eMedia Investments recently launched its Openview Stream service in several African countries. This free streaming platform sits alongside the company’s existing Openview free-to-air satellite service, which only broadcasts in South Africa. Plans are already underway to expand Openview Stream into more markets — something the traditional satellite service has never done.
Before eVOD was launched, eMedia had been developing a digital service under the working title Openview Plus. Many people and media outlets assumed this would become an online (OTT) version of the existing Openview platform for South African viewers.
Instead, that concept evolved into Openview Stream and was built primarily for other African countries — though not exactly in the way many consumers had hoped.
Openview itself started broadcasting in South Africa in 2013. For years afterwards, people in neighbouring countries used Openview decoders illegally. The company repeatedly made it clear that its broadcasting licence only covers South Africa.
This does not mean eMedia has no interest in other African markets. The company has previously expanded beyond South Africa (for example with eAfrica). However, launching a full terrestrial or satellite service in countries like Ghana comes with strict local requirements. Regulators often insist that a significant portion of operations — content, staff, offices, and retail distribution — must be sourced or based locally.
A similar situation exists with Canal+’s MultiChoice. In some African markets, regulators will not grant a broadcasting licence directly to a foreign company. MultiChoice still owns the DStv brand, but a portion of the profits stays in the local market through local partnerships or ownership structures.
By launching Openview Stream (a free ad-supported streaming service) instead of a traditional satellite or terrestrial service, eMedia can expand into new countries without having to set up local offices, hire large numbers of staff, or build a retail network in every market. This approach allows the company to grow more quickly and at a lower cost.
In short, Openview Stream gives eMedia a practical way to reach audiences across Africa without the heavy regulatory and operational burdens that come with traditional broadcasting licences.
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