DStv's R4.1 billion loss: Is this the end of satellite TV and rise of streaming services?
In South Africa, the number of active DStv subscribers fell from 8 million to 7.6 million over the past year.
Photo: Unsplash/Erik Mclean (cropped)
Stephen Grootes interviews Leslie Adams, Sales Director at Reach Africa.
Listen below.
A shadow hangs over DStv as MultiChoice’s annual report for the year ending 31 March 2024, reveals a staggering R4.1 billion loss, a 9% drop in active subscribers, and a state of technical insolvency.
In South Africa, the number of active DStv subscribers fell from 8 million to 7.6 million over the past year.
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Adams acknowledges that while streaming services are impacting the revenue of satellite TV, there remains ample opportunity for competition.
"DStv is following a trend that we're seeing in the US and Western Europe, where streaming services is eating some of their [satellite TV] lunch."
- Leslie Adams, Sales Director – Reach Africa
Adams points out a key advantage of streaming services over satellite TV: they empower users to curate content tailored to their interests with just a click.
While the quality of content can vary and isn't always superior, he stresses that the sheer volume of available options has significantly expanded.
Moreover, he notes that users have the power of choice and can easily access specific shows on various streaming platforms and have the flexibility to cancel and resubscribe whenever they choose.
"Your interests will evolve and change and it may be very periodic, but now the option is available to you to just turn on and turn off."
- Leslie Adams, Sales Director – Reach Africa
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