Canal+ will shut down Showmax, the African streaming platform run by its newly acquired subsidiary MultiChoice Group, ending an 11-year experiment that once represented the continent’s strongest attempt to challenge global streaming rivals.
The decision, taken by the Showmax board and communicated to subscribers on Thursday, is part of an efficiency drive following the $3 billion takeover of MultiChoice by French broadcaster Canal+.
The streaming service will be wound down in the coming months, although the company has not provided a final closure date as legal processes tied to the acquisition continue to be finalised.
“This decision reflects our focus on strengthening our overall digital offering and ensuring long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive streaming environment,” the company said in a message sent to customers.
MultiChoice told subscribers that their service would continue uninterrupted for now and that no immediate action was required.
On what happens to the current Showmax content and subscriptions, MultiChoice told TechCabal that “The team is currently working on a subscriber and content and migration plan, we will communicate this with you in the next few weeks.”
Info source: TechCabal