African broadcaster Showmax will relaunch in 2024 with a focus on an expanded content portfolio, including local originals, Hollywood hits and English football, attractive pricing and plans to “change the game” in streaming across the continent.
Last year, South African regulators approved the takeover of MultiChoice by European pay-TV powerhouse, and StudioCanal’s parent company, Canal+. On Thursday, Canal+ revealed the imminent end of the Showmax series.
MultiChoice has revealed “the upcoming discontinuation of the Showmax service, following a comprehensive review of its streaming activities.” “This decision was taken by the Showmax Board of Directors and reflects the continued focus of MultiChoice, a Canal+ company, on financial discipline and improving investment in an increasingly competitive and capital-intensive global broadcasting environment,” it explained in a statement.
The company added: “The significant annual losses incurred by the Showmax business have proven unsustainable. The decision to phase out Showmax reflects our focus on building a sustainable and competitive business over the long term in an increasingly demanding global streaming environment.”
The Showmax service, which launched in South Africa before expanding over time to 44 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, previously summed up its goals this way: “to change the rules of broadcasting in Africa” and to be “Africa’s number one streaming company.”
Showmax’s original content includes the likes of high-octane sports dramas SpinnersUniversity drama WifiA crime and thriller series Rikaand Shaka LimbyThe epic story of an iconic African king.
MultiChoice said it will “engage and support employees through various transition options” and plans to “deploy a large-scale internal streaming platform capable of meeting the expectations of African and international consumers.” No further details were immediately shared.
“Canal+ will continue to invest in premium content for MultiChoice subscribers, technology innovation and strategic partnerships to strengthen its leadership in the African entertainment market,” the company also said on Thursday. “More details regarding our expanded content offering and platform upgrades will be shared in due course. We want to reassure our Showmax subscribers that they are our priority as we evolve our services to deliver a superior streaming experience.”
