JimJam was added to MultiChoice’s DStv platform in November 2013. It offered fun and educational content aimed at preschoolers and was home to popular classics such as Curious George, Postman Pat, Fireman Sam, Pingu, Angelina Ballerina, Strawberry Shortcake and Thomas & Friends.
MultiChoice is advising viewers via the programme guide to browse the other children’s channels available on their package. The loss is particularly noticeable on DStv EasyView. Before the arrival of eToonz, JimJam was a flagship destination for young children on the entry-level package. That option is now being removed.
While higher packages can still access preschool content through Disney Junior and CBeebies, EasyView subscribers have fewer alternatives. This follows the earlier removals of Magic Showcase, CineMagic and Mzansi Music, making JimJam the fourth channel to go dark on the package.
In a statement, MultiChoice said it frequently reviews its channel packages and viewing numbers in order to optimise broadcasting costs. When a channel’s contract expires or its viewership no longer justifies the licensing fees, the company removes it from the line-up.
DStv EasyView is not the only package losing channels. The DStv Indian (Add Indian) package will also see Zee TV, SET Max and three other channels go dark by the end of October. The moves form part of MultiChoice’s broader effort to streamline its portfolio and cut costs under parent company Canal+.
New channels on the horizon
MultiChoice has been testing eMedia’s eReality and eSeries channels on DStv since August, and the latest test card suggests the trials are nearing completion. Another test card for eReality and eSeries was recently spotted on the DStv i-Plate alongside those for existing DStv channels.
Following the closures of Magic Showcase and kykNET Lekker, it appears MultiChoice is looking to use eReality and eSeries to fill the gaps left by the removed channels. Both eReality and eSeries are already available on Openview and, like DStv EasyView, cater to more budget-conscious viewers.
In recent months MultiChoice has been streamlining its portfolio, with a clear focus on strengthening its strongest offerings. eReality and eSeries have proven popular with Openview audiences in South Africa, and they are likely to have a similar impact on DStv.
eMedia Investments already operates the most-watched English-language channel in South Africa, e.tv, which is also carried on DStv. Its other channels — eExtra, eMovies and eMovies Extra — have generated strong interest among DStv subscribers, with the movie offering ranking among the top three (behind TNT in first place).
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