MultiChoice\u2019s streaming platforms, Showmax and DStv Stream, have grown strongly over the last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Globally, pay-TV operators have seen a significant decline in their linear TV subscribers as they move to streaming services like Netflix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Known as cord-cutting, cable and satellite TV providers have lost over 20 million subscribers in the United States over the last decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The latest research reveals that there are expected to be 80 million cord-cutting households in the United States by 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although DStv has been more resilient than most of its global counterparts, it is not immune to the cord-cutting trend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MultiChoice lost 1.8 million DStv subscribers over the last year. Challenging macroeconomic conditions and lower discretionary consumer spending fuelled the decline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company has launched two streaming platforms to counteract the cord-cutting trend and create new revenue streams \u2014 Showmax and DStv Stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MultiChoice\u2019s financial results for the six months that ended 30 September 2024 showed that its streaming platforms are gaining traction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Showmax, which positions MultiChoice to participate in the streaming revolution, reported 50% year-on-year growth in its paying customer base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This growth is expected to accelerate over the next year as many of its strategic initiatives start to bear fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It includes an enhanced content line-up, bedding down distribution partnerships, expanding payment channel integrations, and refining its go-to-market strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MultiChoice is also continuing to invest heavily in Showmax to establish it as the leading streaming platform in Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It said Showmax Originals continued to excel, engaging viewers and earning local and international accolades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Showmax local content received over 118 South African Film and Television Awards nominations, the most of any streaming platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also added the current Premier Soccer League season in South Africa to the Premier League mobile-only Showmax product for free in September 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The DStv Stream and Extra Stream base was down 2% year-on-year on a combined basis, given the elevated base in 1H FY24 due to the Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, user activity was supported by a 95% increase in combined revenues in 1H FY25 through rebranding and upgrades to the DStv Stream user experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DStv Internet, closely linked to DStv\u2019s streaming services, has also enjoyed significant growth over the last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The table below provides an overview of the growth of DStv Stream, Showmax, and DStv Internet over the last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n