DESPITE the idyllic setting at Mauritius’ Trou Aux Biches Resort where MultiChoice Africa hosted its inaugural Content Extravaganza, journalists invited to the weeklong show case did not hold back on asking the tough questions and lashing the organisers with criticism.
During a press conference journalists peppered CEO of MultiChoice Nico Meyer with questions on his company’s perceived Nigerian bias in content, the introduction of pay-as-you-watch technology and even the decision of the artists who feature on the ‘Africa Rising’ song commissioned by the company.
Meyer expressed pride at being part of a company that has pioneered Pay TV on the continent and emphasised his commitment to ensuring that MultiChoice subscribers receive world class news and entertainment on DStv and GOtv services.
Responding to a question, Meyer said the company was simply unable to provide pay-as-you-watch services as they do not have the technology that cell phone and electricity service providers have, to gauge how much a subscriber watched or not. He said his company buys content on a monthly basis and has to bill for that on a monthly basis.
Head of corporate affairs at MultiChoice Africa, Caroline Creasy said there was no ‘exclusionary policy’ when picking the acts who performed in the ‘Africa Rising’ song.
The company has invested US$350 million in Nigeria and sees it as an investment in the future of Africa’s biggest market. He also said MultiChoice will soon build studios in East Africa and then look to the rest of the continent.
* Join the discussion. Does MultiChoice favour Nigeria? Comment on their service in Namibia via email-consumer@namibian.com.na
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