A few months ago, reports emerged that Canal+’s MultiChoice might launch eReality and eSeries on DStv, as test cards had been spotted on the i-Plate. Now, it looks like MultiChoice plans to add more channels from eMedia Investments, specifically ePlesier and eXplore.
ePlesier acts as a repeat channel for eExtra’s Kuiertyd block. It is surprising that MultiChoice would license it since eExtra is already available. ePlesier broadcasts repeat shows from eExtra, including popular titles like Droomvelore, Gebroke Harte, and Doodsondes.
Meanwhile, eXplore was recently added to Openview, and MultiChoice will now serve as another distributor. This channel replaced People’s Planet on Openview, offering a mix of wildlife and crime shows like The Cheetah Diaries, City Zoo, and Township Terror.
Since Openview Stream—and by extension, eXplore—is viewed in seven other African countries, it will be interesting to see if DStv distributes this channel to other African markets. It also raises the question of whether ePlesier and the existing channels are part of a larger, more comprehensive deal.
Regarding Openview Stream, eMedia Investments previously stated they want to source more entertainment for consumers across Africa. This makes it highly possible that some, if not all, Openview channels will eventually be allocated to these viewers.
MultiChoice is revamping its DStv packages across Africa next month, meaning a launch date is likely around the corner. This news follows the company’s decision to drop JimJam and five other TV channels in the coming days.
With eMovies and eMovies Extra positioned on channels 138 and 140, eReality and eSeries will likely be grouped together on channels 141 and 142. MultiChoice has plenty of open space there, and these slots were previously reserved for repeat programming.
ePlesier is a bit more complicated. Because it is an Afrikaans channel, MultiChoice might place it near KykNET Lekker’s old frequency on channel 143 or 148. On the other hand, eXplore is a factual channel, so it will likely sit near National Geographic and Curiosity Channel in the 180s.
DStv Easyview subscribers recently lost three channels: Magic Showcase, CineMagic, and Mzansi Music. JimJam will become the fourth channel dropped from the package in November. MultiChoice will likely allocate eSeries and perhaps one other eMedia channel to Easyview to fill the gap.
In contrast, DStv Starter (formerly Access), Select (formerly Family), Sports (formerly Compact), Movies & Series and Premium subscribers will likely receive all the new channels, similar to how eToonz, eExtra, eMovies, and eMovies Extra are currently distributed.
If we look at why MultiChoice is suddenly open to adding these channels, the reason might not be entirely due to Canal+. Instead, it aligns with M-Net’s ongoing streamlining efforts. Since M-Net shut down channels like Me and 1Magic, viewers have had to rely heavily on Universal TV, Bravo, and Mzansi Magic.
In a way, these new eMedia channels fill those gaps. ePlesier serves as a budget alternative to KykNET Lekker, eXplore replaces the vibe of People's Planet, and eReality, eSeries, and eXplore together fill the void left by CBS Reality, CBS Justice, and Me.
It's not like MultiChoice will ever acknowledge a replacement as seen with Base Pulse (replacing MTV Base) and Novelas+ (replacing TLNovelas).
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