Months after it failed to launch on DStv as promised MultiChoice doesn't want to say or explain anything about the no-show Korean 'K-drama' tvN channel.

by Thinus Ferreira

Months after silence and no explanations as to why a promised pop-up TV channel didn't start in November 2020, MultiChoice remains silent and are choosing not to say anything to DStv subscribers or the media about tvN's failure to launch.

In August 2020 MultiChoice publicly announced that Korea's tvN channel, populated with so-called "K-dramas" and Korean telenovelas, would launch in November 2020 as a DStv pop-up channel for a few months.

November 2020 however came and went, as did December 2020, January 2021, and now February 2021, without tvN and with no communication or any updates from MultiChoice.

MultiChoice failed to manage expectations after making the announcement at its 2020 DStv Showcase media event, and getting exposure for content it promised would be coming to DStv subscribers for a TV channel that never materialised when MultiChoice said it would.

tvN, that Yolisa Phahle, MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment and connected video, said would start in November 2020 on DStv channel 134, is from the Oscar-winning producers of Parasite, and were supposed to feature content from some of the biggest players in the Korean drama industry, serving up "glossy, powerful content".

It means that MultiChoice either lied about tvN, or that things went wrong or were delayed - problems that MultiChoice doesn't feel that it needs to explain to the DStv subscribers it created the expectation with, or to the media that MultiChoice made the original announcement to.

A week ago TVwithThinus asked MultiChoice to please help with what happened and is happening with the tvN channel. 

The media enquiry followed after questions and complaints from DStv subscribers who are seeking answers about why MultiChoice made an announcement about a new TV channel that it never followed through with.

MultiChoice was asked why tvN didn't launch in November 2020 as MultiChoice announced would happen and what the issues were that prevented MultiChoice from getting tvN on the air in Africa.

MultiChoice was also asked whether there is a new launch date, and if so, if content on tvN would be dubbed into and be available in English, or whether viewers will have to read hard-coded English subtitles.

MultiChoice was also asked that if tvN were still to launch, if it would still be a DStv pop-up channel, or a more "permanent" addition.

MultiChoice chose not to answer anything or to explain anything about tvN or its ongoing absence.

Ntsika Msuthu, MultiChoice manager for PR and brand engagement, told TVwithThinus that "We have noted questions regarding the much anticipated tvN channel".

"An announcement from the business containing all the relevant information on the channel will be coming out in due course and we will be happy to engage further on any elements that you may require clarity on post the announcement."

This would indicate that MultiChoice does still have some plan to launch tvN at some point in the future, although MultiChoice didn't bother with any explanation or to answer any of the questions.

UPDATE Monday 15 February 2021 14:06: MultiChoice has issued a press release through the Atmosphere PR company stating that tvN will now launch on 1 March 2021 on channel 134.

MultiChoice still doesn't explain why tvN didn't start in November and haven't answered any questions yet. TVwithThinus has again sent MultiChoice questions about tvN, this time through Atmosphere.

Coronavirus: MultiChoice gives a free month-long upgrade to DStv Compact subscribers, M-Net extends its M-Net Binge pop-up channel for a further 2 months until 28 June.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice is giving a free month-long upgrade to all DStv Compact subscribers to the next higher bouquet because of the Covid-19 lockdown situation in South Africa while M-Net is extending its M-Net Binge pop-up channel for DStv Premium subscribers for a further 2 months that will now run until the end of June.

From today, 1 May, the Randburg-based pay-TV operator is giving a free bouquet upgrade to DStv Compact Plus. 

Until 29 May DStv Compact subscribers in South Africa will be able to watch additional TV channels available to DStv Compact Plus subscribers and above, including 1Magic, M-Net Binge, Comedy Central, kykNET, Africa Magic Urban Movies, CBS Justice, Curiosity Stream, History, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., CBeebies, MTV Music, SuperSport 8, SuperSport 12, SuperSport 13, and Sky News.

"It’s exciting to bring new content to our DStv Compact package subscribers," says Ntsika Msuthu, DStv South Africa PR manager.

"During this time, we aim to keep our customers entertained with the best available local and international content available to us and we are excited that we can give our customers exclusives such as the Somhale’s The Union which was dubbed as the wedding extravaganza of the year."

Meanwhile M-Net execs have decided to extend its M-Net Binge Home of HBO (DStv 114) pop-up channel with a further 2 months for DStv Premium and DStv Compact Plus subscribers with the channel that will now run until Sunday 28 June.

From today the opening time of M-Net Binge will change with the channel's schedule that will now start at 20:00 on weekdays and 19:00 on weekends because of the high age-restricted content.

Series added that will run from their first seasons from this month include True Blood, Silicon Valley, Ballers, The Wire, True Detectives and Big Love.