South African channel returning to DStv

WildEarth is set to return to DStv’s catalogue this December after it pulled its channel from the pay-TV broadcaster in April 2024, TV With Thinus reports.

Interim CEO André Crawford-Brunt has also apologised for some of his comments about DStv when he announced WildEarth’s decision to withdraw.

WildEarth airs live game drives or “safaris” primarily in the Djuma Game Reserve in Mpumalanga.

MultiChoice confirmed that WildEarth will return to DStv channel 183 on all packages.

The pay-TV broadcaster told TV With Thinus that WildEarth’s return comes after “constructive discussions” between MultiChoice and WildEarth.

“Both companies are dedicated to delivering unique, immersive local content, allowing customers to experience African wildlife in a truly engaging way. This aligns with MultiChoice’s commitment to providing African-centred content that resonates with audiences,” it said.

Neither company disclosed whether and how much MultiChoice would pay WildEarth for its content. It had reportedly previously offered to pay R6 million per year, which WildEarth rejected.

That was after WildEarth complained that MultiChoice had not been paying them for their content.

Crawford-Brunt has now apologised and said the transition from DStv was emotional for all involved.

“In the heat of this change, there were moments when things were said that, in hindsight, would have been better handled privately,” he said.

He expressed his regret and thanked MultiChoice for its willingness to engage and find a solution.

In his announcement regarding WildEarth’s decision to withdraw in April, Crawford-Brunt said the company couldn’t continue to air its content on DStv without compensation.

“We have been begging MultiChoice for over a year to support us. We have made the case that not paying us anything for our content is unsustainable for us — although great for them,” he said in an open letter.

“We told them we have a large and passionate viewership, long viewing times, and that we represent everything positive about South Africa. We reminded them that we are the largest producer of local content in the country.”

In an interview, Crawford-Brunt claimed that MultiChoice had committed to compensating WildEarth for its content, which he said it failed to uphold.

He also said the removal would have a significant impact on DStv and slammed the pay-TV broadcaster for going against its promise to focus on locally-produced content.

In response to the open letter and Crawford-Brunt’s interview, MultiChoice issued a statement saying that Wild Earth was trying to publicly pressure it into assisting with funding.

“After thorough discussions, MultiChoice entered into a channel distribution agreement, providing both support and guidance to WildEarth,” said MultiChoice.

“This non-exclusive agreement allowed WildEarth to showcase its content across various platforms beyond DStv, including YouTube and its own website.”

The pay-TV giant said it respected WildEarth’s decision but expressed disappointment at the company’s approach to the situation.

After six months of being off DStv, WildEarth and MultiChoice have resolved their dispute and the channel is set to return to the platform in the coming days.