WITH effect from 17 January 2024, two more TV channels will no longer be available on DStv and GOtv, as MultiChoice has lost access to Germany’s Deutsche Welle and the religious TV channel, Emmanuel TV, faces challenges following the death of its founder.
In recent years, or at least from what several outlets had uncovered, the channel went on a downward spiral telecasting old services. Basically, Emmanuel TV’s entire existence revolved around TB Joshua and with his passing there’s not much left of an Emmanuel TV.
Emmanuel TV is currently one of the most subscribed Christian channels on YouTube with over 250,000 active subscribers and nearly two million followers on Facebook. Emmanuel TV’s numerous videos online have amassed well over 200 million views.
Since its beginning in 1993, SCOAN has grown to become one of the most sought-after Christian ministries across the world. The church’s television network, Emmanuel TV, was established in 2006 and has been broadcasting worldwide with a viewership of over 100 million.
Management had opted to rather leverage his legacy instead of trying to restructure Emmanuel TV and look at other means for survival. Aside from MultiChoice, it has also been confirmed that Emmanuel TV will exit StarSat and other pay-tv platforms.
As to whether MultiChoice or affected pay-tv platforms will look into replacing Emmanuel TV. That has yet to be seen but a guess would suggest both providers will likely focus on the existing bouquet of religious channels.
Although Emmanuel TV will cease to exist on most major platforms across the world. The channel will remain on free-to-air HD decoders and put more emphasis on its online presence through Apple TV or App Store, Roku, Fire TV Stick, Google TV and soon Google Play Store.
Eighteen-Eleven Media