Recap To The Decade: Canal+ Owned/Funded Channels Currently Seen On eMedia Investments' Openview And StarSat

As some readers are aware, Canal+ intends to merge their operations alongside MultiChoice which would create an African powerhouse. This would need approval from local legislation including the Competition Commission and ICASA.

Since then, there's been a lot of concern of the implications awaiting this deal should it move forward. Canal+ serving as the new owners of MultiChoice would likely decrease the workforce on top of minimizing production and licensing agreements. 

Although Canal+ doesn't offer any services within in South Africa they had producing content for M-Net. On top of licensing the entertainment channels FilmBox Africa through StarTimes platforms with France24 seen on the Openview platform. 

There has been a lot of concern from consumers that Canal+ may opt to scrap these agreements and make these channels exclusive to DStv consumers as seen with SABC News. Some even fear that StarTimes could opt to scrap FilmBox as they'd aid a competitor. 

But that may never be the case here as such would prove to be anti-competitive or unethical on StarTimes part. If anything, these assets won't be treated differently once Canal+ acquisition of MultiChoice is complete. 

It's possible that part of this offering may never see the light of day on DStv.

Take for instance, Timeless Dizi Channel which serves as one SPI International's most popular entertainment channels in Africa is already seen on StarTimes. But not on any of Canal+ platforms within Africa so if anything this offering could operate more independently. 

Of course nothing can be set in stone on what DStv consumers would get out of this acquisition in terms of additional services. But from what we've seen in recent months with the closures of Me and Ginx TV it's likely these services will lead to more content changes. 

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