Could SABC Look Into Merging Their DTT Platform With eMedia Investments' Openview?

SABC and eMedia were arch rivals for a more than a decade and 3 years ago they put their differences aside and formed a new partnership. This led to the additions of SABC Sport and through a separate agreement on MultiChoice's DStv, SABC's 19 radio stations on Openview.

Since then, SABC Sport had become a trailblazer ranking as one of the top 10 most watched channels on the platform joining elites like eExtra, eReality and eMovies. The channel offers a variety of sport including Premier League, NBA, La Liga, Racing Today and TKO Boxing.

Ukhozi FM, Radio 2000, Channel Africa and Phalaphala FM, some of the many radio stations operated by SABC to consumers expands eMedia's local line-up.

During the week, it was reported that Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery are looking to launch a joint streaming service for sports. Similar to SABC and eMedia Investments these two had been rivalling for several decades and with the current economic climate are trying to sustain themselves.

It does lead one to wonder if SABC and eMedia Investments could look into doing something similar aside from channel additions. French company Canal+ is looking to acquire MultiChoice and should it exceed could help the pay-tv company compete on a more wider scale.

SABC and eMedia Investments services cover mainly South Africa for which most of MultiChoice's consumers resides. Another partnership could better position themselves against the likes of DStv as seen with SABC Sport it's making content more accessible.

One of the ideas that came to mind would be a merger of both their DTT platforms. SABC's current bouquet doesn't reach that many households and money is being wasted on manufacturing while eMedia's current offering doesn't offer much local content.

SABC's DTT platforms offers community stations like 1KZN and Tshwane TV a section that had been abandoned by Openview on top of local news, SABC Lehae. eMedia's offering such as eReality and eSeries are on the opposing side for M-Net as opposed to Mzansi Magic.

eMedia Investments is currently embroiled in a carriage dispute with MultiChoice for their 4 Openview channels. SABC on the other has been trying to seek revenue from the pay-tv company for SABC 1-3 and alongside eMedia better carriage fees.

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