DStv Repeats: Can anything be done?
Many DStv subscribers vociferously complain about the amount of repeats on various channels, including movies and documentaries.
While it’s understandable that some repeats are necessary to allow people to view a movie or series at a suitable time, many DStv subscribers feel that the current repeat cycle oversteps the mark of reasonable repeat frequency.
Many people blame DStv/MultiChoice for these repeats, but Aletta Alberts, general manager of content for MultiChoice, explains that program repeats are beyond their control.
“MultiChoice doesn’t schedule programmes but buys ready-made local and international channels. Each channel schedules new and recurring programmes according to a programme or movie’s license specification. MultiChoice arranges the channels into DStv packages and broadcasts the channels,” said Alberts.
“Repeats form an integral part of the pay television business model – locally and abroad. To make the service affordable, channels have to contain a mix of new and repeat programming. A single channel requires 8760 hours of content per year.”
Alberts highlighted that DStv’s repeat rate is lower than in most countries around the world. “The movie repeat rate is for example up to 60% lower than similar digital television platforms abroad like SKY and DirecTV,” said Alberts.
“The majority of the channels available on DStv are also supplied to Pay TV operators in other parts of the world. This means our subscribers see the same level of repeats as in Europe or USA.”
According to MultiChoice, repeat scheduling on each channel varies as channels have different format models and programmes have different ratings. A 24 hour channel such as M-Net schedules every hour whilst block channels such as The History Channel schedule four hour blocks which repeat within 24 hours of it premiering.
“All channels offer varying amounts of new content annually. The minimum amount of new hours on DStv is 500 hours per annum; however, the majority of channels have between 750 and 1250 new hours per annum,” said Alberts.
“Repeats are also designed to create catch-up viewing opportunities,” Alberts concluded.
DStv is however not the only service plagued by complaints about excessive repeats. TopTV subscribers have been growing increasingly frustrated with excessive repeats on channels like Fox Retro, Fox Entertainment and Top Crime.
Elouise Kelly, ODM’s chief marketing officer, said that they are well aware of the complaints about repeats from TopTV subscribers, but says that it is “how pay TV works.”
“Repeats over a period of time is how pay TV is structured. It’s impossible for any TV channel to be repeats free. Repeats are structured and scheduled so as to make the repeating convenient for you as the viewer,” said Kelly.
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