Less drama, more SuperSport

Will undoubtedly affect the viewing habits of millions of South Africans, MultiChoice, Africa's largest pay-TV operator, is shutting down four DStv channels on September 16. The channels in question are M-Net Movies 1, Mzansi Bioskop, Mzansi Music, and KykNet Lekker. What's striking is that three of these channels are local-content channels, a move that has sparked concerns about the future of local television in South Africa.

This is not just a channel reshuffle; it's a signal about what Canal+, the parent company of MultiChoice, believes is still worth paying for in television. Films, music, and niche entertainment can be easily found on streaming platforms, YouTube, or social media, live sport remains one of the few categories that viewers still want to consume in real-time. This is a crucial insight into the changing landscape of television consumption, and it's a move that will likely have far-reaching consequences for the industry.

The timing of this move is awkward, to say the least. Canal+ secured approval for its 2025 takeover of MultiChoice partly on the back of commitments to support local content production and small black-owned suppliers. Regulators are still monitoring those undertakings, making the closure of local channels a politically sensitive issue. This raises questions about the true intentions of Canal+ and whether their commitment to local content was just a PR exercise to secure regulatory approval.

At the same time as MultiChoice is shutting down local channels, the company is launching four new SuperSport channels focused on premium football, African sport, overflow fixtures, and major events. This is a clear indication that Canal+ believes live sport is the future of television, and they're willing to invest heavily in it. However, this move also raises concerns about the homogenization of television content and the potential loss of local voices and perspectives.

The closure of local channels is a warning to local content creators that the television landscape is changing rapidly. Streaming platforms and social media are becoming increasingly popular, the traditional television model is under threat. Local content creators need to adapt quickly to the changing landscape and find new ways to reach their audiences. This may involve partnering with streaming platforms, creating content for social media, or finding new distribution channels.

The future of television is uncertain, and the closure of local channels is just one symptom of a larger problem. As streaming platforms continue to grow in popularity, the traditional television model is under threat. However, this also presents opportunities for innovation and creativity. Local content creators need to be bold and take risks to find new ways to reach their audiences. The future of television is not just about live sport; it's about creating engaging, relevant, and local content that resonates with audiences.

The closure of local channels marks the end of an era in South African television. It's a signal that the traditional television model is under threat and that local content creators need to adapt quickly to the changing landscape. However, it's also an opportunity for innovation and creativity. The future of television is uncertain, but one thing is clear: local content creators need to be bold and take risks to find new ways to reach their audiences.

As I finish writing this article, I'm left with more questions than answers. Will local content creators be able to adapt to the changing landscape? Will streaming platforms continue to grow in popularity?