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Paramount+, HBO Max to Become One Streaming Entity After WBD Deal

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By Adedapo Adesanya

Paramount+ and HBO Max will become a single, unified streaming service after Paramount Skydance stepped in to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) following the surprise exit of Netflix from the bid.

The company’s chief executive officer (CEO), Mr David Ellison, announced during a call with investors on Monday that the company plans to merge Paramount+ and HBO Max into a single, unified platform.

“Our combined company will be home to many of the greatest, most recognisable and beloved franchises in the world, from ‘Harry Potter’ to ‘Top Gun,’ ‘Star Trek’ to ‘Looney Tunes,’ ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘Yellowstone.’ This represents a tremendous opportunity, and we fully intend to invest in the creative engines of both studios, making them the most sought-after destination for the industry’s leading creative talent,” he said.

Mr Ellison also reassured investors that HBO’s identity and creative vision as a studio would remain unchanged.

“Our viewpoint is HBO should stay HBO.” He also committed to maintaining a robust theatrical slate, pledging 15 films per year, per studio, for a total of at least 30 annual theatrical releases.

This announcement comes on the heels of Paramount’s recent agreement to acquire WBD in a deal estimated at $110 billion. The merger would bring together a vast array of film, TV, and news assets under one corporate entity and is expected to upend the Hollywood landscape as we know it. It also furthers the trend of consolidation seen among other major streaming platforms, such as the combination of Disney+ and Hulu.

With a projected subscriber base of over 200 million, the new streaming service will be positioned as a serious contender among the top streaming giants.

However, the merger also invites close scrutiny from the US Department of Justice over concerns about media concentration and market competition.

Also, industry observers warn that the merger is likely to result in significant job cuts, heightening employee anxieties over layoffs and wage reductions.

There have also been concerns over editorial independence, particularly in light of the Ellison family’s political connections to Donald Trump and increasing scrutiny of newsrooms at CBS and CNN.

Regardless of the concerns, Mr Ellison was optimistic that the transaction would move forward smoothly.

He described the merger as “pro-competition, pro-consumer, and pro-creative community,” emphasising the transaction will “create a stronger Hollywood and global production ecosystem, one that expands consumer choice and unlocks opportunities for creative talent.”

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Veteran Nigerian Actor Kola Oyewo Dies at 80

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By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Veteran Nigerian actor, Mr Kola Oyewo, is reported to have breathed his last at the age of 80.

A popular Nollywood actor, Mr Kunle Afod, confirmed the news of the passing of the scholar, dramatist and filmmaker on Friday in a post on his Instagram page.

Before his passing, Mr Afod recently visited the university teacher at his residence, where he made monetary donations to him.

In his post on Friday, he announced the death of the thespian, saying “Tonight, we lost a true legend. Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow.”

“His remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” he further wrote.

Recall that in an interview with Mr Afod, the deceased disclosed how his battle with prostate enlargement affected his acting career, which spanned over six decades.

Mr Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group after he was born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State.

During his lifetime, he acted in several movies, including Saworoide, Super Story, Sango, and Koseegbe, amongst others. He also played the role of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s play, The Gods Are Not to Blame.

In 1996, he became a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University and retired in September 2011 as a senior lecturer. He later moved to Redeemer’s University as the Head of the Department of Dramatic Art. He later worked at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, as a performing arts lecturer.

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Watching BBN and the World Cup Is No Longer a Location Thing

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Big Brother Naija Reunion is on, the World Cup tournament is kicking off, or that new DStv/GOtv series everyone has been talking about just dropped, and somehow, you’re not at home. Maybe you’re in traffic, at work, or just not near a TV. In moments like these, the real question is no longer “what’s showing?” but “how do I not miss it?”

That shift is precisely why the DStv and GOtv Stream have become more than just viewing platforms. They are now part of how people actually experience television on the move, at home, on phones, and in real time.”

Whether it’s someone trying to catch a live show while commuting, watching highlights during a break at work, or simply preferring to stream directly from their device instead of using a decoder, these apps have quietly changed how entertainment is consumed.

But beyond streaming and access, many users still don’t fully understand how to navigate them properly. Here’s a simple guide.

1. Getting Started

Download the DStv Stream or GOtv Stream app from your device’s app store and sign in using your DStv or GOtv account details.

Once you’re logged in, you’ll land on the home page, where you’ll find a mix of live TV, recommended content, trending titles, and recently added shows.

2. Watching Live TV

One of the easiest ways to use the platform is through the Live TV section.

Simply:

  • Tap on Live TV

  • Browse available channels

  • Select the channel you want

  • Start watching instantly

This is especially useful for:

  • Big Brother Naija live broadcasts

  • Football matches and tournaments

  • News coverage

  • Reality shows

  • Live events

You can move between channels just as you would on a decoder.

3. Finding Shows and Movies

For viewers who already know what they want to watch, the search feature offers a quick way to find specific shows, movies, channels, or sporting events without scrolling through categories.

The platform also organizes content into categories, making it easier to discover something new.

4. Catch Up on Missed Episodes

If you missed an episode because you were busy, the catch-up feature allows you to watch selected programs after they have aired. Instead of waiting for reruns, you can simply search for the show and pick up right where you left off. This feature is especially useful during busy periods when it can be difficult to keep up with daily shows.

5. Explore Recommended and Trending Content

The home page regularly highlights:

  • Trending shows

  • Newly added content

  • Popular movies

  • Recommended titles based on viewing habits

If you’re not sure what to watch next, this section can help you discover content you may have otherwise missed.

6. Accessing Showmax Content

One of the biggest additions to the streaming experience is the integration of Showmax content.

Viewers can now access a wide range of Showmax movies, series, and entertainment content directly through the streaming platform, making it easier to move between live TV and on-demand viewing without constantly switching services.

From international blockbusters to local favorites, there’s significantly more content available to explore.

7. Creating a Personal Viewing Experience

The platform allows users to:

  • Continue watching from where they stopped

  • Save favorite content

  • Browse viewing history

  • Discover personalized recommendations

This makes it easier to keep track of ongoing series and find content that matches your interests.

With the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream, live channels, catch-up viewing, on-demand entertainment, and Showmax content are all available in one place, making it easier than ever to watch what you want, when you want, and wherever you are.

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Drama, Tears, and Showdowns: BBNaija Reunion Starts on Heated Note

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The Big Brother Naija Season 10 reunion kicked off yesterday, and honestly, nobody was prepared for how quickly things went from zero to heated. From unresolved tensions to emotional confessions, it looks like the housemates came ready to finally say everything they’ve been holding back.

If episode one is anything to go by, the rest of the reunion is set to be explosive.

Here are some of the highlights from Episode 1 of the reunion:

Sabrina opened up about her early exit, saying that if she had stayed longer, viewers would have seen more of her personality, and that a love interest storyline likely wouldn’t have happened.

Tracy reflected on her time in the house, admitting she didn’t feel emotionally prepared for the experience. She also expressed that while she wanted a deeper connection with Kuture, things felt too physical for her.

Zita revisited her time in the house as well, insisting her fight with Mide was not performative and that she often felt cornered by how things played out. Mide, however, pushed back, saying Zita misunderstood her intentions and that she is not condescending.

Zita and Danboskid also addressed their failed “ship,” finally laying the relationship drama to rest.

Thelma had an emotional moment while defending herself in the Isabella and Kayinkumi situation, with tensions rising further when Big Soso jumped into the conversation, escalating things between her and Thelma.

We also saw more tension unfold between Tega and Thelma, with revelations that added even more weight to their already strained dynamic.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get any hotter, the episode ended on a cliffhanger, with Kola and Doris going head-to-head, leaving viewers waiting for what comes next.

If this is just episode one, the rest of the reunion promises nothing short of chaos, clarity, and confrontations.

Big Brother Naija S10 reunion is clearly not holding back this year. You can catch all the drama at 10 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and 10:30 pm on Africa Magic Family on DStv and GOtv.

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