Openview STB activations growing at 35,000 per month

eMedia Holdings has released results for the year ended 31 March 2019. The broadcasting companies of eMedia Holdings include two of South Africa’s most well-known television channels, e.tv and eNCA. In October 2013 e.tv launched its free DTH multi-channel offering, OpenView HD through its sister company Platco.

Openview (inclusive of the e.tv multi-channel business) earned advertising revenue of R131.8 million and incurred content costs of R255.7 million up from R173.6 million the previous year. The increase is attributable to the launch of Open News as well as the addition of an Afrikaans block on eExtra and the launch of eReality in November. These content changes have increased the market share on other eChannels from 2.6% in March 2018 to 4.6% in March 2019.

Operating costs, including retail subsidies of R55.3 million amounted to R185.4 million compared to R193.6 million in the prior year. The reduction is mainly due to the reduction in subsidy from R150 to R75 per box in October as well as the exit from the SES contract. Despite the reduction in subsidy, Openview set-top box activations continue to grow at an average of 35 000 per month. At the end of the period, a total of 1 574 395 (2018: 1 149 217) boxes have been activated and a total of R55.3 million (2018: R74.5 million) has been spent on retail subsidies. The financial year also saw the launch of PVR functionality for the Openview box and the new financial year will see the launch of a few more technical initiatives in Platco.