Canal+ CEO Outlines New DStv Pricing and Restructuring Plan
In a significant move to revitalize its African pay-TV operations, Canal+ CEO David Mignot has announced a comprehensive strategy to overhaul DStv's subscription pricing and business model. The plan aims to address declining revenues and subscriber losses at MultiChoice, which has been grappling with intense competition from global streaming platforms.
Transparent Pricing and Sales Growth Focus
The new strategy centers on introducing clearer and more transparent pricing structures for DStv subscriptions, alongside efforts to boost sales growth and protect local content. Mignot emphasized that simplifying MultiChoice's commercial offerings through streamlined branding and improved marketing is a key priority to make DStv more attractive to customers.
As part of this initiative, Canal+ is expanding its network of sales points and installers while ramping up investments in marketing and branding. The company plans to hire 1,000 additional sales staff across South Africa and other markets to enhance field operations and subscriber acquisition.
Restructuring and Showmax Shutdown
The turnaround plan includes a major restructuring of MultiChoice's workforce, with voluntary severance packages offered at headquarters. In a notable development, Showmax will be shut down by the end of April 2026, as Canal+ deemed it too costly to operate as a standalone streaming platform.
MultiChoice has assured that this decision will not lead to job losses, with employees being supported through transition options. Showmax content will be migrated to DStv Stream, where it will be available through a dedicated section alongside new streaming offerings from Canal+.
Financial Challenges and Investment
Canal+ reported that MultiChoice's revenue fell by €142 million in 2025, with the company losing approximately 500,000 subscribers during the period. To counter this, the French media group has committed up to €100 million to accelerate the broadcaster's turnaround and return it to sustainable growth.
Willington Ngwepe, CEO of MultiChoice LicenceCo, stated, "Our priority is to ensure customers continue to have a home for the stories they love." The company is also offering a promotional deal where Showmax subscribers can access DStv Stream Compact for free from April to May 2026, followed by a discounted rate of R99 per month for 12 months for eligible users.
Competition and Long-Term Goals
The overhaul comes as MultiChoice faces increasing pressure from global streaming services and declining subscriptions across key African markets. Canal+'s long-term plan is to improve efficiency, lower entry costs, and deliver better value to subscribers through a standardized operating model across its markets.
This announcement follows recent reports of DStv removing 12 channels spanning sports, news, religious programming, and children's content, with no clarity on whether they will be restored. The removals occurred in phases between January and August, highlighting the ongoing adjustments in the company's offerings.
