Adventure Time | Pilot | Nickelodeon/Cartoon Network
The short focuses on a boy named Pen (later renamed Finn in the television series) and his best friend, a shapeshifting dog named Jake. One day, Lady Rainicorn, a unicorn-like creature, flies past them in tears; Pen and Jake follow her to an icy domain, where they discover that the Ice King has kidnapped Lady Rainicorn's owner, Princess Bubblegum, in the hope of marrying her.
Paramount+ Removes 10 Nickelodeon Titles Including ‘Blue’s Clues & You!’ & ‘Rugrats’ Series
Paramount+ has purged 10 Nickelodeon original series, following the removal of other Nick titles from the platform over the past several months.
The list includes Are You Afraid of the Dark? (2019-2022), Blue’s Clues & You! (2019), It’s Pony (2020-2022), Middlemost Post (2021-2022), Ollie’s Pack (2020), Ryan’s Mystery Playdate (2019-2023), Santiago of the Seas (2020), That Girl Lay Lay (2021-2024) as well as the made-for-Paramount+ Big Nate (2022)and Rugrats (2021).
This is said to be part of content removal addressed in the most recent Q4 earnings call on February 28. Targeting Nick titles is a little surprising as, according to parent Paramount Global, the network’s Kids & Family content consistently ranks among the most watched and re-watched programming on Paramount+.
“In connection with our continued review of our international content strategy, during the first quarter of 2024 we made a strategic decision to focus on content with mass global appeal,” the company said in its 10-K filing. “As part of this, we are rationalizing original content on Paramount+, especially internationally, and improving the efficiency of our linear network programming. As a result, we have reviewed our expansive global content portfolio and are removing select content from our platforms.”
Paramount expects “to recognize additional programming charges that we currently expect to be in the range of approximately $700 million to $900 million during the first quarter of 2024.”
Moonbug Entertainment To Rollout New Children's Channel Blippi & Friends In MENA With More International Territories To Be Added Soon
Distributed by Intigral on Jawwy TV and stc tv, Blippi & Friends is a 24/7 linear channel named after Moonbug’s live-action pre-school brand, targeting children aged four to eight years old. It includes a daily segment tailored to younger pre-schoolers.
The channel’s lineup boasts a diverse array of Blippi shows such as Blippi Visits, Blippi Draws, and the Blippi Game Show, alongside other popular franchises like Meekah and the feature-length special Big Dino Adventure. The daily segment for pre-schoolers showcases beloved shows including CoComelon, Little Angel, and Arpo.
Intigral’s streaming platforms Jawwy TV and stc tv extend the reach of Blippi & Friends across Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Nicolas Eglau, Managing Director of EMEA, APAC and Global Distribution at Moonbug Entertainment, said: “Following the successful launch of our Moonbug linear channel, which is now available in 83 countries across the globe, we are delighted to announce the launch of the brand new 24/7 Blippi & Friends channel in the Middle East and North Africa.
“Designed to enrich families and their daily routines, this channel has been curated with the local market in mind, with Blippi not only sharing bespoke messages but celebrating regional holidays and moments too. The launch of this channel marks our next step in bringing great entertainment to children across the world.”
Moonbug, known for its success on YouTube, previously introduced its first linear pay TV channel in South Africa in 2022, with MultiChoice incorporating the Moonbug Kids channel into its lineup.
Nickelodeon's Live-Action Slate On Possible Hiatus Following Release Of ID's Documentary Quiet On Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV
Episode 3 garnered the most attention after All That and Drake And Josh star Drake Bell came forward to address the abuse he experienced as a minor. Since then, several notable figures came forward to voice their support with talks over the matter still ongoing.
Nickelodeon had responded to the revelations on Quiet On Set but some child actors feel more needs to be done by the network:
“Though we cannot corroborate or negate allegations of behaviors from productions decades ago, Nickelodeon as a matter of policy investigates all formal complaints as part of our commitment to fostering a safe and professional workplace environment free of harassment or other kinds of inappropriate conduct. Our highest priorities are the well-being and best interests not just of our employees, casts, and crew, but of all children, and we have adopted numerous safeguards over the years to help ensure we are living up to our own high standards and the expectations of our audience.”
Schneiderverse hold on Nickelodeon
Following the release of Quiet On Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV, Nickelodeon has distanced themselves from anything Schneider this includes Henry Danger and Danger Force shows that form part of the Dangerverse and also the last of Dan's masterpieces.
In 2019, Nickelodeon did an investigation on misconduct in the workplace and fired Dan Schneider after investigation concluded. Although, he has no involvement in any projects from the network he is still being credited amongst properties.
Drake Bell after coming forward on Quiet On Set had criticized the network for keeping these shows on air for several years. It has caused further live-action on the channel to be boycott with their future in jeopardy.
As some readers aware, Nickelodeon currently has only two live-action projects on the air, The Really Loud House and Tyler Perry's Young Dylan. Following cancelations to Danger Force and That Girl Lay Lay, these shows are likely to suffer the same effect if not worse.
We're not saying Nickelodeon won't offer any further live-action but the toxicity that persisted on previous projects would endanger their success rate. If anything, it's possible Nickelodeon could put more attention to their animation slate.
Something we've kind of seen Disney Channel put more emphasis as they've got a new movie on Big City Greens coming out alongside a new season of Phineas And Ferb. Monsters At Work which was previously a Disney+ first had moved to the network for Season 2.
Although Nickelodeon doesn't have a consistent lineup of content its one of the very few brands alongside Disney Channel to offer anything noteworthy as all other content is streamed these days.
Press Release: Come Back To Me Premieres This April On Telemundo Across Africa
Set in Ciudad de Juárez and Ciudad de México, this romantic drama follows Nuria, a woman of humble means, who begins a relationship with Braulio without knowing that he is one of the owners of the company where she works to support her son and sister. The lives of the main characters begin to intertwine after the tragic kidnapping of Andrés, Nuria's son. Her strength is only proportional to the love she feels for her son. At the least expected moment, Santiago enters her life to become not only the pillar that keeps her hope alive in a journey full of obstacles, but also the great love of her life.
The original series, produced at Telemundo Center’s state-of-the-art soundstages in Miami, also stars Laura Flores, Christian de la Campa, Rodolfo Salas, Geraldine Galván, Amaranta Ruíz, Christian Ramos, Anthony Álvarez, Anna Sobero, Ariana Saavedra, with special participations by Fernando Ciangherotti and Diego Klein, and André Sebastián.
Produced by Telemundo Global Studios, this original story is written by Sergio Mendoza and Amaris Páez, and directed by Danny Gavidia, Felipe Aguilar and Uandari Gómez. The direction of photography is by Damián Aguilar and José Velarde, with Pedro De Larrechea as production designer. Telemundo’s Karen Barroeta, Ximena Cantuarias and Elizabeth Suárez serve as the production's executive producers.
The brand new series, Come Back to Me, premieres exclusively on Telemundo on April 8 at 22:00 CAT, with new episodes every Monday.
Development Alert: Disney Channel Greenlights New Series Wizards Set In The Universe Of Wizards Of The Waverly Place
As reported in January, the project will be written and executive produced by Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas who are behind another Disney Channel comedy spinoff, Raven’s Home.
The series follows an adult Justin Russo (Henrie), who has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family, Giada (Mimi Gianopulos), Roman (Alkaio Thiele) and Milo (Max Matenko). When Justin’s sister Alex (Gomez) brings Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) to his home seeking help, Justin realizes he must dust off his magical skills to mentor the wizard-in-training while also juggling his everyday responsibilities – and safeguarding the future of the Wizard World.
“Wizards of Waverly Place captivated hearts with its spellbinding adventures and big laughs, creating unforgettable memories for kids and families everywhere,” Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television, said in a statement. “We can’t wait to step back into the magical world of Wizards, inviting longtime fans and a new generation to experience the enchantment alongside Selena, David, and our incredible cast and crew.”
Elinoff and Thomas serve as writers and executive producers, along with Gary Marsh. Andy Fickman directed and executive produced the pilot and will direct multiple episodes.
Marsh was the former longtime top Disney Channels creative executive who was the driving force behind Wizards of Waverly Place and was instrumental in getting Gomez on the network after she was discovered during an open casting call in Dallas.
French Broadcaster TF1 To Launch Its Newly Launched Streaming Service In Europe And Africa
French commercial broadcaster TF1 is to expand its newly launched streaming service into parts of Europe and Africa.
TF1+ went live on January 8 with 15,000 hours of available content, including 200 feature films, 200 TV movies and 200 box sets, featuring such iconic French series HPI and Sam, plus daily soaps and imported series.
An initial rollout will begin in June, when TF1+ will be extended into neighbouring Belgium and Luxembourg before expanding into French-speaking Africa in the next 18 months. Other territories, including Canada, are also on the roadmap.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Chief Executive Officer Rodolphe Belmer said he plans to push into as many French speaking markets as possible to grow its base and attract advertisers.
“We do not look to compensate a decline of linear TV, we want to capture a bigger market share of digital ads,” he said, adding that online ads can command higher prices because they’re targeted directly at consumers.
Online ads, which command higher prices because they’re easier to target to particular customers, can command about three times the price per thousand people reached, he said.
With a target advertising revenue of €15 per thousand people, TF1+ would be priced between YouTube at the lower end and Disney+ and Netflix at the top. “We want to tap the core of the market, and make a difference with bigger volume,” Belmer said.
Rather than create Originals for the platform, TF1 will instead rely on its existing library.
New Series Alert: ‘Ark: The Animated Series,’ Based On ‘Survival Evolved’ Game, Surprise Drops on Paramount+
Spanning eons of human history, “Ark: The Animated Series” follows 21st century paleontologist Helena Walker (voiced by Madeleine Madden), who finds herself resurrected on a mysterious primeval island populated by prehistoric beasts. There, she must learn to survive with new allies from throughout time while trying to uncover the true nature of their strange new world.
Along with Madden, the voice cast includes Michelle Yeoh, Russell Crowe, Gerard Butler, David Tennant, Jeffrey Wright, Elliot Page, Vin Diesel, Karl Urban, Zahn McClarnon, Devery Jacobs, Elliot Page, Deborah Mailman, Ragga Ragnars, Malcolm McDowell, Monica Bellucci and Alan Tudyk.
Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak executive produce “Ark: The Animated Series” alongside Marc Diana; Doug Kennedy; Jay Oliva; James Baldanzi; Vin Diesel and Samantha Vincent for One Race Films; Gerard Butler and Alan Siegel for G-Base Entertainment; and Russell Crowe. Stieglitz, Oliva, David Hartman and Sebastian Montes serve as directors, and Marguerite Bennett and Kendall Deacon Davis serve as co-writers. The series is a production of Lost Continent Entertainment and Lex + Otis.
Studio WildCard officially released “Ark: Survival Evolved” in 2017 after an early access release on Steam in 2015. “Ark: The Animated Series” was first announced with a trailer during the 2020 Video Game Awards, with another trailer released in 2022, still without a platform attached.
Moonbug Entertainment Extends Its Reach To More Asian Households With U-Next And Taiwan Mobile
Moonbug has closed a deal to bring around 3,500 eps of content to MyVideo (Taiwan Mobile’s OTT platform) and regional children’s channel momokids.
Starting this week, MyVideo is hosting a 24/7 channel dedicated to Moonbug’s IPs that offers 330 episodes in traditional Chinese and 150 hours of English and no-dialogue content. Plus it will roll out a new compilation every month. Meanwhile, momokids plans to broadcast a weekday “carousel program” featuring 2.5 hours of episodes from shows like CoComelon, Blippi, Little Angel and Morphle.
Moonbug Entertainment new partnership with U-Next
London’s Moonbug Entertainment has closed a 662-episode package deal with growing Japanese SVOD platform U-Next.
With more than four million registered subscribers, U-Next is Japan’s leading domestic streamer, and it only ranks behind Amazon Prime (18.6 million subs) and Netflix (8.1 million subs) overall, according to a February 2024 report published by MediaPartners Asia’s ampd. The study also noted that U-Next was the fastest-growing platform in Japan’s SVOD market in 2023, with a 30% share of all net new subscribers added that year.
This deal aligns with Moonbug’s focus on strengthening its presence in the Asian region. Last July, Yasmin Zahid joined the company as head of distribution and brand partnerships in APAC, with a remit to work with key buyers there to expand Moonbug’s footprint. Her hire followed closely behind YoungAh Park coming on board in April as Moonbug’s first-ever commercial director for South Korea.
Development Alert: NBC Renews Law And Order: SVU For Season 26, Law And Order For Season 24, Chicago Fire For Season 13, Chicago PD For Season 12 And Chicago Med For Season 10
Among the shows, this will rep the 26th season of “Law & Order: SVU,” the 24th season of “Law & Order,” Season 13 for “Chicago Fire,” the 12th season for “Chicago PD” and the 10th season for “Chicago Med.” All of the renewed series are produced by Universal Studio Group’s Universal Television division, along with Wolf Entertainment, and all shows stream the following day on Peacock. (Wolf’s deal with Universal is currently through 2027.)
Per NBC, “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Med” and “Chicago P.D.” (collectively known as “One Chicago“) are the top three Wednesday shows in total viewers and rank among the top 10 primetime entertainment shows this season. Also, Season 25 of “Law & Order: SVU” is Thursday’s top-rated entertainment show in the 18-49 demo.
Across all platforms, Chicago Fire” is averaging 12.6 million viewers (+86%) and is +236% in the adults 18-49 demo (live+35); “Chicago P.D.” is averaging 12.0 million viewers (+114%) and is +287% in the demo; “Chicago Med” is averaging 10.5 million viewers (+57%) and is +141% in the demo; “Law & Order: SVU” is averaging 11.2 million viewers (+111%) and is +325% in the demo; and “Law & Order” is averaging 7.7 million viewers (+56%) and is +122% in the demo.
Dick Wolf is creator and executive producer on “Law & Order: SVU”; David Graziano, Julie Martin, Mariska Hargitay, Norberto Barba, Kenneth Brown, Arthur Forney and Peter Jankowski also executive produce. Wolf is also creator and executive producer on “L&O,” with Rick Eid, Pamela Wechsler, Alex Hall, Arthur Forney and Peter Jankowski are executive producers.
“Chicago Fire” executive producers are Dick Wolf, Derek Haas, Andrea Newman, Reza Tabrizi, Arthur Forney and Peter Jankowski; Dick Wolf, Diane Frolov, Andrew Schneider, Stephen Hootstein, Eli Talbert, Derek Haas, Arthur Forney, Matt Olmstead, Michael Brandt and Peter Jankowski are executive producers on “Chicago Med”; “Chicago P.D.” executive producers are Dick Wolf, Gwen Sigan, Chad Saxton, Rick Eid, Derek Haas, Gavin Harris, Jason Beghe, Arthur Forney, Peter Jankowski and Michael Brandt.
Development Alert: Baby TV Unifies Its Latin American Signal With Spain And Other Parts Of Europe
Baby TV was launched in Latin America on April 1, 2007 by Fox Networks Group Latin America. On March 20, 2019, the channel became part of Walt Disney Direct-to-Consumer & International as a result of The Walt Disney Company's acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
The brand at the time obtained a 3-hour morning block on the defunct Fox Life channel, only to return years later as a block on the OnDirecTV signal, this being the only way to view the channel's content in HD.
It is worth mentioning that the changes will not be as palpable, because BabyTV does not handle localized IDs and commercials, or in this case, the same ones are counted, this due to its programming basically intended for fewer 3-year-old children, so the only Notable change is the image quality.
It is also worth noting that the channel was already managed from Europe, offering a signal intended for Latin America due to the age rating indicators.
Credits: ANMTV
First Look At The Cast For e.tv's First Ever Afrikaans Soap, Kelders Van Geheime
THE ABRAHAMS FAMILY
Edmund Abrahams (Duane Williams) is the winemaker on Soebatskloof, and Nenna Abrahams (Vinette Ebrahim) is the retired housekeeper and hospitality manager whom Edmund calls 'mother'.
THE SISTERS HOUSEHOLD
Joey Syster (Cedwyn Joel) is the patriarch of the Syster family, and has lived and worked on Soebatskloof all his life. Sandy (Riana Alfreds) is Joey's daughter, and has taken over Nenna's responsibilities. Sandy's eldest daughter Debbie-Lee (Veronique Jephtas) works with her, while her youngest, Shireen (Vashti Prins) establishes herself as a general practitioner in the Wineland. Phillip Smith (Dean Balie) is the man in Debbie-Lee's life.
THE MARAIS FAMILY
The Marais family has lived on Soebatskloof for decades. Charl Marais Senior (Nic de Jager) is owner of the wine farm, while his second wife Hermien Marais (Sandra Prinsloo) keeps herself busy with sculpture.
In one of many surprising twists, Brümilda van Rensburg also makes a visit to the farm.
One need not look to the mountains for help in these regions! Rijk Nel (Marcel van Heerden) is the Marais family's accountant, while Dewald Piedt (Abduragman Adams) is the family's loyal lawyer. Mercy (Tyral-Lee Miggles), Gabby (Karli Heine), Jason (Ben Albertyn), and Armand (Robert Hindley) are the waiters who keep customers happy. Stil Piet (Jurgen McEwan), Nicodemus (Lorenzo Cyster), Napoleon (Ivan Abrahams), and Bismarck (Jason van Wyk) are among the workers on the bustling farm.
The series will air on weekdays at 18:00 starting in May on e.tv
Press Release: Warner Bros. Discovery To Launch Max In Europe Beginning May 21
On May 21, Max will become available across the Nordics, Iberia, and Central and Eastern Europe. Launches will follow closely after in Poland, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium*. France and Belgium are the first new countries where WBD has launched its streaming service in over two years. These launches mean Max will be available in 25 countries in Europe and 65 countries and territories worldwide after launching in the U.S. in May 2023, and launching in Latin America and the Caribbean earlier this year.
JB Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming & Games at Warner Bros. Discovery announcing the rollout of Max at the TV festival Series Mania said: “Max is the streaming home of Warner Bros. Discovery and builds on our long heritage in Europe, bringing together an incredible breadth and depth of culture-defining entertainment from our services and networks, all in one place. The unrivalled content we’ve got on Max from ‘House of the Dragon’ to Olympic Games Paris 2024 and beyond means whatever your mood or the occasion, Max has something great for everyone, every time.”
Content offering
The launch of Max in Europe is marked by the return of the highly anticipated HBO Original “House of the Dragon,” which premiers on Max in Europe on June 17. Max will bring a new streaming experience to Europe with more than double the amount of content currently available on HBO Max. This summer, Max will be the only place to stream every live moment of Olympic Games Paris 2024 in the 25 European countries where Max will be available. Paris 2024 will be included in all subscription plans, ensuring all customers will gain complete access to the biggest sporting event in the world.
Max stands out as distinct amongst streamers by uniquely combining unrivalled breadth and its new and improved app with iconic franchises and a strong product experience. Subscribers will be able to enjoy a wide range of quality entertainment with Warner Bros. movies such as Barbie, Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom, and Wonka, HBO Originals The Last of Us, The White Lotus, Euphoria, True Detective: Night Country, The Regime, The Sympathizer, The Jinx - Part Two and the upcoming new comedy The Franchise.
A new slate of Max Originals based on popular Warner Bros. Pictures’ entities will be coming to Max including The Penguin and Welcome to Derry (Stephen King’s IT). Films from WB’s extensive library including the Harry Potter franchise, Paddington, The Matrix, The Dark Knight, Joker, and The Lord of the Rings, as well as fan favorites like 90 Day Fiancé, Gold Rush and Fixer Upper from Discovery will also be offered.
A Sports Add-On will bring fans extensive coverage of major international and European sports including every tennis Grand Slam – Australian Open, Roland-Garros, The Championships, Wimbledon and the US Open, cycling’s three Grand Tours – Giro d’Italia, La Vuelta a España, and the Tour de France in addition to the Tour de France Femmes, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and every major winter sports World Championship and World Cup events. Rights vary between countries.
A selection of flagship live linear networks will also be available on Max in some countries in select plans including CNN International in France and Poland, TVN in Poland, TV Norge in Norway, Kanal 5 in Sweden and Eurosport in all countries.
Plans
Max will offer a choice of different plans, plus a Sports Add-On which may be added to any base plan**. Full details about pricing will be announced in the coming weeks and will vary country by country.
Basic with Ads Plan:
• This plan will allow users to enjoy Max at a lower price and will include advertising.
• It will be available first in nine European countries, before expanding to others.
• The first countries where the Basic with Ads plan will be available are Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Romania, Poland, France and Belgium.
• Users will be able to stream content on 2 devices simultaneously.
• Content will be available in Full HD resolution.
Standard Plan:
• Users can stream content on 2 devices simultaneously.
• Content will be available in Full HD resolution.
• This plan will allow up to 30 downloads of available content to watch offline.
Premium Plan:
• Provides the best consumer experience.
• Users can stream content on up to 4 devices simultaneously.
• Full HD or 4K resolution and with Dolby Atmos sound (as available).
• This plan will allow up to 100 downloads of available content to watch offline. (Limits apply)
Sports Add-On:
• The Sports Add-On will provide coverage of top sports events including Grand Slam tennis, cycling’s Grand Tours, 24 Hours of Le Mans, the live linear networks Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 and much more.
• Customers should check local listings for rights availability in their countries.
• The Sports Add-On is sold as an add-on to any base plan.
• Users can stream sports content on 2 devices simultaneously (of their available base plan streams).
Existing HBO Max subscribers will be able to discover the new experience on Max while keeping their current profiles, and viewing history, continuing their Max journey where they left off. In some cases, depending on device or operating system, the HBO Max app will be automatically updated to the Max app. In other cases, when users open their HBO Max app, they will be prompted to download the new Max app, allowing them to begin exploring the new platform in just a few clicks. discovery+ and Eurosport premium SVOD subscribers will be given details in due course about how to subscribe to Max.
*WBD’s enhanced streaming service will be called HBO Max in the Netherlands and Belgium.
**Channels and live content in Standard and Premium plans, and the Sports Add-On may contain ads. On-demand content in all plans may include sponsorship and product placement.
Apollo Global Management Offered To Buy Paramount Global Studios For $11 Billion
This deal is only for the studios and is very different from other offers to buy or merge with all of Paramount. This includes an offer from Skydance to merge with Paramount.
Talks with Skydance are reportedly in the early phases and could easily fall apart, especially with investment firms now possibly driving up the price of Paramount. No date for an auction has been revealed, but bankers have reportedly started the process of sharing details about Paramount with potential bidders, it is reported that Redstone is looking at selling its share of Paramount at auction to the highest bidder.
Currently, Paramount Global is controlled by media executive Shari Redstone. Redstone also controls National Amusements, which owns 77% of Paramount’s voting shares. Reportedly the Redstone family is also looking to sell their 77% ownership of Paramount.
Any new owner of National Amusements would control Paramount’s cable TV networks, which include Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, and multiple movie theaters.
The news comes as the entertainment industry faces difficult times with cable TV viewership is declining and a majority of streamers struggling to achieve profitability. Paramount’s streaming service, Paramount+, is among the companies fighting to stay afloat.
News Shorts: Moonbug To Create New Animated Series Based On VeeFriends Franchise And America's Backyard Gold Debuts On Discovery Channel In April Alongside New Season Of Hier Sit Die Manne
The companies have struck a strategic partnership deal and will work together to create a 2D-animated series for kids aged 6-11 called VeeFriends, which is based on Vaynerchuk’s existing kids franchise of the same name. It will launch on YouTube in September, with Candle Media-owned Moonbug and VaynerWatt both attached.
The series will be set in the VeeFriends universe, which features a collection of larger-than-life VeeFriends characters such as Gratitude Gorilla, Quick Quail and Clever Crocodile who will compete in the VeeDome, the “ultimate over-the-top challenge arena, to battle out the biggest issues facing tweendom today.” Every character who goes into the VeeDome comes out “a little stronger and a lot more self-aware.”
Dave Turin is coming to Discovery
Embark on an unprecedented journey with master miner Dave Turin as he unlocks the secrets to $3 trillion worth of undiscovered gold in the brand-new series, America’s Backyard Gold, premiering on Discovery Channel on Monday, 1 April @ 20:55 CAT.
In the midst of recent storms and floods unearthing fresh deposits across the United States, the age-old pursuit of gold hunting has never been more opportune, intensifying the race to strike it rich. Renowned prospector Dave Turin guides viewers from the rugged Dakotas to sun-drenched Georgia plains and majestic Montana peaks to California's sun-kissed shores in a quest for hidden family legacies and life-changing fortunes. In America’s Backyard Gold, modern miners discover the treasure lies not in heavy equipment or costly investments but in knowing where and how to look.
Produced by Raw TV for Discovery Channel, the series captivates with its gripping narrative, stunning landscapes, and the promise of untold riches.
Hier Sit Die Manne returns with a season 4
A male-interest talk show hosted by Frank Rautenbach. In each episode Frank interviews a guest who is relevant to the market. Additional inserts will focus on popular male interests such as cars, fishing, hunting, investing, travel, rugby, and more.
Frank Rautenbach is a South African director, actor, author, and producer who has worked widely in both film and television. He has appeared in several popular South African films and TV shows, such as The Bang Bang Club and Faith like Potatoes.
The series will air every Saturday at 17:30 from 6 April.
New Channel Alert: Primedia Broadcasting To Launch A New 24 Hour Pan-African News Channel
Primedia Broadcasting, a leading media company, has unveiled significant personnel changes as part of its strategic expansion into television and reinforced news services. These appointments mark a pivotal moment for the company as it positions itself for dynamic growth and innovation in the evolving media landscape.
Primedia Broadcasting announces key staff appointments in strategic expansion
At the core of this transition is the appointment of Sibusiso Ngalwa as editor-at-large, who will play a central role in establishing Primedia's 24-hour pan-African news channel. With a wealth of experience in sourcing news content and cultivating relationships across the continent, Ngalwa's proven leadership will surely elevate Primedia's news offerings to new heights. Notably, Ngalwa's recent appointment as a member of the Africa Editor's Forum (TAEF) executive committee further underlines his experience and understanding of the media landscape on the African continent.
In addition, Nisa Allie, renowned for her track record in launching successful news channels, including her notable contributions to eNCA, has been appointed as the managing editor of TV news. Her strategic acumen and editorial prowess, honed through her experience at eNCA, will be instrumental in guiding Primedia's television news division towards excellence.
Meanwhile, Mpho Raphata's promotion to managing editor of the EWN newsroom underscores Primedia's commitment to nurturing internal talent and fostering a culture of growth and development within the organisation.
In a statement, Lindile Xoko, CEO of Primedia Broadcasting, expressed confidence in the newly appointed leaders, stating, "These appointments reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering credible news to our audiences. With their expertise and leadership, we are poised to redefine storytelling in Africa and beyond."
The announcement also introduces Thembekile Mrototo, a seasoned anchor with previous experience from ENCA and more recently Newzroom Afrika and a current member of 947’s breakfast show, who joins Primedia's esteemed news anchors Jane Dutton and Kwazi Kwaza.
Mrototo's addition further enriches Primedia's news offerings, reinforcing the company's dedication to delivering comprehensive and engaging content.
Furthermore, Robert Marawa, a renowned sports broadcaster, will lead Primedia's efforts in delivering top-notch television sports news bulletins, ensuring audiences receive unparalleled coverage of sporting events.
These strategic appointments signify an exciting chapter for Primedia Broadcasting, as it continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of its audience. The company remains committed to fostering talent, driving innovation, and delivering engaging television news and content.
Former DStv Channel: What Happened To The Afrikaans Music Sensation MK?
Musiek Kanaal (MK) was a youth oriented music channel with similar styling to the early 2000s MTV and Channel O. It was distributed by M-Net on DStv channel 324 when it launched by mid-2005 as MK89 with the 89 being its original frequency on the platform.
As mentioned, MK had the MTV influence and prestige with reality shows like Jol24, Hoeneer and Petrolkop with music from Hoordoosis, Ondergrond and Kraakvars. Aside from catering to a much younger audience it was well known for infusing music genres.
By 2013, it was announced that MK would be exiting the DStv platform after 8 years with audio version launched in place. M-Net and MultiChoice noticed its strong online presence so kept various social accounts on air in an attempt to build its streaming base.
Prior to its discontinuation, KykNET launched its third spinoff channel KykNET NOU (formerly KykNET Musiek) which is described as a variety channel incorporating music and other programming into the mix.
Although, MultiChoice had the intention of retaining MK through an international service with other content viewed on the audio bouquet. This proved to be unsuccessful as MK barely had much content in the pipeline that it wasn't long till it got discontinued to its entirety.
To date, MK's content is still accessible on YouTube although owners Google were looking to deactivate millions of inactive accounts. With thousand hours of MK content on the platform one has to wonder how long the brand would continue to be accessible.
Understanding the downfall of MK
According to MultiChoice, most of its consumers preferred using online platforms than watching outdated television which contributed to its low figures. But that couldn't be any further from reality as a various scenarios could have formed the exiting of MK.
KykNET NOU was introduced as the new kid in the block a year before MK was shut down. Unlike MK, KykNET NOU was grouped alongside KykNET's other linear channels despite offering similar content to MK which was grouped with MTV Base and Trace Urban.
MK was a premium channel while KykNET NOU was available all the way down to Family. KykNET NOU had the figures and combining that with MK put it at a disadvantage so if the problem was viewership they could have restructured the content as opposed to closing.
Shooting Star Milkshake Bar (Full Song) | Phineas And Ferb | Disney Channel
Phineas and Ferb is a 2007 television series created by Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh that tells the story of two boys who try to make their summer vacation fun in various ways. One of the episodes of this show, "Out To Launch", involves the character Lawrence naming a star after the titular duo and them setting off to find it in a rocket. During one part of the episode, the boys learn that the star they named is actually a place called the Shooting Star Milkshake Bar. This part uses a song with the same title as a montage of Phineas and Ferb enjoying their time there is shown.
A full version of the song was produced and was played at Disney's Hollywood Studios' former Phineas and Ferb meet and greet, but was never released in any form of physical media. The version is longer than the one heard on the show and has additional verses. Part of this version can be heard in a video by famous YouTube family Sen, Momo and Ai Channel when they visit the area.
On December 28th, 2020, a YouTube user by the name of "SuperSonicStyle" had uploaded the instrumental to the song. The instrumental was a secret unlockable track from the game "Phineas and Ferb in the Transport-inators of Doooom!".
On March 10th, 2024, a YouTube user by the name of "Charter School Girl" had uploaded the full version of the song.
Schneiderverse In Hot Water: Former Nickelodeon Star Drake Bell Details Sexual Abuse He Experienced As A Teen In New ID Documentary Quiet On The Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV
Drake and Josh star Drake Bell is the biggest former child actor to allege having faced toxic workplaces at Nickelodeon while performing on Dan Schneider’s hit TV shows sets as part of Investigation Discovery’s docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.
For the first time, Bell shares his story of alleged abuse at the hands of Brian Peck, his former dialogue coach, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a Nickelodeon child actor in 2004. Bell is not alone.
The ID four-parter probes the toxic environment claims on sets run by Schneider, who created Nickelodeon hit programs like The Amanda Show, Drake & Josh, Zoey 101, iCarly, Victorious and Sam & Cat and helped launch the careers of Kenan Thompson, Amanda Bynes, Victoria Justice, Miranda Cosgrove, Jennette McCurdy and others.
Here are some of the revelations about allegations of abuse, sexism, racism and inappropriate behavior involving underage stars and crew and alleged predators at the network, as set to be revealed in Quiet on the Set, which premieres across two nights on ID on March 17 and 18.
Dan Schneider allegedly ran or tolerated toxic workplace conditions on his hit show sets at Nickelodeon.
Former creatives and crewmembers who worked with Schneider on or behind the camera claim they endured toxic workplaces. “Working for Dan was like being in an abusive relationship,” Christy Stratton, one of only two women writers on The Amanda Show, along with Jenny Kilgen, tells the docuseries. What’s more, Stratton and Kilgen had to split a normal staff-writer salary to get hired. And it wasn’t long before Stratton recalls being told by Schneider “he didn’t think women were funny.” Kilgen adds: “He challenged us to name a funny female writer, and he said this to the writers in the writers room.” Kilgen says Schneider allegedly had pornography up on his computer screen and told her he’d put one of her sketches in the show in return for a massage. “He always presented it like a joke, and he’d be laughing while he said it. But you always felt like disagreeing with Dan, or standing up for yourself, could get you fired,” Kilgen claims. She also recounted Schneider one day in the writers room asking Stratton to lean across her desk and simulate being sodomized. “I would not do that today, but I did it then,” a strikingly embarrassed Stratton says on camera.
And for onscreen talent, Schneider was a kingmaker, the one who decided who became a star, including Amanda Bynes, and who would have their lines or even character roles cut from a series. Raquel Lee Bolleau, who appeared on The Amanda Show during its first season when she was 12, adds: “You wanted Dan to like you, because otherwise he was mean to you.” Case in point: Schneider apparently flipped out when he decided a birthday cake on set for Bolleau was too big. Then the jocular Schneider was replaced by a screaming tyrant. “Dan yelled a lot. Dan was like a tornado. He’d show up and you’d say, ‘What just happened?’ Dan showed up. The set wouldn’t feel the same when he’d leave, because everyone was on their toes, scared,” Bolleau claims at one point.
Toxic workplaces in Hollywood are not new, but Nickelodeon sets stood out for being filled with vulnerable child actors.
Kid actors were made to wear suggestive costumes and take part in inappropriate sketches full of physical comedy and hinting at pornographic undertones, the series claims. An example is Leon Frierson, who was part of seasons 4 through 6 of All That, which also starred a young Amanda Bynes. In the doc, Frierson recalls playing the character of Captain Big Nose in a superhero costume of tights and underwear. Besides his prosthetic nose attached to his face, Frierson had matching noses on his shoulders. “You can’t help but notice that it looks like penises and testicles on my shoulders,” he recalled. And as part of the sketch comedy, Captain Big Nose unleashed a giant sneeze due to his allergy to asteroids. The result was a messy goo left on the face of a young woman in his path. “The joke in that sketch is effectively a cum shot joke. It’s a cum shot joke for children,” Schaachi Koul, culture writer, tells the doc in the first episode. Frierson adds: “Looking back, it’s very strange. Frankly, it was just uncomfortable. In the moment, I thought this is what we got to do to stay on the show, to stay in the cast and stay in the good graces of people that were higher up.” And that specifically meant doing right by Schneider. “Being close to Dan could mean an extra level of success. It was important to be on his good side, and he made it known who was on his good side,” he insists.
Former Nickelodeon star Drake Bell tells his story of alleged abuse at the hands of Brian Peck when he was only 14 and 15 years old.
The third episode of Quiet on Set centers on Drake Bell graphically recounting how he was allegedly groomed and suffered alleged sexual abuse at the hands of Nickelodeon dialogue coach Brian Peck. In 2003, Peck was accused of molesting a child. He was subsequently convicted of a lewd act against a child and oral copulation of a person under 16, and spent 16 months in prison. Only now do we learn Bell, then a minor at 15 years of age and the star of Nickelodeon shows like All That and The Amanda Show, was at the center of that criminal case and conviction. He recounted waking one morning while on Peck’s living room couch. “I woke up to him. … I woke up, opened my eyes, and he was sexually assaulting me. I froze and was in complete shock. I had no idea what to do or how to react,” Bell recounts. Peck is said to have manipulated Bell’s mother and others to allow himself free reign with a minor. “It just got worse and worse and worse and … worse, and I was just trapped and I had no way out,” Bell adds. It was only when the mother of Bell’s then girlfriend asked why Peck wouldn’t stop calling him that Bell sought therapy, but he was still not ready to share his secret. “Then I realized it was so calculated. You (Peck) moved all the pieces into place. The whole thing was mental manipulation,” Bell says of Peck’s behavior.
It’s a theme many now adult actors claim about their childhood selves on Nickelodeon shows during the Quiet on the Set series: If they spoke up for themselves, or had a parent do so on their behalf, they feared retribution and never being able to work again. But eventually in 2003, Bell talked to the police after finally telling his mother. “I’ve no idea what provoked it, what happened, but I just screamed into the phone everything that had happened to me,” Bell said. He recalled a “brutal” interview with two detectives and having to call Peck to get him to admit his guilt on a tapped phone. He did, with a full confession. Immediately after Peck’s arrest, Bell recalled a phone call from Schneider asking if the case had anything to do with him. “I was close enough with Dan that I was like, ‘Yeah, man, this is what he’s been doing.’ Dan just goes, ‘You don’t need to talk anymore about it. That’s all I needed to hear. Are you OK? Do you need anything from me. Anything you need,’” Bell tells the doc series. Then, when asked whether other Nickelodeon execs reached out to him personally, Bell made excuses: “I’m not really sure how many people knew who it was. It wasn’t really brought up to me a lot, maybe because it was a sensitive subject. But really the only person that I remember being there for me was Dan.” Bell would eventually headline his own series, Drake & Josh, on Nickelodeon.
In a statement, Nickelodeon said, “Now that Drake Bell has disclosed his identity as the plaintiff in the 2004 case, we are dismayed and saddened to learn of the trauma he has endured, and we commend and support the strength required to come forward.”
Dan Schneider allegedly tormented and humiliated the cast and crew on his TV sets.
As Schneider grew more powerful as a kids TV producer, his relationships with fellow creatives apparently worsened to the point of alleged abuse, the series claims. “He would come down and yell and scream. There were many times I had to say, ‘You’re creating an atmosphere on this set that is not healthy,’” All That director Virgil Fabian alleges in Quiet on the Set‘s second episode. That toxicity extended to the edit suite. Karyn Finley Thompson, an editor on All That, The Amanda Show and Drake & Josh, claims she and others in production had little life outside work when working with Schneider. “You didn’t eat. You didn’t go to the bathroom. Dan would be, ‘Wait! Wait a minute! Hold it. Can you wait a minute?’“ And she’d give in to the incessant demands. “We all did it, or you got fired,” Thompson adds. She recalls one day keeling over in the edit suite and having to go to the hospital. “As I’m leaving and curled over, I could hear someone saying, ‘How is this show going to get finished?’ And I remember just saying, ‘I’ll be right back!’”
The docuseries argues it took the #MeToo movement to stop Schneider in his tracks at Nickelodeon, not internal controls.
After the #MeToo movement, Schneider and Nickelodeon finally parted ways following years of whispers and rumors. Before that, the network in 2014 launched an internal investigation into workplace conditions on Sam & Kat, which starred Ariana Grande and Jennette McCurdy. The result was Schneider, ever the hands-on showrunner, having to stop interacting with the series cast and stay in his office. That eased any alleged toxicity on set, while also keeping Schneider, the moneymaker, in the Nickelodeon tent, where he created two more shows, Game Shakers and Henry Danger. Until 2017 and Hollywood’s reckoning with hostile workplaces and sexual harassment and assault accusations against Harvey Weinstein and others, “a lot of rumors were circulating around Dan Schneider, and these really exploded online,” Business Insider writer Kate Taylor tells the series in the fourth episode. And a second internal investigation by Nickelodeon, while clearing Schneider of any hint of sexual misconduct, led to his exit in 2018. “It did find evidence of being abusive to others in the workplace,” Taylor reports. And the network changed the locks at the Nickelodeon on Sunset facility, where Schneider ran his empire. “Let’s collectively please not let another Dan happen. He cannot happen again. This is not a joke,” Alexa Nikolas, a Zoey 101 castmember, tells the series.
Schneider shared the following statement with the docuseries, which airs at the end of the four-parter: “Everything that happened on the shows I ran was carefully scrutinized by dozens of involved adults. All stories, dialogue, costumes, and makeup were fully approved by network executives on two coasts. A standards and practices group read and ultimately approved every script, and programming executives reviewed and approved all episodes. In addition, every day on set, there were always parents and caregivers and their friends watching us rehearse and film.”
That’s followed at the end of the final episode with: “And in response to producers’ questions, Nickelodeon has stated it ‘investigates all formal complaints as part of our commitment to fostering a safe and professional workplace… We have adopted numerous safeguards over the years to help ensure we are living up to our own high standards and the expectations of our audience.'”
Separately, Nickelodeon released the following statement pertaining to the docuseries’ allegations: “Though we cannot corroborate or negate allegations of behaviors from productions decades ago, Nickelodeon as a matter of policy investigates all formal complaints as part of our commitment to fostering a safe and professional workplace environment free of harassment or other kinds of inappropriate conduct. Our highest priorities are the well-being and best interests not just of our employees, casts and crew, but of all children, and we have adopted numerous safeguards over the years to help ensure we are living up to our own high standards and the expectations of our audience.”
Credits: The Hollywood Reporter
Apollo Global Management Also Looking To Acquire Paramount Global
The company faces competition, including a bid from Byron Allen, who in January offered to buy Paramount Global for $14 billion. The entertainment conglomerate’s parent, National Amusements, has also gotten an offer from David Ellison’s Skydance Media in a bid that was backed by rival private equity firms RedBird Capital Partners and KKR.
Warner Bros. Discovery also reportedly considered buying some or all of the entertainment conglomerate’s assets, but backed off last month.
The report said Apollo is looking at a deal only with Paramount, which would involve Paramount Pictures, the CBS network, along with Comedy Central, BET and other Viacom cable networks and the streaming services Paramount+ and PlutoTV.
“It’s also possible that Apollo could wind up bidding only on select assets,” Axios reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
Shares of Paramount Global initially jumped about 5% on the report, but the gains quickly disappeared. The stock was trading down 5 cents to 11.57, down nearly 20% since the start of the year, in late morning.
Apollo has long invested in news and entertainment companies, including purchasing “American Idol” owner CKx in 2011. It also has or previously held interests in Barnes & Noble, Cox Media Group, Legendary Entertainment, Redbox, Sirius Satellite Radio. It also bought Yahoo Inc. from Verizon in 2021.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)