SABC Looking To Curate Exclusive Content For SABC+

SABC+ is a South African based streaming service that served as a promotional window to the current SABC 1-3 alongside it's 19 radio stations. Since it's inception, the streamer has only managed to accumulate 850,000 registered users on the platform.

At the time, the SABC had remained hesitant in bulking up its offering for the streamer as it's cable networks continue to lose revenue. According to recent reports, the plan is to make SABC+ a flagship platform going forward which could hint at a major restructuring for its cable networks.

When MultiChoice unveiled Showmax 2.0 in partnership with Comcast this led to the consolidation/axing of Me and 1Magic. Even eMedia Investments made some adjustments to its linear platform with eExtra's Kuiertyd that had become the dumping ground for eVOD.

With SABC 2 and 3 continuing to run at a loss estimated guess is that SABC will try to minimise or scrap further commissions from these platforms in favour of SABC+. These channels will likely turn to archived material and third party programming while optimising for the streamer.

"We are seeking partnerships with organisations that traditionally would be viewed as competition for the SABC. This includes MultiChoice; also streaming services like VIU, Netflix and all the rest."

On the streaming front, it appears SABC is on a rationality process as they're hoping to ink deals with Netflix and MultiChoice for programming. When Netflix launched in the market it become another DStv in general a shark hovering around smaller fish.

Warner's head at Max had a long talk with corporate about the performance of the streamer and it was agreed that Max (small fish) will never the reach of Netflix. If there's anyone who has better luck to compete it's Disney+, SABC+ very much like Max is fighting for stability.

Last year, Max dumped most of Cartoon Network's library of content as these weren't core to their viewers so it's likely SABC+ will adapt to a similar trait when commissioning content. Prioritizing IPs in an attempt to boost consumer growth at SABC+ while other content that goes unnoticed on the platform will garner traction on Netflix.