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M-Net marks 40 years as critic urges return of presenters

Published

Former continuity presenter Ashley Hayden and television critic Thinus Ferreira recall M-Net's early years, including open time, KTV and Sunday night movies. Ferreira says the channel should focus on fewer hours of premium content.

Hayden spent about 15 years at M-Net as a continuity presenter. She got her start when presenter Charlotte Levine went on leave, which led to Hayden's audition. Before that, she spent about six months in Johannesburg with little happening.

Hayden said she cannot believe the channel is 40. Her words were: "I actually can't. It seems like a mistake because I don't even feel like I'm 40 years old. So how can M-Net be 40?" She also said the amount of content today makes it harder for people to share one viewing experience.

Ferreira said M-Net feels somewhat lost in the changing television landscape. He wants it to bring back continuity presenters and offer fewer hours of exclusive content. He said Carte Blanche is the longest-running programme on South African television.

Ferreira also said Egoli showed that South Africans would return to the same local programme every day. He said satellite television and DStv can be traced back to M-Net's beginnings. In his view, there was no major party planned for the 40th anniversary, unlike the 30th birthday.

Key facts

Who
Ashley Hayden (former M-Net continuity presenter who spent about 15 years at the channel); Thinus Ferreira (independent television critic); Charlotte Levine (former M-Net presenter who went on leave, prompting Hayden's audition); M-Net (television channel celebrating its 40th anniversary)
What
On the occasion of M-Net's 40th anniversary, Ashley Hayden and Thinus Ferreira recall the channel's early years, including open time, KTV and Sunday night movies. Ferreira argues M-Net should bring back continuity presenters and focus on fewer hours of premium content.
When
26 October 2026
Where
South Africa
Status
Reported

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