MultiChoice DStv channel simplification

MultiChoice continued its channel simplification process by moving its 1Max programming onto the Mzansi Magic channel, which will kick in on 31 March 2025.

MultiChoice is South Africa’s largest entertainment platform, offering clients access to content through DStv, DStv Stream, and Showmax.

The three platforms are closely linked, and content is spread across these channels. This means that there is a lot of overlapping content on the three channels.

DStv and Showmax subscribers can watch shows, sports, and movies through the linear DStv service, scheduling a channel or streaming on demand.

MultiChoice has also made Showmax available for free to DStv Premium customers and at a discount for DStv Compact subscribers.

This gives subscribers greater access to watch content when and how they want to, depending on their needs.

MultiChoice has an ongoing DStv channel simplification process to address the move away from linear TV.

As part of this process, MultiChoice will integrate its 1Max programming onto the Mzansi Magic channel from 31 March 2025, significantly enhancing its content offering.

“The decision follows detailed research into audience consumption behaviour,” MultiChoice said.

The new development will see 1Max’s upcoming titles move onto Mzansi Magic, boosting that channel’s significant local content lineup.

Although the changes mean that the 1Max channel will close on the DStv platform, the content will not be lost.

Customers can still watch many of these titles directly on Showmax, including hits like Youngins, Adulting, and Soft Life.

Simply put, audiences can access their favourite title within a scheduled channel or on demand, depending on their product and viewing preference.

MultiChoice South Africa CEO Byron du Plessis explained that MultiChoice focuses on improving customer content discovery.

“We know that our customers want to find their content as quickly as possible, without having to navigate across multiple channels or platforms,” he said.

“This consolidation also allows Mzansi Magic to further build its stellar lineup, becoming a stronger premium local content offering than ever before.”