BREAKING. MultiChoice and On Digital Media (ODM) losing Kidsco channel on 31 December 2013 on their DStv and StarSat pay-TV platforms.

KidsCo (DStv 308 / StarSat 255) on MultiChoice's DStv and on On Digital Media (ODM) is getting the ax on 31 December 2013 with the kids channel set to disappear from DStv and StarSat within days - even earlier than the ""early 2014" which the abrupt channel termination was announced in November by NBCUniversal and Corus Entertainment.

MultiChoice and ODM will both be looking for a replacement kids channel for the dumped Kidsco, but the replacement might be different on DStv and StarSat and not necessarily the same channel.

MultiChoice is already looking at a possible replacement children's channel for Kidsco, ODM said it would be looking but hasn't started.

Kidsco won't see the new year - it's shockingly killed off for South African viewers one minute before midnight on 31 December.

MultiChoice will start running a notice of termination from 15:00 on 27 December, telling DStv subscribers that Kidsco is getting cancelled, with the notice which will remain until 14 January when DStv channel 308 won't exist anymore.

Kidsco from NBCUniversal and Corus Entertainment which started in 2007 relaunched with big fanfare at the beginning of the year, and announced specially commissioned new programming for a Syfy Kids block.

All of that is now gone and over, with an abrupt and ignominious end for Kidsco.

Kidsco's end marks and bookends a tumultuous year for both DStv and TopTV (now StarSat), with both MultiChoice and On Digital Media which saw several TV channels ending for South African viewers - the most ever channel terminations in 2013 - since pay-TV commenced in South Africa.

BREAKING. KidsCo on DStv and TopTV closing down as a kids channel following relaunch and new programming in 2013.

KidsCo (DStv 308 / TopTV 255) is closing down with the kids channel which will stop broadcasting.

It means that South African viewers are losing another TV channel on MultiChoice's DStv platform and on On Digital Media's (ODM) TopTV (soon to be StarSat).

KidsCo's new programming block Syfy Kids which was launched just a few months ago is also a gonner as a result of the shocking termination of the channel.

KidsCo went big with announcements earlier this year about new programming, newly commissioned kids TV shows, and the new Syfy Kids programming block. Now its all over.

The shocking closure of KidsCo comes after the channel relaunched with a new look and programming at the beginning of this year.

KidsCo started in 2007.

"NBCUniversal and Corus Entertainment have decided to discontinue the joint venture service by early 2014," I'm told in a statement after making a media enquiry.

"As one of many children's linear services available in the international market, growing the KidsCo business has been challenging," says NBCUniversal and Corus Entertainment about the demise of KidsCo.

Syfy Kids starts as a programming block on KidsCo at 17:00 on weekdays with a roll of the Rubik's Cubes.

Syfy Kids, the new programming block on KidsCo (DStv 308 / TopTV 255), has started and can now be seen daily at 17:00 since yesterday - to remind TV critics, editors and journalists covering television, KidsCo sent over two Rubik's Cubes in a box.

Syfy Kids is a partnership between KidsCo and NBCUniversal's Syfy channel.

In this block Syfy Kids will show the animated Back to the Future, Matt Hatter Chronicles, ZuZu & the Supernuffs, Z-Squad, The Future is Wild, Evolution: The Animated Series and Dino Squad.

"We are delighted to announce the launch of Syfy Kids in South Africa exclusively on KidsCo," says Herman McDermott, the managing director of KidsCo. "KidsCo has invested in a strong range of imagination-based content, including the acclaimed Matt Hatter Chronicles, which coupled with our new on-air graphics package, will bring Syfy Kids to life for our young viewers."

The Syfy Kids programming block filled with new shows, set to start on 22 July on KidsCo on DStv and TopTV in South Africa.

The Syfy Kids programming block which I've reported in February is coming to KidsCo (DStv 308 / TopTV 255) will now start during July in South Africa on the kids' channel.

Syfy Kids, a partnership between KidsCo and NBCUniversal's Syfy channel, will start with a line-up featuring original programming from Matchbox Pictures and newly acquired titles from Platinum Films and KidsCo's joint-venture partners NBCUniversal and Corus Entertainment.

The Syfy Kids programming block, aimed at kids between the ages of 6 and 10, will be broadcast exclusively on KidsCo from 22 July during peak viewing times.

"We are delighted to announce the launch of Syfy Kids in South Africa exclusively on KidsCo," says Hendrik McDermott, the managing director of KidsCo in a statement. "KidsCo has invested in a strong range of imagination-based content, including the acclaimed Matt Hatter Chronicles, which, coupled with our new on-air graphics package, will bring Syfy Kids to life for our younger viewers,"

Syfy Kids will also launch a first-run exclusive KidsCo original production ZuZu & the Supernuffs from Matchbox Pictures, following five furry intergalactic Nuffs who crashland on Earth in a rusty old bathtub where they meet a new friend ZuZu.

The SyFy Kids programming block will also have Matt Hatter Chronicles from Platinum Films. This animation show follows the dimension-hopping adventures of the schoolboy hero Matt who has to protect the Multiverse, a parallel universe which can only be accessed through the Coronet Movie Theatre.

 KidsCo also acquired the rights to Z-Squad for Syfy Kids from the Corus-owned Nelvana Enterprises and Enemes. Z-Squad follows three superhero girls who must reclaim power crystals to save a planet.

The animated Back to the Future series from NBCUniversal International Television Distribution follows the time-travelling adventures of Professor brown and his friend Marty McFly in their DeLorean.

SyFy Kids plans to show soon The Future is Wild (from Future is Wild Ltd.), Evolution: The Animated Series (from DHX Media) and Dino Squad (DHX Media) which has been on KidsCo before.

BREAKING. Syfy coming to South Africa on DStv and TopTV - but not quite in the way you think.

Syfy, the science fiction TV channel MultiChoice dumped from its DStv pay-TV service when it was still known as The Sci-Fi Channel, is returning to South Africa on both DStv and TopTV - but not as a TV channel.

KidsCo (DStv 308 / TopTV 255), the international children's channel available on both DStv and TopTV will be starting a dedicated science fiction programming block on KidsCo which will be known as Syfy Kids.

The Syfy channel belongs to NBCUniversal, and KidsCo is a joint venture owned by NBCUniversal and Corus Entertainment, which makes the start of Syfy Kids a synergistic brand extension.

MultiChoice dumped The Sci-Fi Channel in 2004 (which has since rebranded to simply Syfy) and never brought it back; TopTV never added it the past two years it has been in operation as South Africa's second satellite pay-TV service.

The Syfy Kids block which will be a unique programming block and the first of its kind from Syfy - will be geared towards children aged 6 to 10 and will launch in the second quarter of 2013 on KidsCo.

Programming on Syfy Kids will include "imagination-based content" from both NBCUniversal and Corus Entertainment, as well as original programming and third-party acquisitions, says KidsCo.

"We're thrilled to see a Syfy Kids block launching on KidsCo," says Dave Howe, the president of Syfy in a just released press statement. "This venture extends the Syfy brands to a whole new generation of younger viewers and establishes a strong global partner as we seek to develop an outlet for Syfy Kids content."

"Following KidsCo's refresh earlier this year, we are now able to innovate to harness the power of our partners and shareholders," says Hendrik McDermott, the managing director of KidsCo in the statement.

"Collaborating with NBCUniversal and Corus Entertainment to bring imagination-based content via the well-known and respected Syfy brand, really demonstrate our dedication to delivering the strongest channel to our affiliates, whilst differentiating ourselves from our competitors," says Hendrik McDermott.

KidsCo rolls out a refreshed new look for the international children's channel on DStv and TopTV.

KidsCo (DStv 308 /TopTV 255) unveiled the children channel's new look today at 06:00 (South African time) just as I reported in September last year would be happening early in 2013.

As part of the refreshed on-air imaging, KidsCo, which reaches 15 million subscribers worldwide, will also be rolling out new content for kids during 2013 as the channel transitions to Corus Entertainment's fascilities at their Toronto-based headquarters, Corus Quay.

KidsCo also has a new website at www.kidsco.tv. New shows on KidsCo include Grossology, the brother and sistem clean team; Barbar the elephant who tells his numerous stories about he became the king of the animals; and the robot Rollie Pollie Ollie who lives on the planet Pollie with his dog Spot.

Later in the year KidsCo will roll out the new original production Zuzu and the Supernuffs, currently being produced by Matchbox Pictures from NBCUniversal with whom KidsCo announced a new content deal last year.

Zuzu and the Supernuffs follows five furry intergalactic Nuffs who crashland on Earth in a rusty old bathtub and meet a new friend, Zuzu.

BREAKING. KidsCo on DStv and TopTV changing its look from beginning 2013 with new content to deliver a much stronger channel.

You're reading it here first. 

KidsCo (TopTV 255 / DStv 308), the children's TV channel available in South Africa on both MultiChoice's DStv as well as On Digital Media's (ODM) TopTV pay-TV platforms will be changing its look from the beginning of 2013 and roll out new content globally.

The refreshed KidsCo will feature a redesigned on-air look the kids channel is announcing, and will also have new content as the channel transition to Corus Entertainment's fascilities at their Toronto-based headquarters, Corus Quay.

Under the new shows KidsCo plans to introduce from 2013 is the new original production, Zuzu and the Supernuffs currently being produced by Matchbox Pictures from NBCUniversal with whom KidsCo announced a content deal earlier this year.

Zuzu and the Supernuffs follows five furry intergalactic Nuffs who crashland on Earth in a rusty old bathtub and meet a new friend, Zuzu.

"2013 is set to be an exciting year for KidsCo," says Hendrik McDermott, the managing director of KidsCo. "We will leverage the global capacity and expertise of both our shareholders, NBCUniversal and Corus Entertainment, to deliver a refreshed and much stronger channel, which will allow us to compete on the global stage."

"We will continue to drive our international growth plans through investments in safe, responsible and localised content," he says.

KidsCo now reaches 15 million subscribers worldwide after further affiliate deals across Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific.

KidsCo (DStv 308 / TopTV 255) now reaches 15 million subscribers worldwide. says the kids TV channel.

In a statement KidsCo says the international channel has signed new affiliate deals across Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific which means that KidsCo becomes available in more than 15 million households.

"It has been a positive first quarter for KidsCo, with further penetration into key territories. Our affiliates know that in KidsCo they have a partner that can meet their unique requirements in an efficient and cost-effective way with a quality product that is enjoyed by kids and trusted by parents," he says.

ALSO READ: NBCUniversal International takes over control of KidsCo with 51% share.

NBCUniversal International takes over control of KidsCo with 51% share following behind-the-scenes shake-up at the kids channel.

NBCUniversal International (NBCUI) is taking over control of the kids channel KidsCo (DStv 308 / TopTV 255) as Cookie Jar is disinvesting its stake - although it will continue to produce programming for the channel through a multi-year licensing agreement.

In the deal, widely expected since KidsCo co-founder Paul Robinson left at the end of last year, NBCUI gets a controlling stake in KidsCo, with Corus Entertainment increasing its stake to 43,8%. Paul Robinson will retain a 3,3% stake in the channel.

"We see a very bright future for children's television internationally and believe our highly valued partnership with Corus well positions KidsCo to compete strongly in this market," said NBCU president of international television Kevin MacLellan in a statement which was issued to today, but not to South Africa.

Hendrik McDermott will now head KidsCo who has been the interim managing director since November 2011 and Paul Robinson's exit last year. "Hendrik willprovide clear operational leadership and will be focused on implementing innovative strategic and technical opportunities to grow the content and distribution base of the company," said Kevin MacLellan.

"KidsCo has become synonymous with quality, family-friendly entertainment," said Doug Murphy, the president of Corus Television, in the statement. "Corus is excited to deepen our partnership with NBCUniversal to help grow the KidsCo business and build on its already strong international reputation as a diverse and dependable entertainment destination."

More executives gone from KidsCo as NBCUniversal looks to grow its stake in the children's channel.

The exodus of executives at the international kid channel KidsCo (TopTV 255 / DStv 308) is continuing with Anna Pak, the executive commercial director who left on Friday following Chris Nicholls out the door who was the children channel's global head of advertising and marketing.

The exists are continuing after KidsCo co-founder Paul Robinson was pushed out at the end of last year, and as NBCUniversal is trying to increase its control of KidsCo which is currently a joint venture between NBCUniversal, Cookie Jar Entertainment and Chorus.

C21Media reports that Anna Pak left this past Friday. It comes as TBI Vision reports that NBCUniversal's international boss, Jeff Shell, said that the company will not be buying Corus' share in KidsCo.

According to both trade publications that leaves the share of Cookie Jar's stake in KidsCo which NBCUniversal could be after, and about which NBCUniversal isn't talking.

Paul Robinson, co-founder and global CEO of KidsCo reportedly out as Hendrik McDermott takes over as managing director.

Axed? Paul Robinson, the co-founder and global CEO of the children's channel KidsCo (TopTV 255 / DStv 308) seems to have been pushed out, although KidsCo isn't commenting.

The TV trade publications C21Media and TBIvision both this week reported that Paul Robinson is no longer with KidsCo. I asked, but KidsCo had no comment.

According to TBIvision Hendrik McDermott from NBCUniversal is taking over as managing director of KidsCo for the time being. KidsCo is a joint venture between NBCUniversal, Cookie Jar and Chorus.

Sinbad in Space, first-ever long form kids show commissioned by KidsCo, to start on the channel mid 2012.

More on Sinbad in Space, the first ever longform TV series commissioned by KidsCo (DStv 308 / TopTV 255) which will start on the channel in mid 2012.

ALSO READ: New animation show, Sinbad in Space, coming to KidsCo from the second half of 2012.

Sinbad in Space will be 26 episodes following the adventures of Sinbad and his 3 friends as they save the galaxies from all kinds of environmental issues affecting planetary systems in the year 2 940.

Sinbad in Space's animation is done by Image Venture and will be KidsCo's latest show specifically designed to entertain kids but also with a strong education component. ''Each episode will contain humour, action set pieces and factual information, and will focus on a particular environmental issue and ultimately conclude with a moral message for children to learn,'' says KidsCo.

In Sinbad in Space the show replaces Sinbad's classic ship with a spaceship to transport him across the universe together with his best friend Zac, techy expert Fred and girl Shapeshifter Lana as they ''travel through the galaxies saving them from disasters'' dealing with villains, environmental issues and disasters.

''We are thrilled to be introducing our first ever HD series and to be continuing KidsCo's drive towards providing HD content,'' says Paul Robinson, KidsCo's global CEO. ''KidsCo's strategy revolves heavily around first-class, quality programming, which is suitable for both children and families internationally. Sinbad is a character parents will know and love, and as the new re-imagining is totally fresh and new for today's children, we are delighted to be adding it to KidsCo's line-up.''

New animation show Sinbad in Space coming to KidsCo from the second half of 2012.

A new original animation show Sinbad in Space will be coming to KidsCo (TopTV 255 / DStv 308) in the second half of 2012.

"By having your own, original programming you have something that truly fits your brand and in a world where there is a lot of clutter, the KidsCo brand needs to really stand for something,'' Paul Robinson, KidsCo global CEO told TBIvision.

Programming note: 'I'm in! I'm in! I'm in the Dino Squad!' Dino Squad coming to KidsCo on weekdays from September.

Five kiddos from Kittery Harbour go on a field trip, come into contact with primordial ooze, and each acquire the power to turn into a different kind of dinosaur.

Now Roger, Max, Caruso, Fiona and Buzz must work together to save their home and the Earth from global warming. New Captain Planet/Turtles/Might Morphin whatzamacallits are here and they're called Dino Squad on KidsCo (TopTV 255/ DStv 308) weekdays at 06:25 and 17:10 from September.

Catchy theme song (with words)! Cool premise! And the evil place? oooh ... Raptor Dine (below). KidsCo was awesome enough and likes their channel's new acquisition enough to courier over the first few episodes of Dino Squad for me. Lots of cool exposition in the first episode to explain everything, then ... action.

Dino Squad has a secret laboratory in a lighthouse (actually the secret lab of their science teacher Mrs Moynihan who's actually a good Velociraptor).

BOO! Boy band Blue teaming up with the KidsCo show Boo & Me to help the Sepilok orangutan sanctuary in Malaysia.

Boy band Blue is partnering with the kids show Boo & Me on KidsCo (DStv 308 / TopTV 255) with the pop group who will feature as an animated version of themselves in a special upcoming episode.

The South African broadcasting date of the Boo & Me episode on KidsCo featuring Blue haven't been provided by the children's channel, although it will go out from Monday in some of the 95 territories where KidsCo as a TV channel is seen.

Blue will be singing their song ''I Can'' in a Boo & Me episode and will appear in animation form in the episode. They've also decided to sponsor a real-life orangutan at the Sepilok sanctuary, naming him ''Blue''.

''We've enjoyed seeing our animated selves alongside Boo, and hope the viewers enjoy watching us perform with our extra band member,'' says Blue band member Duncan James in a statement. ''Asking Blue to be a part of our new Boo & Me series is a perfect fit for KidsCo. Helping save the environment is close to their hearts, as is educating children of all ages to do their bit,'' says Paul Robinson, global CEO of KidsCo.

BREAKING. Why is Sonic the Hedgehog on KidsCo suddenly being broadcast in Chinese?

You're reading it here first.

''Mommy, what language is Sonic the Hedgehog speaking?''

Confused parents are alerting me that this is what their children are asking them today since it appears that Sonic the Hedgehog is broadcast on KidsCo (DStv 308 / TopTV 255) in. . . Chinese.

''My son was confused and he kept asking me, Pappie, what language is Sonic talking in?''

Well. We are living in the Chinese century. Kidding aside, I've asked and MultiChoice was super speedy with a response. MultiChoice tells me that its command centre are aware of the problem and are sorting it out. ''Current shows are in English now,'' MultiChoice tells me.

BREAKING. KidsCo now live on DStv; but not without some new channel debut problems.

KidsCo is now live on MultiChoice's DStv platform (DStv 308) since 11:00 this morning for South African viewers.

The new kids channel's debut is not without its debut problems however. Similar to when On Digital Media (ODM) launched its TopTV platform, the electronic program guide (EPG) for KidsCo is not just out of synch with the half hour kiddies programmes - its completely out of whack.

Out of the whole EPG since KidsCo's debut this morning, not one TV show on the channel has so far corresponded with DStv's EPG. On the good side: the intertile shown at the end of a show is innovative. Also KidsCo indicates to little minds who can't tell time yet with a green running line like a themometre how long the promos, adverts and social responsibility inserts are still going to be before the next show starts.

BREAKING. MultiChoice confirms two new DStv channel additions: KidsCo and AfroMusic starting on Monday.

After I broke the news RIGHT HERE yesterday exclusively that DStv will be adding the TV channels KidsCo (DStv 308) and AfroMusic (DStv 326) from Monday together with Mzansi Magic (DStv 107), MultiChoice first did some emergency self censorship and removed ''offending'' material from the DStv website yesterday (a MultiChoice insider called the info slip ''a mistake''). MultiChoice has now confirmed the news by issuing a press release about the two new DStv channel additions this morning that will be going live together with Mzansi Magic.

''This is another exciting development in MultiChoice service offering,'' says Aletta Alberts, MultiChoice's general manager for content in a press release confirming everything I told you yesterday. ''The three new channels will appeal to a wide range of audiences and increases the choice of programme viewing for our subscribers, especially in terms of the local content offering through Mzanzi Magic. This channel presents an exciting new platform for the South African creative industry, and a new destination for viewers who are interested in proudly South African entertainment.''

''KidsCo (DStv 308) is the place to see a wealth of top animation, live action shows and movies,'' says Aletta Alberts.  About Mzanzi Magic (DStv 107) Aletta Alberts says ''the channel will support the local film industry by procuring and commissioning locally made productions that are tailored to the South African audience.''

As I've said yesterday, KidsCo, AfroMusic and Mzansi Magic will all go live on Monday, 12 July, 2010. KidsCo and AfroMusic will go live from 11:00 on 12 July, while Mzansi Magic will make its debut from 18:00 on this coming Monday. All three channels will be available on DStv Premium and DStv Compact.

TOLDJA! DStv definitely set to launch new TV channels KidsCo and AfroMusic a week from today on Monday, 12 July 2010.

You're reading it here first.

I can exclusively confirm that MultiChoice's DStv platform is definitely set to add two brand new channels, KidsCo (DStv 308) and AfriMusic (DStv 326) for South African DStv subscribers and that both of these new channels will be going live on Monday, 12 July 2010 together with Mzansi Magic (DStv 107).

In May I told you RIGHT HERE that it seems as if DStv is getting ready to launch Kidsco as well as AfroMusic as new channels in Southern Africa and now it is indeed happening a week from today, and exactly on the channel numbers I speculated it would take place: 308 for KidsCo and 326 for AfroMusic. Mzansi Magic, AfroMusic and KidsCo will all be available to DStv Premium as well as DStv Compact subscribers on the IS7 platform - although DStv has not made any official announcement on any of this yet. All three new TV channels will go live exactly a week from today.

AfroMusic that provides African music, documentaries, concerts as well as other music-related programming as a 24 hour TV channel is already available in Angola and Mozambique on the W7 footprint. The international KidsCo channel that's also been available in other parts of Africa through DStv for a while is aimed at children with animation as well as live action shows and movies.

BREAKING. DStv silent on whether Kidsco and Afro Music TV channels will be added soon.

You're reading it here first.

DStv which is most probably adding new TV channels like Kidsco and Afro Music soon, isn't talking although DStv subscribers can now ''stop'' and go to these new channel numbers, although nothing is being broadcast on them (yet).

I told you RIGHT HERE that Mzansi Magic will be located on channel 107 when the new channel starts on July 12 on DStv, but that still leaves channels 326 (most probably the new Afro Music channel), 308 (most probably the new Kidsco channel) and 116 which has to be a general entertainment channel, unexplained. DStv subscribers can now go to all of these channel numbers and get the message ''future channel''. Usually DStv simply skips over channel numbers that don't exist. Not as much as a peep from DStv on any of this, why its now possible to go to these channels and when their broadcasts might become accessible within South Africa.

ALSO READ: Could DStv be adding the BET, Kidsco and Afro Music TV channels for South Africa soon?