Known Associates crime-comedy film The Drop added to eVOD as 'cinematic love letter to Johannesburg's gritty charm'

by Thinus Ferreira

The crime-comedy film The Drop, directed by Jonathan Parkinson and written by Athos Kyriakides will debut on eMedia's eVOD on 30 January, starring Didintle Khunou, Siyabonga Xaba, Garion Dowds, Bonko Khoza and Makgotso Monyemorathoe.

Produced and distributed by Known Associates, The Drop is the story of three flatmates whose mundane lives take a turn after they find themselves at the wrong end of a bank heist gone wrong.

When a robber crashes into their apartment with a bag full of stolen money, the trio's ordinary world is turned upside down.

What follows is botched escape plans, run-ins with law enforcement and an intimidating Russian mobster who wants his money back.

The Drop was filmed on location in Johannesburg's Maboneng precinct which the producers call a "cinematic love letter to Johannesburg's gritty charm and vibrant energy".

"As a director, my goal was to craft a film that blends high-stakes action with relatable, character-driven storytelling, with a wicked and sometimes quirky comedic undertone," says director Jonathan Parkinson.

"The Drop is unapologetically South African, and it’s been an incredible journey bringing this vision to life alongside an exceptional team, and seriously talented cast."

Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri, producer and Known Associates group CEO, says "This is more than just a film; it's a statement about the vibrancy and resilience of South African storytelling".

"The Drop captures the grit, humour, and unfiltered energy of Johannesburg while showcasing the immense talent our country has to offer. We're excited to deliver a story that's bold, unapologetically local, and universally relatable."

Meg Rickards-directed South African film Snake wins 2 awards at Florence International Film Festival

by Thinus Ferreira

The South African film Snake, directed by Meg Rickards, has won two awards at the Florence International Film Festival in Italy, scooping Best feature film as well as the Best actress award from the youth jury for its young star Lamiyah Barnard in the role of Stella.

Snake is based on the novel by Tracey Farren.

Snake has been a labour of love for everyone involved. The Best Film award from the Youth Jury at Florence is a wonderful recognition of the hard work and heart that went into making it," says Meg Rickards.

"Lamiyah was just nine years old when we filmed, and her ability to bring such emotional depth to the lead role as Stella is extraordinary. I am delighted that she has received the Best Actress award. I couldn't be prouder of her and the entire team."

Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri, producer, says "These two awards are a wonderful recognition of the film, affirming the power of storytelling and the importance of sharing voices like Stella's with the world. We are thrilled that South African audiences will have the chance to experience Snake when it's released on eVOD in April this year."

Snake has been selected by two prestigious festivals taking place in February 2025. 

First, the film will compete at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles. Additionally, Snake has been nominated for awards at the Barcelona Indie Awards which will be hosted as a live-screening event in February 2025.

Snake was produced by Known Associates Entertainment and Boondogle Films and is currently available on Amazon Prime Video in Africa, and is distributed by Known Associates Distribution.

Snake also stars Neels van Jaarsveld, Keenan Arison, Tarryn Wyngaard, Rika Sennett, Carel Nel, and Jennifer Steyn.

eVOD: With 1.3 million registrations eMedia wants it to become 'the Netflix of South Africa'.

by Thinus Ferreira

eMedia says it is positioning its eVOD video streaming service "as the Netflix of South Africa" primarily filled with e.tv's local content in video-on-demand format and that its streamer passed 1.3 million registered users with 1.3 billion minutes in watch-time.

In eMedia's latest annual financial report for the year ending 31 March 2024 it just released, eMedia says it is planning further enhancements before the end of March 2025 "to increase registered viewership and ad revenue".

eVOD - with e.tv that continues to commission and produce and release eOriginals on the streamer - competes with the South African public broadcaster's SABC+ which passed one million users but earlier this month relaunched yet again, now requiring user registration which means that SABC+ is starting anew for a third time to lure users and viewers to build a base.

eVOD that launched in August 2021 is also competing with MultiChoice's Showmax and a flurry of global streamers operating within South Africa like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and a few smaller ones. 

According to eMedia, eVOD racked up 1.3 billion minutes in watch-time by the end of March - representing 19% growth in watch-time, and now has 1 129 162 registered users. It should be noted that the 1.13 million registered users don't represent active users, the number of which eMedia doesn't want to provide.

Over 23 eVOD original movies were released during the financial year, as well as six eOriginal series.

eVOD did its first-ever live-stream event in October for the Red Bull Sound Clash and is working to introduce live-stream advertising and display banner advertisements for viewers.

eMedia says e.tv continues to "lead the group and maintains a market share of approximately 33.5%". 

This is slightly down from its 34.5% in March 2023, although it outperforms the SABC's 27.3% and DStv's32.9% market share.

Antonio Lee, eMedia financial director, says eMedia's prime time share "averaged 34.4%, surpassing both the SABC's 30.5% and DStv's 28.9%, solidifying the group's position as the largest broadcaster during both 06:00 to 24:00, and prime time."

"This marks the third consecutive year that the group has outperformed the SABC in prime time."

About its free-to-air satellite TV service Openview, eMedia says it's "another key component of the group" and that eMedia's TV channels available on Openview "consistently rank among the top 20 satellite TV channels nationwide, indicating strong performance and audience engagement".

"The group is pleased with the growing market share of its channels on Openview and further growth in audience market share is anticipated with the increasing activations of Openview set-top boxes."

Openview reached 3 428 523 activated set-top boxes by March 2024.

In its ongoing battle with MultiChoice which wants to remove a collection of e.tv-packaged TV channels from DStv - a case that is still ongoing - Khalik Sherrif, eMedia Holdings CEO, says that "there is a looming threat of the channels being removed once again".

"It is concerning that the matter of dominance seems to be overlooked in a market where DStv commands approximately nine million out of about 12 million satellite homes."

"This absolute dominance has a significant impact on eMedia's revenue as the loss of advertising revenue from the audience viewing the channels on DStv will severely affect eMedia's ability to compete and acquire quality content."

"While eMedia will continue to fight for the channels to remain on the DStv platform, urgent measures must be taken to mitigate the loss of advertising revenue. Alternative strategies will be explored to compensate for this revenue shortfall."

eMedia notes that its legal battles with MultiChoice increased legal expenses over the past year by R8.8 million.

2023's 17th SAFTAs FULL WINNERS LIST: Netflix SA and kykNET the 2 big winners at the 17th South African Film and Television Awards.

Thinus Ferreira

Netflix SA and kykNET were the two biggest winners at 2023's 17th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) on Saturday night with the streamer and the Afrikaans pay-TV channel scooping the lion's share of Golden Horns, respectively hauling home 19 and 15 of the statuettes.

Following virtual award presentations due to the Covid 19-pandemic, this year's black-and-gold-themed SAFTAs was the first one back with an in-person awards show after three years.

The in-person SAFTAs was a reset in more ways than one, with the awards show relocating back to Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg where the SAFTAs had taken place several years before, before it jumped to Sun City and even the Sandton Convention Centre.

The champagne-filled SAFTAs and its sprawling red carpet was once again a two-night event with technical awards handed out on Friday night in Gallagher's Hall 3. 

It was followed by the main awards show on Saturday night and televised on SABC3 and Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) as a simulcast production with former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi and Lawrence Maleka as the co-hosts.

Netflix South Africa won 19 awards in total. Silverton Siege, produced by Pambilimedia, that scored 12 nominations, won six as the night's most-awarded film.

The third season of How to Ruin Christmas also on Netflix and produced by Burnt Onion Productions, won in five categories as the South African comedy series which took home the biggest haul.

Gaia, the first Afrikaans ecological thriller film produced by Film Initiative Africa, added four wins out of its nine nominations to kykNET's bumper crop of SAFTAs - the film that scooped the second-most prizes.

The Afrikaans comedy series Hotel on kykNET managed to snag four wins, with Tali's Joburg Diary on MultiChoice's Showmax streamer also winning four awards.

Besides Netflix's 19 wins and kykNET's 15, e.tv won 12 (including three for productions on its eVOD  video streaming service), while Showmax got 10, M-Net won 8, with Mzansi Magic and the SABC each snagging 6 awards in total.

The SAFTAs organisers also bestowed lifetime achiever awards on M-Net's Carte Blanche anchor and presenter Derek Watts who died last month, as well as the veteran and award-winning Afrikaans film director and cinematographer Koos Roets for their decades-long contributions to the TV and film industry.

TV soaps and telenovelas wise, e.tv's Scandal!, produced by Ochre Media, snagged 4 wins including for Best TV soap and Most Popular TV soap which was a viewers' vote category, while M-Net's cancelled Legacy produced by Tshedza Pictures also won 4 awards including Best Telenovela. 

Tshedza Pictures' The River on Mzansi Magic and 1Magic, which also got cancelled, got shut out this year. After again getting 11 nominations this year just like last year, it only managed one win this time for Lawrence Maleka as best actor in a telenovela.

Netflix had the most-awarded TV drama series with Justice Served, produced by Meraki TV, that won three awards, including for best editing and with Morné Visser winning for best actor and Lerato Mvelase winning for best actress in a drama series.

Thobela Mayinje, acting CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in a statement says it "congratulates all the winners for this year".

"You represent the best of the South African film and television industry. We are excited by all the films now showcasing in international festivals and markets. Feature films like Sihle Hlophe's Lobola, A Bride’s True Price?, an NFVF-funded film which also won an award today, showcases the depth of the South African film and television discourse and has been a conversation starter across the continent and the world since its release."

Here is the full winners list for the 17th SAFTAs:

Best achievement in sound: documentary

Kusasa (Tim Pringle Production, Optical Films, Cape Town TV)

Best achievement in editing: documentary

Kusasa (Joe Krenzer, Optical Films, Cape Town TV)

Best achievement in cinematography: documentary

Changemaker: Simphiwe Rorwana (Yolisa Qwabaza, TCI), e.tv

Best achievement in directing: documentary

Lobola, A Bride's True Price? (Sihle Hlophe, Passion Seed Communications), SABC1

Best documentary short

A Camera on my Lap (twospinningwheels)

Best made-for-TV documentary

Senzo: Murder of a Soccer Star ( Storyscope), Netflix

Best documentary feature

Lobola, A Bride's True Price? (Passion Seed Communications), SABC1

Best children’s programme

Nick Music Africa (VIS Studios), Nickelodeon Africa

Best educational programme

MTV Shuga: What Makes A Man (Taung Film Studios), MTV Africa

Best factual programme

Rebounders: Grizelda Grootboom (Red Sugar Productions), SABC1

Best competition reality programme

Tropika Island of Treasure: All Stars (Cardova Productions), SABC3

Best structured soapie reality show

Life with Kelly Khumalo (GOAT Originals), Showmax

Best structured/docu-reality show

Sex in Afrikaans (Provoco), Showmax

Best youth programme

TREND (Green Planet Productions), kykNET

Best online content

Lunch with Hitler (Argento Holdings)

Best lifestyle programme

Homegrown Taste South Africa (Rapid Blue), BBC Lifestyle

Best current affairs programme

Mining Takedown, Carte Blanche (Combined Artistic Productions), M-Net

Best made-for-TV movie

Whatever it Takes (RHP International), eVOD

Best international format

Survivor SA: Return of the Outcasts (Afrokaans), M-Net

Best entertainment programme

Miss South Africa 2022 Live Finale (Black Swan Media), M-Net

Best variety show

Sunday Sexy Love (Media24), Mzansi Magic

Best achievement in make-up/hairstyling: TV comedy

How to Ruin Christmas (Silindile Dladla, Burnt Onion Productions), Netflix

Best achievement in wardrobe: TV comedy

Tali's Joburg Diary (Erin Simon, Sketchbook Studios), Showmax

Best achievement in sound: TV comedy

Hotel (Tim Pringle, Giles Heesom-Green, Melani Robertson, Nagvlug Films), kykNET

Best achievement in art direction: TV comedy

Hotel (Merishen Wessels, Nagvlug Films), kykNET

Best achievement in editing: TV comedy

How to Ruin Christmas (Bongi Malefo, Khulekani Zondi, Melanie Golden, Burnt Onion Productions), Netflix

Best achievement in scriptwriting: TV comedy

Tali's Joburg Diary (Julia Anastasopoulos, Ari Kruger, Gilli Apter, Daniel Zimbler, Sketchbook Studios), Showmax

Best achievement in cinematography: TV comedy

Hotel (Dino Benedetti, Nagvlug Films), kykNET

Best achievement in directing: TV comedy

Tali's Joburg Diary (Ari Kruger, Sketchbook Studios), Showmax

Best achievement in make-up/hairstyling: TV drama

Desert Rose (Marika Callop, Quizzical Pictures), M-Net

Best achievement in wardrobe: TV drama

Lavish (Brenda Khambula, Hela Media), Mzansi Magic

Best achievement in sound: TV drama

Donkerbos (Jozua Loots, Nagvlug Films), Showmax

Best achievement in original music/score: TV drama

Ludik (Peach Van Pletzen, Rose and Oaks Media), Netflix

Best achievement in art direction: TV drama

The Brave Ones (Jacobus Smit, Ochre Media), Netflix

Best achievement in editing: TV drama

Justice Served (Nicolas Costaras, Blessing Khulekane Zondi, Megan Gill, Lucian Barnard, Meraki SA), Netflix

Best achievement in cinematography: TV drama

Blood Psalms (Willem Nel, Yellowbone Entertainment, Showmax

Best achievement in scriptwriting: TV drama

Good Men (Portia Gumede, Steven Pillemer, Christo Davids, Duduzile Zamantungwa  Mabaso, Sunni Faba, Ochre Media), SABC1

Best achievement in directing: TV drama

Donkerbos (Nico Scheepers, Nagvlug Films), Showmax

Best achievement in make-up and hairstyling: TV soap/telenovela

House of Zwide (Mina Shembe, Itumeleng Ledwaba, Nakedi Makgato, Musa Mnisi, The Bomb Shelter), e.tv

Best achievement in wardrobe: TV soap/telenovela

House of Zwide (Beverly Mogorosi, Teddy Geldart, The Bomb Shelter), e.tv

Best achievement in sound: TV soap/telenovela

Suidooster (Lloyd O'Connor, Suidooster Films), kykNET

Best achievement in editing: TV soap/telenovela

Diepe Waters (Paul Martin van Wyk, Marthinus van Rhyn, Khathu Mudau, Wynand Verster, Rick Dodgen, Daniel de Villiers, Penguin Films), kykNET

Best achievement in original music/score: telenovela

The Black Door (Mandla Ngcongwane, Jamela Vuma, Kurt Slabbert, Black Brain Pictures), e.tv

Legacy (Brendan Jury, Tshedza Pictures), M-Net

Best achievement in cinematography: telenovela

The Black Door (Lavhelani Mudau, Gaopie Kabe, Black Brain Pictures), e.tv

Best achievement in art direction: TV soap/telenovela

Legacy (Amanda Scholtz, Tshedza Pictures), M-Net

Best achievement in scriptwriting: telenovela

DiepCity (Nontuthuzelo Magoxo, Mandla Ngcongwane, Mpumelelo Nhlapo, Black Brain Pictures), Mzansi Magic

Best achievement in directing: telenovela

The Wife (Fikile Mogodi, Stained Glass TV), Showmax

Best achievement in scriptwriting: TV soap

Scandal! (Ameera Patel, Grace Mahlaba, Thomas Hall, Paul Grootboom, Nonhlanhla Simelane, Omphile Molusi, Rosalind Butler; Teresca Muishond, Themba Mahlangu, Kelly Robinson, Ochre Media), e.tv

Best achievement in directing: TV soap

Suidooster (Erina Niemand, Shirley Ellis, Romano Gorlei, Richard September, Suidooster Films), kykNET

Best achievement in make-up/hairstyling: feature film

Silverton Siege (Nicola Roodt, Pambilimedia), Netflix

Best achievement in costume design: feature film

Silverton Siege (Ruy Filipe, Pambilimedia), Netflix

Best achievment in sound design: feature film

Silverton Siege (Barry Donnelly, Pambilimedia), Netflix

Best achievement in editing: feature film

Silverton Siege (Richard Starkey, Pambilimedia), Netflix

Best achievement in production design: feature film

Silverton Siege (Chantel Carter, Pambilimedia), Netflix

Best achievement in original music/score: feature film

Gaia (Pierre-Henri Wicomb, Film Initiative Africa), kykNET

Best achievement in cinematography: feature film

Gaia (Jorrie van der Walt, Film Initiative Africa), kykNET

Best achievement in scriptwriting: feature film

The Umbrella Men (John Barker, Philip Roberts, Known Associates Entertainment), eVOD

Best student film

Shumba (AFDA)

Best supporting actress in a TV soap

Odelle de Wet (Binnelanders, Stark Films), kykNET

Best supporting actor in a TV soap

Charlie Bouguenon (Binnelanders, Stark Films), kykNET

Best supporting actress in a telenovela

Deli Malinga (Redemption, Burnt Onion Productions, Seriti Films), BET

Best supporting actor in a telenovela

Thulani Mtsweni (Gomora, Seriti Films), Mzansi Magic

Best actress in a TV soap

Cindy Swanepoel (Binnelanders, Stark Films), kykNET

Best actor in a TV soap

Melusi Mbele (Scandal!, Ochre Media), e.tv

Best actress in a telenovela

Michelle Botes (Legacy, Tshedza Pictures), M-Net

Best actor in a telenovela

Lawrence Maleka (The River, Tshedza Pictures), 1Magic

Best TV soap

Scandal! (Ochre Media), e.tv

Best telenovela

Legacy (Tshedza Pictures), M-Net

Best supporting actress in a TV drama

Nthati Moshesh (Savage Beauty, Quizzical Pictures), Netflix

Best actor in a TV drama

Morné Visser (Justice Served, Meraki SA), Netflix

Best actress in a TV drama

Lerato Mvelase (Justice Served, Meraki SA), Netflix

Best supporting actor in a TV drama

Craig Urbani (Makoti, Urban Brew Studios), SABC1

Best TV drama

Lavish (Hela Media), Mzansi Magic

Best supporting actress in a TV comedy

Kate Normington (Tali's Joburg Diary, Sketchbook Studios), Showmax

Best supporting actor in a TV comedy

Desmond Dube (How to Ruin Christmas, Burnt Onion Productions), Netflix

Best actress in a TV comedy

Thando Thabethe (How to Ruin Christmas, Burnt Onion Productions), Netflix

Best actor in a TV comedy

James Borthwick (Hotel, Nagvlug Films), kykNET

Best TV comedy

How to Ruin Christmas (Burnt Onion Productions), Netflix

Best short film

Cogito Ergo Sum (S.S.L Studios)

Best supporting actress in a feature film

Awethu Sharon Hleli (You're My Favourite Place, Yellowbone Entertainment), eVOD

Best supporting actor in a feature film

Chris Chameleon (Wild is the Wind, MYD88 FILMS), Netflix

Best actress in a feature film

Noxolo Dlamini (Silverton Siege, Pambilimedia), Netflix

Best actor in a feature film

Jarrid Geduld (Indemnity, Gambit Films)

Best achievement in directing: feature film

Gaia (Jaco Bouwer, Film Initiative Africa), kykNET

Best feature film

Gaia (Film Initiative Africa), kykNET

Best natural history and environmental programme

Crocodiles Revealed (Earth Touch), National Geographic Channel

Outstanding person with disability award

Jabaar Mohamed

Youth achiever award

Xolisa Mpafa

Lifetime achiever award

Derek Watts

Lifetime achiever award

Koos Roets

Best TV presenter (public vote)

Tshegofatso Mosupye (Yo MTV Raps Uncapped, VIS Studios), MTV Africa

Most popular TV soap or telenovela (public vote)

Scandal! (Ochre Media), e.tv

e.Media's eVOD video streaming services reaches 800 000 registered users.

by Thinus Ferreira

eMedia's eVOD video streaming service has reached 800 000 registrations, fuelling South African viewers' transition from linear television to streaming content online.

eMedia launched eVOD in August 2021 and confirms that it has now passed 800 000 registrations two months before its second anniversary.

eMedia isn't saying how many of the 800 000 eVOD activations are currently active but the company is much more open to the industry about the growth of its South African streamer than rivals like MultiChoice's Showmax, The Walt Disney Company Africa's Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.

While the Goliath in the room, Netflix, doesn't break out subscriber numbers for South Africa specifically but reports for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region as a while, Netflix does give an overall subscriber count for this region, which now stands at roughly 77 million subscribers. This is also Netflix's biggest global region in terms of subscriber count.

The South African public broadcaster that launched its SABC+ video streaming service in November 2022is adding roughly 15 000 registrations per day and wants to reach between one and two million subscribers by November 2023.

MultiChoice continues to decline to provide any subscriber numbers for Showmax, as does Disney for Disney+ in South Africa, and Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+. 

Besides these, there are also a number of much smaller players active in the same space like PCCW's VIU, BritBox, Marquee TV, PrideTV and CineMagic that are not revealing their subscriber numbers for the local market either, with Paramount Global which is still to launch Paramount+ in South Africa and with Warner Bros. Discovery's Max also still non-existent in the country.

eMedia says that eVOD - which continues to add eOriginals ranging from drama series to made-for-TV films - has become "a streaming success story, and is seen as one of the fastest growing, subscription-free, streaming platforms in South Africa".

eVOD currently has a growing slate of 24 locally produced eOriginals: Six TV series and 18 films which have all specifically been commissioned for the streamer, with a new locally-produced title added monthly.

eVOD added a second season of the Splintered Pieces series in April and is set to add Seconds, starring Vusi Kunene, in July.

eMedia to continue content spend on eVOD driven by eOriginals and Afrikaans-Turkish novelas as Openview that accounts for quarter of ad revenue reaches 3.2 activations.

by Thinus Ferreira

eMedia's Openview which now brings in a quarter of its total ad revenue is on the cusp of being in 3.2 million TV households with TV ratings up for its various e-packaged channels, while it will continue to invest in eOriginals and Afrikaans-dubbed Turkish telenovelas which are the main subscriber drivers of its eVOD video streamer.

eMedia Holdings published its annual financial results for the year ending 31 March 2023 on Thursday, noting that there's been an improvement in the TV ratings of the other six e-packaged linear TV channels produced by the group.

According to eMedia, the eExtra, eMovies Extra and eReality channels rank in the top 15 of all satellite channels available in South Africa, with eMedia planning to launch a few more new TV channels on Openview in the next financial year.

Openview

According to eMedia, Openview now accounts for almost a quarter of eMedia's entire advertising revenue.

"This direct-to-home (DTH) unit of the business accounted for 23.8% of the advertising revenue amounting to R501.3 million which is up from R468.7 million in the previous year," eMedia says.

The company notes that "Despite difficult trading conditions in the form of 282 days of load shedding, which have had a direct impact on TV viewing, the group is satisfied with the financial performance."

"The available revenue for TV was impacted so much so that it has resulted in a reduction of almost R500 million in advertising revenue to the industry."

eMedia says  Openview set-top box activations for the year amounted to 513 840, taking the number of activated set-top boxes to 3 166 461. eMedia doesn't specify how many of the almost 3.2 activated Openview boxes remain active and in use.

As it did during its previous financial report, eMedia once again said that it plans to bring a next upgraded phase of Openview STBs to the market, which will be "a smarter set-top box which will have memory facilities and Wi-Fi capability".

MultiChoice carriage fight

eMedia says its squabble with MultiChoice over four e-packaged TV channels it provides to the Randburg-based pay-TV operator is ongoing, noting that the case "is still under investigation by the Competition Commission after non-renewal of the channel carriage agreement".

eMedia says that these TV channels remain on MultiChoice's DStv for the time being, since a ruling is still pending from the Competition Commission.

eVOD driven by eOriginals and Afrikaans-Turkish novelas

eMedia's video streaming service eVOD is now a year old and the company says it has been "well-accepted in its target market".

eVOD battles the flurry of video streamers available in South Africa, ranging from MultiChoice's Showmax and Netflix, to Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, SABC+ and VIU.

eMedia doesn't want to reveal subscriber numbers but says "The number of registered viewers to date has been very encouraging with the average daily minutes viewed in excess of 1.5 million."

"The eOriginals offering, together with the Afrikaans Turkish telenovellas on eVOD is the leading audience generator on eVOD making the group bullish about investing a further R100 million per annum in local original content which will be amortised across the group's platforms and channels. To date the group has added 73 hours of original content to its slate."

Openview Ultra

While eMedia launched Openview Ultra with a gay bouquet and a Bollywood bouquet of pay-TV channels, it happened less than a month before the end of eMedia's financial year this year, with eMedia not yet saying anything regarding its uptake and performance.

e.tv

Regarding its commercial free-to-air TV channel, e.tv, eMedia says that the "prime-time market share for e.tv has shown a slight decrease to 21.4% audience share".  eMedia blames Eskom's ongoing electricity blackouts known as "load-shedding".

"The continued load-shedding has seen a change in viewer patterns and this has seen an impact on some of the shows."

eMedia says that Scandal! and House of Zwide continue to have a demanding market share in their respective timeslots. 

"e.tv continues to face the impact of the uncertainty of the imminent analogue switch-off facing the country but the group is confident that the audience share will be carefully managed. At present the group is once again engaging with the department of communication in relation to the switch-off date with e.tv stating that too many ordinary South Africans will remain without TV with a hard switch-off."

ALSO READ: eMedia extends channel carriage agreement for a further 5 years with MultiChoice for eNCA on DStv until mid-2028 but accepts carriage fee cut.

eMedia extends channel carriage agreement for a further 5 years with MultiChoice for eNCA on DStv until mid-2028 but accepts carriage fee cut.

by Thinus Ferreira

eMedia's eNCA (DStv 403) will remain available on MultiChoice's DStv platform for another five years until at least mid-2028, although in a tough-bargaining channel agreement, eMedia accepted a decrease in the channel carriage fees MultiChoice is paying to have the South African TV news channel on its platform.

eMedia Holdings published its annual financial results for the year ending 31 March 2023 on Thursday, noting that the group's revenue of R3.1 billion was R20 million less than the previous year due to lower TV advertising income and a reduction in the eNCA licence fee paid by MultiChoice for the news channel.

eNCA, which will turn 15 in June and launched as the eNews Channel in 2008, used to be the most-watched TV news channel in South Africa but has since slipped to second place behind the South African public broadcaster's SABC News which is available on more DStv bouquets and has access to a larger potential pay-TV audience.

eNCA is still the most-watched TV news channel on DStv under higher-income earners within the LSM 8 to 10 consumer segment, and is second overall after SABC News (DStv 404) and still ahead of Thanbile Ngawto and Thokozani Nkosi's Newzroom Africa (DStv 405).

eMedia says as part of the extended channel carriage agreement eNCA as a TV news channel will remain exclusive to the DStv service.

eMedia Holdings notes that it has cut operational costs at eNCA through decreasing employee costs, with a "significant portion of the decrease which can be attributed to the closing of the News & Sports channel on Openview as well as retrenchments due to efficiencies at eNCA".