, The First 48, Lifetime movies and specials like Surviving R Kelly.

All three of these successful international, so-called "third party" channels have been available to DStv Premium and DStv Compact Plus subscribers in South Africa and across sub-Saharan African countries for years.

Now DStv subscribers who have been paying for History (DStv 186), Lifetime (DStv 131) and C+I (DStv 170) will lose them all in one go when they will all be removed at the end of October 2019.

After A+E Networks and MultiChoice last renewed the channels package deal in mid-2016, negotiations between the two soured for a new carriage agreement. The unresolved stalemate between the companies lead MultiChoice to pull the plug and to take the channels away from DStv subscribers' existing channel line-up.

MultiChoice has carried the History channel for 16 years since 2003 and it has since become a popular legacy channel and viewing destination within DStv's documentaries and lifestyle block. The Crime+Investigation has been on DStv for 11 years since 2007, and Lifetime has been available on DStv for 5 years since mid-2014.

All three are now abruptly coming to an end under the auspices of Yolisa Phahle as MultiChoice's CEO for general entertainment and Aletta Alberts, MultiChoice's head of content strategy and third-party channels, with the loss of the A+E Networks content that will further dent the perceived value offered by the struggling DStv Premium package.

The subscriber numbers of the most expensive DStv tier continue to plummet as subscribers no longer see this package as offering enough value for money, something that the loss of the A+E Networks channels will likely make worse.

MultiChoice considers all three of A+E Networks' channels to be such premium content that it used all of them numerous times in the past as loss-leaders to promote and drive DStv subscriber uptake and to help rope in new subscribers through promotional "open time" periods during which they would be made available to lower-tiered customers.

MultiChoice and A+E Networks also created pop-up channels to drive audiences and subscriber uptake in the form of the History of Football and 100 Years of War channels.

The loss of History, Lifetime and Crime + Investigation will come as a massive shock to not just DStv subscribers in South Africa and across Africa but also to the broader local TV industry that MultiChoice will damage through removing the channels.

MultiChoice's decision to axe the channels has already caused massive embarrassment for A+E Networks' local A+E Networks Africa venture based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

A+E Networks held a content showcase for all of its channels barely a week ago telling the media what it will be showing in the upcoming months and in 2020, not saying a word that all of its channels would be off-air and off DStv in South Africa and Africa in a month's time from now.

At its presentation, A+E Networks unveiled a growing slate of local original productions with companies ranging from Clive Morris Productions to Katy Katopodis' Nala Media working on programming like Crime Stories SA and a gender-violence TV special, Loved Like Crazy voiced by Iman Rappetti.

Together with a new local series, Don't Tell the Bride SA earmarked for Lifetime, it's unclear as to whether any or all of the these announced productions will still go ahead or are getting cancelled since A+E Networks won't be able to recoup the expensive production costs of creating specific local TV content for DStv subscribers in Africa that none of them will actually be able to see.

Also unclear is what will happen to the locally-established and growing office of A+E Networks Africa headed up by Yusuf Nabee, as general manager for Africa, that has grown to now employ 12 people.

Awkwardly, Dean Possenniskie, the managing director for A+E Networks for the EMEA region, at the upfront said that "both Hearst and Sky fully support the focus and development of investment of A+E Networks Africa where we stand today, but more importantly where we'll go in the future".

That future is now completely unclear.

MultiChoice: Saying goodbye to History

MultiChoice didn't issue a statement about shutting off the channels but on its website under the euphemistically titled heading "Channel changes" now says that as part of "efforts to refresh our content line-up and optimise the suite of channels on offer, the MultiChoice Group will be saying goodbye to the History, Crime + Investigation and Lifetime channels" at the end of the current contract term.

MultiChoice isn't telling DStv subscribers that it plans to remove the channels because it couldn't reach a new deal.

MultiChoice says it will soon be "announcing the introduction of two new channels to DStv. The first is an established global brand and the other a new innovative brand".

Ironically, MultiChoice says that "we continue to increase our significant investment in local shows and content which have great resonance with customers and are a key driver of engagement".

That is exactly what History, Lifetime and C+I have been doing for DStv even though, as third-party international channels, they don't need to do local content. History did its first local production for Africa, Miracle Rising in 2013.

TVwithThinus on Tuesday asked Benedict Maaga, MultiChoice's senior manager for corporate communications, why specifically the channels are being dropped and if he can confirm that History, Lifetime and C+I are being axed because MultiChoice wasn't willing to pay A+E Networks what it wanted in carriage fees for its channels. He said that MultiChoice can't comment on that. 

MultiChoice was also asked when it decided and informed A+E Networks that it will remove the channels and if A+E Networks was informed of that before the company had its just-held showcase presentation. MultiChoice also declined to comment on that question. 

A+E Networks: DStv decided we don't offer good value 

On Tuesday evening A+E Networks confirmed the channels' removal.

In response to a media enquiry, A+E Networks told TVwithThinus that "DStv announced that they plan to take away the A+E Networks Africa family of channels, including History, Crime+Investigation, and Lifetime from their customers".

"DStv has decided that our channels do not offer good value to their subscribers."

"Fans of our channels could soon miss out on the thousands of hours of new and unique shows we provide across our world-class global brands including Surviving R Kelly, Forged in Fire, American Pickers, Curse of Oak Island, Damien Lewis Spy Wars, The First 48, Homicide Hunter, Married at First Sight, Little Women, Lifetime movies, Lost Gold of World War 2, Watergate, Treasures Decoded, and many more."

"This includes current and upcoming local programming such as Crime Stories SA, Don’t Tell the Bride SA and Loved Like Crazy."

"We have been very proactive in trying to reach an agreement that is best for our viewers and for DStv. Our goal is to continue to bring our high-quality, award-winning programming to our local audiences."

"Our channels are available to viewers in over 160 countries around the world, and we negotiate several of these deals every year.  We are willing to keep negotiations open and we sincerely hope DStv will find a way to work with us to keep our channels so we can continue to share our great upcoming local and international programmes with our loyal fans."

"Everyone at A+E Networks Africa is committed to continue working with DStv to try to achieve a positive outcome."

Complaints

While MultiChoice doesn't have a customer complaint email, DStv subscribers who are unhappy about the removal of either History, Crime + Investigation or Lifetime or desperate to try and save their channel, can email help@dstv.com to say why they don't want channels that they are paying for, to be removed from their pay-TV platform.

ALSO READ: Loss of a Lifetime sees thousands of livid DStv subscribers sign petition demanding that MultiChoice keeps the History, Crime+Investigation and Lifetime channels. 

ALSO READ: MultiChoice on axing the A+E Networks channels from DStv after a bitter carriage fee fight: 'Unfortunately, some deals don’t go as intended'.

ALSO READ: Knowing there's no channel carriage renewal deal in place, MultiChoice warned A+E Networks not to go ahead with its 2019 upfront and content showcase event - but A+E Networks Africa did it anyway. Then came the shocking revelation.

ALSO READ: Local plans in peril: Cancellation threat hangs over A+E Networks Africa's entire local content slate after MultiChoice dumps its channels from DStv.

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. In the ugly divorce between dad and mom MultiChoice and A+E Networks the biggest loser is the kids - viewers - who will bear the brunt of TV parents who now dislike each other.

ALSO READ: A+E Networks goes into hiding after MultiChoice axes its channels; petition grows to over 5 000 signatures from angry DStv subscribers as MultiChoice posts Channel Termination notices on the DStv EPG.