MultiChoice And SABC Settle Dispute With eMedia Investments Regarding Sports

As some have already read, eExtra alongside eMedia's other Openview channels such as eMovies, eMovies Extra and eToonz won't be exiting DStv anytime soon as MultiChoice and eMedia Investments have come to an agreement. Although, the finer details of this transaction have yet to be known by the media.

Another topic that was addressed within eMedia Investments annual results for 30 September 2024 was the matter of the Rugby World Cup. This was something eMedia Investments had been battling to get onto Openview after MultiChoice denied other platforms aside from that of SABC's DTT the right to view the content.

This led SABC to change transmission for these channels once these games come on through platforms outside SABC's DTT and DStv which is what prompted this battle. MultiChoice accused eMedia Investments of free riding and wanting to broadcast the content without paying a cent.

eMedia Investments had pitched a sum in which MultiChoice deemed too low and from what other sources mention SABC's bid was a lot higher. It took local legislation to pressure these broadcasters into reaching an agreement which saw these games getting reduced even further.

When MultiChoice blocked other platforms from getting rugby it was so that SABC could pay less and get the bulk of content associated with a free-to-air broadcaster. Then after eMedia Investments came into the picture it has been theorised that MultiChoice had to reduce the amount of games given to the SABC.

Now all three parties have settled the matter of course it's not really known how they managed to settle the matter but it isn't something that they can keep secretive forever. MultiChoice has been in such disputes with both parties several times and this isn't something you'd expect to go away that easily.

MultiChoice Heading To Court Over Controversial SABC Deal

 MultiChoice is currently appealing a ruling from South Africa’s Competition Commission, which stated that its 2013 agreement with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) constituted an unreported merger. The deal, which centered around the distribution of television content between the two companies, has sparked controversy due to its involvement in the ongoing digital terrestrial television (DTT) migration and its clauses that allegedly influenced SABC’s stance on encryption.

The Competition Commission found that the agreement, particularly its encryption clause, effectively restricted competition by protecting MultiChoice’s dominant position in the pay-TV market. The SABC had previously alternated its position on encryption, but in the agreement, it committed to not encrypt its free-to-air channels on the DTT platform, thus preventing new competitors from entering the market. This influence over the SABC’s policy constituted a merger, according to the Competition Act, which requires such mergers to be notified and approved by the competition authorities before implementation.

MultiChoice insists that the 2013 agreement was a typical business arrangement and that it should not be categorised as a merger. They argue that no anti-competitive intent was involved, and that the deal was in line with standard content-sharing practices. However, the Competition Commission has recommended that the Competition Tribunal treat the agreement as a merger and seek regulatory approval, further proposing potential proceedings against both MultiChoice and the SABC for failing to adhere to the notification requirements.

The ongoing appeal highlights tensions between corporate interests and regulatory oversight in the South African broadcasting sector. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of digital migration, competition laws, and the relationship between public broadcasters and private media giants.

This case has been under scrutiny for several years, with earlier efforts to challenge the deal dismissed due to insufficient evidence. However, new investigations have provided fresh insights that suggest the agreement warranted closer examination under competition law. As the case develops, it will continue to be a focal point for both industry watchers and regulators.

SABC And e.TV Are Likely To Be Reliant On DStv As Millions Of Households Still Recieving Analogue Signals Will Be Left In The Dark

As some readers have been made aware, SABC 1-3 will be transitioning away from analogue TV on 31 December 2024 a process that had been delayed the government for more than a decade. They put up various banners addressing the situation with e.tv that has yet to do so as they opt to once again delay/scrap the switch off.

Several countries had already turned off their signals as this current method of watching TV has been deemed outdated for sometime. As you can rely on a smart TV for these channels and best part pick up additional channels even the likes of Openview and DStv can help combat this situation.

Trust me when I mention that the government should have never opted to delay the switch yes there was millions still reliant on their aerial but this problem could have lessened by 2024. MultiChoice was always accustomed to catering for a selection of consumers and now free-to-air operators will have to adjust to this current structure.

Having SABC 1's viewership minimised as some households will probably be watching SABC Sport or eReality and with MultiChoice having SuperSportBET, DStv Insurance and Namola to obtain some revenue. These operators are now going to have to find other means to recover this lost revenue.

If there's anyone that's going to suffer more from this it's the SABC while eMedia Investments went ahead and launched Openview ahead of the switch off were able to garner some income and grow their fanbase. Although SABC had followed similar routes with SABC Education and SABC Lehae on DTT very little income is being generated.

Now SABC is trying to make a DStv a cash cow by trying to make its parent company either pay for SABC 1-3 or help in collecting TV licence despite making R500 million in advertising. These are just ideas that have been in development hell for more than a decade alongside the rest of the public broadcaster.

This was something that TVWithThinus had mentioned from time and time again the government had failed the SABC. If it didn't SABC News wouldn't be financed by MultiChoice and I believe if they were more involved they would have tried improving the SABC's financial situation.

At this stage, the public broadcaster can't survive in its current structure without some financial backing maybe they could look into minimising the amount of local content on SABC 1. There's already DStv and a global player like Netflix even e.tv has increased its local investment in recent years.

If there's anyone that can survive in SABC's shoes it would be MultiChoice as consumers are paying for the content being viewed on Mzansi Magic and Moja Love alongside Netflix.

How SABC's Proposal To Let MultiChoice Collect TV Licence Affects DStv?

For several years, SABC has been working on a turnaround plan as the company remains technically insolvent one of which the collection of TV licenses through a pay-tv company. MultiChoice remains firm in their decision to prevent such massacre from moving ahead as it would lead to dire consequences for the average DStv consumer.

What prompted SABC to rely on MultiChoice for disposable income is simple as they already make a half a billion in advertising revenue with 4 channels alone compared to eMedia's R140+ million figure. They also have the watched channels not only in South Africa but to DStv consumers.

Even though these channels do add some value to the average DStv consumer MultiChoice created the platform particularly for those hoping to view content from another perspective. Even though Mzansi Magic is lagging behind SABC 1 in numbers, they could as well be at an advantage point if you had to divide those numbers amongst packages.

On the basis of TV license, if the government were to approve plans of enforcing TV licenses to a platform like DStv as mentioned this will lead to dire consequences not only to the average DStv consumer but MultiChoice.

As we've seen in recent years, MultiChoice continues to bleed in DStv consumers as subscriber numbers had dropped to under 8 million subscribers and enforcing this would lead to additional fees. A lot of DStv consumers had been complaining about the rates and these fees will lead another drop and probably destroy the whole DStv structure.

MultiChoice trying to balance DStv and SABC paying consumers will likely have to cutback on content and lose out on potential revenue if it means retaining their consumers. The public broadcaster had stated that the current rates of TV licenses have yet to be adjusted so whose to say that this may not lead to the closure of certain DStv packages.

One of those reasons MultiChoice proposed a household levy in which SARS will take responsibility. But then again this wouldn't help DStv as the average taxpayer will most definitely want to wind down on expenses and who better than DStv as some have stated we pay DStv which carries SABC so there's your TV licence. 

But this is due to the mangled must-carry regulations which hasn't benefited SABC on a fundamental level but to a consumer's standpoint.

SABC Fails To Launch Additional Channels To Openview, Could There Be More To The Story?

As some of you may remember, SABC and eMedia Investments held hands to announce a new partnership that would see SABC Sport alongside SABC's 19 radio stations on Openview. This would join the existing SABC 1-3 channels with more expansion plans said to be underway with the inclusion two new channels.

These channels were non-exclusive brands meaning it could as well be distributed on SABC's DTT or MultiChoice's DStv platform with plans to spread the existing lineup from SABC 1-3 on these channels. At the time, the SABC had stated that when these channels would get enough exposure that new content could be curated specifically for them.

Similar to what we've seen with SABC's DTT channels, this content will likely be allocated on SABC 1-3 cause with more exposure means more advertising income. Although Ouma Sarie was able to pull 1.8 million viewers on e.tv that's not the case with eExtra as it's estimated to be under 500000.

These new channels had been in development hell for 3 years which means they could have been working on some ideas and that's where it's stands. Often when something is in development hell it's likely to get the axe look what happened to BBC UKTV's launch on Openview that went to DStv and consumers are reliant on SABC 3 for their offering.

Let's remember, SABC had continued adding further channels SABC Lehae and SABC Variety maybe one or both of those could be something they were looking to include on Openview. Then something behind the scenes happened with either eMedia Investments or the SABC which led to its cancellation or delay.

They are technically insolvent and need funding in order for these channels to survive. At this stage, they wouldn't really launch channels without knowing they'd be compensated in some capacity. 

Another possible outcome would be structure of this deal, when SABC Encore was distributed on MultiChoice's DStv what happened there was that SABC had a deadline (missed it) but eventually launched with the money coming from MultiChoice. Could the same have been outlined with eMedia Investments agreement with SABC?

This is a non exclusive deal unlike that of SABC Encore so SABC could have benefitted from this as there was no given timeframe by eMedia Investments on when these channels would go live. Probably because the payments eMedia Investments had given to SABC Sport matched that of SABC 1-3.

This means that SABC would be the one covering most of the costs for these channels cause with the financial constraints of eMedia Investments there's no way they could fund all 19 radio stations. This is the reason you don't get SABC News much less eNCA on those platforms due to constraints in livelihood.

MultiChoice's DStv And The SABC Are Becoming A Thing Of The Past

As some are aware, SABC and MultiChoice are on the brink of collapse as their financial woes continues to accelerate. The SABC find themselves having to use most of their income to pay expenses while MultiChoice is trying to find another money maker through Showmax as the pay-tv market deteriorates.

A financial transaction between Canal+ and MultiChoice is the only lifeline for the company so should this deal not move forward it could prove to be challenging to keep the company afloat. Aside from DStv, MultiChoice has other titles under their belt including M-Net, SuperSport, Showmax, Irdeto and Namola. 

As for the SABC, they've been grasping through straws relying on sponsors and other companies to manage the expenses for shows like The Masked Singer SA and Deal Or No Deal SA. Since then, they've been various proposals on how to get the company out of financial turmoil one includes a household levy with another a sale of assets.

While MultiChoice has gambling, cybersecurity and insurance the SABC only rivalled offering for the company is content which in recent years has been under threat. Before a large number of households relied on these companies for a portion of their lineup now there's Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and even TikTok.

Yes, TikTok has become another alternative from DStv and the SABC cause the reality is their lineup don't cater that much to Gen Z and Gen A as these consumers prefer the internet for their indulgence. DStv can say they offer Cocomelon but you get that on YouTube freely while there's a whole generation of viewers estranged to the SABC.

With Canal+ in pursuit of MultiChoice, I think the big question is how they'll be able to grow its value especially with its recent performance. Because of how cable is at this stage, a lot of investors would probably want out of this venture as seen already MultiChoice is eyeing Showmax to manage those losses in DStv consumption.

SABC is planning to introduce some cost cutting mechanisms although they haven't been detail oriented on how they'd go about it I presume one would have to deal with Deal Or No Deal SA which is funded by Primedia Studios. Another would be Muvhango cause after the show was cancelled only to be revived it's production budget was reduced.

Why Openview Consumers Are Now Able To Watch Games Exclusive To SuperSport And DStv?

A few years ago, SuperSport which serves as one of the largest sports broadcasters in Africa offering a wide range of sports ranging from football, rugby, tennis, boxing and wrestling formalised an agreement with the SABC for Betway Premiership. Initially, these games could have been viewed on rival broadcasters like Openview alongside SABC:s DTT.

In recent years, SuperSport decided to add some restrictions to these agreements when licensing them to the SABC that included blocking transmission from being received to Openview consumers. This benefited the SABC as they would be paying much less for these rights and it prompted eMedia Investments to take legal action.

Several punches were thrown during this time with eMedia Investments accusing SuperSport of an abuse in power while they accused them of "free riding". eMedia Investments' didn't need to pay for these games as they were being broadcast on SABC 1 so this was basically burdened to the SABC at the time eMedia Investments lost this battle.

They built up another case this time pertaining to the restrictions put up by SuperSport and they took this matter to the Competition Tribunal who deemed such agreement "unlawful" or "unethical" and requested both SABC and SuperSport make their games accessible to Openview. SuperSport did warn in advance that if this were to be the predicted outcome the whole agreement would be scrapped which is exactly what happened.

Several months later, both broadcasters are able to hold hands and announce a new agreement for PSL but what caught the media's attention is the number of games being offered on the table. When SuperSport would offer 240-260 PSL games SABC would offer almost half of that but that wasn't the case here as the offering was lessened to 51 games.

In short, when SuperSport and SABC were told to lift the veil from Openview these matches became expensive and following increased pressure by several governing bodies SuperSport couldn't just refuse to sell the matches to the SABC. So rather whatever amount SABC was willing to put on the table would determine how many games they'd get being 51.

In light of this one could say that SuperSport's free-to-air rights had been limited to the amount of games a broadcaster can carry of course they can't oppose who can or cannot use the exact platforms for the same offering.

Other Reasons SABC, e.tv And DStv Continue To Lose Viewers

During the year, the Broadcast Research Council (BRC) had conducted a survey where it was revealed that the number of households watching TV decreased from 15.9 million to 13.9 million. Although it was also outlined that the number of households in SA increased from 17.3 million to 18.3 million.

Understanding how SABC and e.tv is losing viewers, let's take a look at SABC+ and eVOD when those platforms were rolled out there was so much hype about how many downloads it accumulated. Although, actual consumer numbers are currently unknown for these platforms. 

Consumers instead of watching Annekan Die Swa Kry would probably be watching Binnelanders on KykNET&Kie as they could always catch-up on this week's episodes on eVOD. Another again, more consumers are opting for OTT so they rather use their cellular devices for this content. 

When Droomvelore last aired on e.tv the show was able to accumulate 1.8 million and when Annekan Die Swa Kry came this fell to a whopping 1.5 million. One of those reasons eMedia Investments is trying to scrap government plans to halt analogue signals with SABC looking to rollout its STBs.

Despite launching rival platforms to Netflix, neither company is making much revenue with MultiChoice anticipated to become the first in the region with Showmax. Let's remember, Showmax was launched back in 2015 and eMedia and SABC came with their rival offering 7+ years later.

Late entries are struggling to maintain their services are grow revenue wise hence the "free" service which gives them more exposure to these audiences. 

Although MultiChoice is seeing a much brighter future with Showmax the consumer base on DStv continues to deteriorate. This is due to inflation, increased competition from not only streaming but cable providers as well and lastly the dismantling of premium channels. 

What MultiChoice could have done to fight off inflation and retain DStv consumers would be rolling out an unbundled version of the DStv packages. This would see consumers paying for M-Net, National Geographic and Cartoon Network with the option to add sports into the mix.

The sad reality about DStv is that they are losing credibility as most content aside from news and sports is accessible nowadays. If one needs music there's always Spotify in my opinion and YouTube introduced viewers to Cocomelon and all MultiChoice can do is milk it dry.

Then the other is similar to free-to-air operators, consumers are just changing their viewing habits. Some are probably tired of viewing the same shenanigans from Uzalo and Muvhango and would rather browse TikTok or use their Xbox as there's more entertainment there.

Should SABC Look Into Renaming The SABC Education Channel Perhaps To SABC Variety 2?

Since 1996, SABC Education had been a trademark the public broadcaster would incorporate on local content geared mainly at the youth aged 2-14 and overtime aged 18-49. It is home to shows like Geleza Nathi, Uzalo, Matric Reloaded, Skeem Saam, Takalani Sesame and TOMZ.

It currently operates as a 24 hour channel on SABC's DTT alongside SABC 1-3, SABC Lehae, SABC Variety, SABC Sport and their 19 radio stations. Other means of accessing the channel or its content is through SABC+ and for those without these option can view its content on SABC 1-3.

This channel was launched amidst covid as a Mindset oriented brand offering various lessons from the Department Of Education on top of the already existing Geleza Nathi and Matric Reloaded. That left little variety for SABC's other shows like Words And Numbers and Hectic Nine-9.

Since then a lot of restructuring was done to incorporate a lot more of the SABC with the inclusion of Skeem Saam and non-educational shows like Restyle My Style and Challenge SOS but then again I get why these are on.

SABC Education is youth oriented and the SABC hadn't really produced much content in this area but the inclusion of Afro Cafe and Speak Out falls out of that spectrum. This was a channel that should be pivoting toward what it is positioned for education yet there's music shows on there.

Often the public broadcaster would rebrand the channel to SABC Festival as if there weren't consumers actually watching the channel and leaving the space occupied by SABC Variety unhinged. Considering there's already content under SABC Education not viewable on the channel like Uzalo.

Yet there's space for current affairs, the public broadcaster should consider restructuring or revamping the channel perhaps into SABC Variety 2. The first channel may as well occupy shows like Uzalo and Giyani: Land Of Blood while the other offers Skeem Saam and Noot Vir Noot.

SABC Wants To Launch An Openview Competitor, Might Require A TV License

A decade ago, SABC had planned to launch its own DTT platform which would be rivaling with eMedia Investments' Openview platform before seeking comfort with Sentech. This platform would feature SABC 1-3 and their 19 radio stations with e.tv exempted from the lineup. 

There were also plans for SABC to expand its linear offering with 18 additional channels which included SABC 4, SABC 5 and SABC Movies all of which got scrapped with SABC Education and SABC Sport entering fruition. 

These endeavors had been delayed with eMedia Investments that forged ahead with its rival offering Openview which extends its reach to more than 3 million households. With the impending demise of analogue transponders SABC is hoping to lure these consumers with its own DTT platform. 

The SABC said it wants to enhance the broadcasting landscape and deliver on its digital transformational journey with an integrated free-to-air Direct to Home (DTH) platform will enable the SABC to be in control of its destiny. They are seeking bidders in the hopes to get this idea of the ground.

Bidders are likely to partner with MultiChoice or Sentech in order to access the satellite space. Although it will be a rival offering to Openview, the unnamed platform will likely require consumers to present a TV license with an option for those without as seen with SABC+.

With the current economic climate, SABC will have a tough road ahead if they want these endeavors to succeed. Firstly more households are opting for streaming, so it would be difficult for them to grow organically in a market where DStv and Openview are dominant.

SABC Sport Is In Talks To Replace DStv As The Sponsor For PSL

SABC Sport has established that the Premier Soccer League [PSL] is currently in advanced talks to replace DStv as a title sponsor.

This will come as a huge shock to the football fraternity considering the service company operated by Multichoice still has a year remaining on a deal that was struck in September 2020 after taking over from ABSA.

An investigation by the public broadcaster has revealed that the discussion now is around whether to cut ties with immediate effect or attempt to find ways to see out the final year without any severe financial implications.

Furthermore, it’s emerged that DStv are concerned about continuing to carry the costs of a partnership that runs into multimillions per season.

With the mooted change of ownership after French media conglomerate Vivendi, the owner of Canal+, announced a firm offer for DStv and Showmax owner MultiChoice, there remains uncertainty over the future of Africa’s biggest pay tv company.

DStv had stepped in when ABSA pulled the plug on a link that existed for more than a decade as the Premier Division backers since 2007, with the PSL financials at the time showing that the revenue from the bank was in the region of R137-million.

It’s not clear just how much DStv put on the table when the five-year deal was confirmed and announced because the league hasn’t made available its financials to the public since the 2019/20 campaign, which was largely affected by the Covid pandemic.

But SABC Sport has been informed it has been slightly lowered, although still well over R100-million per annum.

What was evident is that there was not a lot of disruption given it was business as usual in the domestic league, especially with SuperSport International as broadcasters forking out R600-million per season.

PSL chairman Irvin Khoza has always been adamant that the television rights deal was the lifeblood of a lot of the clubs, some who do not have sponsors and rely on the R2-million grant from the league.

Talks are ongoing to find a replacement title partner either before the 2024/25 season gets underway next month or in the campaign that follows.

Betway, the online gambling company, has been mentioned as a strong candidate.

Efforts to get a comment from both DStv and the PSL proved futile with no response from either organisation at the time of going to print.

The only communication to come from the league to clubs was last week requesting Premiership teams to hold off on finalising their kits as there was work being done on the new “Premier Division logo” for the upcoming season.

SABC Unveils Revamped SABC+ Streaming Service

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is proud to announce exciting new launches and features on its Over-The-Top (OTT) platform, SABC Plus. The revamped SABC Plus went live today, with the following launches and features:

SABC Plus Launches:

• SABC Plus Website

• SABC Plus Mobile

• iOS

• Android

• Huawei

• SABC Plus TV Apps/Connected TV’s

• LG

• Set-Top Boxes

• Apple TV (TVOS)

• Google TV/Android Box (The update will be slightly delayed)

New Features:

• New and Improved Interface

• Personalised Recommendations

• Catch-Up Services

• Video on Demand (VOD)

• Voice Command (for content search)

• TV Schedule and Radio Now Playing EPG

• Vodcasts

• Download features available on mobile only.

• Podcasts

• Unlimited Access on Multiple Household Devices

• Display Banners and Video Ads

• EPG Reminder

• The new features are designed to enhance the user experience with a seamless, intuitive interface and personalised content recommendations, ensuring that every viewer finds something they love.

 

In addition, audiences can also enjoy Channel Africa “The Voice of the African Renaissance”, which brings programming in the languages of Chinyanja, Kiswahili, English, French and Portuguese and is broadcast to communities in the African diaspora across the world. Furthermore, the public can access Springbok Radio, Radio Bantu and the youth-based radio station 5 FM extra as well Radio 2000 extra.

Users are urged to re-register with new credentials to easily access the newly revamped SABC+ platform in order to comply with POPI Act.

The SABC Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Ms Nomsa Chabeli says, “The SABC has been at the forefront of fostering diversity and inclusivity through its extensive catalogue of television, radio, and news offerings in the country’s official 12 languages. SABC Plus is our latest innovation, reinforcing the public broadcaster’s commitment to providing the best programming. This platform houses an impressive array of content, including groundbreaking comedies, spine-chilling horrors, and captivating dramas, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of our nation”.

Chabeli further states, “SABC Plus will now be accessible across multiple devices, ensuring that our audiences can enjoy their favourite content anywhere, anytime. Our most beloved brands, including our top-rated radio stations as well as exciting new range of podcasts, will now be just a tap away”.

The SABC has a proud history of being a pioneer in the broadcasting industry, introducing South Africa’s first comedy, horror, and drama series in indigenous languages. With SABC Plus, the organisation is taking this legacy into the digital age, offering a modern, accessible way to enjoy high-quality content that reflects the diversity and vibrancy of our nation. The SABC invites the nation to join us in this exciting new chapter. SABC Plus is more than just a platform; it is a celebration of who we are and where we are going. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to experience the best of SABC like never before!

No Money: Generations: The Legacy On SABC 1 Might Be Eyeing Potential Cancellation As DA Proposes A Major Overhaul To SABC's Current Business Structure

Through a booklet obtained by local legislation, the Democratic Alliance had put up several proposals on what could most likely be the future of SABC. One of which includes SABC 1 and 2 possibly being positioned like Soweto TV or e.tv with SABC 3 sold.

Few years ago, it was alleged that the public broadcaster would be selling SABC 3 alongside radio stations Metro FM and 5FM. Contributing factors to this included a drop in viewership and the SABC's lack of cash flow but this had been disregarded. 

According to the SABC, the board has approved comprehensive assessment criteria for determining “core media assets”, noting that this includes not only channels which contribute to the public mandate but which also help to fund the SABC’s public service obligations. 

“The Board has already identified noncore property assets and has drawn up a list of properties for disposal, as required by National Treasury preconditions,” the SABC said. 

“The potential disposal of any of the SABC’s media assets involves a much more complex decision matrix, with factors such as the public interest, the public mandate and the future financial sustainability of the SABC being central to any decision.”

Now the public broadcaster faces the risk of possible liquidation as government failed but still ongoing attempts at moving away from analogue would not only leave millions of households without SABC TV signals but a drop in revenue. 

SABC is struggling to retain most of the content viewed on their platforms with Muvhango being the latest soap to have got axed with rumours swirling around that Generations: The Legacy could suffer a similar fate.

After SABC 2 had axed 7de Laan in 2023, the public broadcaster with no replacement in site aired repeats of Vetkoekpaleis with Muvhango airing from the 1st season. Should Generations: The Legacy take the fall consumers might expect a similar fate for this soap.

This would leave SABC 1 as the only channel to offer a long format series with Skeem Saam and Uzalo as Isidingo and The Estate got the boot on SABC 3 years back. Since then, the channel had undergone numerous restructures with no luck viewership wise.

After eMedia Investments Fails To Acquire T20's Cricket World Cup Final On Openview Runs To Competition Commission To Remove Ban By SuperSport And The SABC

Last month, SuperSport and the SABC came into agreement to televise the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup final live as well as two Springbok Test matches on a delayed basis. The final two Springbok matches are scheduled for broadcast on Saturday 6th and 13th July. 

According to eMedia Investments, the agreement restricts the SABC from airing the matches on its channels that are carried on their free-to-air satellite platform Openview. The SABC is also restricted from making the matches available on SABC+.

eMedia Investments has filed an urgent application with the competition appeal court, alleging that the SABC and SuperSport entered into a “contemptuous” sports sublicensing agreement in contravention of an April ruling by the Competition Tribunal.

Described it as a “sham tender process”, alleged that MultiChoice withheld crucial information such as its intention to split the rights between terrestrial and non-terrestrial broadcasts or that the bidding process was competitive.

SuperSport in a separate statement had mentioned that the SABC’s proposal was 50% higher than eMedia’s proposed fee. Having failed to acquire remaining matches run to the Competition Tribunal to force both parties to give up the rights freely. 

If eMedia were to be successful, the result would be that no SABC viewers at all would be able to watch the Irish tests. eMedia therefore seems to take a scorched earth approach – which says that if it cannot transmit the Irish tests free to air, no one can.

Is SABC Still Planning To Expand Their Operations To MultiChoice's DStv And eMedia Investments' Openview?

In 2021, reported rivals eMedia Investments and the SABC had extended the agreement to include SABC Sport alongside SABC's 19 radio stations. This would sit alongside SABC 1-3 with plans to add two entertainment channels to the existing line-up. 

These channels never came to fruition to Openview consumers since the agreement was announced despite promises to unveil them. The only thing known about these brands is that the premise is similar to SABC Encore with plans to include new content. 

Prior to this, MultiChoice and StarSat were in discussion to launch another TV channel from the public broadcaster, SABC Education. Similar to these two untitled channels on Openview, SABC Education hadn't launched yet and only resides on SABC's DTT and SABC+.

There had been mentions that MultiChoice similar to eMedia Investments could be looking to add more TV channels from the SABC which is delaying the rollout of SABC Education. Another that an SABC Encore based channel was in development. 

Since last year, the public broadcaster was only able to launch two channels SABC Lehae and SABC Variety. Although, they hadn't officially announced the channels or properly marketed them they are however viewable on SABC's DTT with Lehae also on SABC+.

Speculation going around is that these channels would also be allocated on eMedia Investments' Openview. The public broadcaster is low on income and the only reason they would even greenlit a channel would be if they had some form of funding.

These two channels do match the description SABC provided about these Openview channels - repeats. SABC Lehae would give consumers access to local news following the dismissal of News And Sports in 2022 while SABC Variety would compliment ePleiser. 

Not much is known on why SABC hadn't expanded their services as intended but some guesses have to do with the restructuring of SABC 1-3. The SABC is currently reviewing the content on these channels in an attempt to revamp themselves. 

Maybe these endeavors would lead to the creation of more TV channels or restructures for their other brands.

Another reason could be the corporate management of these brands, they had promised to launch SABC+ by 2018/9 but did so successfully by 2022. Same thing with SABC Lehae, no announcement or media briefing on its launch as promised last year.

SuperSport And SABC In More Hot Water As Amazon And Disney Are Looking To Finalize Deal For The NBA

Amazon.com Inc. is close to a deal to bring NBA games to its Prime Video streaming service, according to two people familiar with the negotiations. 

The league is also nearing a new agreement with Walt Disney Co.’s ESPN, which is expected to keep the rights to the NBA finals but air fewer regular-season games, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing nonpublic information.

Details on the number of games Amazon will have in the regular season and playoffs are still being ironed out. Rights to the women’s league, the WNBA, are expected to be included as part of both deals.

The Athletic and Puck reported earlier on the framework of the deals. Both news outlets said the agreements would last a decade. Representatives for the NBA and Amazon declined to comment. ESPN didn’t respond.

The NBA’s incumbent partners are Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. The league’s current media deals are worth a total of $24 billion, or over $2.6 billion a year. Those contracts expire after the 2024-2025 season.

The NBA is looking double its income from TV rights and add at least one or two more partners, the people said. The league is also talking to Warner Bros., whose Turner division has carried games since 1984, and Comcast Corp.’s NBC, which lost its basketball rights in 2002.

Sports are the biggest draw for major TV networks, making them must-have programming, especially as the audience for general entertainment programming has declined.

Apple Looking To Close Deal On FIFA World Cup, Might Block SuperSport And SABC

Soccer's global governing body FIFA is close to an agreement with Apple to give the tech company worldwide television rights for a new, month-long club tournament, the New York Times reported on Monday.

The deal with Apple could be announced as soon as this month and valued at around $1 billion, a quarter of the $4 billion FIFA had first estimated, the report said, citing three people familiar with the matter.

The potential agreement would give the company's streaming business an edge amid competition among streaming services providers to lap up rights for widely watched sporting events in a bid to add subscribers.

If the deal goes through, this would mark the first time that FIFA has agreed to a single worldwide contract, the report said.

Senior executives at FIFA, however, have raised concerns over the possibility of "free-to-air rights", which would make the event only available to subscribers of Apple TV+, according to the report. It is unclear whether the deal includes any such rights.

Sponsors have also been reluctant to commit the $150 million that FIFA is seeking for sponsorship packages, the report said.

The 32-team event will be held next year between June 15 and July 13. Usually, no major events are scheduled during this period in order to allow players to rest in the off-season a year before the World Cup, according to the report.

FIFA has faced criticism from players unions for not consulting them before making announcements about the event, according to the report.

"As a general practice, FIFA does not confirm or deny commercial discussions," a spokesperson for the governing body said in a response. Apple declined to comment.

Trouble for sports in SA

Seeing as Apple is looking to secure this for their platforms being Apple TV+ it's possible that SuperSport and SABC might miss out on the action. Considering that MultiChoice opted to minimize the sports on Showmax its likely that it could be televised. 

Provided that SuperSport licenses the rights from Apple same goes for the SABC as opposed to running through SuperSport. This comes after eMedia Investments had won a broadcasting dispute against MultiChoice in regards to the Rugby World Cup.

Although this news may seem pleasing to some readers, in other countries you have most sporting events from SuperSport viewed on multiple platforms (additional fees) while in South Africa it was under one tile (one fee).

Pending Investigation: The Competition Tribunal Orders MultiChoice To Televise Their Sporting Content To Openview Consumers

The Competition Tribunal has granted interim relief to eMedia in its fight with MultiChoice over the carriage of sublicensed sports from the SABC on its Openview free-to-air satellite platform.

eMedia took MultiChoice, which owns SuperSport, to the Competition Commission last year after the pay-television broadcaster refused to allow the SABC to broadcast rugby and cricket games on its channels it broadcasts via Openview.

According to a statement by the tribunal on Monday, eMedia has accused MultiChoice of “abusing its alleged dominant position by concluding anticompetitive and restrictive sublicensing agreements with the SABC”.

“eMedia alleges that MultiChoice prevents the SABC from broadcasting major sporting events (such as rugby and cricket games – including World Cup tournaments), sublicensed to the SABC, on the SABC’s channels carried on eMedia’s Openview platform.”

eMedia lodged a complaint with the Competition Commission last year and subsequently also sought interim relief from the tribunal to “stop MultiChoice from enforcing the restriction in existing sublicensing agreements or including such restrictions in any new sublicensing agreements until the merits of the case are decided”.

“The tribunal has granted eMedia interim relief pending the final determination of its complaint to the commission, or for a period of six months, whichever occurs first,” it said.

Recap To The Week: BBC Prime Returning As A Programming Block On SABC 3 After TV Channel Was Shuttered On DStv And Other Parts Of The World In 2009

BBC Studios has revived the BBC Prime trademark after it shuttered in 2009. With the channel that was subsequently replaced by BBC Entertainment which had seen been divided between two channels, BBC First and BBC Brit.

Not long ago, it was reported by the company that they had forged a new content deal alongside the SABC. This would see the public broadcaster using one of their 3 free-to-air channels for archived material viewed from the BBC in a 2 hour block.

This block which will go into effect from 1st April featuring dramas like Luther and Cheaters alongside factual entertainment like Top Gear and Louis Theroux: Forbidden America. It will broadcast weeknights at 21:00 and stream on SABC+ in May.

BBC Prime was once a TV channel on the DStv platform for the premium market. The revived trademark will only serve as a 2 hour block giving 13 million homes in South Africa access to BBC Studios content. 

This comes a year after eMedia Investments had attempted to rollout long form version of BBC Prime to Openview. Since then, MultiChoice had snatched rights to the channel which currently resides within 13 million homes in Africa despite its unavailability on premium.

Development Alert: BBC Studios Extends Its Reach To The Openview Platform With New Primetime Slot On SABC 3

After eMedia Investments and BBC Studios failed to launch BBC UKTV on Openview by 2022. MultiChoice eventually snatched the rights with BBC UKTV now reaching over 12 million households in Africa with the content set to enter more households.

SABC will soon broaden its lineup with the addition of a new two hour block on SABC 3, BBC Primetime. It will feature a selection of award-winning dramas, factual entertainment, and documentaries from the BBC Studios catalogue.

“The content block will include a range of shows including a psychological crime thriller starring Idris Elba, Luther, intense medical drama, Critical, gripping factual motoring show, Top Gear (season 14-17), and romantic comedy, Cheaters,” the broadcasters said.

“Documentary series Louis Theroux: Forbidden America, exploring three controversial corners of American entertainment and culture, will also be available to watch from launch.”

The programming will be available to watch on weeknights between 21:00 and 23:00 through BBC Primetime, broadcast on S3 and streamed on SABC+ from May 2024.

The broadcasters said BBC Primetime was hand-crafted by BBC Studios to offer S3 viewers access to globally recognised-content. This marks our first block for free-to-air audiences in South Africa, giving 13 million homes access to BBC Studios content. 

The offering will be BBC Studios’ widest-reaching branded service in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.