In less than two years, MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, has lost 3.7 million members, according to Citizen SA. The company’s overall subscriber base has decreased from 23 million to 19.3 million, which has many worried about the pay-TV future.
The drop occurs when streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Showmax—which provide on-demand programming at affordable prices—become more and more competitive. Rising costs are making it more difficult for households to keep up with subscription payments, which is another way that economic issues are affecting many consumers.
Customers have been unhappy with MultiChoice’s price increases and content restrictions in recent years, particularly as digital alternatives have grown in popularity. Some viewers are choosing less priced streaming services that provide flexibility without requiring costly satellite dishes or decoders.
MultiChoice is still a significant force in Africa’s entertainment sector despite the decline in its numbers. In an effort to remain relevant in the digital age, the firm has been promoting Showmax, its own streaming service. It is unclear, though, if this tactic will be sufficient to regain lost subscribers and contend with the world’s largest streaming services.
MultiChoice’s subscriber base may continue to decline, according to industry analysts, if it does not adjust to shifting customer preferences and market conditions. As the corporation navigates a fast changing media market, the upcoming months will be critical.
Right now, it’s evident that African viewers want more flexible and reasonably priced entertainment selections, and they don’t hesitate to look into other options.
