DStv channel compilation explained

With millions of viewers to cater to, spread across various countries, compiling content for DStv should be an arduous task. This week, Multichoice Namibia Corporate Affairs Manager, Lizette Foot explained its channel procurement policy.

“Keeping our programming fresh not only means that we must search the globe for new content, but also that we must continually monitor all channels to ensure that quality is maintained. The DStv audience is a challenging one to cater for; our viewers have high expectations and are of many cultures, languages and age groups,” said Foot.
Added Foot, “channel suppliers such as SuperSport bid for sports broadcast rights during the acquisition window. The English Premier League (EPL) and Premier Soccer League (PSL) soccer rights deal with SuperSport is perhaps the best example. The relevant channels such as M-Net and SuperSport compete with other Pay-TV channels to offer the best price to the rights holders to acquire the rights for programming.”
“Like most international Pay TV operators, MultiChoice identifies potential suppliers of the best content for their subscribers, and initiates negotiations for the best conditions, best prices and in some cases, exclusivity. This often takes months, and in some instances, years to conclude,” Foot explained.
“In other instances, local and international suppliers contact M-Net /MultiChoice to sell ideas and pitch for the best relevant channels said Foot. “This is always done in line with the company’s procurement policies, which are drawn up using industry’s best practice both locally and internationally. Proposals are subject to vigorous analysis and scrutiny and must add value to our paying subscribers’ television entertainment preferences,” she added.
According to her, MultiChoice Africa, the provider of DStv services in Namibia, together with MultiChoice Namibia has to make changes to its services from time to time to cater for operational and commercial requirements. “We make subscribers aware of this fact in our subscription agreement. In reviewing our offering, which we do on a continual basis, we ensure that our subscribers continue to get a balanced variety of programming.”