1008578748__20260317__0 DStv's future: Canal+ has revealed a strategic overhaul to combat subscriber decline
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MultiChoice’s new owner, Canal+, has outlined sweeping plans to overhaul DStv as the pay-TV giant battles declining subscriber numbers and revenue losses.
The French broadcaster, which took control of MultiChoice in 2025, says it is committed to investing heavily in the business while restructuring operations to return it to growth.
The developments were discussed in an interview with the Sunday Times, where Canal+ executives detailed their strategy for reviving the broadcaster.
Canal+ plans to inject approximately €100 million (about R1.9 billion) into MultiChoice as part of efforts to strengthen the company’s position across Africa.
The investment is aimed at reversing subscriber losses and improving overall performance in a highly competitive market.
As part of the restructuring process, MultiChoice will reduce staff at its head office through voluntary severance packages. However, the company will simultaneously ramp up hiring in other areas, with plans to bring in around 1,000 sales staff.
The shift reflects a strategic move away from corporate roles towards expanding on-the-ground sales, installation services, and customer acquisition.
DStv has faced pressure in recent years, losing approximately 500,000 subscribers due to rising costs and increased competition from global streaming platforms.
The decline has also led to billions of rand in lost revenue, prompting an urgent need for intervention.
A key part of Canal+’s strategy is to simplify DStv’s current package structure, making it easier for consumers to understand and access.
The company also plans to introduce more affordable entry-level options to attract new customers, particularly in price-sensitive markets like South Africa.
Canal+ has emphasised that content will be central to its turnaround strategy. This includes increased investment in local African productions and maintaining strong sports offerings, long considered one of DStv’s biggest draws.
The group also plans to leverage its global content library and partnerships to enhance the viewing experience.
To support growth, MultiChoice will expand its sales and distribution footprint by increasing the number of agents, installers and physical sales points across its markets.
In a significant shift, MultiChoice will discontinue its streaming platform, Showmax, by the end of April 2026.
Content from Showmax will be integrated into DStv Stream and Canal+ platforms, with the company citing high operating costs as a key reason for the decision.
The planned changes mark a major turning point for MultiChoice as it looks to reposition DStv in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
With increasing competition from global players and shifting consumer habits, Canal+ is betting on a combination of cost-cutting, content investment and simplified offerings to secure the platform’s future.
IOL