DStv’s major channel changes in 2023
2023 was a slow year for DStv regarding channel additions and removals, with the broadcaster adding only two wholly new channels and removing one over the year.
Comparatively, the broadcaster added seven and removed four channels from its catalogue in 2022.
However, it did shake up its channel offerings for some customers in 2023. The broadcaster gave DStv Compact and Access customers access to ESPN sports channels previously reserved for higher-tier subscriptions.
In July 2023, MyBroadband asked the broadcaster whether it had actively slowed channel acquisitions and if it had plans to launch any new channels.
The broadcaster did not confirm or deny that it had slowed channel acquisitions and said it would communicate changes as they happen.
DStv removed the CCTV-4 channel in March 2023 as part of its regular review of channel offerings. The broadcaster said it regularly reviews its channels to ensure it provides customers with the “best in local and international content”.
“Often, channels are removed from the platform due to low viewership and performance on some packages,” it said.
“In this instance, the parties have agreed to not renew based on commercial viability and viewership of the channels.”
A month later, DStv Compact customers got access to a new channel — ESPN 2. Previously, DStv customers had to subscribe to Compact Plus or Premium to watch this channel.
ESPN 2 is the home of basketball and American football in South Africa, with the channel airing National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Football League (NFL) content.
“This announcement is our way of rewarding our loyal customers with a wider catalogue of entertaining content to choose from,” said MultiChoice CEO Marc Jury.
This means that DStv Compact customers can watch the 2024 Super Bowl in February and the highly-anticipated NFL draft in late April.
DStv then went quiet regarding new channel offerings for some time, with its next announcement coming in November.
Marc Jury, MultiChoice SA CEO
The pay-TV broadcaster launched a new kids channel — Play Room — on 6 November 2023. It airs local South African education and entertainment programming and popular international content.
It also broadcasts popular animated shows dubbed into isiZulu.
“A whole new world of learning and fun opens up for local kids on 6 November when the new children’s channel Play Room launches on DStv Channel 300,” DStv said.
The channel focused on broadcasting educational programming aimed at four- to six-year-olds in the mornings.
In contrast, afternoon programming will feature live action and a local live show with “high entertainment value for tweens”.
Play Room is available on DStv’s Access package and higher subscriptions, meaning customers must pay at least R99 for the streaming-only plan and R129 monthly for the decoder package to watch it.
In late November 2023, DStv announced that it would add ESPN 1 to its entry-level Access package come 1 December.
It was previously only available on the R449-per-month DStv Compact plan or higher.
ESPN focuses on US sports like basketball, American football, and baseball, giving fans of these sports in the country a significantly lower entry point to watch them.
Jury said that the decision to add the channel resulted from its regular reviews of viewership trends.
“We continue to monitor viewership trends and are thrilled to be adding ESPN 1 for our DStv Access customers,” he said.
DStv also added NWTV to its catalogue in late 2023, offering customers access to content specific to the North West province and other notable coverage from Southern Africa.
MultiChoice said NWTV features inspiring content to educate and entertain viewers and celebrate South African heroes, and it is available on all DStv packages.
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