Coronavirus: Multiple TV channels, platforms to show the global Covid-19 concert – One World: Together at Home – on Sunday in South Africa and across Africa.

by Thinus Ferreira

South African viewers will be able to watch One World: Together At Home, a star-studded global concert as a live broadcast very early on Sunday morning, 19 April on BET,  MTV, MTV Base and MSNBC and through online streaming on various platforms, with a primetime rebroadcast on E! on Sunday evening.

The One World: Together at Home broadcast, curated by Lady Gaga will feature appearances by Alanis Morissette, Andrea Bocelli, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Burna Boy, Chris Martin, David Beckham, Eddie Vedder, Elton John, FINNEAS, Idris and Sabrina Elba, J Balvin, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kerry Washington, Lang Lang, Lizzo, Maluma, Paul McCartney, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Shah Rukh Khan and Stevie Wonder. 

Others who will appear include Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Sam Smith, Usher and Pharrell Williams.

Also appearing are Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Awkwafina, Amy Poehler, LL Cool J, Lupita Nyong’o, Matthew McConaughey and Victoria Beckham.

The aim of the broadcast is to raise awareness and to generate funds to fight the global spread of the Covid-19 novel coronavirus pandemic, with Global Citizen and the World Health Organisation (WHO) who are partnering together to present the show. 

 One World: Together at Home will be shown as a live broadcast on BET (DStv 129), MTV (DStv 120), MTV Base (DStv 322) and MSNBC (StarSat 263) in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa at 02:00 in the morning on Sunday, 19 April at the same time as it is shown in the United States, with E! (DStv 124) that will show a rebroadcast on Sunday evening at 18:00 in South Africa and across Africa. 

Disney's National Geographic (DStv 181 / StarSat 220) is also set to broadcast One World: Together at Home although it's not yet clear whether it will be a live broadcast or a rebroadcast with no announcement from National Geographic in Africa yet.

As a multi-hour digital broadcast streaming online, One World: Together at Home will be accessible on Amazon Prime Video, Facebook, Instagram, Tencent, Tencent Music Entertainment Group, Twitter, Yahoo and YouTube. This digital special will include additional artists and performances. 

The American late-night TV hosts Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show and Stephen Colbert of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert seen on e.tv, are set to be the hosts of the One World: Together at Home broadcast and will be filled with musical performances and comedic sketches, with the core purpose to help raise funds and to educate and inform viewers globally about Covid-19 risks, prevention and response. 

The special will also include interviews with experts from the WHO, as well as stories of frontline healthcare workers from around the world and their courage and sacrifice fighting the virus. 

"As we honour and support the heroic efforts of community health workers, One World: Together at Home aims to serve as a source of unity and encouragement in the global fight to end Covid-19," says Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen. 

"Through music, entertainment and impact, the global live-cast will celebrate those who risk their own health to safeguard everyone else's. Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, says "We may have to be apart physically for a little while, but we can still come together virtually to enjoy great music. The One World: Together at Home concert represents a powerful show of solidarity against a common threat."

MTV's trashy reality reboot, The Hills: New Beginnings, renewed for a second season.

Viacom's MTV (DStv 130) has renewed its trashy reality reboot, The Hills: New Beginnings for a second season the channel announced on Monday.

The reboot version started in June on MTV in America and a few weeks ago on MTV in South Africa on the African channel feed of Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) for the continent.

The current reality stars in The Hills: New Beginnings include Heidi Montag, Spencer Pratt, Audrina Patridge, Whitney Port, Stephanie Pratt, Jason Wahler, Brody Jenner, Justin Bobby Brescia and Frankie Delgado, alongside Mischa Barton and Brandon Thomas Lee.

Neither Lauren Conrad nor Kristin Cavallari who now has her own reality series on E! (DStv 124) are not involved with the MTV show that carried on with the now-older stars who first appeared in the original 2000-version a decade earlier.

Madonna staging a comeback with MTV for her 14th album, will do a global premiere of her new music video, Medellín, on MTV.

Madonna at 60 is staging her big comeback in conjunction with MTV and will debut her first single, Medellín, from her new 14th studio album, Madame X, on Wednesday 24 April on MTV (DStv 130) at 22:00.

Medellín is a collaboration with the Colombian singer, Maluma.

Madonna and MTV will broadcast MTV Presents Madonna Live & Exclusive: Medellín Video World Premiere as a globally televised event on the channel.

On Wednesday Madonna will join the British DJ Trevor Nelson live in London in the United Kingdom for a 30-minute discussion of the inspiration behind the album, questions from fans in London, questions from Sway Calloway and fans in New York, collaborator Maluma joining live from Miami, and the music video's world premiere.

On Sunday Madonna announced the title of her 14th album, two weeks after she started teasing the project on her Instagram account.

To announce it, she released a 90-second video teaser, introducing fans to her new alter ego, "Madame X".

Appearing with a variety of costumes and disguises, she explains in voiceovers what she is this latest alter ego of hers is.

"I decided to call my record Madame X. Madame X is a secret agent travelling around the world, changing identities, fighting for freedom. Bringing light to dark places. Madame X is a dancer. A professor. A head of state. A housekeeper. An equestrian. A prisoner. A student. A mother. A child. A teacher. A nun. A singer. A saint. A whore. A spy in the house of love. I’m Madame X."

"Madonna and MTV have been intrinsically tied since their respective youths," says Bruce Gillmer, global head of music and talent, Viacom, and co-brand head of MTV International.

"As Madonna continues to rule the world, we're thrilled to be with her once again live from our Camden studios to world premiere her incredible collaboration with Maluma, Medellín."

Madonna and MTV have shared a history starting with the early premieres of the pop superstar's boundary-pushing music videos. Madonna has been honoured with 24 MTV awards between the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV EMAs."

"Additionally, it was at the inaugural VMAs where she appeared on stage in a wedding dress to perform, Like a Virgin, in her first major award show performance.

MultiChoice reveals it will only broadcast 25 minutes on DStv of Beyoncé and Jay-Z at the Mandela 100 Global Citizen Festival 2018 on Sunday and not their whole performance.

MultiChoice has revealed that it will only be broadcasting 25 minutes on its DStv satellite pay-TV service of the on-stage appearance of Beyoncé and Jay-Z today that will form part of the Mandela 100 Global Citizen Festival 2018 from the FNB Stadium and not their whole performance.

The event is set to be broadcast by MultiChoice's DStv, YouTube, Twitter, the SABC's SABC1 and Viacom International Media Networks Africa's (VIMN Africa) TV channels, MTV (DStv 130) and MTV Base (DStv 323).

MultiChoice has the responsibility to film and produce the event and to provide the live broadcast to the South African public broadcaster, as well as other international broadcast partners.

The South African comedian Trevor Noah will co-host the Mandela 100 Global Citizen Festival with a string of international bold type names ranging from Naomi Campbell, Dave Chappelle, Sir Bob Geldof, Gayle King, Tyler Perry and Forest Whitaker, set to appear, and with Oprah Winfrey who will do a keynote address about Nelson Mandela and his legacy.

South African stars like Bonang Matheba, Nomzamo Mbatha are also part of the appearance list.

Stars like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Cassper Nyovest, D'banj, Ed Sheeran, Eddie Vedder, Femi Kuti, Kasey Musgraves, Pharrell Williams, Chris Martin, Sho Madjozi, Tiwa Savage, Usher and Wizkid are set to perform, but MultiChoice revealed that it will only broadcast 25 minutes of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, not not their whole performance.

On Twitter MultiChoice warned DStv subscribers, saying "we will be airing the entire concert but only 25 minutes of the Beyonce and Jay-Z performance" because "the full performance of Beyoncé and Jay-Z is exclusive to those who have earned their tickets to be inside the stadium on the day".

Hi, we will be airing the entire concert but only 25 minutes of the Beyonce and Jay-Z performance. ~TC

— DStv (@DStv) November 30, 2018

the full performance of Beyoncé and Jay-Z is exclusive to those who have earned their tickets to be inside the stadium on the day. ~TC

— DStv (@DStv) November 30, 2018

A production staffer involved with the Mandela 100 Global Citizen Festival died on Saturday after the rigger plunged to his death, although the concert will go ahead despite the tragedy and loss of life.

The as yet unidentified man die on Saturday at the FNB Stadium doing rigging work for one of the production partners involved.

BREAKING. MultiChoice, the SABC and Viacom International's MTV to broadcast the Global Citizen Festival in South Africa in December across the continent and globally.

MultiChoice, the SABC, Viacom International's MTV and YouTube have picked up the broadcasting rights of the upcoming Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 with the SABC, MTV (DStv 130) and YouTube that will broadcast the event in South Africa, sub-Saharan African and globally to 180 countries across six continents on 2 December.

MultiChoice has the responsibility to film and produce the event and to provide the live broadcast to the South African public broadcaster, as well as other international broadcast partners.

MultiChoice will broadcast the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 on DStv channel 199 to all DStv subscribers in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa.

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) will also broadcast the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 taking place at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, South Africa to 180 countries and territories outside the United States, including Australia, Argentina and beyond.

MTV Base (DStv 323) will also broadcast a 2-hour "best of" TV special in the days after the original live broadcast on DStv in South Africa as well as nearly 50 countries across sub-Saharan Africa.

YouTube and Twitter will bring the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 to the rest of the global audience.

The South African comedian Trevor Noah will co-host the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 with Naomi Campbell, Dave Chappelle, Sir Bob Geldof, Gayle King, Bonang Matheba, Nomzamo Mbatha, Tyler Perry, and Forest Whitaker, and Oprah Winfrey will do a keynote address about Nelson Mandela and his legacy.

Stars like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Cassper Nyovest, D'banj, Ed Sheeran, Eddie Vedder, Femi Kuti, Kasey Musgraves, Pharrell Williams, Chris Martin, Sho Madjozi, Tiwa Savage, Usher and Wizkid are set to perform.

Yolisa Phahle, MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment, says "We're honoured to be the exclusive pay TV broadcast partner in Southern Africa for this event that celebrates Madiba's legacy and reminds us all of the importance of giving back to our communities. We look forward to sharing this with our customers on the 2nd of December, and also giving them access to the musical highlights in the days thereafter".

Madoda Mxakwe, SABC CEO, says "The SABC is proud to partner with the Global Citizen Festival, which will enable the public broadcaster to bring the symbolic Mandela 100 concert to South African audiences".

"As we celebrate Nelson Mandela's centenary, we are pleased that this partnership will provide an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on Nelson Mandela‘s life and times, and promote his legacy."

Bruce Gillmer, Viacom’s global head of music and talent and co-brand lead for MTV International, says "MTV stands with the artists, leaders and passionate citizens who are raising their voices and taking action to effect positive change throughout the world".

"In the spirit of Nelson Mandela, MTV believes in the power of music to unite and inspire. We're proud to amplify this incredible night of music and activism in his honor to fans around the world."

The Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 executive producers are Dr. Precious Moloi Motsepe, Patrice Motsepe, Kweku Mandela, Dave Holmes, Declan Kelly, Liza Henshaw and Hugh Evans.

Leaders who will be speaking at the event include South African president Cyril Ramaphosa; Amina J. Mohammed, deputy secretary-general of the United Nations; prime minister Erna Solberg of Norway and president Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana.

Other leaders who will speak include president Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana; Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO); Alexander De Croo, deputy prime minister of Belgium; David Beasley, executive director of the World Food Programme; ambassador Ertharin Cousin, board director of The Power of Nutrition; and Peter Sands, executive director of the The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Max Joseph leaving MTV's Catfish reality show after 7 years.

Max Joseph is leaving the Catfish reality show on MTV (DStv 130), saying he's done with the show after 7 years as a presenter.

"Hey guys, the time has come, sadly, for me to move on from Catfish," says Max Joseph in a statement.

"Working on this show for the last seven years has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I've learned a lot about myself, my country and human nature in general. Nev and I have become brothers and our bromance has blossomed before your eyes."

For a while now I have been straddling two careers as TV host and filmmaker and, while this level of busy-ness is a dream come true, my life can no longer sustain it. With Catfish still going strong after 7 seasons, 115 episodes, 31 specials and showing no sign of slowing down, I feel it is finally the time for me to make my exit."

"Although I have a heavy heart, I am also excited for everything that's to come for myself, for Nev, for our crew and for the show. Thank you for watching, thank you for the love and for the memes."

Nev Schulman in a statement thanked Max Joseph for his time on the show and the experiences they've shared.

"Working with Max on Catfish has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. What started as a casual friendship quickly turned into a brotherhood. Thanks to Max, over the last six years I've learned as much about the internet and society as I have about myself."

"Max isn't just a co-host, he's a partner. His ability to listen, empathise and advise is astounding. Nobody cuts through the noise and dishes the hard truth better than he does. I'm going to miss him a lot. He's my best friend and one of the best colleagues anyone could hope for. As sad as I am though that Max is leaving the show, it brings me great joy to know that he is following his heart."

"While selfishly I'd love to keep him all to myself, I know that unleashing the creativity and passion that he has will benefit so many of us."

MTV abruptly halts production on Catfish, suspends presenter Nev Schulman after allegations of sexual misconduct.

Viacom's MTV (DStv 130) has abruptly halted production on its Catfish series and suspended presenter Nev Schulman following allegations of sexual misconduct.

"We take these allegations very seriously," says MTV said in a statement. "We're working with Critical Content, our third-party production company, to conduct a thorough investigation and we've put a pause on shooting until the investigation is completed."

Since 2012 Catfish with Yaniv "Nev" Schulman and Max Joseph seek out the real identities of people who pretend to be other people online as they "fish" for victims who fall for their deceptive alter ego online romances and are conned out of money. Nev Schulman is also an executive producer of Catfish.

It's not clear what the nature of the sexual misconduct allegations against Nev Schulman are, but it surfaced in two YouTube videos earlier this week that were posted by a woman who appeared on Catfish 3 years ago.

Nev Schulman in a statement says "the behaviour described in this video did not happen and I'm fortunate that there are a number of former colleagues who were present during this time period who are willing to speak up with the truth".

"I have always been transparent about my life and would always take responsibility for my actions – but these claims are false."

Fifth season of MTV Africa's Shuga sex drama filmed in South Africa will be set in a fictionalised Soweto called Zenzele; adds Nigerian artists.

The 5th season of MTV Africa's Shuga, filmed for the first time in South Africa, is bringing a South African flavour to the mix but is toning down its overt "South Africanness", adding Nigerian artists and setting it in a fictional township doubling as Soweto.

While MTV's Shuga is being filmed in South Africa for the first time, MTV Africa wants the pan-African edutainment sex drama to remain relatable to a broad African youth audience base that will be broadcast in several African nations.

Quizzical Pictures, producing the fifth season of Shuga entitled Shuga: Down South, for Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa), decided to create and set the new season in the clubs and schools of "Zenzele" - a fictionalised version of the sprawling South African township of Soweto, bordering Johannesburg's mining belt in the south.

Nigerian artists are part of the latest season to keep a pan-African feel to the gritty series that in its new 8-episodes will continue to tell cautionary tales around HIV/Aids and youth sex, drug use, teen motherhood and unplanned pregnancy, and other relational issues young African people are confronted with.

South African actors Given Stuurman (soccer player Reggie struggling with his sexual identity), Stephanie Sandows (mercenary teenager Tsholo), Ayandai Makayi (possessive boyfriend Sol) and Winnie Ntshaba (religious mother Neliswe) have been added to Shuga: Down South.

They join Vanessa Mdee (Storm), Clint Brink (Rakeem), Thuso Mbedu (pictured) (Ipeleng), Mohau Mokoatle Cele (Bongi), Jezriel Skei (Quinton), Lerato Walaza (teen mom Zamo) and Phila Mazibuko (DJ Coalstove).

Nigerian actors Emmaniel Ifeanyi Ikubese (Femi) and Adesua Etomi (Sheila), as well as Kenya's Nick Mutuma (Leo) will also appear. The Nigerian artist Seyi Shay and South African rapper Kwesta will make guest appearances in Shuga: Down South as themselves.

After open auditions, six more people were added to the cast: Samkelisiwe Makhoba as troubled teenager Kensai, Cebo Zikhali (Kitso), Sphelele Mzimela (Sis No'xolo), Herbert Sibanda (Fentse), Eve Rasimeni (nurse) and Thabiso Seboka (soccer player).

Production on Shuga: Down South started in December 2016 and will be broadcast  from 8 March on MTV Base (DStv 322). Shuga will also be shown BET (DStv 129) and on SABC1 later in 2017.

e.tv and OpenView HD to broadcast the MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 in HD as a delayed-live broadcast an hour after MTV Base and MTV on DStv.

 
e.tv and OpenView HD will broadcast the MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 in high definition (HD) as a delayed live broadcast on Saturday night at 22:00 as a delayed live broadcast, starting one hour after the live broadcast in Johannesburg from the Ticketpro Dome at 21:00 that will be shown on MTV Base (DStv 322) and MTV (DStv 130).

Trevor Noah has dropped out out as host citing illness and is replaced by Bonang Matheba as the pan-African music awards show from Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) moved to Johannesburg for the first time, since it was started in 2008.

It is the 3rd time this year that e.tv is partnering with VIMN Africa and MTV Base to bring viewers the MAMAs that celebrates musicians and achievers who have made the biggest impact on African culture and the continent's music scene over the past 12 months.

"We are once again excited to be partnering with MTV Base to bring millions of our diverse free-to-air viewers the MAMAs," says Marlon Davids, managing director at e.tv channels division.

"The event offers a fantastic, rare glimpse into both the vibrant continental and global entertainment trends."

Monde Twala, the vice president for BET, youth and music at VIMN Africa says "we are thrilled to partner with e.tv to bring this amazing awards ceremony to e.tv viewers - packed with stars, music, spectacle and world class performances and collaborations".

The MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 will celebrate 18 award categories, which includes categories, which includes categories such as Best Male, Best Female, Listener's Choice and Best Group. Additional categories include the Africa Re-Imagined Award and Personality of the Year.

Viewers can look forward to African and international musicians. 

Award-winning American rapper, Future is set to join some of Africa's best entertainers such as Alikiba, Babes Wodumo, Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, Ycee, Yemi Alade, Diamond, Emtee, Kwesta and Patoranking.

AKA and Black Coffee are nominated in the Best Male category alongside Patoranking, Wizkid and Diamond. Gold medallist Caster Semenya and Pearl Thusi will compete against the likes of Linda Ikeji, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Wizkid in the Personality of the Year category. 

The South African rap sensation, Emtee  is nominated in the Best Hip Hop category.

BREAKING. South African comedian Trevor Noah to host the first MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 in Johannesburg on 22 October.

After scheduling conflicts and too little time last year ahead of his debut as the new host of The Daily Show in 2015, Trevor Noah is now ready and his diary open enough to host the upcoming MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 taking place on Johannesburg on Saturday 22 October.

After criticism about the American comedians hosting an African awards show like Marlon Wayans and Anthony Anderson, Viacom Africa executives who considered and tried for Trevor Noah last year, have now managed to snag the South African stand-up comedian for the award show that is moving from Durban to Johannesburg's Ticketpro Drome.

The MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 will be broadcast live on 22 October on MTV Base (DStv 322) and MTV (DStv 130) at 21:00 with the 2-hour broadcast in front of an expected crowd of 15 000 people that will include performances by Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, Ycee, Yemi Alade, Babes Woduma and Alikiba.

"I'm a huge fan of African music and entertainment and it's going to be a massive pleasure celebrating them both at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 in my own home town of Johannesburg," says Trevor Noah in a statement.

Alex Okosi, the senior vice president and managing director of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN Africa) says "Trevor Noah is an outstanding entertainer, and testament to the amazing talent that Africa has to offer the world".

"To have him host the MAMAs, our annual celebration of Africa music, creativity and achievement is a powerful and inspiring message. We are delighted that out first ever show in Johannesburg will be presented by one of the city's most loved and admired personalities."

MTV's successful new fantasy drama series, The Shannara Chronicles, renewed for a second season; no episode order or starting date given.

The Shannara Chronicles has been renewed for a second season by MTV, although the recently completed first season has not yet been shown on MTV in South Africa and across Africa or on any other of MultiChoice's channels on DStv.

The fantasy drama series based on the fantasy novels of the famed fantasy author Terry Brooks.started at the beginning of the year and just concluded its 10-episode, first season run as MTV's first drama series.

Interestingly, The Shannara Chronicles ranked as the highest grossing digital download for a single season on MTV in the channel's history in America, accomplishing the goal of attracting more, new and new younger viewers to the brand.

In January Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) told TVwithThinus that "it is very likely that we will be airing The Shannara Chronicles on MTV in Africa" but so far nothing has come of it.

VIMN Africa said "we do endeavour to air American series as close as possible to the United States premieres, so we will be able to update you shortly about the premiere date for the series on DStv".

That didn't happen.

Now the show has been renewed for a second season while South African viewers missed out on following the first season as the rest of the world.

In the drama series Austin Butler as a half-human, half elf, goes on a quest with an elf princess (Poppy Drayton) and the last druid (Manu Bennett) to help save the elf kingdom when their magical tree that keeps the demons at bay, starts dying.

No episode order, nor starting date for the second season of The Shannara Chronicles has been announced - nor what story the second season will tell. 

The other books in the novel series deal with completely other characters in other eras, and the first season ended where the book ended.

"This dream team delivered a beautiful, groundbreaking show with compelling stories and character journeys which brought in new viewers.  I can't wait to see what season 2 brings," says Mina Lefevre, the executive vice president and head of scripted development at MTV in America in a statement.

"We're thrilled to continue the momentum established in season 1," says Jenna Glazier, the executive vice president of television series at Sonar Entertainment.

"Along with the ongoing support of MTV, the entire creative team is poised to raise the bar even higher in season 2".

New local MTV documentary, The People vs the Rainbow Nation, looks at whether South Africa's 'Rainbow Nation' has become a myth for disenfranchised youth.

MTV in South Africa commissioned a youth race documentary entitled The People vs the Rainbow Nation that will be broadcast on Thursday night looking at whether the Rainbow Nation that Archbishop Desmond Tutu described in 1994 has become a myth.

The 50-minute documentary from Lebogang Rasethaba and produced by Allison Swank of Arcade Content will be broadcast on Thursday 21 April on MTV (DStv 130) at 21:15 and on MTV Base (DStv 322) on 27 April at 12:00.

Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) commissioned The People vs the Rainbow Nation in response to the American documentary White People that the youth channel felt would be more relevant and timeous for its local audience.

While race discussions dominates, the documentary also includes views on education, economic Apartheid, white privilege, colonialism, sexism, governance, patriarchy and classism in South African society.

The People vs the Rainbow Nation interviews youth activists and students at various campuses including Tuks, Wits, Stellenbosch and the University of Cape Town to get their opinions about the new youth struggle in South Africa which recently gave rise to upheaval and violence on tertiary campuses along with social media "hashtags" ranging from #RhodesMustFall to #FeesMustFall.

"The People vs the Rainbow Nation follows the contrasting lives of students of different ethnicities from four different South African universities in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Stellenbosch and Pretoria, asking if equal rights have meant equality, and whether the promise of the Rainbow Nation is still alive and kicking, or if the dream is tarnished beyond repair," says Dillon Khan, the head of MTV Africa.

"We wanted to make a film that we wished someone had made when we were young to help us make sense of the construct of society, how to engage the systems of power at play and where we as individuals fit in in all of this," says Lebogang Rasethaba.

Viacom Africa and its MTV channel, as well as e.tv, 'reveal' that the local version of Lip Sync Battle Africa will start in April 2015. As in last year.

Back in October last year I reported that e.tv will be doing a local version of Lip Sync Battle in 2016, and then in November that Viacom International Media Networks Africa's MTV will be doing Lip Sync Battle Africa  - they finally issued an official press release about it today.

VIMN Africa says actor LL Cool J "revealed today on MTV's social media platforms" that there will be a local version of Lip Sync Battle Africa done in partnership with e.tv.

Actually VIMN Africa "revealed" it to the press last year in November, and e.tv "revealed" it a month before that.

VIMN Africa will first show Lip Sync Battle Africa on MTV (DStv 130) and MTV Base (DStv 322) before e.tv will get the right to show the episodes.

e.tv and VIMN Africa have worked together for the past two years in content agreements for the MTV Africa Music Awards and is expanding its partnership.

The first season of Lip Sync Africa in which contestants lip sing to popular music tracks will have 13 half hour episodes starting on 14 April at 20:50 on MTV, and from 16 April on MTV Base at 11:30.

VIMN Africa and MTV says "the weekly show will go live in April 2015" - obviously meaning 2016 - and obviously meaning that a lot of the copy-and-paste Journalists Covering Television simply used and ran the press release as a story without changing or questioning anything.

"We are thrilled to partner with e.tv on localising Lip Sync Battle for an African audience, with its amazing energy and authentic charm that has celebrities lining up to take part and viewers clamouring for more," says Dillon Khan, MTV Africa head.

"We are extremely excited about this groundbreaking partnership," says Monde Twala, the managing director of e.tv channels division in the statement.

"Lip Sync Battle Africa is a fresh and entertaining format, it's an extension of e.tv's goal to bring viewers fresh home-grown content with a special twist".

In 2016. In 2016.

New youth fantasy drama series, The Shannara Chronicles, 'very likely' to be on MTV in Africa on DStv, premiere date not certain.

A new fantasy drama series, The Shannara Chronicles, has just started on Viacom's MTV in the United States but there's not yet any certainty as to when South African and African viewers are going to see it or if it will be on MTV (DStv 130) - although it's likely.

The Shannara Chronicles, filmed in New Zealand, is a Lord of the Rings type fantasy story with humans, elves and demons set in a post-apocalyptic world thousands of years from now - a TV version of the fantasy novels of the famed fantasy author Terry Brooks.

Now, Teen Wolf is also a fantasy drama series from and on MTV in America, but that series eventually went to M-Net's Vuzu and Vuzu Amp (DStv 114) channels in South Africa and Africa.

I've been trying to puzzle out and find out where The Shannara Chronicles would land and when for South African viewers - MTV, or  M-Net for one of its channels.

The Shannara Chronicles is 4 episodes into its first season, I've watched the first 3 already two weeks ago, and if you like the Game of Thrones, Teen Wolf, Legend of the Seeker type drama series, you will like this.

I've heard back from Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) responsible for channels like MTV and MTV Base in Africa who tells me "it is very likely that we will be airing The Shannara Chronicles on MTV in Africa".

VIMN Africa tells me they're unable to pinpoint the date that The Shannara Chronicles will start at this time.

"However we do endeavour to air American series as close as possible to the United States premieres, so we will be able to update you shortly about the premiere date for the series on DStv".

The Shannara Chronicles has Austin Butler as a half-human, half elf, going on a quest with an elf princess (Poppy Drayton) and the last druid (Manu Bennett) to help save the elf kingdom when their magical tree that keeps the demons at bay, starts dying.

John Rhys-Davies who was Gimli in Lord of the Rings and who I've loved ever since he was Professor Maximillian Arturo in Sliders.

Something else of interest is that The Shannara Chronicles is produced by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar whose names you'll be very familiar with if like me you've sat through a decade of Smallville which they started.

Two people killed in MTV helicopter crash on Saturday in Argentina working on the reality show, The Challenge, in an unauthorised flight.

Two people have been killed in a MTV helicopter in the western part of Argentina on Saturday working on a show called The Challenge, according to Argentina's state news agency Telam.

The Bell 206 helicopter crashed at the reservoir at the Potrerillos de Mendoza dam 1 000 km northwest of Buenos Aires and Carlos Alberto Zarlenga and Luis Marcelo Barrera both died.

A police spokesperson told the Spanish language newspaper El Sol that the MTV helicopter was not authorised to fly over the dam.

Roberto Munives told El Sol that "due to the time of the accident, there is no hope of finding the crew alive".

Search and rescue workers have so far been unable to retrieve the bodies of the MTV helicopter pilot and a technician since the helicopter wreck is 60 m under the water surface.

According to Todo Noticias Argentina, the helicopter crashed into the Potrerillos dam in the city of Lujan de Cuyo at 08:15 and that "the white and light blue aircraft — contracted by MTV to take footage in the area — suddenly fell and exploded".

Saturday's crash is the second deadly helicopter crash in Argentina involving a reality show.

In a statement MTV says the helicopter was part of The Challenge, a co-production of MTV and Bunim-Murray Productions and was on its way to a shooting location when it fell and crashed. According to MTV the two people who died are not part of the cast or crew.

Nigerian sex and relationship edu-drama, Shuga, back for a new 4th season on MTV Base from Sunday 13 September at 22:00.

The 4th season of MTV in Africa's edu-drama series Shuga is set to start on Sunday 13 September at 22:00 on MTV Base (DStv 322), adding new actors and characters to the sex and relationship drama which is both a social and educational campaign but surprisingly also turned into good television.

Shuga, which started in 2009 using television for helping to spread a public health message around sex and aimed at young people, is back for a 4th season from this Sunday with repeats on Mondays at 22:30.

The South African actress Tunbosun Mohau Mokoatle is joining the drama series which originally starred the then little known Kenyan actresss, Lupita Nyong'o.

Season 4 of Shuga picks up the story some months after the end of the third season and the new episodes will explore storylines like first sex, grooming of adolescent girls, disclosure of HIV status, sexual assault within relationships, mentoring and the use of helplines to seek support.

The 4th season of Shuga was also filmed in Lagos earlier this year after production of the drama from Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) moved to Nigeria for the third season after the first two were filmed in Kenya.

The new season will also be translated into French and Portuguese versions, the first time ever for the show.

In the new season, Sophie, who ended the third season of Shuga with a life-threatening gunshot in the finale, has been profoundly affected by her close brush with death and has vowed to turn her life around. She now works for a helpline.

Besides this storyline Shuga's fourth season has a businessman predator, a pregnant HIV mother-to-be, and a man trying to keep his HIV positive status a secret from his girlfriend.

Besides MTV Base, earlier seasons of Shuga are shown on South Africa's SABC1 as well as on etv.

Today's interesting TV stories to read from TV with Thinus - 6 July 2015.

True TRASH TV: How rivals SuperSport and StarTimes fought behind the scenes.
- First the truly trashy Sam Keengu Nyamweya, the president of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) signed a sponsorship deal with StarTimes as new media partner, then alleging that StarTimes will now show a soccer match between Kenya and Ethiopia in Nairobi.
- The only problem was that SuperSport had the rights to show it on DStv.
- Yet StarTimes blocked SuperSport from the stadium with armed police, and the former SuperSport executive and now StarTimes sport boss Gary Rathbone blatantly lied and said StarTimes would show the match. Gary Rathbone kept lying on social media to fans. The trashy Chinese StarTimes even bought full-page newspaper ads advertising they will show the match.
- Then SportFive, the sole marketing agent, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) got involved, blatantly telling StarTimes to back off, since SuperSport has the exclusive broadcasting rights, and threatening Kenya with expulsion from CHAN.
- And finally FKF and StarTimes backed off after having lied to subscribers with a trashy apology of suddenly "the CHAN rights are held by CAF as opposed to FKF".
- Now StarTimes wants to renegotiate its contract with FKF because "the integrity of the partnership is now compromised".

Truly TV trash you can't make up.


Can Frans Matlala, the new SABC CEO, save the SABC?
- "I was a bit worried about hearing media reports of him saying 'yes, we're going to broadcast the truth but we want to balance that'. How do you balance the truth?" Listen to the whole CapeTalk interview here with Kate Skinner from the SOS Coalition.

- Interestingly, the SABC's controversial and famously matricless chief operating officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng is holding the hand of Frans Matlala and is accompanying him to media interviews, asserting his control, like to an interview on 702 radio. Is that really necessary?
- Hlaudi Motsoeneng continues his awkward statements at the SABC's announcement of Frans Matlala as new SABC CEO.


Botched on E! Entertainment (DStv 124) renewed.
The reality series about Hollywood plastic surgeons trying to fix horrific plastic surgery mistakes renewed fir a 3rd season.


It's 25 years since Star Trek The Next Generation's "The Best of Both Worlds" cliffhanger.
A fascinating behind-the-scenes oral history of how the cliffhanger changed the show forever, and other interesting facts you never knew.
And Forbes reveals the intricate shared rights issues and complex rights problems which is keeping a new TV series of Star Trek off the air - while next year will be its 50th anniversary.


The BBC will fire more than 1 000 people.
Dramatic cuts on the cards in massive restructuring at the British public broadcaster.

The TV industry "is hideously middle-class," says British TV producer.
One of Britain's leading TV executives from Endemol Shine laments the lack of diversity.

SACP wants the scrapping of the controversial MultiChoice and SABC archives deal.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) and the ANC political parties are against the "privatisation" of the "country's national archives". Also worrying signs that these political parties want to clamp down on media regulation in South Africa.

M-Net's new Zambezi Magic TV channel on DStv just South African soapies.
The new Southern African DStv channel is so far a channel "for archive South African soapies".
Africa's TV and film industry needs to stop making mediocre productions, says producer, and improve the quality.
South Africa's Connie and Shona Ferguson also went to the Zambezi Magic launch and also said producers need to up their game.


TV isn't dead. It's just evolving.
The consumer is in charge and the TV industry needs to evolve, and the pay-TV business model is changing.

Viacom is having a midlife crisis.
Bloomberg looks at why nobody wants their MTV (DStv 130) anyomore.

Some problem with MultiChoice's set-top boxes in Zambia.
Zambia's broadcasting authority is warning of "sanctions" if the problem with defective decoders isn't solved soon.

New Pay-TV player Siyaya TV and the SAFA fighting.
More sports rights drama behind the scenes as Siyaya TV and the South African Football Association (SAFA) are sparring despite a 10-year Bafana Bafana sports rights deal.

How television won the internet.
The New York Times on how television as a "tired" technology is taking over the internet and how its TV which is making people willing to pay for digital content online.

Soon you'll be able to to build your own Game of Thrones.
The fantasy drama series on M-Net Edge (DStv 102) is coming out with its own amazing construction sets - from the Iron Throne room to Attack on the Wall, and even a Mother of Dragons set.

BREAKING. MTV unveils its latest big brand reinvention; will now broadcast viewers' uploaded social media videos on TV through #MTVbump.

You're reading it here first.

From today MTV (DStv 130) will show people's clips and short videos on television when they use the hashtag #MTVbump as the international youth platform changes from "I want my MTV" to "I am my MTV" in its latest big brand reinvention.

The Viacom International Media Networks channel will connect its linear broadcast system to the internet to showcase social media videos on MTV in real time, saying it wants to "celebrate our audience and their talent" by spotlighting their social media videos between programming on-air and across all platforms.

From now on viewers' social media videos will be shown on MTV on television in more than 160 countries between programming as the youth brand opens itself up further to young people through showcasing user video content to audiences worldwide.

Using #MTVbump, viewers will be able to let MTV know they want to share their video on television. MTV then selects the best videos and broadcast them - from fun and crazy videos to pranks.

MTV says its promos will also take on a new look and feel and will be shorter, louder and hyper-visual as MTV experiments with narrative structures and visual storytelling.

Later in the year MTV will also be introducing MTV Canvass - a digital "sticker book" that will help viewers to create and share original MTV art, backdrops, celebrities, music and art work.

"MTV has always been committed to reinvention and it's time to shed our skin and reinvent again," says Kelly Taylor, the senior vice president for youth and music for Viacom International Media Networks and chief marketing officer of Viacom UK.

"Our audience expects MTV to push boundaries and take creative risks, and we truly believe that with this rebrand MTV's international channels will look like nothing else".

MTV is working with B-Reel Creative to connect the internet to the network's linear broadcast system, making it possible for social media videos on Instagram or Vines shared on Twitter with #MTVbump to be shown on-air within two hours.

MTV will curate the user content and filter it for relevance, pop culture topicality or number of fans and then play it out on-air and across MTV's platforms.

Users can also submit videos at MTVbump.com, where the videos which were broadcast around the world will also be shown.

Some artists and social media talent like Grumpy Cat, Rixton, Shawn Mendes and Martin Garrix already did some special creations.

"No-one is bringing user generated content to air this quickly on a global scale," says Kelly Taylor. "#MTVbump lets us be incredibly topical, fast and localised - which is critical."

MTV is also adding a series of new Art Breaks which will spotlight experimental video art, music and storytelling from emerging artists around the world.

Artists included in Art Breaks are Thomas de Rijk from the Netherlands, Device from Spain, Johnny Wood from LA and Katie Torn from New York, Eva Papamargariti from Greece, Brdg from Japan and The Great Nordic Swordfights from LA.

MTV says videos from new artists will be added on an ongoing basis.

BREAKING. MTV on DStv adds The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon from 24 September; new episodes to be shown quickly after America.

The American late night talk show, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, is coming to MTV (DStv 130), with episodes which will be shown very quickly and follow closely on the heels of being broadcast in the United States.

Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) secured the broadcasting rights for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and will start the show with new episodes on 24 September at 18:00 on weekdays.

CNBC Africa (DStv 410) which used to show The Tonight Show with Jay Leno for years, quietly got rid of and dumped the late night talker in February this year. Viewers of the show and fans of Jimmy Fallon will now switch DStv channels and tune to MTV.

The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on MTV in South Africa will show episodes from the new second season just 36 hours after it's shown in the United States on NBC, but from 8 September.

As a lead in to the new regular programming strand, MTV will show "classic" episodes from the first season, also at 18:00 on weekdays, to give African viewers on DStv a feel of the show.

From 8 September until 24 September viewers will be able to watch the big-buzz episodes from the first season with guests like Michelle Obama, Halle Berry and Will Smith who've already dropped by.

MultiChoice moving MTV from premium status to lower DStv bouquets; VIMN Africa simplifying the MTV schedule.

MultiChoice is lowering the premium status of the MTV brand and selling through the MTV (DStv 130) channel from Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) to the lower-tiered DStv bouquets of DStv Exta and DStv Compact.

MTV which used to be a premium TV channel will now become a part of DStv Compact and DStv Extra from 25 August at 21:00.

Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) will be able to reach more DStv subscribers and viewers, and therefore more advertisers, although MTV also loses some of its sought-after status as MultiChoice signals that MTV no longer carries enough premium-level TV content.

MTV is also simplifying its programming schedule, with the TV channel dividing its line-up into three timeslots. Between 15:00 and 20:00 daily the schedule will be dedicated to music programming including themed music hours and music specials while the channel will show entertainment shows between 20:00 and 22:00. Reality shows will be broadcast from after 22:00.

"We want our customers to have access to a wide variety of the best entertainment," says Aletta Alberts, MultiChoice's general manager for content in a statement, saying that the move to lower MTV for a wider distribution means that "now more DStv customers can become part of the MTV generation".

Alex Okosi, the senior vice president and managing director of VIMN Africa, which already runs MTV Base as a TV channel on DStv as well, says that VIMN Africa wants to bring MTV "to a wider audience base in South Africa" through the DStv Extra and DStv Compact bouquets.

"This provides us with a great opportunity to introduce more content and initiatives that deliver even greater value for our viewers and partners," says Alex Okosi.

"Whether it's breaking new music acts or showcasing the world's biggest stars at headline-making award shows,or creating globally relevant entertainment shows that take risks and break new ground, MTV provides a truly eclectic mix of programming you won't find anywhere else on TV," says Dillon Khan, the channel director for MTV and VH1 Classic in South Africa.