Broadcasting
Pay-TV Operators Hike Tariffs amid COVID-19

Satellite service providers have raised their rates amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, according to messages sent to customers, the increase is over 10 per cent averagely.
MultiChoice Nigeria on August 18, 2020, said from September, rates for DSTV and GOTV packages will increase.
The rates for DSTV affect its Premium, Compact Plus and Compact packages for about 13% change but the lower packages like Confam remain unchanged at N4,500.
According to Daily Trust, this is the second time, Multichoice is adjusting price this year, after it adjust its rates earlier with the upward review of the
“We periodically review our pricing, taking into consideration factors such as inflation and operational costs. We acknowledge that the people of Nigeria are living under increased economic pressure and we have made efforts to freeze the subscription prices in the last year.”
Startimes also announced the change since August 1, with over 20% increase. On August 18, the CEO, David Wang at a House Adhoc Committee panel probing the hike of satellite TV rates, confirmed the new prices introduced by the company on different bouquets saying the channels had increased from 80 to 100.
Joshua Wang, director of the company, said: “Most of the equipment are not manufactured in Nigeria- it is from Europe and America and scarcity of dollars and euros at official rate has increased our cost of operations. Sometimes, you get a dollar between N450 and N480 naira.”
But Unyime Idem, chairman of the Committee, said the 30% increment was unacceptable at the present condition.
“We will give you some time to go back to the management and look at the increment as it relates to the 2.5 percent VAT increment, then come back to the committee. What you have done is between 30 and 31 percent. But for this particular increase, we will not accept it,” Idem said.
Broadcasting
Glo-sponsored African Voices Features Star Author, Chimamanda Adichie

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.
Broadcasting
MultiChoice Starts Reorganising Operations to Enable Canal Plus Takeover

MultiChoice’s plans to reorganise its operations in preparation for its deal with French media giant Canal+ have become unconditional.
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.
Broadcasting
MultiChoice Nigeria Joins NECLive 2025 as Official Sponsor to Propel Africa’s Creative Enterprise

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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