Canal+’s MultiChoice is currently revamping packages across Africa, which should automatically give many consumers additional services to help offset the loss of JimJam. In Kenya this includes Cartoon Network, while South African Starter customers receive DreamWorks. EasyView, however, appears to be left without a similar boost.
This raises the question of whether MultiChoice has another plan in mind to replace JimJam on the entry-level package. Three possible contenders stand out: Play Room, CBeebies and Moonbug.
Play Room
Play Room is a South African children’s channel operated by The Rooms Network. It offers a mix of live-action and popular animated shows, many of them in Zulu, including titles such as Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan, Blippi, Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go! and Rainbow Rangers.
Compared with the other options on this list, Play Room draws a large portion of its programming from other DStv channels, particularly Nickelodeon. For EasyView viewers who currently lag behind in content, it could serve as an open window to programming from Nickelodeon, Moonbug and DreamWorks.
That said, there is reason for scepticism. EasyView is built around affordability rather than exclusivity. Adding a channel that still needs to broaden its own line-up may not be the most sensible move, especially when eToonz is already available on the package.
CBeebies
CBeebies is a preschool channel from BBC Studios aimed at children aged 3 to 6. Its line-up includes shows such as Bluey, Gracie’s Amazing Machines, Hey Duggee and Teletubbies.
MultiChoice has previously given CBeebies temporary open windows on EasyView. Following the removal of JimJam, the company could choose to make it a permanent addition. However, as with Play Room, there are doubts about whether this is the most likely route.
Moonbug
Moonbug is a family-oriented brand owned by Candle Media. It carries popular titles such as Gecko’s Garage, Cocomelon, Little Baby Bum, Blippi Wonders and Playtime with Twinkle.
Some DStv viewers may have reservations about the channel, largely due to its structure. Like the former PBS Kids, Moonbug is an ad-free channel that has historically been slow to refresh its line-up. Both brands also maintain strong YouTube channels, and PBS Kids previously restricted certain shows on its linear feed.
Interestingly, other channels that started with a strong YouTube presence — such as WildEarth and SuperSport Schools — were not initially part of EasyView either. It is noticeable that many of the channels that do sit on the package (including the former PBS Kids) tend to come from brands already established on other platforms.
It is also worth noting that GOtv already carries Moonbug in several other African countries. If MultiChoice is looking for a replacement for JimJam — particularly on GOtv Lite — Moonbug appears to be one of the stronger options. It does not rely heavily on repeats, although, as mentioned, it remains relatively slow in updating its schedule.
More 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).
Both channels are slated are allegedly slated for a November release on the platform.
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