Its been barely a year, but M-Net has decided to shut down one of their Maisha
Magic channels in East Africa.
The organization regrets to inform DStv viewers that after much deliberation
and an in-depth assessment of each of the channels viability was concluded,
including a review of the rankings and popularity of the channels, a decision
was made to to close Maisha Magic and refocus on the Maisha Magic Swahili
channel. Thus, the Maisha Magic channel will close at end of March 2015.
“Unfortunately, Maisha Magic has not performed and grown as per our
expectations. Overall, the channel was unable to achieve the ratings
consistency we needed to sustain the business and support our continued
investment,” said Patricia van Rooyen, CEO M-Net Sub-Saharan Africa.
“As a result, M-Net made the carefully considered but difficult decision to
cease operations of the channel. We are grateful to the Maisha Magic team,
which includes M-Net East Africa Regional Director Michael Ndetei and some of
the most talented and creative people in the Kenyan media industry. M-Net will
endeavor to make this closure as smooth a transition as possible for them.”
M-Net however emphasizes that they will remain firmly committed to the Kenyan
market and will ensure that it continues to support film makers by showcasing
their talent on other M-Net channels. The film and television industry in
Kenya will continue to be supported by M-Net’s investment in channels made in
Africa for Africa, thus ensuring that they assist Kenya in playing a role in
the growth and future of African television and film on the continent.