WildEarth, a DStv channel, has announced that it will withdraw from the pay-TV provider. The decision was attributed to MultiChoice’s lack of support.
According to André Crawford-Brunt, the chair at WildEarth, the channel has a significant role in education, conservation, and tourism. He expressed that despite the channel’s valuable contributions, it is not feasible for them to continue airing content on DStv without compensation.
Crawford-Brunt mentioned that they had been urging MultiChoice for over a year to support them financially, highlighting their substantial viewership and contribution to local content production. Despite this, MultiChoice allegedly failed to fulfil its commitment to assist in funding WildEarth.
Following the announcement of WildEarth’s removal from DStv, many of the channel’s supporters launched petitions and a fundraising campaign. In just 72 hours, the campaign raised an impressive R4.7 million.
Crawford-Brunt pointed out that the channel’s removal could significantly impact MultiChoice, urging them to take note of the overwhelming support for WildEarth.
This move comes despite MultiChoice’s previous commitment to prioritise locally produced content. Two years ago, the pay-TV broadcaster announced plans to allocate half its content budget to African-made shows with local actors and producers in the next two years. However, as Crawford-Brunt suggested in his open letter, WildEarth needed to fit into this plan.
He emphasised that WildEarth embodies the values MultiChoice claims to promote, as the channel’s content is created entirely by South Africans. This contrasts with the practice of purchasing African wildlife content from international media giants, highlighting a deviation from MultiChoice’s commitment to uplifting local content and talent.
Crawford-Brunt’s statements reflect the challenges faced by WildEarth and its implications for MultiChoice, portraying a broader industry dynamic.
