MultiChoice Group, the parent company of Showmax, has unveiled plans to phase out Showmax Pro, a move that signals a strategic shift in its approach to streaming services.
This decision comes as part of a broader plan to relaunch the Showmax platform, focusing on delivering a more streamlined and enhanced entertainment experience for subscribers. With the upcoming changes, let’s delve into what this means for Showmax users and the future of the platform.
The What
Showmax Pro, a service available to Showmax subscribers in Africa, bundles the existing Showmax entertainment offering with music channels and various sports matches provided by sister company SuperSport. However, this service is set to be discontinued over the next two months, approximately three years after its launch.
Despite the discontinuation of Showmax Pro, Showmax will continue as a standalone streaming service, offering users a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content.
According to a notice to subscribers, the sports offering on Showmax will now focus exclusively on Premier League football, described as the most-watched football league in Africa. Existing Showmax Pro customers in South Africa will be offered a DStv Compact Plus Stream package at a reduced price, allowing them to access more sports, including selected Rugby World Cup 2023 games, and stream 115 live channels.
This phase-out is a precursor to a significant overhaul of Showmax, expected by the end of the year, with the platform set to launch “version 2” incorporating strategic and technical input from new partner and co-investor NBCUniversal.
The revamped service will feature a combination of local and international content, including award-winning programs from NBCUniversal, Sky, HBO, Warner Brothers International, Sony, and others, as well as live English Premier League football.
The Why
The decision to phase out Showmax Pro is a calculated move by MultiChoice Group to refine their product lineup and concentrate on providing a more tailored and optimized entertainment service. By streamlining their offerings and simplifying content packages, MultiChoice aims to allocate more resources towards improving the core Showmax platform and delivering a better user experience.
The upcoming relaunch of Showmax, backed by NBCUniversal’s globally scaled technology and a diverse content portfolio, is designed to appeal to a growing streaming population.
The platform aims to bring the best of local and international programming to African audiences, underpinned by live sport streams, a better user interface, and a broader lineup of content.
What They Said
Calvo Mawela, MultiChoice Group CEO, shed light on the upcoming changes, stating, “Showmax version 2 will launch in the fourth quarter with a broader lineup of content, a better product offering, better user interface, and more streams on live sport, and will be underpinned by the English Premier League.”
He emphasized that Showmax will remain a separate offering, distinct from DStv, and is geared towards catering to a growing audience interested in a diverse streaming experience.
In March, MultiChoice announced NBCUniversal’s acquisition of a 30% stake in Showmax, with the aim to build the leading internet video streaming platform in Africa. MultiChoice highlighted the partnership, saying, “Powered by Peacock’s leading, globally scaled technology, Showmax subscribers will have access to an extensive premium content portfolio, bringing African audiences the best of local and international programming.”
Conclusion
The phase-out of Showmax Pro marks a pivotal moment for MultiChoice Group as it refocuses its strategy to enhance the Showmax platform. With a renewed focus on delivering a diverse and premium entertainment experience, and partnerships with international media giants like NBCUniversal, Showmax is poised for a transformative relaunch.
As we anticipate the unveiling of Showmax version 2, it’s clear that the platform is gearing up to meet the evolving needs of a growing streaming population, offering a rich blend of local and international content.
