MultiChoice’s DStv has made significant channel adjustments in 2024, cutting 12 channels and adding only one exclusive to its two most expensive packages. The latest change involves terminating PBS Kids on August 31, 2024.
The decision to add or cut channels is based on various factors, including viewership numbers and content appeal. MultiChoice, the parent company, aims to ensure unbeatable content and meet customers’ viewing needs.
Notably, according to the Broadcasting Research Council of South Africa, none of the removed channels’ recent programming was featured in DStv’s top 20 most-viewed titles.
In previous years, the balance of channel additions and removals was different. For instance, in 2023, two channels were added, and one was removed. In 2022, four channels were dropped, and seven were added. However, in 2024, the removals outweighed the additions.
The only new channel introduced in 2024 is 1Max, available to Premium and Compact Plus subscribers. Other subscribers experienced a net loss of 11 channels.
It’s worth noting that the channel changes in 2024 occurred without any major public statements or notifications to customers from DStv. However, broadcasting journalist Thinus Ferreira has closely monitored these changes.
In addition, MultiChoice wants to remove four eMedia channels from its DStv bouquets but has faced temporary opposition from the Competition Tribunal. eMedia argued that MultiChoice was abusing its dominance, leading to a legal dispute.
Despite the channel adjustments, DStv confirmed that it had revoked the capability to receive around 100 free regional channels with a simple setting change and removed some of its standard channels.
