Your favorite Kwese TV channels have stopped showing? Well, it’s simply because Econet Media has reviewed its business strategy and service offerings and have decided to shut down the Kwese Satellite Tv Service after 18 long months of operation.
In order to maintain its position as a leader in broadcasting innovation in Africa and align to changes in the global digital and satellite broadcasting sector, the Africa’s leading multi platform broadcast network have decided to focus on three core services; Kwesé Free Sports (KFS), Kwesé iflix and Kwesé Play.
Kwesé Free Sports is their free-to-air TV service, Kwesé iflix is one of the leading mobile video-on-demand sports and entertainment platform while Kwesé Play is a leading-edge video streaming service with more than 200 sports, entertainment, kids and news channels including NBA, Bloomberg, YouTube, and TED channels.
With increased focus on these three services, Econet Media will streamline its direct-to-home satellite television service with a reduction of third party channels available on the TV Bouquet, and the removal of Kwesé branded sports (excluding KFS) and general entertainment channels.
The new KweseTV bouquet will carry FTA, religious, and free news channels which will be available to viewers for a minimal administrative fee, in lieu of the monthly subscription fees. KweseTV subscribers who have already paid their subscriptions for November 2018, or in advance, will receive refunds according to unconfirmed reports online, in form of 12 months free access to Kwese iflix.
Having recognized the importance of carrying original local content, Econet Media will also establish its own content creation hub, Kwesé Studios. Through Kwesé Studios, Econet Media will invest in developing its own original programming and provide a platform for African producers, script writers, actors and directors to tell authentic African stories on a pan-African broadcast network.
As a consequence of the revised business model, Econet Media is reviewing its operational structures across all markets where Kwesé TV has the presence which may result in changes to the company’s various business units.