CYBERTORIAL: M-Net introduced separate programme schedules for its satellite and terrestrial channels from April. While much of the international and local English-language programming carried by the two versions of M-Net will remain the same, sport and Afrikaans content will be dropped from the satellite channel. Here, the channel answers frequently asked questions about the move and how it will impact on viewers.
A. Core messages
- As of 1 April 2011, the M-Net programme offering on M-Net Terrestrial (Analogue) and Satellite (DStv) started to vary during certain times to meet the specific needs of subscribers and to eradicate the duplication of content on the M-Net channels on DStv.
- M-Net’s satellite viewers are able to watch the best of international and local content on M-Net; sport on the SuperSport Channels and Afrikaans content (including Binneland) on kykNET.
- M-Net’s terrestrial/analogue viewers (those with the “boxes” having M-Net only), can see their sport on M-Net, alongside the best international and local content, but now also have access to more Afrikaans content, courtesy of kykNET. The Afrikaans content includes Binneland.
- The KTV kids block on M-Net (both terrestrial and satellite) fell away as of 1 April 2011.
- M-Net’s prime time for all M-Net viewers has extended to 22:30
B. General questions
Q1: Why will the schedule for M-Net viewers on analogue and M-Net viewers on DStv differ in future?
A1: The viewing needs of M-Net’s terrestrial and DStv subscribers have evolved and are not the same anymore. M-Net took the feedback from viewers to heart and believe that these scheduling changes will increase the viewing pleasure of our audiences. The revamped M-Net schedules will benefit all our subscribers.
Q2: What is the difference between an M-Net analogue/terrestrial viewer and a satellite viewer?
A2: M-Net’s analogue viewers have access to M-Net only, while M-Net’s satellite viewers have access to an array of channels, including SuperSport and kykNET.
Q3: How do the schedules differ?
A3: M-Net’s satellite viewers will be able to watch the best of international and local content on M-Net, sport on the SuperSport Channels and Afrikaans content (including Binneland) on kykNET.
M-Net’s terrestrial/analogue viewers (those with the “boxes” having M-Net only), will still see their sport on M-Net, alongside the best international and local content, but will now also have access to more Afrikaans content, courtesy of kykNET. The Afrikaans content includes Binneland.
Q4: Why has the KTV block been discontinued?
A4: The KTV audience has grown up. Viewing figures showed that the kids who have access to DStv prefer watching the 24/7 kids channels on DStv instead of a block of programming on a general entertainment channel.
The viewing numbers for KTV on analogue/terrestrial are also decreasing dramatically and we believe that the Afrikaans programming block, which may include kids programming from time to time, will be watched by more viewers.
Q5: Does that mean that M-Net won’t look after the needs of young viewers anymore?
A5: Not at all. M-Net produces several channels for DStv, including Koowee, Vuzu and MK. Even though there won’t be a kids block on analogue, some selected kids programmes will still be available on the channel.
Q6: When did these changes take effect?
A6: From 1 April 2011.
Q7: Does this mean that there will be less Afrikaans on M-Net and that M-Net is abandoning its Afrikaans viewers?
A7: On the contrary. The changes are good news for analogue viewers, who will now be able to watch more Afrikaans content. kykNET on DStv is a 24/7 Afrikaans channel produced by M-Net, and satellite viewers will now find all their Afrikaans programming consolidated on one channel. At the same time, the M-Net channel will be catering for a broader audience who don’t necessarily speak Afrikaans.
C. Analogue viewers
Q1: I have been a loyal M-Net subscriber for many years. Are these changes a ploy to force me to buy DStv?
A1: Not at all. These changes were made to enhance your viewing experience. The scheduling revamp was based on feedback from our viewers over the last couple of years. This is in fact good news for our analogue viewers.
Q2: Will Binneland now only be on kykNET?
A2: No, you will still be able to watch Binneland on M-Net. It will be a half-hour show at 18:30.
Q3: Does this mean that I will be missing out on the best M-Net programming on DStv?
A3: While you watch Binneland, M-Net’s satellite viewers will see international shows that will appeal to their taste. At 18:00 you can also enjoy M-Net’s brand new groundbreaking soap The Wild and from 19:30 the M-Net schedules look exactly the same, which means you will still have access to the best international and local series and movies.
Q4: Which Afrikaans programming will I see?
A4: Courtesy of kykNET, you will see the previous night’s prime-time kykNET shows. Binneland will also be screened at 18:30
Q5: Can I still watch the sport on M-Net?
A5: Yes.
Q6: Where will I be able to find the schedules?
A6: The comprehensive schedule is printed in the Magic Magazine and you can also be able to find it on the M-Net website.
Q7: Are there changes to the CSN channel?
A7: No.
D. Digital viewers
Q1: Why did M-Net change its schedule on DStv?
A1: M-Net decided to streamline its DStv channel offering to suit the needs of all our audiences and to eradicate duplication on our satellite channels. These changes are the result of requests and direct feedback from our viewers.
Until now, the schedule was designed for both our analogue and digital viewers, but with the multiplicity of channels available on DStv it became necessary to allow schedule variations for our different audiences. Thanks to the latest technology, it is now possible to run more than one tailor-made channel.
Q2: Why did you move Binneland from M-Net to kykNET?
A2: Binneland has been available on both M-Net 101 and kykNET. To eliminate duplication, all Afrikaans content previously screened on M-Net will be on the dedicated 24/7 Afrikaans channel, kykNET, in future. This also opens up a time slot to satisfy the viewing needs of a big group of English speaking viewers. It’s a win-win for all viewers.
Q3: Is there no Afrikaans on M-Net?
A3: All Afrikaans content previously on M-Net will be available on kykNET from 1 April 2011.
Q4: Why did you move the sport from M-Net 101?
A4: Many M-Net 101 viewers have indicated that they would prefer alternative viewing to sport on the channel – especially since they can also watch the same broadcasts on SuperSport. All the sport will be available on SuperSport. By doing this, more time slots can be made available for exclusive M-Net programmes on the M-Net channel.
Q5: What will I see on M-Net in future?
A5: M-Net will focus on the very best blockbuster shows and movies including international and local programmes.
Q6: Where do l I find the M-Net schedules?
A6: The M-Net and DStv websites, the EPG available via your DStv decoder, media publications, TV Guide magazines and other TV guide websites.
