In a move that has sent shockwaves through the wildlife conservation and television viewing communities, WildEarth, a beloved local channel on DStv, has announced its decision to sever ties with the pay-TV giant. The departure of WildEarth, which airs live sunset game drives primarily from the Djuma Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, has been attributed to a lack of support from MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv.
André Crawford-Brunt, chair at WildEarth, minced no words as he articulated the reasons behind the channel's departure. In an open letter addressing the issue, Crawford-Brunt highlighted the channel's crucial role in education, conservation, and tourism, emphasizing its significance in showcasing the beauty and diversity of South Africa. However, he lamented the absence of compensation from MultiChoice, making it financially unsustainable for WildEarth to continue airing its content on DStv.
"We have been begging MultiChoice for over a year to support us," Crawford-Brunt stated. "We have made the case that not paying us anything for our content is unsustainable for us — although great for them."
Despite assertions from MultiChoice regarding its commitment to promoting locally-produced content, WildEarth's departure underscores a significant discrepancy. Crawford-Brunt pointed out that while MultiChoice pledged to focus on African-made shows with local actors and producers, WildEarth, as a prominent producer of local content, seems to have been overlooked.
The repercussions of WildEarth's departure are not limited to the channel alone. Many of its dedicated viewers have expressed outrage and disappointment, with some launching petitions and fundraising campaigns in support. In a remarkable show of solidarity, a fundraising campaign amassed a staggering R4.7 million within 72 hours of its launch.
Crawford-Brunt also issued a warning to MultiChoice, urging the company to heed the voices of its subscribers who have voiced their unwavering support for WildEarth. "Many of you have reiterated that the only reason you pay your subscriptions is for WildEarth," he emphasized.
The saga between WildEarth and MultiChoice highlights broader issues within the television industry, particularly regarding the prioritization of local content and support for indigenous producers. As Crawford-Brunt aptly put it, WildEarth's struggle reflects a larger narrative of a media giant grappling with changing times and evolving viewer demands.
As the dust settles on this contentious departure, both WildEarth enthusiasts and industry observers are left pondering the future of wildlife conservation programming on DStv and the broader implications for locally-produced content in the television landscape.
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