In 2024, DStv discontinued 12 channels while introducing just one new channel, which is exclusive to its two highest-tier packages. The latest change occurred with the removal of PBS Kids on 31 August 2024.
Channel modifications by DStv are commonplace, as its parent
company, MultiChoice, routinely assesses and refreshes the satellite service's
programming lineup.
The rationale behind adding or removing channels often
involves various considerations, such as audience ratings and the
attractiveness of the content.
MultiChoice stated, “This is done to ensure we deliver
unbeatable content and that our DStv and GOtv services cater for our customers’
needs and viewing requirements.”
Although the number of channels eliminated this year is
considerable, many of them were smaller or more specialized options.
None of the channels that were removed had featured in
DStv’s top 20 most-viewed programs, as reported by the Broadcasting Research
Council of South Africa.
Nonetheless, this trend is significant when compared to
DStv’s previous channel addition and removal patterns.
For instance, in 2023, the service added two channels while
only removing one. In 2022, it cut four channels but added seven. So far this
year, the removals have notably outnumbered the additions.
Throughout the year, DStv introduced only one new channel,
1Max, which features a variety of content sourced from its Showmax streaming
service. This channel is exclusively accessible to Premium and Compact Plus
subscribers.
Consequently, these two subscriber groups experienced a net
reduction of 11 channels, whereas all other subscribers faced a loss of 12
channels.
Notably, in contrast to previous years, the changes
implemented in 2024 occurred without significant public announcements or
notifications to customers from DStv.
Nonetheless, these developments have been meticulously
monitored by seasoned broadcasting journalist Thinus Ferreira.
MultiChoice is seeking to eliminate four eMedia channels
from its DStv offerings; however, the Competition Tribunal has temporarily
prohibited this action.
eMedia has lodged a complaint with the competition
authority, claiming that MultiChoice is misusing its market dominance in
violation of the Competition Act.
Initially, the case was dismissed, leading DStv to remove
eExtra, eMovies, and eToonz from its packages in early June 2022.
Following an appeal by eMedia, an interim relief order was
issued, compelling DStv to continue broadcasting these channels.
The Competition Tribunal has recently extended this relief
for an additional six months starting December 2023.
eMedia has warned of potential legal action if MultiChoice
attempts to remove the channels again. As of August 30, 2024, these channels
remain available on DStv.
Although eMedia provides these channels to MultiChoice at no
cost, their broadcast occupies bandwidth on the satellite used by DStv.
MultiChoice has informed the Competition Tribunal of its
intention to utilize this bandwidth for new channel introductions.
However, the Tribunal determined that MultiChoice failed to
demonstrate any significant harm that would arise from continuing to air the
channels during this interim period.
While it may be possible to present this argument at a
future referral hearing, the current evidence does not support it.
The Tribunal considered the potential loss of advertising
revenue for eMedia due to the channels’ removal, which it deemed a more
pressing concern.
The Tribunal concluded, “Based on the evidence presented,
the balance of convenience strongly favors eMedia.”
It noted that there is a significant risk of serious or
irreparable harm on one side, while on the other, there is no indication of
substantial damage.
Critics of MultiChoice’s claim regarding the addition of new
channels may find it puzzling, given that the broadcaster has only introduced
one new channel despite having ample capacity.
The 4K (2160p) resolution features four times the pixel
count of full HD (1080p) resolution.
DStv’s satellite channels are transmitted at a lower quality
resolution known as 1080i, which is a variant of full HD, or 720p HD.
The transmission of a 4K channel requires approximately
eight times the bandwidth compared to these existing channels.
Despite DStv’s reduction of 12 channels over the year, this
would only create enough capacity for a single new 4K channel.
This assessment does not take into account advancements in
codecs or other technological enhancements that facilitate more efficient
utilization of satellite spectrum.
In addition to the removal of several standard channels,
DStv has also recently announced the discontinuation of access to around 100
free regional channels with a simple setting adjustment.
The table below outlines the changes to DStv’s channel
lineup from January to August 2024.
| Date of change | Added | Dropped/Lost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2024 | – | 446 — Deutsche Wells |
| 17 January 2024 | – | 390 — Emmanuel TV |
| 1 February 2024 | – | 264 — 1Free State TV |
| 1 February 2024 | – | 266 — NWTV |
| 1 March 2024 | – | 451 — B4U Movies |
| 1 March 2024 | – | 180 — People’s Weather |
| 1 April 2024 | – | 127 — GinX eSports |
| 1 April 2024 | 103 — 1Max | – |
| 31 March 2024 | – | 119 — 1Magic |
| 31 March 2024 | – | 115 — ME |
| 30 April 2024 | – | 183 — WildEarth |
| 30 April 2024 | – | 153 — Africa Magic Urban |
| 31 August 2024 | – | 313 — PBS Kids |