Rédaction Africa Links 24 with techfocus24
Published on 2024-03-01 14:34:20
African entertainment giant, Multichoice has made a significant move by signing a game-changing licensing deal with US entertainment company, Paramount. This deal will bring Paramount’s streaming platform, Paramount+, to the African market through Multichoice’s DStv and Showmax platforms.
The agreement will create a dedicated “Paramount+ branded destination” within the MultiChoice platform, providing access to an audience of 22 million MultiChoice subscribers across 16 African countries. By partnering with Multichoice, Paramount+ can bypass the lengthy licensing process typically required for foreign companies entering new markets.
For MultiChoice viewers, this partnership means gaining access to a wide range of content. The collaboration will bring programming from CBS, Paramount+ Originals, SHOWTIME, and Paramount Pictures all under one roof within the dedicated “Paramount+ branded destination.”
DStv subscribers will have a dedicated section for Paramount+ within the DStv app, as well as a tile available within the Showmax app. This integration aligns with Paramount’s global strategy of making Paramount+ available through “bundled partnerships” in key markets and establishing “branded destinations” in local markets like Africa. Multichoice, on the other hand, is solidifying its position as the leading gateway to streaming services in Africa, following the successful relaunch of Showmax 2.0 in February 2024.
Despite facing a financial dip of $50 million for April to September 2023 and a takeover bid from French giant Canal+, Multichoice remains resilient. In November 2023, Showmax, its streaming platform, claimed the top spot in subscriber numbers, surpassing competitors like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video with 1.8 million subscribers.
The collaboration between Multichoice and Paramount marks a significant milestone in the African entertainment landscape. By bringing Paramount+ to the African market through DStv and Showmax, both companies are poised to benefit from the increased access to premium content and diverse programming. This partnership not only expands the content offerings for MultiChoice subscribers but also strengthens Multichoice’s position as a key player in the streaming services industry in Africa.
Overall, the deal between Multichoice and Paramount represents a groundbreaking development that will provide African audiences with more entertainment options and solidify Multichoice’s position as a leader in the region’s media landscape.
