On Digital and e.tv squaring up
A very-eager On Digital Media (ODM) said that it would be revolutionising the Pay TV market through its offering. The company hosted a media conference right after Icasa's announcement saying that it planned to launch its unique digital satellite Pay TV offering in the second half of next year.
ODM has a 80% black shareholding including Cosatu's investment arm Kopano Ke Matla, the Industrial Development Corporation, and a consortium of women including Airports Company of South Africa MD Monhla Hlahla.
The company has also attracted international investment to South Africa through their Luxembourg based shareholders SES ASTRA. The company will provide ODM with the latest digital broadcast distribution. Modern Times Group, a leading international television broadcaster with interests in Pay-TV, Free TV, radio and TV production will partner with ODM to provide access to international quality content.
Vino Govender, ODM director, said that more details of the company's offering would be made once licensing conditions have been finalised with Icasa.
At ESAT, which is owned by e.tv's Sabido Investments, Bronwyn Keene-Young, e.tv's COO said that both e.tv and ESAT are poised to enter into the multi-channel environment next year.
The awarding of the Pay TV licence follows Sabido's recent acquisition of Botswana based Gaborone Broadcasting Company, and will enable the group to continue to develop a media company across the continent.
Keene-Young said that planning for new channels is at an advanced stage and that the company would be evaluating the future Pay-TV market following yesterday's announcement and would announce further plans within two months.
Moneyweb
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