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Together, we developed a series of multipurpose communications trailers for the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), designed to bring essential services directly to communities."}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"the-challenge-a-versatile-mobile-solution-for-city-outreach"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The Challenge: A Versatile, Mobile Solution for City Outreach"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The City of Johannesburg required a flexible, mobile unit that could function as a remote office, an audio studio, and a communication hub, complete with satellite internet and independent power. The trailer needed to be compact yet spacious enough to accommodate personnel and technical equipment, durable for off-grid use, and light enough to be towed by a code 8 vehicle or SUV."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"This solution would enable CoJ to conduct remote client registrations, operate as a portable office, and facilitate community events and brand activations in various locations."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"the-telemedia-solution-a-custom-built-communications-trailer"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The Telemedia Solution: A Custom-Built Communications Trailer"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Leveraging our expertise in mobile solutions, Telemedia spearheaded the technical development of these specialised trailers. We built a durable, roadworthy unit with a double-axle chassis and ISO panel construction. This provided strength and acoustic attenuation while maximising interior space."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"We carefully designed the trailer's layout to ensure seamless integration of essential components, including a 19\" equipment rack, an L-shaped workstation, and acoustic dampening for an optimal working environment. The rubberised floor enhances durability and simplifies maintenance, ensuring long-lasting performance in the field."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"key-features-of-the-mobile-communications-trailer"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Key Features of the Mobile Communications Trailer"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"coach-build"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Coach Build"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Interior and exterior lighting for optimal visibility."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Dual power inputs for uninterrupted operation."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Floor cable access for seamless equipment setup."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Air conditioning for a comfortable working environment."}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"technical-capabilities"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Technical Capabilities"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"19\" equipment rack with a 3.5 KVA UPS for consistent power supply."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Broadcast-ready setup, including a sound mixer and PA system for live events and activations."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"1.2m VSAT terminal mounted on the roof for satellite internet connectivity, ensuring reliable communication even in remote locations."}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"refinements-for-enhanced-performance"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Refinements for Enhanced Performance"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"During the final development phase, several enhancements were made to improve functionality. The UPS model was adjusted for better integration, additional external lighting was installed, and switchgear was rewired for smoother operation. Cable trunking was added for CCTV cameras, and the interior was spray-painted to match the acoustic carpeting for a cohesive look."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"impact-bringing-services-directly-to-communities"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Impact: Bringing Services Directly to Communities"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The completed trailers now enable the City of Johannesburg to reach its communities with greater efficiency, whether for remote client registrations, mobile office operations, or community outreach initiatives. This solution ensures connectivity and operational readiness wherever it is deployed."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"why-choose-telemedia"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Why Choose Telemedia?"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Telemedia is committed to developing cutting-edge mobile solutions tailored to meet diverse operational needs. Whether you require a remote office, a mobile studio, or a fully equipped brand activation unit, our expertise in mobile broadcasting and communications ensures that your project is executed to the highest standards."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Our partnership with Calmex Mobile and the City of Johannesburg showcases our ability to deliver robust, adaptable, and high-performance mobile solutions. If you need a state-of-the-art mobile unit for your next project, Telemedia is here to bring your vision to life."}]}],"toc":{"title":"","links":[{"id":"the-challenge-a-versatile-mobile-solution-for-city-outreach","depth":2,"text":"The Challenge: A Versatile, Mobile Solution for City Outreach"},{"id":"the-telemedia-solution-a-custom-built-communications-trailer","depth":2,"text":"The Telemedia Solution: A Custom-Built Communications Trailer"},{"id":"key-features-of-the-mobile-communications-trailer","depth":2,"text":"Key Features of the Mobile Communications Trailer","children":[{"id":"coach-build","depth":3,"text":"Coach Build"},{"id":"technical-capabilities","depth":3,"text":"Technical Capabilities"}]},{"id":"refinements-for-enhanced-performance","depth":2,"text":"Refinements for Enhanced Performance"},{"id":"impact-bringing-services-directly-to-communities","depth":2,"text":"Impact: Bringing Services Directly to Communities"},{"id":"why-choose-telemedia","depth":2,"text":"Why Choose Telemedia?"}]}},"_type":"markdown","_id":"content:news:mobile-communications-solution-coj.md","_source":"content","_file":"news/mobile-communications-solution-coj.md","_stem":"news/mobile-communications-solution-coj","_extension":"md"},{"_path":"/news/empowering-next-generation-leaders","_dir":"news","_draft":false,"_partial":false,"_locale":"","title":"Empowering the Next Generation of Business Leaders","description":"Telemedia empowers future business leaders by supporting students through bursaries, helping them achieve their dreams in the business world.","image":"/img/news/empowering-students.jpg","date":"2024-09-19","category":"Corporate Social Responsibility","author":"Telemedia","keywords":["business leaders","bursary","education","Cornerstone Institute","Dana Robyn Maggot","Mphatso Nkhoma","South African youth","empowerment"],"featured":true,"additionalImages":["/img/news/next-generation-business-leaders-1.jpg","/img/news/next-generation-business-leaders-2.jpg"],"students":[{"name":"Dana Robyn Maggot","program":"Higher Certificate in Business Studies","institution":"Cornerstone Institute"},{"name":"Mphatso Nkhoma","program":"Bachelor of Commerce","institution":"Cornerstone Institute"}],"body":{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"element","tag":"h1","props":{"id":"empowering-the-next-generation-of-business-leaders"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Empowering the Next Generation of Business Leaders"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"telemedias-commitment-to-education"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Telemedia's Commitment to Education"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"In a world where the demands of the modern workforce are continuously evolving, access to quality education remains a crucial factor for success. Telemedia, a leading force in the radio and television broadcasting industry, is rising to meet this challenge. Based in Johannesburg, the company has long demonstrated a commitment to supporting South Africa's youth. Now, Telemedia is taking a further step by offering two life-changing bursaries to deserving students, Dana Robyn Maggot and Mphatso Nkhoma."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"This initiative is a powerful statement of Telemedia's belief in the transformative power of education."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"img","props":{"alt":"Supporting Education","src":"/img/news/next-generation-business-leaders-2.jpg"},"children":[]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"dana-robyn-maggot-a-story-of-resilience-and-determination"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Dana Robyn Maggot: A Story of Resilience and Determination"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Dana's journey reflects her resilience and unwavering determination. Currently enrolled in hairdressing school and completing an apprenticeship at Carlton Hair, Dana has always had dreams that stretch beyond her current field. From a young age, she aspired to a career in business, particularly aiming for a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. Unfortunately, financial constraints and academic challenges initially held her back from achieving that dream."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Rather than giving up, Dana pivoted. She built her career as a professional hairdresser and gained valuable experience. Now, with a firm foothold in the industry, she's ready to take a bold step forward, pursuing a Higher Certificate in Business Studies at Cornerstone Institute. With this qualification, she aims to merge her passion for creativity with a strong business acumen, eventually transitioning into the business world."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Telemedia's bursary provides Dana with the financial support she needs to make her dreams a reality. Her story is a poignant reminder that setbacks don't equal failure—they can be valuable detours on the road to success."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"img","props":{"alt":"Student Success","src":"/img/news/next-generation-business-leaders-1.jpg"},"children":[]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"mphatso-nkhoma-a-vision-for-a-better-future"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Mphatso Nkhoma: A Vision for a Better Future"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Mphatso Nkhoma's story is one of ambition, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of self-improvement. Working as a customer care service agent at the Hungry Lion Head office in Cape Town, Mphatso's drive is fueled by her family's resilience in the face of limited resources. As one of three siblings, she is determined to create better opportunities not only for herself but also for her family."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Mphatso is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce at Cornerstone Institute with the goal of expanding her business knowledge and advancing her career. Her vision extends beyond her current position—she's unafraid to explore new opportunities, whether within her company or by starting her own business."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"blockquote","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\"I am just looking for one chance, and I will take it with both hands and run with it – I am going to be successful in my life – I am determined to achieve.\""}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"— Mphatso Nkhoma"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"telemedias-investment-in-the-future"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Telemedia's Investment in the Future"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"By supporting Dana and Mphatso, Telemedia is not just offering financial aid. The company is making an investment in the future of South Africa's business landscape, fostering a new generation of leaders. Both students have shown remarkable determination and passion, and with the help of Telemedia, they are well on their way to achieving their aspirations."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Telemedia believes that empowering the next generation of business leaders through education is one of the most meaningful contributions it can make. Dana and Mphatso's journeys are just beginning, and their stories are a testament to what can be achieved when talent, ambition, and opportunity converge."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"strong","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Telemedia: Empowering Future Business Leaders Through Education."}]}]}],"toc":{"title":"","links":[{"id":"telemedias-commitment-to-education","depth":2,"text":"Telemedia's Commitment to Education"},{"id":"dana-robyn-maggot-a-story-of-resilience-and-determination","depth":2,"text":"Dana Robyn Maggot: A Story of Resilience and Determination"},{"id":"mphatso-nkhoma-a-vision-for-a-better-future","depth":2,"text":"Mphatso Nkhoma: A Vision for a Better Future"},{"id":"telemedias-investment-in-the-future","depth":2,"text":"Telemedia's Investment in the Future"}]}},"_type":"markdown","_id":"content:news:empowering-next-generation-leaders.md","_source":"content","_file":"news/empowering-next-generation-leaders.md","_stem":"news/empowering-next-generation-leaders","_extension":"md"},{"_path":"/news/why-dtt-is-dead","_dir":"news","_draft":false,"_partial":false,"_locale":"","title":"Why DTT is Dead and the Obvious Alternative for SA","description":"Explore the debate on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) versus Direct-to-Home (DTH) in South Africa, highlighting the benefits and challenges of both, and why DTH is a better solution for digital migration.","image":"/img/news/dtt.jpg","date":"2024-07-25","category":"Industry Analysis","author":"Patrick Conroy","role":"CEO Telemedia","keywords":["Digital Terrestrial Television","Direct-to-Home","DTT","DTH","digital migration","South Africa","broadcasting","SABC"],"featured":true,"readingTime":"12 minutes","body":{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"element","tag":"h1","props":{"id":"why-dtt-is-dead-and-the-obvious-alternative-for-sa"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Why DTT is Dead and the Obvious Alternative for SA"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"I recently touched a nerve on the LinkedIn platform when I posted a comment saying it pained me how many South African politicians have failed to realise the death of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and the promise of Direct-to-Home (DTH) as a solution to digital migration."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The implications of this single alphabetical change cannot be overstated, and yet there are still those in the political sphere whose policy documents favour a DTT solution, including the "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://cdn.da.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/25115530/DA-ICT-Policy-2024.pdf","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Democratic Alliance"}]},{"type":"text","value":" which now boasts the new Communications Minister, Solly Malatsi."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"blockquote","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"(In brief, DTT would utilize the transmitter sites of South Africa's state-owned signal distributor, Sentech, requiring specialised aerials on your rooftop or TV. On the other hand, DTH uses satellite as a single source of mass distribution requiring a satellite dish)"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"In the past week even the SABC has publicly rejected DTT as an alternative by launching its own satellite (DTH) platform in which it stated: "},{"type":"element","tag":"em","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\"DTT, in its current form, is very limiting for the SABC and will not allow the organisation to grow the number of channels or be in control of its destiny\"."}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"the-mathematics-dont-add-up"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The Mathematics Don't Add Up"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"It is finally becoming clear that the mathematics of DTT simply does not work."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"According to "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.statssa.gov.za/?p=17283","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Stats SA"}]},{"type":"text","value":", as of 2022, the country had approximately 18.5 million households, of which half required Set-Top-Boxes (STBs). Government however committed to supply "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.itweb.co.za/article/numbers-dont-lie-governments-slow-crawl-to-digital-tv/dgp45vaGQ32MX9l8","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"5 million"}]},{"type":"text","value":" to lower income households."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"On that basis the simple manufacturing costs of 5 million STBs will range from R2 700 000 000 to R9 000 000 000 given the average estimated cost of a box can range from "},{"type":"element","tag":"strong","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"$30 to $100"}]},{"type":"text","value":"."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"additional-costs"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Additional Costs:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Logistical costs of storing 5 million units"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Distribution to households earning less than R3200 per month"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Transmission programming costs"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"the-sentech-factor"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The Sentech Factor"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The current DTT policy plan is to use Sentech, the state-owned signal distributor. Sounds simple enough, after all Sentech operates a network of over 183 transmission sites across South Africa, which deliver audio-visual signals to more than 12 million TV households."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"the-cost-reality"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The Cost Reality:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"SABC complained to Parliament about high signal distribution costs"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Requested reduction by "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/31224/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"R500 million"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Sentech's 2023 revenue: R1.4 billion\n"},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"R745 million from cash-strapped "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2023-11-08-treasury-declined-sabcs-request-for-r15bn-deputy-communications-minister-reveals/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Public Broadcaster"}]}]}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Satellite costs would be less than R100 million"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"can-the-sabc-go-it-alone-on-dth"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Can the SABC go it alone on DTH?"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Yes, if it had several billion Rand to invest in the project. But the SABC is broke."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"the-sabcs-current-plan"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The SABC's Current Plan:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"RFP issued on July 11 for DTH services"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"26-day deadline for submissions (until August 5th)"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Requirements include:\n"},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Finding partners"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Studying specifications"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Solving digital migration crisis"}]}]}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"the-sabcs-funding-model"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The SABC's Funding Model"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The SABC RFP states:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"blockquote","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"em","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\"SABC is looking to partner with a service provider for a turnkey solution that will include: The uplinking of content to the preferred DTH satellite platform, procurement and manufacturing of STBs, distribution of STBs to retailers as well as a after sales service (call centre)"}]},{"type":"text","value":" "},{"type":"element","tag":"strong","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"at no cost to the SABC"}]},{"type":"text","value":" "},{"type":"element","tag":"em","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":". This partnership will be for a period of five (05) years.\""}]}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"It adds: "},{"type":"element","tag":"em","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\"The bidder is expected to cover the capital/cost of the turnkey solution. The bidder will propose the revenue share model to the SABC for consideration.\""}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"potential-cost-scenario-for-year-1"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Potential Cost Scenario for Year 1"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Formula: Number of STBs X ($30-$100 per unit) X Exchange Rate + Satellite Costs + Content Costs = DTH"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"calculation-for-1-million-stbs"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Calculation for 1 million STBs:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"pre","props":{"code":"1 million STBs X $30 (low end) X 18.27 (Exchange rate) + R75,000,000 satellite costs + 2 exclusive daily soap operas\nR548,100,000 + R75,000,000 + (24min episode x 2) x R20,000 x 260 weekdays in 2025\nR623,100,000 + R249,600,000\n"},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"code","props":{"__ignoreMap":""},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"1 million STBs X $30 (low end) X 18.27 (Exchange rate) + R75,000,000 satellite costs + 2 exclusive daily soap operas\nR548,100,000 + R75,000,000 + (24min episode x 2) x R20,000 x 260 weekdays in 2025\nR623,100,000 + R249,600,000\n"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"strong","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"DTH in Year 1 = R872,700,000"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"an-alternative-option"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"An Alternative Option"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"South Africa's free-to-air channels, SABC 1, 2, 3 and "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"http://e.tv/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"e.tv"}]},{"type":"text","value":", are already carried on Openview which has approximately 3.5million activated STBs in the market."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"openviews-advantages"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Openview's Advantages:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Estimated household viewership of 17.5million"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Established infrastructure"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Existing retail partnerships"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Content deals in place"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Required encryption and STB licenses"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Nationwide coverage via Intelsat's IS20 satellite"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Coverage map available "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=38740","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"here"}]}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"blockquote","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"strong","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Openview is a public-private partnership staring us in the face."}]}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"the-path-forward"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The Path Forward"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"A partnership between SABC and Openview could:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Expedite digital TV services rollout"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Enable valuable sub 1Ghz spectrum allocation"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Reduce data costs"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Provide tiered STB options"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Be operational within months"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Avoid enormous startup costs"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"conclusion"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Conclusion"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Audiences demand easy access to local content at low cost. If South Africa is to keep pace with global digital trends, then it must make pragmatic decisions based on the common good of its people."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"hr","props":{},"children":[]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"em","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"About Patrick Conroy and full disclosure:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"br","props":{},"children":[]},{"type":"text","value":"\nI am a former employee of eMedia and MD of Openview from 2016-17, after heading up eNCA prior to that. I have a tiny shareholding in the company (less than 0.0003% of authorized N shares)."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"I am currently the CEO of Telemedia. Our competitor Globecast manages eMedia's satellite distribution and Sentech uplinks Openview to the IS20 satellite."}]}],"toc":{"title":"","links":[{"id":"the-mathematics-dont-add-up","depth":2,"text":"The Mathematics Don't Add Up","children":[{"id":"additional-costs","depth":3,"text":"Additional Costs:"}]},{"id":"the-sentech-factor","depth":2,"text":"The Sentech Factor","children":[{"id":"the-cost-reality","depth":3,"text":"The Cost Reality:"}]},{"id":"can-the-sabc-go-it-alone-on-dth","depth":2,"text":"Can the SABC go it alone on DTH?","children":[{"id":"the-sabcs-current-plan","depth":3,"text":"The SABC's Current Plan:"}]},{"id":"the-sabcs-funding-model","depth":2,"text":"The SABC's Funding Model"},{"id":"potential-cost-scenario-for-year-1","depth":2,"text":"Potential Cost Scenario for Year 1","children":[{"id":"calculation-for-1-million-stbs","depth":3,"text":"Calculation for 1 million STBs:"}]},{"id":"an-alternative-option","depth":2,"text":"An Alternative Option","children":[{"id":"openviews-advantages","depth":3,"text":"Openview's Advantages:"}]},{"id":"the-path-forward","depth":2,"text":"The Path Forward"},{"id":"conclusion","depth":2,"text":"Conclusion"}]}},"_type":"markdown","_id":"content:news:why-dtt-is-dead.md","_source":"content","_file":"news/why-dtt-is-dead.md","_stem":"news/why-dtt-is-dead","_extension":"md"},{"_path":"/news/how-satellites-work","_dir":"news","_draft":false,"_partial":false,"_locale":"","title":"How Satellites Work?","description":"Explore how satellites work with Telemedia, detailing their roles from broadcasting TV to navigating and monitoring weather patterns.","image":"/img/news/Satellites2.jpg","date":"2024-06-15","category":"Technology","author":"Telemedia","keywords":["satellites","how satellites work","satellite technology","space technology","broadcasting","navigation","weather monitoring"],"secondaryImage":"/img/news/Satellites1.jpg","featured":true,"tone":"lighthearted","readingTime":"5 minutes","body":{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"element","tag":"h1","props":{"id":"how-satellites-work"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"How Satellites Work?"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Satellites are the overachievers of the technology world. They orbit Earth with a satisfaction, knowing they're up there doing all the cool stuff while we're stuck down here in traffic."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Essentially, these high-flying gadgets are not just up there taking a spacewalk; they're busy. From broadcasting TV soaps to peeping on weather patterns, or even spying on other countries."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"but-how-do-they-work"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"But how do they work?"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Firstly, imagine if you will, launching a very expensive metal box into the sky. Not just any sky, but the sky that is so high it turns into space where the usual rules of up, down, left, and right become mere suggestions. (Pro-tip: if you are accompanying the satellite, you will need your own life support system)."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"To get into orbit around the Earth requires speed, and a lot of it. When you go this fast scientist like to call it velocity to show off."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"the-goldilocks-zone"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The Goldilocks Zone"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"To get the satellite in just the right place requires \"Goldilocks\" velocity. Not too fast, or it will escape Earth's gravity and end up taking unplanned and potentially embarrassing trips across the galaxy. Not too slow, or it will fall back to Earth, creating a fiery spectacle that is generally frowned upon by those who paid for the satellite in the first place."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"the-day-job"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The Day Job"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Once our satellite has achieved this delicate balance of hurtling through space at just the right speed (which is roughly the speed it takes to travel from one end of the galaxy to the other if you're not in a particular hurry), it can begin to do its job."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"This might be to:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Beam telecommunications across vast oceans"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Make sure your call to complain about your internet service provider actually reaches your internet service provider"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Navigate, ensuring that you never get lost on your way to:\n"},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Important business meetings"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"That date with the office worker you had just enough courage to ask out"}]}]}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"img","props":{"alt":"How Satellites Work In Space","src":"/img/news/Satellites1.jpg"},"children":[]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"power-supply"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Power Supply"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"To make all this possible, satellites are equipped with solar panels, because batteries would be impractical for a lifetime spent in space and would also be terribly environmentally unfriendly."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"conclusion"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Conclusion"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"So, you see folks - satellites are the voyeurs that help make sure you can watch cat videos no matter where you are on Earth, guide you back home when you get lost, and generally keep our modern world spinning. So next time you look up at the night sky, give a little nod to those hardworking tin cans; they might not know it, but they're doing a stellar job."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"hr","props":{},"children":[]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"em","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"This article maintains a lighthearted approach to explaining complex satellite technology while providing accurate technical information about orbital mechanics and satellite applications."}]}]}],"toc":{"title":"","links":[{"id":"but-how-do-they-work","depth":2,"text":"But how do they work?","children":[{"id":"the-goldilocks-zone","depth":3,"text":"The Goldilocks Zone"},{"id":"the-day-job","depth":3,"text":"The Day Job"},{"id":"power-supply","depth":3,"text":"Power Supply"}]},{"id":"conclusion","depth":2,"text":"Conclusion"}]}},"_type":"markdown","_id":"content:news:how-satellites-work.md","_source":"content","_file":"news/how-satellites-work.md","_stem":"news/how-satellites-work","_extension":"md"},{"_path":"/news/surviving-the-next-big-bang","_dir":"news","_draft":false,"_partial":false,"_locale":"","title":"Future Media: Surviving the Next Big Bang","description":"The media universe is undergoing a Big Bang moment. The number of media outlets is exploding, and our understanding of media is changing fundamentally.","image":"/img/news/bigbang.jpg","date":"2024-06-07","category":"Industry Analysis","author":"Patrick Conroy","role":"CEO Telemedia","keywords":["media transformation","AI in media","future of media","media technology","digital media","Big Tech","content creation"],"featured":true,"canonicalUrl":"https://www.telemedia.co.za/news/surviving-the-next-big-bang","readingTime":"10 minutes","body":{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"element","tag":"h1","props":{"id":"future-media-surviving-the-next-big-bang"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Future Media: Surviving the Next Big Bang"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"strong","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The media universe is undergoing a Big Bang moment, writes Telemedia CEO Patrick Conroy. The number of media outlets is exploding, and our understanding of media is changing fundamentally. What are the challenges and opportunities?"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Once upon a time, media was a single-channel experience, where the content, the platform, the technology and the experience itself were almost synonymous. \"The newspaper\" was the channel. It was the content... and it was also the business."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Where once demand for content was high but supply low, the ratio is now inverted."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"All of that has been thrown out of the window over the past three decades, to where the media industry is almost unrecognisable."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"This has been a complex, non-linear process. On one level, the media Big Bang has been characterised by massive disintermediation, with power being decentralised from a handful of media houses and content-creation platforms. Today anyone can be a creator, and a publisher – and this has empowered millions to start their own content businesses all around the world."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"democratising-media"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Democratising Media"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Where previously, the creation process for magazine lifestyle content might have involved a photographer, a model, a writer, a copy editor, a picture editor, an editorial director and a publisher, today one person can perform all of these roles, using a single handheld device. These modern content creators can also control their entire strategy, their business plan and their editorial voice."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"This means greater efficiency, less exploitation, a wider diversity of voices and greater choice for audiences."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"artificial-intelligence-and-data-are-the-new-gold"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Artificial Intelligence and Data are the New Gold"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"In the sports television space, there has been a similar revolution. Where previously, one or two media players ran multi-billion-dollar operations requiring outside-broadcast trucks, mobile studios and production teams of several dozen, today "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.telemedia.co.za/aicamera.php","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"AI cameras"}]},{"type":"text","value":" have slashed the costs of production."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"This has vastly expanded the range of sporting events that can be viably broadcast. Before, only mass-market, high-profile sports events could be shown. Today, everything from high school girls' hockey to boys' water polo, to rugby, cricket and lower-league club football can be easily filmed, then broadcast or streamed."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Today, a single operator can arrive an hour before kick-off, set up an AI camera on a tripod, establish an internet connection, and calibrate the camera for the specific sport and field. This AI-powered camera then autonomously tracks the ball and players, adjusting zoom and focus to ensure optimal coverage, all while broadcasting in high-definition."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The SuperSport Schools project has demonstrated how it is possible to scale production output to a point where hundreds of matches can be viewed live over a single weekend."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"In addition, every play in a match now generates a range of data points. This information allows for instant analysis, player information and statistics to guide coaches, talent scouts and even betting agencies."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"the-tech-media-galaxies-and-blackholes"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The Tech Media Galaxies and Blackholes"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"However, while on one level technology has made the media space more inclusive, in other ways, technology has led to a concentration of media owners. Where content houses once ruled supreme, now tech companies such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta and Microsoft have become the new super galaxies of media."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Today, technology defines our ability to access media – and many of the major media players are therefore technology businesses. In terms of market capitalisation, the "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://eshap.substack.com/p/media-universe-maps-2020-2024","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"largest players"}]},{"type":"text","value":" in the media landscape today are:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Microsoft ($3.1 trillion)"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Apple ($2.9 trillion)"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Nvidia ($2.3 trillion)"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Alphabet ($2.2 trillion)"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Thanks to a huge concentration of ownership – and user traffic – social media, especially, has come to define the modern media landscape."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"One could also think of these tech companies as blackholes who's gravitational pull sucks in the bulk of media advertising and content curation."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Commoditisation of news has led policymakers in the industrialised nations to try to force Big Tech to "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.telefonica.com/en/communication-room/blog/big-tech-vs-publishers-a-case-of-fair-compensation-in-australia/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"pay fairly"}]},{"type":"text","value":" for their reuse and aggregation of news."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"These intergalactic blackholes will continue to dominate global media unless anti-trust laws force an end to their market domination. There is no sign of this happening anytime in the near future."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"the-near-extinction-of-production-companies"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The Near Extinction of Production Companies"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Like the asteroid which wiped out the dinosaurs, the arrival of AI has only accelerated the potential demise of many production agencies. The ability of generative AI technology to scour a myriad of sites in microseconds and create ostensibly fresh content from scratch."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Production companies of all stripes now find themselves in competition with Chat GPT, Dall-e and Open AI's Sora. These platforms can generate text, images and "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://openai.com/index/sora/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"detailed video"}]},{"type":"text","value":" that is so convincing that most viewers are unable to tell between what content is \"real\" and what is AI generated."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"blurring-boundaries"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Blurring Boundaries"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Another trend is the blurring of the old traditional boundaries within the media space – between platforms and content, between entertainment and commerce; as well as between brand and news content."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The dominant multinationals straddle numerous industries:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Communications"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Retail"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Technology"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Social media"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Video gaming"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"E-commerce"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Venture capital"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Digital media"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Entertainment"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"When everything is media, then media companies do everything."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"However, within this ecosystem, a wealth of opportunities exist. The most successful media businesses will be those that understand that there are no boundaries any longer."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The trick is to survive long enough until the big tech companies are broken up or lose interest in media to focus on their core value propositions."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"There will inevitably be a consolidation where new media companies emerge leveraging off the OTT networks to reach audiences, while utilizing AI and data to drive extra value in the content they produce whether to advertisers, analysts or data and research companies."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"It will no longer be just a movie or a football game, but a window to interactive retail, social media networks, global audiences, data analysis and pin-point target segmentation."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"These will be standard in the new media cosmic order. It is likely the big players will attempt to own the entire value chain, but opportunities abound for those who can find a niche and specialise in maximizing value in just one or two links in the chain."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Buckle up. We're about to hit warp speed."}]}],"toc":{"title":"","links":[{"id":"democratising-media","depth":2,"text":"Democratising Media"},{"id":"artificial-intelligence-and-data-are-the-new-gold","depth":2,"text":"Artificial Intelligence and Data are the New Gold"},{"id":"the-tech-media-galaxies-and-blackholes","depth":2,"text":"The Tech Media Galaxies and Blackholes"},{"id":"the-near-extinction-of-production-companies","depth":2,"text":"The Near Extinction of Production Companies"},{"id":"blurring-boundaries","depth":2,"text":"Blurring Boundaries"}]}},"_type":"markdown","_id":"content:news:surviving-the-next-big-bang.md","_source":"content","_file":"news/surviving-the-next-big-bang.md","_stem":"news/surviving-the-next-big-bang","_extension":"md"},{"_path":"/news/africas-satellite-streaming-transition","_dir":"news","_draft":false,"_partial":false,"_locale":"","title":"Africa's satellite-streaming transition: A question of timing","description":"Explore the potential shift from terrestrial to satellite streaming in Africa and its impact on the media industry. Learn about the growth of mobile broadband and satellite internet's role in content delivery.","image":"/img/news/satelite_streaming_steve.jpg","date":"2024-05-13","category":"Technology","author":"Telemedia Editorial Team","keywords":["Africa satellite streaming","satellite internet Africa","mobile broadband Africa","digital media transition Africa","Telemedia streaming technology","future of television Africa"],"canonicalUrl":"https://www.telemedia.co.za/africas_satellite_streaming_transition","body":{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"element","tag":"h1","props":{"id":"africas-satellite-streaming-transition-a-question-of-timing"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Africa's satellite-streaming transition: A question of timing"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Media companies across Africa are facing a daunting, but critical, question: When does streaming become viable over satellite?"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"This is a multilayered question. The first complexity is that it is by no means obvious that the days of linear, terrestrial television are over, and that streaming will now sweep all before it. While streaming services are certainly on the rise in Africa, their audiences are still only a fraction of linear TV audiences."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"By way of illustration, the most popular television show in South Africa in "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://695618.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SABC1-TopProgs-March-2024.pdf","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"March 2024"}]},{"type":"text","value":" was Uzalo, shown free-to-air on public broadcaster SABC1 and attracting 5,6 million viewers a night. Compared with this, streaming market leaders Netflix and Showmax have total subscriber numbers on the entire continent of around "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/life/arts-and-entertainment/2024-03-08-the-scramble-for-african-streaming/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"two million"}]},{"type":"text","value":" each."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Streaming is growing, though. Showmax, for instance, saw its subscriber numbers grow "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadcasting/496193-showmax-shows-strong-growth-paying-subscribers-up-26.html","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"26%"}]},{"type":"text","value":" in the year to April 2023."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The potential audience is also expanding. The "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-economy/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/260224-The-Mobile-Economy-2024.pdf","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"GSMA Mobile Economy 2024"}]},{"type":"text","value":" report projects that Africa's mobile broadband subscriber penetration will reach 49% by 2030, from around 44% in 2023. Smartphone adoption is projected to soar from the current 55% to 86%."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Content engagement is also set to expand significantly. GSMA figures predict that mobile data traffic per connection in Sub-Saharan Africa will grow to 9GB per month from the current 2GB – a CAGR of 23%, the joint highest in the world."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The anticipated surge in mobile usage will bring a hunger for more content, more films and TV shows, and ultimately faster connectivity."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"This connectivity roll-out will come in the form of fibre as well as mobile broadband. However, when it comes to mobile broadband, Africa is in many ways still a frontier territory. Despite rapid uptake, only around a quarter of the continent's population is connected to the internet. It's expected that there will be "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://event-assets.gsma.com/pdf/20231017-GSMA-Mobile-Economy-Sub-Saharan-Africa-report.pdf","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"438 million"}]},{"type":"text","value":" mobile internet users by 2030 – out of a projected population of 1,7 billion."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"There is therefore a great opportunity for the continent to leapfrog certain development stages and embrace newer technology platforms as it rolls out connectivity to its people."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Among these is satellite internet connectivity, which uses low earth-orbit satellites to deliver high-speed broadband internet capable of supporting video streaming, online gaming, video calls and more."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"blockquote","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\"High-speed, low-latency internet provides almost universal coverage to even the most remote rural areas,\" says Steve Bretherick CTO of "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.telemedia.co.za/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Telemedia"}]},{"type":"text","value":", an early adopter of satellite connectivity in Africa, providing teleports, broadcast facilities and communications solutions."}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\"Satellite internet connectivity is also practical, and affordable,\" he says. \"The fleet of low-orbit satellites is already deployed, and there are no further infrastructure requirements, such as with legacy mast-and-tower mobile technologies.\""}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"There has already been enthusiastic uptake for technology on the continent, with leading satellite provider Starlink already "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.starlink.com/map","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"available"}]},{"type":"text","value":" in several African countries – Benin, Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Malawi – and many scheduled to get the service later this year."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"With the satellite-streaming footprint soon to cover at least half of Africa, content providers will have to seriously consider their platform strategy. Digital streaming is set to become significantly more accessible in even the most remote parts of the continent."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"At that point, the transition from terrestrial broadcast platforms to digital streaming will be close at hand."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"However, the space is a complex one. It is made even more complex by the commercial considerations of these various platforms, and the different opportunities to monetise content."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"For now, advertising on linear television in Africa remains more lucrative than on digital streaming. But how much longer that state of affairs will persist is unclear. At the same time, the African media landscape is littered with the corpses of "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://telemedia.co.za/platformfailure.php","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"digital content platforms"}]},{"type":"text","value":" that over-anticipated the pace of the digital migration, and failed spectacularly."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The keys to success are timing, as well as technology and content expertise. Content providers – and media businesses with content aspirations – need to enlist quality support and advisory from industry experts."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Satellite-powered content streaming is set to revolutionise the media landscape in Africa. When and at what pace that will happen is the key question. Those who get their timing just right will be able to ride the digital wave to victory."}]}],"toc":{"title":"","links":[]}},"_type":"markdown","_id":"content:news:africas-satellite-streaming-transition.md","_source":"content","_file":"news/africas-satellite-streaming-transition.md","_stem":"news/africas-satellite-streaming-transition","_extension":"md"},{"_path":"/news/africas-new-internet-opportunity","_dir":"news","_draft":false,"_partial":false,"_locale":"","title":"Satellites – Africa's new internet opportunity","description":"Satellite internet promises fast, powerful coverage for businesses, organisations, and individuals right across Africa. The technology is ready to go, all that holds us back is regulation.","image":"/img/news/satelite_article.jpg","date":"2024-04-05","category":"Technology","body":{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"element","tag":"h1","props":{"id":"satellites-africas-new-internet-opportunity"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Satellites – Africa's new internet opportunity"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Satellite internet promises fast, powerful coverage for businesses, organisations, and individuals right across Africa. The technology is ready to go, all that holds us back is regulation."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"For a planet that spent 4.5 billion years with only one satellite – the Moon – Planet Earth has certainly grown its numbers. Today, there are over "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://orbit.ing-now.com/#google_vignette","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"9,632"}]},{"type":"text","value":" satellites orbiting the earth."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Of these, the vast majority – 8,246 at time of writing – are satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Most of these satellites have a specific focus – providing enhanced, easily accessible internet communication for the people of earth."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"An LEO satellite such as a Starlink satellite orbits the Earth at an altitude of "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.starlink.com/technology","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"550km"}]},{"type":"text","value":", and takes around "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.androidauthority.com/starlink-satellites-in-orbit-3337267/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"90 minutes"}]},{"type":"text","value":" to complete an orbit. These low altitudes and short orbital periods make LEO satellites well suited to providing fast, reliable connectivity anywhere on, or above, the planet's surface."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The lower orbit makes for shorter round-trip data time than geostationary satellites, which orbit the planet at around 35,000km. This means less latency, and better support for streaming, online gaming, video calls or other high data-rate activities."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"This makes LEO satellites particularly valuable for connecting remote rural areas, underserved communities, and regions in crisis, as well as for marine and aviation applications. However, satellite internet has also achieved efficiencies that offer connectivity at competitive rates across society."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"In "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadband/513715-all-the-african-countries-getting-starlink-before-south-africa-2.html","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"many parts"}]},{"type":"text","value":" of Africa, there has been enthusiasm. However, there remain "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.connectingafrica.com/document.asp?doc_id=786623","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"challenges"}]},{"type":"text","value":" – primarily around pricing and regulation. In South Africa, there has been particular complications given the country's empowerment and local-partnership requirements."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The country's "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://bowmanslaw.com/insights/south-africa-new-ownership-rules-for-telecoms-operators-and-broadcasters/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Electronic Communications Act"}]},{"type":"text","value":", requires that all telecoms licensees be 30% owned by historically disadvantaged groups. Aside from that, ICASA has determined that to operate in South Africa, Starlink would need "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://mybroadband.co.za/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Notice-2203-OF-2023_Satellite.pdf","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"separate licenses"}]},{"type":"text","value":" for Individual Electronic Communications Service (I-ECS) and Individual Electronic Network Service (I-ECNS). Getting these would first require ICASA to invite applications, mybroadband "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://mybroadband.co.za/news/telecoms/517759-starlink-is-illegal-in-south-africa.html","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"reports"}]},{"type":"text","value":" that this has not happened for 13 years."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"As with any disruptive technology, there are also questions around who will own the network. On a continent where connectivity has traditionally involved landline, mobile broadband, and fibre technologies, where does satellite fit in?"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Incumbent service providers will necessarily also have concerns about competition. What does it mean for telecommunications companies, for instance, when mobile handsets can instantly link to a LEO network instead of to cellular towers?"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"With the country initially expected to be an early launch territory, the compliance complexities have seen Starlink's South African debut postponed indefinitely."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Zimbabwe has also seen some recent "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://itweb.africa/content/Olx4zMkaGBgv56km","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"confusion"}]},{"type":"text","value":" around the use of the technology and the correct means of deploying it legally."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"However, already certain African companies are building experience using satellite internet technology in other parts of the continent."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://telemedia.co.za/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Telemedia"}]},{"type":"text","value":" CTO Steven Bretherick is bullish about the potential of satellite internet for ICT in Africa. \"It is the future of communications,\" says Bretherick. \"Satellite internet connectivity lowers the barriers of entry for start-ups, which boosts competition and allows businesses to offer more effective, affordable services to their customers.\""}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"While Bretherick is optimistic about Telemedia's prospects on the continent, he sees slow progress in opening up the satellite space as a missed opportunity."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\"We all support the need for empowerment, and for new providers to meet licensing requirements,\" he says. \"But in an agile telecoms space, where all territories are part of a global economy, too much regulation can make you less competitive, while also limiting the ability of underserved communities to access connectivity.\""}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Bretherick says it is in everybody's interests that stakeholders find common ground."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\"We would really like to see greater communication between regulators and satellite telecoms businesses,\" he says. \"Africa needs to keep pace with technological advances across the globe.\""}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"If and when the practical and regulatory hurdles are overcome, a significant dividend awaits, with a growing, digitally savvy population of young Africans ready to embrace the opportunities of online work, business, and education. Already "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.un.org/ohrlls/news/young-people%E2%80%99s-potential-key-africa%E2%80%99s-sustainable-development","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"70%"}]},{"type":"text","value":" of Sub-Saharan Africa is aged under 30."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"It's a young, innovative region, famously able to leverage new technologies like "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.cio.com/article/194000/what-does-technology-leapfrogging-really-mean-for-africa.html","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"mobile broadband"}]},{"type":"text","value":", and mobile money to leapfrog its global competitors. Satellite internet provides another prime opportunity for the African continent to connect its booming youth population to the opportunities of the connected economy."}]}],"toc":{"title":"","links":[]}},"_type":"markdown","_id":"content:news:africas-new-internet-opportunity.md","_source":"content","_file":"news/africas-new-internet-opportunity.md","_stem":"news/africas-new-internet-opportunity","_extension":"md"},{"_path":"/news/ai-cameras","_dir":"news","_draft":false,"_partial":false,"_locale":"","title":"AI Cameras - The Future of Televised Sport","description":"Explore how AI camera technology, like the Pixellot Prime used by ESPN, is transforming sports broadcasting, making it more inclusive and accessible, especially in Africa.","image":"/img/news/aicamera.jpg","date":"2024-02-16","category":"Technology","author":"Rob Brown","role":"Head of Business Development at Telemedia","keywords":["AI Cameras","Sports Broadcasting","Telemedia","Pixellot Prime","Televised Sport","AI Technology in Sports","Future of Broadcasting"],"socialImage":"/img/news/aicamera.jpg","body":{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"element","tag":"h1","props":{"id":"ai-cameras-the-future-of-televised-sport"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"AI Cameras - The Future of Televised Sport"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"In the realm of sports broadcasting, the advent of AI camera technology heralds a transformative era, especially for regions previously marred by the high costs and logistical challenges of traditional live coverage. The disparities in televised sports have long been evident, with only the upper echelons of sporting events receiving the spotlight, leaving a significant portion of athletic talent in the shadows. This issue is particularly pronounced in Africa, where the financial and logistical hurdles of deploying outside broadcast (OB) units have significantly limited the reach of live sports coverage. The consequence? Only a fraction of football games are broadcast nationally on weekends, stifling the growth and financial viability of local leagues and teams."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The scarcity of coverage not only impacts the visibility of these sports but also hampers the development and sustenance of the athletic ecosystem. Without adequate funding, infrastructure and organization, the teams suffer, alongside negligible investment in training and development programs. However, the landscape is poised for a monumental shift with the integration of AI camera technology into sports broadcasting."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"revolutionary-technology"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Revolutionary Technology"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Imagine the potential of an AI camera, such as the Pixellot Prime AI camera used by ESPN for NBA coverage, which excels in tracking the game's dynamics more adeptly than its human counterparts. The efficiency of AI technology in capturing live sports action is nothing short of revolutionary. A single operator, arriving merely an hour before kick-off, can set up an AI camera on a tripod, establish an internet connection, and calibrate the camera for the specific sport and field. Throughout the game, this AI-powered camera autonomously tracks the ball and players, adjusting zoom and focus to ensure optimal coverage, all while broadcasting in high-definition."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The magic doesn't stop there. The entire production process, from live coverage to the addition of score updates, slow-motion replays, and commentary, can be executed in the cloud, allowing for contributions from around the globe. The technology also enables seamless integration of pre-programmed advertising and the generation of automated highlights packages post-game, not to mention invaluable player statistics for coaching staff."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"real-world-impact"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Real-World Impact"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The huge SuperSport Schools project is one example of what is possible. An average of 1000 games are covered, live, every weekend in South Africa. The entire project is run in the cloud by the Pixellot management system, with all games streamed live, and a select number broadcast on SuperSport."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The financial implications are equally impressive, with the cost of using AI technology being a mere fraction of traditional OB units. This is not to say that AI cameras are set to replace high-end OB productions for marquee events entirely, but they offer a viable solution for broadening the coverage of sports events that would otherwise remain unseen. With up to 80% of the production value for just 10% of the cost, AI cameras present an opportunity to democratize sports broadcasting, especially in regions like Africa, where such technological adoption could dramatically enhance the visibility and financial health of local leagues."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"the-future-of-sports-broadcasting"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The Future of Sports Broadcasting"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"As we stand on the cusp of this new era, the promise of AI in televised sports is not just about affordability and efficiency. It's about inclusivity, giving a platform to talents that have remained in the periphery, and fostering a more vibrant and equitable sports culture. This development is a beacon of hope for countless athletes, leagues, and fans across the globe, signalling a future where the love for the game transcends geographical and financial barriers. The evolution of AI camera technology is not just reshaping the landscape of sports broadcasting; it's redefining the very fabric of how we engage with and celebrate sports. Watch this space."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"hr","props":{},"children":[]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"em","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Note: Telemedia is a 35% shareholder in "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://interactivetvafrica.com/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"ITV Africa"}]},{"type":"text","value":" which has the exclusive rights to sell and distribute Pixellot cameras in Africa."}]}]}],"toc":{"title":"","links":[{"id":"revolutionary-technology","depth":2,"text":"Revolutionary Technology"},{"id":"real-world-impact","depth":2,"text":"Real-World Impact"},{"id":"the-future-of-sports-broadcasting","depth":2,"text":"The Future of Sports Broadcasting"}]}},"_type":"markdown","_id":"content:news:ai-cameras.md","_source":"content","_file":"news/ai-cameras.md","_stem":"news/ai-cameras","_extension":"md"},{"_path":"/news/itv-africa-acquisition","_dir":"news","_draft":false,"_partial":false,"_locale":"","title":"Telemedia gets into AI with 35% stake in ITV Africa","description":"South Africa's largest privately owned satellite and broadcast services company has acquired 35% of Interactive Television Africa (ITV Africa) as part of its drive to diversify its business.","image":"/img/news/itvafrica.png","date":"2023-10-25","category":"Corporate","author":"Telemedia","keywords":["ITV Africa","Acquisition","AI Sports Coverage","Broadcasting","Sports Technology","African Sports"],"featured":true,"investmentAmount":"R18 million","contacts":{"telemedia":"rodene@telemedia.co.za","itvAfrica":"viv@itvafrica.net"},"body":{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"element","tag":"h1","props":{"id":"telemedia-gets-into-ai-with-35-stake-in-itv-africa"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Telemedia gets into AI with 35% stake in ITV Africa"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"South Africa's largest privately owned satellite and broadcast services company has acquired 35% of Interactive Television Africa (ITV Africa) as part of its drive to diversify its business."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"company-background"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Company Background"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Telemedia hosts one of the continent's largest teleports and provides broadcast facilities, satellite, and fibre connectivity to all of South Africa's major broadcasters."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"strategic-investment"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Strategic Investment"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Telemedia CEO Patrick Conroy says the R18 million acquisition forms part of the company's strategy to deliver end-to-end solutions for media, production, and telecommunications businesses on the Continent."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"blockquote","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\"We see the acquisition as a natural step towards delivering services to clients where artificial intelligence lowers the cost of production and unlocks value from sport and events that were previously not broadcast,\" he says."}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"about-itv-africa"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"About ITV Africa"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://interactivetvafrica.com/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"ITV Africa"}]},{"type":"text","value":" is the leading AI automated sports coverage business across Africa, and the provider of AI cameras, software, and OTT services to the likes of SuperSport Schools."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Rob van Ginkel, ITV Africa CEO, explains: \"Our technologies and ecosystem have made it possible to stream and broadcast localised sporting codes such as rugby, football, basketball, hockey and other sporting events that would never have been made available to larger audiences.\""}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\"Through the ecosystem we are also able to unlock value for sponsors, advertisers as well as the ability to offer subscription-based models,\" he adds."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"recent-developments"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Recent Developments"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"ITV Africa has achieved significant milestones:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Launched broadcast of the Nigerian Premier Football League"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Partnered with leagues in Zimbabwe and Namibia"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Projects in development in Angola and Zambia"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"future-outlook"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Future Outlook"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Conroy says the impressive growth of ITV Africa in recent years and the synergies between the two companies bode well for future expansion into international markets."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"hr","props":{},"children":[]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"contact-information"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Contact Information"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"For more information, please contact:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Telemedia: "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"mailto:rodene@telemedia.co.za"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"rodene@telemedia.co.za"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"ITV Africa: "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"mailto:viv@itvafrica.net"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"viv@itvafrica.net"}]}]}]}],"toc":{"title":"","links":[{"id":"company-background","depth":2,"text":"Company Background"},{"id":"strategic-investment","depth":2,"text":"Strategic Investment"},{"id":"about-itv-africa","depth":2,"text":"About ITV Africa"},{"id":"recent-developments","depth":2,"text":"Recent Developments"},{"id":"future-outlook","depth":2,"text":"Future Outlook","children":[{"id":"contact-information","depth":3,"text":"Contact Information"}]}]}},"_type":"markdown","_id":"content:news:itv-africa-acquisition.md","_source":"content","_file":"news/itv-africa-acquisition.md","_stem":"news/itv-africa-acquisition","_extension":"md"},{"_path":"/news/content-platform-failures","_dir":"news","_draft":false,"_partial":false,"_locale":"","title":"Content platform failures from South Africa – Where did it all go wrong?","description":"As African broadcasters prepare for digital disruption what are the lessons from nearly a decade of high-cost failures in the South African market? Here are 12 lessons to survive the next decade.","image":"/img/news/platformfailures.PNG","date":"2023-10-03","category":"Industry Analysis","author":"Patrick Conroy","role":"CEO Telemedia","keywords":["content platforms","digital disruption","South African media","streaming services","broadcasting","market analysis"],"images":["/img/news/platformfailures.PNG","/img/news/platformfailures_image1.PNG","/img/news/platformfailures_image2.PNG"],"featured":true,"readingTime":"20 minutes","body":{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"element","tag":"h1","props":{"id":"content-platform-failures-from-south-africa-where-did-it-all-go-wrong"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Content platform failures from South Africa – Where did it all go wrong?"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"As African broadcasters prepare for digital disruption what are the lessons from nearly a decade of high-cost failures in the South African market? Here are 12 lessons to survive the next decade."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"By Patrick Conroy, CEO Telemedia"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"To avoid the million-dollar traps others have fallen into it is worth recapping recent history in the South African market to explore the uncomfortable failures that have plagued broadcaster and telcos alike."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Take a deep breath, it's going to be brutal."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"the-history-of-failures"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The History of Failures"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Once upon a time, in 2014 it seemed the digital revolution had arrived."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Electronics manufacturing powerhouse Altron launched its Altech Node. This offering promised to be \"the world's first fully converged home gateway console, offering the latest in movie entertainment, TV series, sports and business content, Internet access, and wireless smart home solutions\"."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Within a year it was "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://techcentral.co.za/altron-to-shut-down-the-altech-node/193315/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"shutdown"}]},{"type":"text","value":" with losses estimated to be close to $3000 000."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"That same year the former newspaper giant, Times Media (now Arena), launched its SVOD offering, "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://businesstech.co.za/news/internet/76078/times-media-takes-vidi-mobile/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"VIDI"}]},{"type":"text","value":". It was dead within 16 months."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Also caught up in the race to lead the digital disruption of traditional media was telecommunications behemoth, MTN, with its content offering FrontRow. With big money behind such an offering what could go wrong?"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"FrontRow flopped from the start, and even an attempt to rebrand it to "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://businesstech.co.za/news/mobile/74452/mtn-video-on-demand-launch-update/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"VU"}]},{"type":"text","value":" failed spectacularly. By 2017 MTN had enough and "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadcasting/208894-mtn-vu-shutting-down.html","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"pulled the plug"}]},{"type":"text","value":"."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Despite these offerings failing to convert consumers to their platform the attempt to disrupt the traditional media market went on."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Kwesé, the company backed by Zimbabwe's richest man and telecoms titan Strive Masiyiwa, collapsed in 2019 owing content providers an estimated $100 000 000."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Also to fall were the telcos Cell C's "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://businesstech.co.za/news/media/358241/cell-c-is-shutting-down-black/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Black"}]},{"type":"text","value":" and Vodacom's "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.news24.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/tv/vodacom-video-play-streaming-service-bites-the-dust-20220706","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Video Play"}]},{"type":"text","value":". Again, tens of millions of dollars lost."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"em","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"(Full disclosure; I consulted to Cell C after it launched Black and ultimately advised them to shut it down)"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"More recently Telkom's streaming service "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadcasting/469379-goodbye-telkomone-hello-sabc-streaming-service.html","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"TelkomOne"}]},{"type":"text","value":" was shuttered and relaunched with the national broadcaster as SABC+. This too has been problematic with SABC+ "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadcasting/507562-sabc-rugby-streaming-problems-fix-in-the-works.html","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"embarrassingly crashing"}]},{"type":"text","value":" as users tried to livestream the 2023 Rugby World Cup."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"who-has-succeeded"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Who has succeeded?"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Well, define success."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The DStv challenger, Openview, has reached 3.2million households and is cash positive, but must still recoup its very large investments into the platform."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"em","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"(Full disclosure; I was the MD of Openview when it surpassed 1million households. My successor Mmatshipi Matebane as achieved even better results to-date. Find him on LinkedIn "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmatshipi-m-35a2471a5/?originalSubdomain=za","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"here"}]},{"type":"text","value":")"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Similarly, MultiChoice's Showmax offering, launched in 2015, continues to valiantly defend the organisation from competitors like Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime. But it is still a loss-making business, and subscriber numbers have not been disclosed."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The bottom line – local streaming services are not cash cows."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"_12-lessons-for-africa"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"12 Lessons for Africa"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"_1-know-where-to-find-your-market"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"1. Know where to find your market"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Beware the dazzling lights of Hollywood and slick presentations from consultants. It is easy to understand why executives are mesmerised by the box office takings of international content. It seems almost logical that if you go digital the audiences, and revenues will follow. Not so."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Consider this. According to the "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://brcsa.org.za/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Broadcast Research Council"}]},{"type":"text","value":" in 2022, the most watched "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadcasting/474047-south-africas-most-watched-tv-shows.html","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"TV programme in South Africa"}]},{"type":"text","value":" was the soap opera series, Uzalo, on free-to-air SABC 1 with 5.6 million viewers."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Close behind is eTV's Scandal at 4.78 million viewers, and SABC's Generations: The Legacy amassing 4.51 million."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"At the same time Digital TV research puts Netflix subscriptions across the entire African continent at 2.6million, less than half of South Africa's top watched show."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"img","props":{"alt":"Market Statistics","src":"/img/news/platformfailures_image2.PNG"},"children":[]},{"type":"element","tag":"em","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Source: Statista"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"While SVOD offerings will increase, it is estimated that "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2023/02/13/africa-will-have-15-57m-svod-subscriptions-by-2028/s","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Netflix will have 15.5m subscribers by 2028"}]},{"type":"text","value":". That is still hardly enough to dominate market share of audiences."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"_2-beware-the-hype"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"2. Beware the Hype"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"It is clear that digital offerings will transform the media landscape across Africa overtime. However, it will be a transformation and not a revolution."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The South African failures repeatedly prove the point that those who move too quickly, fail to understand audience trends, and try to be the next Netflix offering are highly likely to fail."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"According to the pan-African research group, "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://pamro.org/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"PAMRO"}]},{"type":"text","value":", linear television is still the dominant form of media consumption across the Continent."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Not all markets are the same, with varying levels of media development."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Television viewership in Ghana grew by 2% in 2022 at 80% daily reach compared to digital at 63%. In Kenya both daily TV and Digital consumption is lower at 64% and 41% respectively."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The graphic below gives an overview, including Mozambique, Niger, and Senegal."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"img","props":{"alt":"Media Consumption Statistics","src":"/img/news/platformfailures_image1.PNG"},"children":[]},{"type":"element","tag":"em","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Source: PAMRO"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"At the recent International Broadcasting Conference ("},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://show.ibc.org/?_ga=2.174560802.1054374524.1695216692-1815478591.1685622118","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"IBC"}]},{"type":"text","value":") in Amsterdam "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.zee.com/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Zee Entertainment Enterprises"}]},{"type":"text","value":" reported it reached 700 million viewers daily in India alone, of which 100 million were digital consumers. That is still only 14% of the total addressable market."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"_3-the-pitfalls-of-a-content-deal"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"3. The Pitfalls of a Content Deal"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Where once content providers could only sell their pay-window content to pay-tv operators they are now able to monetize the same title multiple times through the various telco and media offerings. And, with differing price points you can expect there to be price wars leading to smaller margins for your streaming business."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Most content houses or distributors will want you to agree to Minimum Guarantee payments, known as MGs. This has been the norm for decades, but changes are happening slowly."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Essentially a minimum guarantee will mean you have to pay a monthly amount for content regardless of the viewership. This ensures that the content provider gets their money upfront. These deals can commit you to a multi-year term, and if you cancel early, you are still liable for outstanding fees."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"However, linked to minimum guarantees are set subscriber levels. Once you go over the pre-agreed number of subscribers you pay more for every additional sub. Cost Per Subscriber fees (CPS) may range from $0.50 to several dollars."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The more successful you are at acquiring subscribers the more you pay. For the content providers it is an additional boost to their revenues, even if your business is still running at a loss or unable to scale."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"It is hard to acquire valuable content without agreeing to these conditions. Numerous failures in this market can be linked to over-paying for content which is usually US Dollar based – a danger if you have an erratic currency."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"If this is new territory for you take the time, spend the money, and get independent advice from a third party."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"_4-go-hyper-local"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"4. Go Hyper Local"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"As mentioned above when looking at the most watched programmes in South Africa it is clear from the Broadcast Research Council's data that local programming is king, with approximately 9.3% of the country watching a single linear broadcast of the show at the same time."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Even on pay-tv we can see local programming is dominating DStv's most watched shows in "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://brcsa.org.za/august-2023-top-tv-programs/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"August 2023"}]},{"type":"text","value":"."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Having a hyper-local content offering will help shield you from the big international streaming services who cannot compete with the frequency and quality of homemade content. If they plan to capture local markets, they will have to invest heavily in the type of content which is still the domain of the analogue airwaves today."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"_5-the-ceo-isnt-always-right"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"5. The CEO isn't always right"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The big mistake being made in new content platform offerings is that the market wants what the CEO is watching. This may not be true."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"In analysing the data, it is clear that viewers watch content according to their culture and not their income. Viewing preferences do not change with a salary increase. The driver of content uptake in local markets is local content – period."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"If the decision makers in your organisation are not reflective of the broader market, or in tune with their needs, they may impose their own content tastes on the business."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"_6-linear-must-be-part-of-your-streaming-mix"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"6. Linear must be part of your streaming mix"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"This may appear to cut against the grain of most modern thinking, but an analysis of the data will show that the number of minutes viewed on a linear offering will typically be higher than Video on Demand."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"It turns out that choice is a chore and consumers are happy to sit back and have content pushed to them. That is not to say VOD is pointless. It is a critical component of any media offering, just don't be surprised if linear dominates in terms of minutes viewed, and data consumed."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"_7-revenue-share-deals-are-better"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"7. Revenue Share Deals are Better"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"If you can try and negotiate a revenue share deal with suppliers rather than pay onerous guarantees for which there may be little or no return. These arrangements are rare but are on the increase gradually as content suppliers face the prospect of being unable to secure MG arrangements like they have in the past."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The explosion of OTT (Over-The-Top) offerings around the globe has put pressure on the content owners, particularly in the US. Where once they had a captive market today content competitors are increasing exponentially. They are now seeking to recover their loss of earnings at home by targeting new markets such as Africa. Negotiating power thus lies with you."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"_8-middlemen-be-careful-of-the-slick-sales-pitch"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"8. Middlemen – be careful of the slick sales pitch"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Over the course of the last 10 years, I have witnessed the smoothed tongued pitches to executives in multiple boardrooms. The playbook usually goes something like this:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"a) The use of fear: Your business model is under threat, and you will be disrupted by competitors who have a digital first strategy."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"b) You don't know anything: We are the experts with the contacts and the experience to get you through these challenging times."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"c) We can do it for you: Outsource your business (and your thinking) to us, and sit back while we do all the hard work for you and watch the revenue come streaming in. (Excuse the pun)"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Firstly, as the data and research shows, you are unlikely to be disrupted, but rather transformed over time as audience behaviours shift and access to mobile internet services become ubiquitous. The market is still largely where you last saw them – on linear TV."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Don't be rushed by consultants into making hasty decisions and investments. Not all have your best interests at heart and may not be disclosing backroom content deals they have with third party suppliers. Do your research on the past performance and results of the guy claiming to have all the answers, me included."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Stay close to your own business and if you do hire help make sure you are not being taken for a ride."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"_9-payment-channels-are-critical"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"9. Payment Channels are Critical"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Content businesses targeting the mass market will require multiple methods of payment from customers. Credit cards are not found in most wallets, and even those who do have one are reluctant to divulge their details due to security concerns."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"How a content player can extract ongoing revenue from customers will depend on their ability to offer flexible and easy to use channels, such as:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Vouchers"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"E-wallets"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Add-to-bill"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Mobile payments"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Content as a value add to other purchases such as mobile contracts"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Alternatively, you may need to explore advertising funded models to secure revenue."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"_10-yes-there-are-hidden-costs"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"10. Yes – There are Hidden Costs"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"You will incur costs in most cases after signing a content agreement. Suppliers will not typically include fees owed to artists or regulatory bodies. In many markets a content business will have to pay unavoidable royalty fees. Make sure you have money set aside each fiscal just for them."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"_11-where-are-the-advertisers"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"11. Where are the advertisers?"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"One of the draw cards to go digital is the ability to measure consumer data and more accurately target consumers with advertising that matters to them. This will increasingly be important."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"However, the digital advertising rate card is much lower than traditional advertising fees. The trade-off between traditional ad spend and digital results in a deficit in most cases."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Furthermore, advertisers still target mass media for an important reason – it works."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"blockquote","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\"In 2021, the media and publishing sector spent 1.37 billion U.S. dollars on TV advertising in South Africa, up 17 percent from 1.15 billion dollars in the previous year.\" - Statista"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h3","props":{"id":"_12-barriers-to-entry"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"12. Barriers to Entry"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"In many developed markets access to streaming services are almost ubiquitous. African markets will follow a similar path, however that is still a long way off for most of us."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The "},{"type":"element","tag":"a","props":{"href":"https://furtherafrica.com/2022/07/19/african-countries-with-the-highest-number-of-mobile-phones/","rel":["nofollow"]},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"GSMA Intelligence report"}]},{"type":"text","value":" predicts that Africa will have 120 million new mobile subscribers by 2025, taking the total number of subscribers to 615 million – approximately 50% of the Continent's population. That is still an impressive number, but still only half the addressable audience."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"While the cost of data is declining and networks expanding the costs incurred by the end customer cannot be ignored. In markets where data costs remain high and/or consumers are economically squeezed streaming platforms need to bare this in mind."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Consider this quick sum, 15 minutes of streaming will consume approximately 250MG of data. This is an added tax to the consumer, particularly if they are paying a subscription fee and are also being charged a rental fee to watch a movie."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"In the South African market, the DTH offering Openview, has become a formidable competitor to streaming as it offers:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"ul","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"No monthly subscription costs"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Good mix of international and local content"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"li","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"VOD as a value-add service – not the primary offering"}]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Although other markets are further down the digital path, they still face the \"bow-tie conundrum\"."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"This is where markets experience an increase in content producers on one end of the spectrum and a proliferation of digital platforms on the other. The centre of the bow-tie is the throttle point were legacy systems are still largely used by the consumers."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"img","props":{"alt":"Bow-tie Conundrum","src":"/img/news/platformfailures_image.PNG"},"children":[]}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"conclusion"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Conclusion"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"African media companies have the benefit of carefully and strategically adapting their businesses over the long-term as audience behaviours change. These decisions should be driven by data, research, and consumer understanding."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The lessons learned from South Africa's multiple failures highlight the dangers of moving too quickly, over investing in new technologies and failing to understand market forces."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"The power still lies with traditional media organisations. While you must innovate and adapt for the future, take your time. Be strategic. There is no need to rush."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"hr","props":{},"children":[]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tag":"strong","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"About the Author:"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"br","props":{},"children":[]},{"type":"text","value":"\nPatrick Conroy is the CEO of Telemedia, one of Africa's largest communication and satellite teleport companies. He is the former Managing Director of both Openview and South Africa's first 24-hour news channel eNCA, which he launched for eMedia in 2008. Prior to joining Telemedia he was the head of PR Strategy for Ogilvy South Africa, and Global Marketing Director for Duke Corporate Education."}]}],"toc":{"title":"","links":[{"id":"the-history-of-failures","depth":2,"text":"The History of Failures"},{"id":"who-has-succeeded","depth":2,"text":"Who has succeeded?"},{"id":"_12-lessons-for-africa","depth":2,"text":"12 Lessons for Africa","children":[{"id":"_1-know-where-to-find-your-market","depth":3,"text":"1. Know where to find your market"},{"id":"_2-beware-the-hype","depth":3,"text":"2. Beware the Hype"},{"id":"_3-the-pitfalls-of-a-content-deal","depth":3,"text":"3. The Pitfalls of a Content Deal"},{"id":"_4-go-hyper-local","depth":3,"text":"4. Go Hyper Local"},{"id":"_5-the-ceo-isnt-always-right","depth":3,"text":"5. The CEO isn't always right"},{"id":"_6-linear-must-be-part-of-your-streaming-mix","depth":3,"text":"6. Linear must be part of your streaming mix"},{"id":"_7-revenue-share-deals-are-better","depth":3,"text":"7. Revenue Share Deals are Better"},{"id":"_8-middlemen-be-careful-of-the-slick-sales-pitch","depth":3,"text":"8. Middlemen – be careful of the slick sales pitch"},{"id":"_9-payment-channels-are-critical","depth":3,"text":"9. Payment Channels are Critical"},{"id":"_10-yes-there-are-hidden-costs","depth":3,"text":"10. Yes – There are Hidden Costs"},{"id":"_11-where-are-the-advertisers","depth":3,"text":"11. Where are the advertisers?"},{"id":"_12-barriers-to-entry","depth":3,"text":"12. Barriers to Entry"}]},{"id":"conclusion","depth":2,"text":"Conclusion"}]}},"_type":"markdown","_id":"content:news:content-platform-failures.md","_source":"content","_file":"news/content-platform-failures.md","_stem":"news/content-platform-failures","_extension":"md"},{"_path":"/news/brics-summit-2023","_dir":"news","_draft":false,"_partial":false,"_locale":"","title":"Telemedia provides services to global broadcasters from BRICS Summit 2023","description":"Telemedia successfully facilitated global broadcasts of the BRICS Summit 2023, delivering unparalleled services ranging from high-speed connectivity to advanced satellite transmissions.","image":"/img/news/brics.png","date":"2023-08-28","category":"Events","author":"Telemedia","keywords":["BRICS Summit","Global Broadcasting","Satellite Transmission","Media Services","International Events"],"body":{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"element","tag":"h1","props":{"id":"telemedia-provides-services-to-global-broadcasters-from-brics-summit-2023"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Telemedia provides services to global broadcasters from BRICS Summit 2023"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Telemedia stands proud, having successfully facilitated the global broadcasts of the BRICS Summit 2023, an event that captures the attention of the world and the aspirations of emerging economies. Serving as the backbone of this prestigious summit's media outreach, Telemedia has delivered an array of unparalleled services ranging from high-speed connectivity, to studio playout services and advanced satellite transmissions."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"world-class-service-delivery"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"World-Class Service Delivery"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"In today's fast-paced media landscape, providing world-class services is not just a preference but an imperative, especially when catering to an international audience. The nuances of global communication demand impeccable transmission quality, seamless studio integration, and flawless playout services, all of which Telemedia has executed with precision. The importance of these top-tier services becomes even more pronounced considering the gravity of the BRICS Summit, where policies shaped have a ripple effect on global geopolitics and economies."}]},{"type":"element","tag":"h2","props":{"id":"global-impact"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Global Impact"}]},{"type":"element","tag":"p","props":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Telemedia's commitment to excellence ensures that viewers, regardless of their geographical location, receive a broadcast that's as lucid and dynamic as being present at the event itself. This dedication not only reinforces Telemedia's position as a leading broadcast service provider but also underscores the crucial role of world-class services in fostering international understanding and collaboration. 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