MultiChoice deal paves way for Paramount+ launch in Africa

MultiChoice, a prominent South African digital satellite and terrestrial television business, has formally entered into a licensing agreement with Paramount Global Content Distribution. This company is globally renowned for its distribution of premium content across diverse media platforms. The primary objective of this deal is to facilitate the global expansion of the Paramount+ brand.

The conclusion of this agreement signifies that Paramount+ is set to launch a branded platform on MultiChoice. As a result, it will be able to provide African audiences with direct access to fresh and returning television series, along with feature films. This launch will also mark the inaugural introduction of the Paramount+ brand across the African continent.

Moreover, subscribers of MultiChoice will now enjoy the opportunity to access high-quality content from an array of prestigious networks, including CBS, Showtime, Paramount Pictures, and Paramount+ Originals.

Reflecting on this significant aspect of development, Nomsa Philiso, the Chief Executive Officer of General Entertainment at MultiChoice South Africa, stated that this move duly showcases the company’s dedication to provide viewers with an increased number of entertainment options. In addition, it would help MultiChoice in broadening their service appeal by supplementing new and engaging content to its platform.

Nomsa Philiso, the CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice South Africa, expressed her pride at being able to provide African audiences with direct access to a specially curated space in which they can enjoy their favourite television shows and movies. Furthermore, the dedicated platform will allow them to discover new hit titles and significantly enhance their entertainment experience.

Paramount+ is a direct-to-consumer digital subscription service launched in 2021. The service, owned by Paramount, offers a combination of live sports, breaking news, and entertainment content through its on-demand and live streaming platform. Paramount+ is available in several countries worldwide, such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Latin America, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Reports have suggested that South Africa is one of the priority regions for the streaming service. As a result, South Africans are expected to be able to access Paramount+ later this year, providing them with a diverse and exciting range of entertainment options.

In February 2022, Paramount Global set forth plans to extend its services to Africa. MultiChoice is set to be the vehicle for this expansion, aiming at catering specifically to African audiences through its platform.

This undertaking will put Paramount Global in direct competition with other existing streaming services in the region. This includes major players like Netflix and Amazon Video, thereby adding more choices and a broader spectrum of content for the viewers in Africa.

On January 25, 2024, MultiChoice disclosed the new pricing structure and the official launch date for its restructured video streaming platform, Showmax. The move is seen as a strategy to carve out a larger market share in the fiercely competitive streaming industry.

Recently, MultiChoice became embroiled in talks with Canal+, a French media company, centered on a potential acquisition. This development prompted a reaction from the South African Takeover Regulation Panel, who expressed disapproval over the overt discussions about a potential takeover harbored between these two media powerhouses. The panel oversees the integrity of dealings within corporate entities and ensures transparency and fairness in transactions, including mergers and acquisitions.