Latest news with #Multichoice
The South African
9 hours ago
- Business
- The South African
South Africans say YES to DStv sports packages
South Africans are fully supporting Multichoice's contemplation of offering a sports-only package for DStv subscribers. The satellite television company is also toying with the idea of unbundling SuperSport from its pay-TV platform. In recent months, the company has taken a massive knock in revenue loss after losing hundreds of thousands in subscriptions. According to social media users, this follows the company's tone-deaf approach to affordability, diversity, and demands. Earlier this month, Multichoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela stated that the company would investigate whether unbundling SuperSport from DStv and launching a sports-only package would be a feasible option for its business model. He said at the time: 'We've accelerated that project in terms of getting us to finalise which direction we're going to take in this financial year. But yes, we are considering all options as part of a broader product offering going forward'. The investigation will conclude at the end of the current financial year-end in March 2026. Broadcaster Gareth Cliff polled his followers to see if they would support the move to a sports-only tailored DStv package or simply a SuperSport option. An overwhelming 94% of voters responded positively. Here's what a few had to say… @renierferreira: 'PAY PER CHANNEL ONLY! People don't want DStv 'bundles'. I'll pay R99 pm just for SuperSport 1 on ONE device.' @WTFSA13: 'R350 for all sports channels, and I am in' @SwartNatalie: 'Yes, then we can actually afford to watch sport again!' Currently, the SuperSport group of channels is offered on DStv's Premium package – it's most expensive – which currently costs R949. For many sports enthusiasts, 'off season' means pausing their subscriptions or cancelling them altogether. In multiple financial reports, Multichoice has acknowledged that the rising cost of living meant that 'households are struggling to make ends meet and many had no choice but to give up their DStv subscription for the time being.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
14-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Long time coming? DStv considering sports-only packages
While millions of South Africans continue to ditch their DStv subscriptions, Multichoice has finally acknowledged a call for it to introduce tailor-made packages, particularly sports-only ones, featuring the SuperSport group of channels. The pay-TV company has recorded a monumental revenue loss over recent years. According to social media users, this follows the company's tone-deaf approach to affordability, diversity, and demands. Following shocking news that DStv had lost 3 million subscribers in 2 years, its parent company, Multichoice, conceded that it would consider consumer demands. For many South Africans, this means picking your own packages, tailor-made to your interests. Sports-only packages featured high up on the list. MultiChoice has reported a decline in its subscriber base for the financial year ending 31 March 2025, losing nearly 1.2 million subscribers. Image: MultiChoice Multichoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela stated that the company would investigate whether unbundling SuperSport from DStv and launching a sports-only package would be a feasible option for its business model. He said this week: 'We've accelerated that project in terms of getting us to finalise which direction we're going to take in this financial year. But yes, we are considering all options as part of a broader product offering going forward'. The investigation will conclude at the end of the current financial year-end in March 2026. Currently, the SuperSport group of channels is offered on DStv's Premium package – it's most expensive – which currently costs R949. For many sports enthusiasts, 'off season' means pausing their subscriptions or cancelling them altogether. In multiple financial reports, Multichoice has acknowledged that the rising cost of living meant that 'households are struggling to make ends meet and many had no choice but to give up their DStv subscription for the time being.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Competition Commission greenlights Multichoice and Canal+ deal
Canal+ already owns 45% of Multichoice's shares, and with this deal, it intends to buy the remaining shares for R125 per share, valuing the group at R55 billion. The Competition Commission has recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve the acquisition of Multichoice by French Media giant Canal+, subject to conditions relating to public interest considerations. Canal+ already owns 45% of Multichoice's shares, and with this deal, it intends to buy the remaining shares for R125 per share, valuing the group at R55 billion. ALSO READ: Canal+ takeover: MultiChoice faces uncertain future amid strategy discrepancies Multichoice and Canal+ deal conditions 'The conditions include a package of guaranteed public interest commitments proposed by the parties,' said Multichoice. 'The package supports the participation of firms controlled by Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDPs) and Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in the audio-visual industry in South Africa. 'This package will maintain funding for local South African general entertainment and sport content, providing local content creators with a strong foundation for future success.' Next step for Multichoice and Canal+ deal Now the ball is in the Tribunal's court to make a decision on the transaction. 'The approval of the Tribunal and the fulfilment of the remaining conditions are required for the Proposed Transaction to become unconditional.' Calvo Mawela, CEO of MultiChoice Group, said: 'The recommendation from the Competition Commission is a key step forward towards the completion of the transaction and a recognition of the strong package of public interest commitments provided by the parties.' Maxime Saada, CEO of Canal+, said: 'This represents a significant step forward in our ambition to establish a global media and entertainment company with Africa at its core. We are committed to investing in local content and supporting South Africa's creative and sports ecosystems.' ALSO READ: MultiChoice profit nosedives with huge decline in subscribers Commission and Tribunal The Competition Commission is an independent adjudicative body established to regulate competition between firms in the market. The Competition Tribunal is an independent adjudicative body that adjudicates on matters referred to it by the Competition Commission. The Commission is the investigating and prosecuting agency in the competition regime, while the Tribunal is the court. Weak performance Dstv, operated by Multichoice, has seen its subscribers decline from more than 23 million to 19.3 million in less than two years. The group announced earlier this year that the challenging consumer environment has resulted in a decline in subscribers and limited revenue growth. 'The group was navigating unprecedented external adversities, including macro-economic headwinds, as well as disrupted power supply and severe currency depreciation in some of its key markets in the Rest of Africa.' DStv price increases DStv has announced price adjustments across its packages, effective 1 April 2025: Premium: From R929 to R979 (+R50) Compact Plus: From R619 to R659 (+R40) Compact: From R469 to R479 (+R10) Family: From R329 to R339 (+R10) Access: From R139 to R150 (+R11) EasyView: From R29 to R30 (+R1) Access Fees: From R120 to R125 (+R5) Add Movies: From R79 to R49 (-R30) DStv Stream: No adjustment Showmax PL: From R69 to R99 (+R30) Showmax Entertainment mobile: From R45 to R50 (+R5) NOW READ: WATCH: DStv's 'R100' advert deemed misleading by regulatory board
