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

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Dick Wolf is in for another busy season at NBC. No surprise here, the Peacock network has renewed “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.,” “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: SVU” for the 2024-25 broadcast TV season. Among Dick Wolf scripted series, that leaves just “Law & Order: Organized Crime” on the bubble; a renewal for that show, which has experienced multiple showrunner changes in its short life, is still in discussion.

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

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Since today, the children's channel, international subscription television channel for babies, Baby TV, has merged its Latin American signal with one from Europe, to specify, Spain. 

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

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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.

Tjoppie Marais (Geon Nel) is Hermien's son from her first marriage. Tjoppie grew up with Charl Senior's children from his first marriage. Charl Marais Junior (David Chevers) lives in London, and Annette Fourie (Ashley de Lange) lives in Australia with her rugby player husband, Du Toit Fourie (Zak Hendrikz). Lynn Fourie (Illse Roos) is Du Toit's "Social Butterfly of the Winelands" mum.

Veronique (Rushney Ferguson), Tjoppie's wife, is the manager of the restaurant on the farm. CJ (Angelo Johnson), the couple's eldest child, is a matriculant this year at Simonsvallei Gymnasium, where Marco (Angelo Bergh), the couple's youngest, is now in Grade 11.

THE HELP 

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

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Warner Bros. Discovery announced today that Max, its enhanced streaming service, will launch in the first European countries beginning May 21. Max brings together HBO Max’s can’t-miss programming, Discovery’s engaging real-life entertainment and all the world-class action from Eurosport’s premium subscription service to create a complete viewing experience for the whole household with premier TV shows, fresh and iconic movies, unmissable sports, and flagship TV networks in select countries, in a single destination for the first time.

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

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Recently, we learned that Warner Bros. Discovery and Skydance Media are both in talks to buy a majority control of Paramount. Only last month to find out that Warner Bros. Discovery was no longer interested. Now, the Wall Street Journal reports that Appollo Global Management has offered to buy the film and TV studio 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

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Moonbug & VaynerWatt to co-create animated series

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

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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?

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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

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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.