MultiChoice local content plans
Meanwhile, MultiChoice is proceeding aggressively with plans to build out an original and local content roster that will allow it to compete more directly with streaming services in South Africa.
Six months ago, it said it would align with the consumer move way from “linear TV”, setting a target of 45% local content by 2022, and planning to produce 52 films and 29 new local dramas this year.
“Our local content has performed very well over the years and continues to resonate with our customers and we are well on target to achieve our target of 45% of content creation spend being on local content by 2022,” said Heshu this week. “This not only results in a video entertainment industry that’s sustainable into the future, but it allows us to continue investing in new local stories that our customers love.
“The amazing hits that kicked off in the latter part of 2019 include Ifalakhe, Impilo: The Scam, Trackers and Kwa MaMkhize. Our customers can look forward to even more over the next three months and beyond, including the likes of Mzali Wam, Still Breathing, The Station and Madame among others.”
MultiChoice is expected to launch a standalone DStv Now streaming service next month, competing head-on with Netflix. Its Showmax streaming service is performing strongly, while it has succeeded in making DStv Now compatible with most app platforms after initial technical limitations.
“We have seen good growth in our Over the Top (OTT) offering in the recent times,” said Heshu. “We’re seeing many of our customers using our OTT platforms like Showmax and DStv Now to enjoy watching the appealing content that we offer or rent the latest blockbusters from BoxOffice.”
MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela first announced in mid-2018 said that the company would launch a “dishless” version of DStv as a video streaming service the following year. However, in November the company revealed that the launch had been pushed out to the end of the first quarter of 2020.
* The comments from MultiChoice were attributed to Benedict Maaga, senior manager for corporate communications, in an earlier version of this report. This has been corrected above.
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