MultiChoice is under increasing pressure from governments in Africa to lower the subscription prices for its satellite television services.
The turn of events reflects the prevailing economic crunch in Sub-Saharan African countries in which the broadcaster operates, with citizens asking governments to intervene.
According to Thabo Kawana, Permanent Secretary in Zambia’s Ministry of Information and Media, the Zambian government has urged the MultiChoice Group to reduce its prices locally.
DStv monthly subscriptions range from K165 (US$8.67) for DStv Lite to K1 670 ($87.76) for Premium.
After Malawi, Zambia is the second such government, in as many weeks, to call on the operator to review its subscription fees.
Kawana was speaking at the signing ceremony to onboard Zambia News and Information Services Television (ZANIS TV) onto MultiChoice’s DStv platform.
Kawana assured Zambians that the government was making the TV operator aware of their worries.
“While we celebrate this milestone (the onboarding of ZANIS TV), we have also heard your concerns.
“During the ceremony, we specifically urged MultiChoice to address high subscription fees, reduce content repetition and keep ZNBC TV as a free-to-air channel.”
ZNBC is the national broadcaster.
The move comes as MultiChoice’s new owner, Canal+, is starting to execute its strategic ambitions and leverage economies of scale as the largest satellite TV broadcaster on the continent.
Kawana said the partnership with MultiChoice is a ‘game-changer’ for Zambia’s media industry.
Analyst Mwando Moono said that adding ZANIS TV to DStv was a positive step toward strengthening Zambia’s media presence locally and internationally.
“It is equally encouraging to hear that concerns about subscription costs, content repetition and free-to-air access were raised. Sustainable media growth must balance accessibility, affordability and quality content,” Moono said.
In 2024, MultiChoice, which employs 350 Zambians, reported losing 300 000 subscribers in the country. This is a common challenge the operator is facing across its African operations as digital streaming platforms and reliable connectivity start to take over.
In addition, the group faces significant challenges from a harsh economic climate, including weak local currency, high inflation and constrained consumer spending, compounded by extreme power disruptions.
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