Sidumisile Mabena
Mbulelo Mpofu
MULTICHOICE, a CANAL+ company, has announced the discontinuation of its streaming service, Showmax. This decision follows a comprehensive review of the company’s streaming activities and marks a significant shift in the media landscape for many South African viewers.
For Showmax lovers, the announcement is a bitter pill to swallow. The service, known for its engaging local content, such as the acclaimed series, “I Blew It Zimbabwe”, has cultivated a dedicated fan base over the years. However, the results of recent changes within MultiChoice under CANAL+’s direction are already making waves.
From alterations at SuperSport, including the controversial decision not to broadcast the Olympic Games, to new show contracts pending signatures, it seems that a transformative phase is underway.
In an official statement, the Showmax Board of Directors explained that the move reflects MultiChoice’s commitment to financial discipline and investment optimization in an increasingly competitive global streaming market.
“The substantial annual losses experienced by the Showmax business have proved unsustainable,” the statement noted. “This decision to phase out Showmax is aligned with our goal of building a sustainable, competitive business for the long term.”
The announcement comes just months after the launch of Showmax 2.0 in February 2024, which saw a major revamp with new plans and shows aimed at revitalizing the service. Despite the disappointing news regarding Showmax, MultiChoice reassured employees that there would be no retrenchments related to this decision.
“The Group will be engaging and supporting employees through various transition options,” they stated.
Looking ahead, MultiChoice plans to deploy an in-house large-scale streaming platform designed to meet the expectations of both African and international consumers. Further details on this expanded content offering and upcoming platform upgrades will be communicated in due course.
“We want to reassure our Showmax subscribers that they remain our priority as we evolve our services to deliver a superior streaming experience,” the company assured.
The closure of Showmax is likely to have a significant impact on local entertainment lovers, sparking concerns about the future of homegrown content.
– Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
Online Reporter