The Broadcasting Industry and Manufacture of Decoders

On-demand audio and video online streaming services are causing significant disruption in the broadcasting sector globally and will offer serious competition to South African broadcasters in the near future. Local broadcasters are planning or implementing new business models to integrate their offerings with digital platforms. The total revenue of the television industry in South Africa increased by 3.6% to R32.2bn year-on-year in 2017, while radio revenue increased by 2.2% to R4.3bn for the same period. The sector is undermined by sustainability concerns and numerous issues at the South African Broadcasting Corporation. The long-delayed digital migration process appears to back on track with final analogue switch-off in 2020.

Industry Disruption

While television and radio revenues continue to grow, streaming services such as DStv’s Showmax, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Cell C’s Black are disrupting traditional broadcasting. The dramatic digital revolution sweeping video entertainment is affecting community TV stations, free-to-air and public broadcasters and subscription TV services, and traditional television and pay-TV are facing a threat of survival. The radio sector is faced with an increase in audio content created for online delivery and via mobile phones and an increase in non-traditional players entering the market.

Report Coverage

This report focuses on the television and radio broadcasting industry in South Africa and the local manufacture of decoders and other broadcasting equipment. It examines the state of the industry, major players, corporate action up to November 2018 and comprehensive updates on industry regulations and investigations into the SABC. It includes comprehensive profiles of 39 companies including major players SABC and MultiChoice, and smaller companies such as Kwesé TV Channels, which has applied for a free-to-air licence and plans to operate five channels. Profiled decoder manufacturers include Yekani Manufacturing, CZ Electronics, Microtronix South Africa, Leratadima Tellumat Manufacturing and RC and C Manufacturing.