May 2010 launch for TopTV DTH in South Africa

Quality TV at Affordable Prices for Consumers

JOHANNESBURG — On Digital Media (ODM) is on the verge of introducing choice, flexibility and affordability to the multi-channel television market in South Africa under its brand of TopTV. With its launch, an exciting world of entertainment will open up to millions of South African viewers.

In 2007 ODM was one of four new consortia to be awarded a subscription broadcasting licence by ICASA, enabling the company to launch its unique Pay TV offering. ICASA’s decision to issue ODM with a broadcasting licence was based on ODM’s ownership profile, BBBEE credentials, funding credentials and its product offering. This in turn was founded on thorough market research that indicated a significant demand for ODM’s bouquet of channels.

With a staggered launch from May 2010, TopTV has recognised the need for pay-as-you-choose TV, and as a result will offer different pay TV packages which have been created to meet the needs of subscribers with quality programming at affordable rates. For R99 per month, subscribers will have access to over 20 channels, providing comprehensive coverage of genres, including general entertainment, news, sport, movies and gospel, to name a few. Vino Govender, CEO of ODM says: “With our differentiated multi-channel subscription TV service we will expand the viewing choices for a larger portion of the population in South Africa. TopTV subscribers will be able to select packages to suit their viewing needs according to their budgets.” Govender continues: “Market research has confirmed that TopTV’s product offering and positioning will be well received within the South African TV landscape.”

TopTV will offer subscribers seven different pricing options ranging from R99 to R249 per month. Channels on offer include those created specifically by TopTV with content sourced both locally and internationally, including Top Movies, Top One, Top Gospel and Top Crime, as well as a range of highly sought-after international channels from outside suppliers. Nine locally developed channels will offer audiences a mix of local and international flavours. Says Gugu Sibeko, ODM’s GM of Local Channels: “Under the Top TV brand we are able to combine quality international programming with popular local shows, creating channels with South African appeal.”

The business prides itself on being able to introduce 34 “new-to-the market” channels, nine music video channels and 25 new music audio services.

TopTV has partnered with operating media companies from various countries including Germany, Scandinavia, Spain and the UK. In addition to this, it has secured programming and channels from household names such as Fox, Warner, Disney, CBS, and Discovery, to name a few. “We are very pleased with the relationships we’ve established with our content providers and look forward to bringing our subscribers enjoyable and entertaining programming” says Ian Woodrow, ODM’s GM of 3rd party channels.

Finally South African’s have a choice of world-class entertainment at unbelievable prices.