The Changing Landscape of South African Broadcasting and Streaming
August 17, 2024, 5:08 am
Location: South Africa, Gauteng, Randburg
Employees: 5001-10000
Founded date: 1993
The South African media landscape is evolving. Traditional broadcasters and streaming platforms are in a fierce dance, each vying for viewer attention. The SABC is stepping up its game, while Viu is quietly carving out its niche. Both are responding to a rapidly changing audience.
The SABC, South Africa's public broadcaster, is making waves. It has secured the rights to air 33 live matches from the English Premier League (EPL) for the 2024/2025 season. This is a significant move. The EPL is a goldmine for viewership. Soccer fans are passionate. They crave live action. The SABC aims to tap into this fervor.
The matches will be broadcast on SABC 3, the SABC Sport website, and SABC+. This multi-platform approach is smart. It allows the broadcaster to reach a wider audience. The first match? Arsenal vs. Wolverhampton on August 17. Fans will be treated to live studio build-ups, previews, and team news. This is not just about showing games; it’s about creating an experience.
The SABC's acquisition of EPL rights is strategic. It opens doors for marketing opportunities. Soccer is a universal language. It speaks to millions. By airing these matches, the SABC can enhance its brand visibility. This move also addresses previous controversies. Recently, the SABC pulled out of a deal with SuperSport for cricket and rugby broadcasts. The exclusion of Openview from sports sublicensing deals has been contentious. Now, with the EPL, it seems no platform is left behind.
Meanwhile, Viu is quietly rising. Launched in 2019, this streaming platform has amassed 6.1 million monthly active users. Owned by PCCW Media, Viu is not as big as MultiChoice, but it’s growing. Its dual revenue model is a key factor. Seventy percent of its revenue comes from advertising. The remaining thirty percent is from subscriptions. This flexibility appeals to viewers. They can choose how to consume content.
Viu's audience is distinct. The average user is a 34-year-old black female, often part-time employed. She earns around R3,500 a month. Data sensitivity is common. Many users prefer free Wi-Fi to download content. Peak viewing hours are between 5 PM and 10 PM. This insight helps Viu tailor its offerings.
Local content drives traffic on Viu. About 40% of its viewership comes from South African titles. Shows like "Skeem Saam" and "Generations: The Legacy" are popular. But Viu is also tapping into international trends. K-dramas and Turkish dramas are gaining traction. These genres are not just for English speakers. They are being dubbed into local languages, making them accessible to a broader audience.
The demand for foreign content is growing. Turkish dramas resonate with Afrikaans audiences. This shift is partly due to the end of long-running Afrikaans shows. Viu is seizing this opportunity. By dubbing content, it supports local talent and keeps viewers engaged.
However, challenges loom. Piracy is a significant issue. Illegal uploads on platforms like YouTube threaten revenue. Viu has a dedicated team to combat this. They actively seek out pirated content and request takedowns. This is a constant battle in the digital age.
The SABC and Viu are navigating a complex landscape. Traditional broadcasting is under pressure. Streaming services are on the rise. The competition is fierce. Each player must adapt to survive. The SABC is leveraging its public status to attract viewers. Viu is focusing on niche content and local relevance.
As the media landscape shifts, viewer preferences will dictate the future. The SABC's EPL broadcasts could attract a new generation of soccer fans. Viu's focus on local and international content may resonate with diverse audiences. Both platforms are learning to dance in this new environment.
In conclusion, the South African broadcasting and streaming scene is dynamic. The SABC is stepping up with live sports, while Viu is building a loyal audience with diverse content. The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the competition will only intensify. Viewers will benefit from this rivalry. More choices, better content, and innovative approaches will shape the media landscape. The stage is set. Let the games begin.
The SABC, South Africa's public broadcaster, is making waves. It has secured the rights to air 33 live matches from the English Premier League (EPL) for the 2024/2025 season. This is a significant move. The EPL is a goldmine for viewership. Soccer fans are passionate. They crave live action. The SABC aims to tap into this fervor.
The matches will be broadcast on SABC 3, the SABC Sport website, and SABC+. This multi-platform approach is smart. It allows the broadcaster to reach a wider audience. The first match? Arsenal vs. Wolverhampton on August 17. Fans will be treated to live studio build-ups, previews, and team news. This is not just about showing games; it’s about creating an experience.
The SABC's acquisition of EPL rights is strategic. It opens doors for marketing opportunities. Soccer is a universal language. It speaks to millions. By airing these matches, the SABC can enhance its brand visibility. This move also addresses previous controversies. Recently, the SABC pulled out of a deal with SuperSport for cricket and rugby broadcasts. The exclusion of Openview from sports sublicensing deals has been contentious. Now, with the EPL, it seems no platform is left behind.
Meanwhile, Viu is quietly rising. Launched in 2019, this streaming platform has amassed 6.1 million monthly active users. Owned by PCCW Media, Viu is not as big as MultiChoice, but it’s growing. Its dual revenue model is a key factor. Seventy percent of its revenue comes from advertising. The remaining thirty percent is from subscriptions. This flexibility appeals to viewers. They can choose how to consume content.
Viu's audience is distinct. The average user is a 34-year-old black female, often part-time employed. She earns around R3,500 a month. Data sensitivity is common. Many users prefer free Wi-Fi to download content. Peak viewing hours are between 5 PM and 10 PM. This insight helps Viu tailor its offerings.
Local content drives traffic on Viu. About 40% of its viewership comes from South African titles. Shows like "Skeem Saam" and "Generations: The Legacy" are popular. But Viu is also tapping into international trends. K-dramas and Turkish dramas are gaining traction. These genres are not just for English speakers. They are being dubbed into local languages, making them accessible to a broader audience.
The demand for foreign content is growing. Turkish dramas resonate with Afrikaans audiences. This shift is partly due to the end of long-running Afrikaans shows. Viu is seizing this opportunity. By dubbing content, it supports local talent and keeps viewers engaged.
However, challenges loom. Piracy is a significant issue. Illegal uploads on platforms like YouTube threaten revenue. Viu has a dedicated team to combat this. They actively seek out pirated content and request takedowns. This is a constant battle in the digital age.
The SABC and Viu are navigating a complex landscape. Traditional broadcasting is under pressure. Streaming services are on the rise. The competition is fierce. Each player must adapt to survive. The SABC is leveraging its public status to attract viewers. Viu is focusing on niche content and local relevance.
As the media landscape shifts, viewer preferences will dictate the future. The SABC's EPL broadcasts could attract a new generation of soccer fans. Viu's focus on local and international content may resonate with diverse audiences. Both platforms are learning to dance in this new environment.
In conclusion, the South African broadcasting and streaming scene is dynamic. The SABC is stepping up with live sports, while Viu is building a loyal audience with diverse content. The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the competition will only intensify. Viewers will benefit from this rivalry. More choices, better content, and innovative approaches will shape the media landscape. The stage is set. Let the games begin.