WWE News: Why ETV is not airing WWE in South Africa anymore

What's the story?

To the disappointment of WWE fans in South Africa, e.tv Channels will stop broadcasting WWE programming from September 1st, 2017. Marlon David, Managing Director of e.tv said that:

“e.tv has been the home of WWE in South Africa since 2001, but international rights contracts like this are complex,”

The reason for the sudden change was cited as the company changing the direction of their entertainment content saying:

“After reviewing our renewal options, we decided to focus instead on the direction our entertainment lineup has been taking over the last 12 months.”

In case you didn't know...

South African T.V network e.tv had been broadcasting WWE content since 2001 in sub-Saharan Africa but it looks like the T.V rights for WWE will go to another network, MultiChoice's DStv.

The heart of the matter

South African TV network, e.tv will stop airing WWE content starting September 1st, 2017. Weekday programming on e.tv will include the American Medical-Drama, House, starring Hugh Laurie.

Marlon David, Managing Director of e.tv commented:

“As sad as we are to see WWE leave its home in South Africa, we’re confident that our audience will keep embracing the channels’ new direction and continue to be entertained by the fresh and engaging content which e.tv and the ?e family of channels currently hosts – and has plans to expand in the future"

What's next?

The TV rights for WWE programming will go to MultiChoice's DStv for the 50 Sub-Saharan countries where they will broadcast the weekly shows like RAW and SmackDown.

Author's take

It's a sad day for South African WWE fans but at least they will have the choice to switch to a different network for WWE content.