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Pay-Per-View: Cases For, Against DStv & Multichoice

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By peter oluka

Multichoice has received a lot of tongue-lashing from the Nigerian subscribers, chiefly for DStv and GOtv’s inability to offer per-pay-view subscription to them over the years.

The cries have reached high heavens since TSTV, the new ‘beautiful bride’ in town, launched into the market promising a per-pay-consume subscription plan.

But, Multichoice has at different fora explained that Nigeria’s economy is not ripe for pay-per-view, because it is an expensive form of payment to the customers

Damilola Faustino, a freelance content developer in an article titled, ‘Breaking DSTV’s monopoly on PayTv in Nigeria’, once argued that a monopoly many Nigerians have struggled to understand or entrepreneurs have battled to break is that of DSTV. “It has, so far, defied nearly all competitions to dominate the PayTv industry in Nigeria.

“We can all recall how HiTV made a cameo attempt at shattering the monopoly. HiTV came like a thief in night, wrestle the rights to broadcast not only the English Premier League (EPL), which has a fanatical following in Nigeria, but also, the English FA, the UEFA champions League, and Europa Cup but in the morning; HiTv had crashed. HiTv which signed to air these matches for 4 years between 2007 and 2011; could not sustain the payment and competition, thus, lost the rights and was liquidated. Sad”, he wrote.

Faustino continues, “In the interim, the loss of the right to broadcast these matches jilted DSTV. It seemed like they went to restrategize and when it was time, they regained the rights to broadcast matches in Europe’s top leagues.

“It must be stated that regardless of the fact that DSTV lost the rights to broadcast the EPL, many Nigerians didn’t dispose-off their decoders. This is because DSTV has other interesting content besides football.

“This has been the trend since DSTV’s entry 22 years ago. It has won every competition. Take the entry of Startimes into Nigeria. It slashed the price of PayTv to make it affordable to especially low-income earners. There is no doubt that PayTv from China has their own market-share”.

But, DSTV responded by rolling out GOtv in 2011. The undeniable truth is that if you cannot afford DSTV, you can buy GOtv and still enjoy the same programming. Other PayTv that didn’t bother to take on DSTV include-DaarSat, Continental Satellite Limited Consat, and MyTV among others. They are arguably satisfied with their little share of the market.

Nevertheless, it is wrong if we describe DSTV’s domination of the PayTv industry in Nigeria as a monopoly. This is because the PayTv market has been made a level playing field since the deregulation of the broadcast industry in 1992. Hence, anyone can venture into the business. DSTV shouldn’t be faulted if they turn out to be the best and almost every Nigerian patronize them.

“This said”, Faustino opined “DSTV’s monopoly has made the PayTv channel somewhat arrogant especially when it comes to its subscriptions. Nigerians have complained about DSTV’s price regime and others have gone to court to challenge it. There are some services like access to Showmax by DSTV PVR subscribers enjoyed in South Africa, the home country of DSTV   but, nothing has changed so far. Nigeria is a free market economy. No court nor regulatory body can tell DSTV how to run its business.

“Therefore, instead of focusing on the narrative of breaking DSTV’s monopoly, prospective entrepreneurs should simply pay attention to how to better DSTV in terms of content, and subscription.

“In addition, their efforts will be futile if they don’t hijack the rights to air the matches of major European leagues.

“It should strike a strong cord that the only time DSTV’s market dominance was threatened was when HiTv usurped the broadcast rights of the EPL. It was unexpected and within months, the number of households who own HiTv jumped significantly.

“Currently, DSTV has the right to broadcast the EPL between 2016 and 2019. This right cost the PayTv Company a whopping sum of 296 million pounds to show live EPL matches across Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. For the 2013 to 2016 season, DSTV paid 205 million pounds. This means to win the rights, your pocket must be deep and have some powerful investors. Obviously, we can probably conclude that it will be difficult to break DSTV’s.

“However, if we dwell on this, prospective entrepreneurs may not be interested in the PayTv industry in Nigeria.

“DSTV should not be too comfortable as internet penetration continues to grow in Nigeria. Many Nigerians now own mobile phones and if data prices become more affordable, Nigerians will be able to watch live European matches on the internet.  There will be less reliance on DSTV for watching the EPL”.

Now Enters TSTV

TSTV which stands for Telcom Satellite TV, is here in Nigeria to battle with DSTV. It launched last Sunday in Abuja with a promise to offer ‘Pay-As-You-Consume’ plan “which every other operator said was not possible in Nigeria before now.

“Pay-As-You-Consume” plan already praised for its simplicity will allow subscribers of TSTV pay for only programmes watched.

Bright Echefu, managing director of TSTV, during the signing of the multi-transponder agreement with their ABS partner disclosed that their services would offer viewers the experience of HD and SD video, internet services, broadband, TV and radio at a very affordable rate.

Hear him, “what makes the project unique is that it would start with 100 channels of local, regional and international in Yoruba, Igbo Hausa, Ghanaian, Sierra Leonean, Liberian Languages among others. It would also provide news, entertainment, education content”.

He argued that TSTV has the right content and premium product to satisfy the growing demand of Nigeria. “It would assist ABS take Nollywood and Sport to great height. Their sport channels is the bomb! EPL, La liga and Champion League is amazing!”

What Does Multichoice Think About All this

Multichoice strongly holds the view that Nigeria’s economy is not ripe for pay-per-view. Well, our stand is that we are not going to offer pay-per-view. One of the reasons we are not going to do it is because it is an expensive form of payment to the customers.

Speaking to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek recently, Mr. Martin Mabutho, general manager, Marketing and Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria explained how it works: “pay-per-view is normally used when a special event is being broadcast. I will give you example of the boxing bout of Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor; that we viewed to our subscribers at no additional cost.

“In America where pay-per-view facility is being offered, people paid $100, only for the fight. The next day if you don’t have subscription, you don’t see anything. For that reason, we don’t think it is a viable thing for us to do. We don’t believe that our market and can handle that”.

Warning:

While the price war is ragging, both DSTV/GOtv and TSTV should not be too comfortable as internet penetration continues to grow in Nigeria. Many Nigerians now own mobile phones and if data prices become more affordable, Nigerians will be able to watch live European matches on the internet.  There will be less reliance on pay tv for watching the EPL.

A multimedia and live streaming platform pushing this frontier is Kwese sports owned by Econet Wireless. It signed a deal to broadcast the EPL across sub-Saharan Africa on a Free-To-Air basis for three seasons beginning from the 2016/2017 season. With this, Nigerians can watch the EPL for free as far as they have access to the internet.

Why it is generally believed DSTV has ‘monopolized’ the market due to its awesome content and owning the EPL right, however, TSTV with its drive to break the monopoly should not go the HiTv way. Perhaps, the best way to go now is live streaming which is becoming popular by the day.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Broadcasting

How Flavour’s Uplifted Album Changed the Game: 15 Years of Igbo Pride and Global Hits

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Fifteen years ago, something truly special dropped onto the music scene: Flavour N’abania’s second album, Uplifted. This was a first showcase of his talent. With powerful vocals, masterful highlife production, and a deep connection to his cultural roots, Uplifted solidified Flavour’s reputation as a gifted artist.

At the time of its release, Uplifted smashed through borders and cultural divides, all thanks to Flavour’s deep commitment to celebrating his Nigerian roots, especially his Igbo heritage. This powerful connection to his culture has made him a major force, not just in Nigeria, particularly in the East, but also among the Igbo community dotted around the world.

The sheer success of Flavour’s cultural expression is highlighted by Spotify data from Uplifted and his other tracks. Even though his songs are deeply rooted in his culture and often sung in Igbo, they’re getting massive plays all over the globe.

Uplifted itself has stayed a big deal on streaming platforms, with its standout tracks racking up some serious numbers. Among the most-streamed hits from the Uplifted album are Ashawo Remix, Adamma, and Oyi (I dey Catch Cold). These tracks, along with other timeless fan favourites like Time To Party, Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix), and Game Changer (Dike) have all contributed significantly to Flavour’s overall streaming success, proving their lasting appeal. Reflecting on the album’s anniversary during an exclusive chat with Spotify, Flavour revealed that for him, “Adamma” truly captured the essence of Flavour from the Uplifted album era.”

From the heart of Nigeria to global playlists: Flavour’s universal pull

Flavour’s music really does have a universal pull. His songs have popped up in over 2 million user-made playlists, which shows just how much people are connecting with and sharing his tunes. And get this: in the last three years, from 2022 to 2024, Flavour’s music has seen a growth in streams, a total stream increase of 134% globally, and a 573% increase across Sub-Saharan Africa.

While 51% of his total audience is in Nigeria, his influence stretches far and wide with the USA, UK, Canada, South Africa, and France all among his top listening countries. That’s a truly global footprint, reaching across Africa, Europe, and America.

Leading Flavour’s listenership in Nigeria is a strong showing from Lagos, accounting for 38% of his Nigerian audience. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Rivers State also follow closely, making up 22% and 16% respectively, together claiming 76% of his Nigerian audience. He also enjoys love in the east as two Eastern Nigerian cities, Enugu and Onitsha, break into his global top 10. Big international cities like Greater London, Johannesburg, and New York City feature prominently too. This wide geographical spread shows how his music crosses all sorts of borders.

Who’s listening? A look at Flavour’s fanbase

Flavour’s audience is diverse with Gen Zs (18-24 year olds) as his biggest fans globally and across Sub-Saharan Africa. This strong youth appeal is vital for his long-term success. While his music celebrates women, men form the majority of his listeners globally (57%) and in Sub-Saharan Africa (63%).

The lasting success of Uplifted highlights how digital streaming has completely changed the music industry. Platforms like Spotify have given artists like Flavour ways to connect with fans everywhere. These days, streaming data gives us a clear, numbers-based look at an artist’s reach, showing that Flavour’s cultural stories, delivered in fluent Igbo, truly resonate far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Flavour’s strong link to his Igbo roots, seen in his music, has driven his global success, acting as a cultural bridge for Nigerian traditions. The ongoing popularity of Uplifted and his other songs on streaming platforms proves that genuine cultural expression, mixed with great artistry, ensures lasting success today. As Uplifted hits 15 years, it showcases the power of culture worldwide.


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Nigeria Week Ahead: CBN decision, ECB and USD in focus

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By Lukman Otunuga, Senior Market Analyst, FXTM

This will be a week defined by high-impact events and corporate earnings from the largest companies in the world.

Nigeria’s central bank is expected to hold interest rates on Tuesday.

This decision is likely based on still stubbornly high inflation despite price pressures easing in recent months. Inflation slowed to 22.2% year-on-year in June, its third consecutive decline. A CBN rate cut could be on the cards in H2, but this will be on the back of persistently falling price pressures.

Looking at the NGX All Share Index, it has gained almost 10% month-to-date – pushing 2025 gains to nearly 30%. This means the NGX is currently outperforming the S&P500 and Nasdaq100 who have gained roughly 7% and 11% this year respectively. The Naira spot has held its ground against the USD this year after depreciating almost 70% in 2024.

Outside of Nigeria, earnings season is in full swing with US banks reporting strong results last week. Now the spotlight shines on big tech with Alphabet and Tesla reporting on Wednesday.

Alphabet shares gained 14% in Q2 amid strong AI product demand and growth in the cloud business. However, bulls may need a fresh catalyst to push Alphabet’s year-to-date gains out of the red. Tesla is down almost 20% year-to-date and could extend losses if its latest quarterly results are below market expectations

On the data front, key releases from Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States may influence global sentiment.

But the main event for FX markets could be the European Central Bank decision on Thursday. No changes are expected to interest rates, but any clues offered on future moves could spark fresh volatility. Traders are currently pricing in a less than 50% probability that the ECB cuts rates by September

Speaking of FX, the dollar has weakened across the board with the DXY tumbling toward 97.70. This weakness could be based on mounting pressure from Trump to cut US rates and caution ahead of the tariff deadline on August 1st.

Note: Nigeria faces a 14% reciprocal tariff on its goods imported into the U.S, effective from August 1st.


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Big Brother Naija Season 10 to Premiere July 26 with Record ₦150m Grand Prize

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Big Brother Naija Season 10
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MultiChoice Nigeria, today announced the highly anticipated return of Africa’s biggest reality television show, Big Brother Naija, for its landmark 10th season. Set to premiere over two nights on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, 2025, the new season promises 10 weeks of captivating drama, strategic gameplay, and unparalleled entertainment, culminating in the grand finale on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Big Brother Naija Season 10

The audition process for this milestone season was meticulously designed to unearth the most engaging and dynamic personalities from across Nigeria. Audition registrations were held from May 3rd to May 7th, 2025, and saw an overwhelming response, followed by rigorous in-person auditions conducted in Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu from May 16th to May 18th, 2025.

Speaking on the upcoming season, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head, General Entertainment, MultiChoice Group, expressed her excitement: “Today we are not just announcing another season, we are celebrating a legacy.”

While the official theme for Season 10 will be unveiled on the premiere night, viewers can anticipate a fresh wave of excitement. The beloved Ebuka Obi-Uchendu is returning as host, guiding viewers through every twist and turn of the season. This 10th season also has the highest prize at stake – valued at a whopping N150million.

Fans can catch the premier live on July 26 and 27 exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase, Family and Showmax at 7 PM WAT. The Sunday live eviction shows will also air exclusively on these channels. The 24/7 live stream will be available on DStv Channel 198, GOtv Channel 49, and on Showmax.

“BBNaija has become more than just a television show; it is a living, breathing cultural force. It has given voice to a new generation of talent, creatives, entertainers, and the influencer community, and it has refined what homegrown entertainment can achieve when it is done at scale with intention and ambition,” added Tejumola.

With a two-night opening live show for Big Brother Naija Season 10, the season is poised to build upon the legacy of its predecessors, with fans expecting a more dynamic and entertaining experience. Still speaking on what the season holds Dr. Tejumola said “Today we are not just announcing another season, we are celebrating a legacy. From the very first time we introduced Big Brother Naija in 2017, we had an inkling that we had something special. What we couldn’t fully imagine then is how deeply the show would resonate not only in Nigeria but across Africa and in the global diaspora, where our stories continue to connect people to home.”

This milestone season for the iconic show is not without the usual lineup of sponsors. The gold sponsor for the 10th season of the show is Guinness Nigeria. Other sponsors include Smirnoff, Gordons, HFM, Pepsi, Aquafina, Supakomando, Tolaram Group, Bet King, Golden Penny Foods, Haier Thermocool, Checkers custard, and Innoson Motors, among others.

Viewers can catch all the live action and special broadcasts on DStv Channel 198, GOtv Channel 49, and Showmax. The live Sunday eviction shows will air exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151, GOtv Channel 8), Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154, GOtv Channel 7) and on Showmax.

DStv and GOtv subscribers can also watch the show on the go using the DStv and GOtv Stream apps available on the Google Play Store and IOS App Store.


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