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DSTV Subscribers Mull Lawsuit over Subscription Regime, Others

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Subscribers of DSTV, the Pay TV service operated by Multichoice, have threatened to institute a class action suit against the South African company for allegedly burdening them with unfair tariff regime and poor services.

The subscribers also accused the company of exploitative and discriminatory tariff unlike what obtains in its home country, South Africa.

Chuks Pinnwa, a lawyer, said a number of the company subscribers are massing against the company and that a class action lawsuit is efficient way to achieve justice for the large number of people.

Pinnwa also berated the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) the apex regulatory body of broadcasting in Nigeria and Consumer Protection Council (CPC) for not doing enough to protect the interest of subscribers.

“In organized societies and even in South Africa where Multichoice came from, there are law and order; we cannot continue to wait for these regulators who are busy doing nothing when Nigerians are subjected to substandard services and world’s most unfriendly tariff” Pinnwa added.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that class action lawsuits are increasingly becoming very efficient in getting companies to pay for negligence of the service or unfair practices.

Subscribers are also asking Multichoice, the near monopoly Pay TV operator to introduce the pay-as-you-go subscription to allow them get value for their money;  give them an option of choice; as well as enable them control their consumption.

Only recently too, Consumer Protection Council (CPC) lent its voice and advised the cable television company to introduce pay-as-you-go subscription for its subscribers.

At a recent between the CPC, and management of DSTV, the council, said the time was ripe for the introduction of the pay-as-you-go subscription in the interest of millions of subscribers of the satellite television.

CPC sought to know the reason why this form of subscription could not be introduced in Nigeria as it has been done in other climes for the economic well-being of consumers.

Multichoice Nigeria Limited however said that the firm did not have the platforms to implement pay-as-you-go system of payment but promised to look into it.

Besides the suggested introduction of the pay-as-you-go subscription, the Council also canvassed for some form of compensation to subscribers for loss of transmission signals, usually experienced by them during adverse weather conditions, particularly rainy season, known as “rain fade”.

Also, MultiChoice had in August announced an upward review of its subscription fees and the subscription fees are:  DStv Family, from N2, 800 to N3, 000; DStv Compact, from N4, 800 to N5, 000; DStv Compact Plus, from N7, 000 to N7, 500 and DStv Premium, from N10, 000 to N11, 000.

MultiChoice said the price increase had been necessitated by ongoing increases in the company’s operational and ancillary costs which include: content acquisition and development; technical infrastructure; satellite lease; facilities and maintenance.


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Glo-sponsored African Voices Features Star Author, Chimamanda Adichie

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CNN African Voices Changemakers this week beams its light on celebrated author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The 30-minute magazine programme is sponsored by telecommunications company, Globacom.

The author was engaged by the show’s anchor, Larry Madowo, at Nsukka, where she spent her childhood at the same staff quarters of the University of Nigeria, where the legend of literature, Chinua Achebe, lived.

Arguably Africa’s most prolific contemporary writer, Adichie’s compelling story of grit and talent promises to inspire the audience, as it does her readers across the globe. The special package premieres on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with rebroadcasts on Sunday, September 21, at 3:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; Monday, September 22, at 3:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.; as well as the following weekend, Saturday, September 27, at 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.; Sunday, September 28, at 3:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; and Monday, September 29, at 3:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.

Her narratives, beginning with Purple Hibiscus, query stereotypes, re-evaluate identities, and honour African traditions. Her two prose offerings, Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, as well as Dream Count, the new one in the works, confirm her deep interests in the values that make Africa and its traditions and cultures unique and relevant in a fast-evolving world. Her books also accentuate feminism, heritage, and authenticity.

Globacom’s continued collaboration with African Voices has further given credence to the programme’s celebration of the African essence, its excellence, talents, creativity, and originality.


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MultiChoice Starts Reorganising Operations to Enable Canal Plus Takeover

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MultiChoice’s plans to reorganise its operations in preparation for its deal with French media giant Canal+ have become unconditional.

MultiChoice Starts Reorganising Operations to Enable Canal Plus Takeover

According to Multichoice, the implementation of the various steps of the process will now start.

“As previously advised, the reorganisation is to be undertaken in order to enable the implementation of Canal+’s Mandatory Offer for Multichoice, and forms part of the conditions imposed by the South African Competition Tribunal when approving the Mandatory Offer,” it said.

The mandatory offer is Canal+’s move to acquire all the issued ordinary shares of MCG not already owned by the group, excluding treasury shares, from MCG shareholders for a consideration of R125.00 per share, payable in cash.

The South African Competition Tribunal approved the proposed transaction, subject to agreed conditions, in July 2025.

As the parties previously disclosed, the agreed conditions include a robust package of guaranteed public interest commitments.

The package supports the participation of firms controlled by Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDPs) and Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises in the audio-visual industry in South Africa.

This package will also maintain funding for local South African general entertainment and sports content.

The reorganisation process will see Multichoice adopt a takeover structure, which will ensure it meets the requirements of all applicable laws, such as restrictions on foreign ownership and control of South African broadcasting licences.

The structure includes Multichoice (Pty) Ltd (previously referred to as ‘LicenceCo’), which contracts with South African subscribers, being carved out of the Multichoice Group and becoming independent.

The Multichoice/Canal+ group would own 49% of this company, with 20% voting rights, aligning with regulatory restrictions on foreign control of licences.

The rest of the control of LicenceCo will be held by various groups, including Phuthuma Nathi Investments Limited, 13th Ave Investments Proprietary Limited, Identity Partners Itai Consortium Proprietary Limited (IPIC) and the Multichoice Workers Trust.

These groups entered into several transaction agreements on 1 August to achieve this.

Under the agreements, the groups will subscribe to various classes of shares in LicenceCo, giving different economic and voting interests.

The group said that an updated timetable for the offer will be published once the implementation of the reorganisation has been concluded.

 

 


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MultiChoice Nigeria Joins NECLive 2025 as Official Sponsor to Propel Africa’s Creative Enterprise

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MultiChoice Nigeria has confirmed its participation as an official sponsor of NECLive 2025, the premier conference dedicated to advancing Africa’s creative enterprise. The event is set to take place on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Landmark Centre in Lagos.

As a leading entertainment company behind platforms such as DStv, GOtv, Showmax, and Africa Magic, MultiChoice Nigeria’s involvement strengthens NECLive’s position as a major industry gathering where visionary creatives and industry leaders converge. The partnership supports the 2025 conference theme, “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise,” reflecting MultiChoice’s dedication to showcasing authentic African stories and fostering sustainable growth within the continent’s creative and entertainment sectors.

John Ugbe, CEO of West Africa, MultiChoice, emphasized the company’s commitment to enriching the lives of professionals in Africa’s creative industries and expressed excitement about deepening relationships with stakeholders across West Africa and beyond.

Ayeni Adekunle, NECLive Convener, highlighted the significance of MultiChoice’s sponsorship, noting that their platforms have been instrumental in demonstrating the economic impact of creative enterprise in Africa. This collaboration will enhance networking opportunities and provide creatives unprecedented access to insights from MultiChoice Nigeria’s leadership.

NECLive 2025 is expected to reach over 10 million viewers globally through various platforms including DStv and GOtv. The event, organized by Netng, BHM, and ID Africa with Huce Valeris as production partner, will be hosted by popular media personalities Tee A and Bolanle Olukanni. Since its inception in 2013, NECLive has engaged over 100,000 participants, 500+ industry leaders, and more than 100 million viewers, solidifying its role as Africa’s foremost creative and entertainment industry platform .


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