#DStv2017 showcase: fewer repeats, but no option for self-selected channels

There is no doubt that TV is becoming more and more accessible online. Platforms like Netflix have offered users an efficient and affordable way to curate the way they watch series. YouTube TV has launched in the US, allowing users the ability to watch live TV on any device.

The game is changing — and DStv needs to keep up or get left behind.

The DStv 2017 Media Showcase is underway, and that means we’ll be hearing all about what the service is doing to compete in an industry that seems to be on its way out.

What you need to know from #DStv2017 Showcase

So far, they claim they have taken complaints for repeated movies and shows to heart.

#DStv2017 what are paying for? Re-runs and pathetic programming

Why is there channel 901 if all you can get at channel 101? SameEverything

— Mandilake D’Yacolour (@mandilakhe86) March 9, 2017

#DStv2017 There is no need to record anything these days, They repeat every fucken thing many times a day

— APEX (@ApexWorldHD) March 9, 2017

I’ve watched last night’s episode of Come Dine With Me 19 TIMES now. If I see that episode again I’ll shove the remote in your a** #DStv2017

— Miss Canda (@mandisasybil) March 9, 2017

To combat these complaints, channels like MNet Edge have been scrapped.

No MORE REPEATS says @DStv Head of Content #Dstv2017 pic.twitter.com/dTciWAUWKh

— Krayzi Modisane (@krayzik) March 9, 2017

To address the problem of repeats, @dstv has reduced number of movie channels; curated movie channels: improved movie variety #dstv2017

— Sarah Koopman (@sarah_koopman) March 9, 2017

The service provider has also promised more local content on their channels.

A large focus for #dstv2017 is locally-produced content telling authentic African and South African stories.

— Sarah Koopman (@sarah_koopman) March 9, 2017

“Local content will always win. We have big plans to broaden it and we’re really serious about our local content investment.” #DStv2017

— TVwithThinus (@TVwithThinus) March 9, 2017

But some Twitter users were less than thrilled at the news.

It was going to better if you said more international contents than local… We already have 90% crap @dstv #DStv2017

— PonoBAFANA (@PonoBafana) March 9, 2017

I dont pay DSTV to view local content u Peeps Are Crazy go to YouTube for Sarafina Series i want international Content #DStv2017

— HimThird (@HimThird) March 9, 2017

Not too much local please. Unless if we will be pay R150 a month #DStv2017

— Dinny Bridges (@Dinny_Bridges) March 9, 2017

But they have yet to comment on what people have been most vocal about in the hashtag: the option to choose which channels they want in their own bouquet.

#DStv2017 I’m going back to SABC and getting Netflix. Why can’t we choose our preferred channels and be charged on that basis? pic.twitter.com/XZzHUPvOx2

— Leon Mabiza (@LeonMabiza) March 9, 2017

#DStv2017…I only watch ss3, ss4, sabc3, mzansi magic and channel O. Why must I pay for the other trash I don’t watch!? pic.twitter.com/psPcvgCdkt

— #KingSolomon💦 (@_magakwe_) March 9, 2017

We want to be able to choose our own channels. #DStv2017

— Karabo Legwete (@Cada_Vandal) March 9, 2017

WE WANT TO CHOOSE OUR OWN CHANNELS!!!!!!!!!!! #dstv2017

— Penny Moses♊ (@mosespenny30_) March 9, 2017

Update (1.43pm): MNet and Edge are merging — promising no repeats during primetime.

As of 1 April, @MNet & Edge will merge with awesome fresh content every night. #DStv2017pic.twitter.com/WX1Ut1nFS2

— DStv (@DStv) March 9, 2017

Mzansi Magic will be airing the first Mzansi Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in August this year.

Mzansi Magic People’s Choice Awards coming in August. @DStv#dstv2017

— tvplus Magazine (@tvplus) March 9, 2017

But the viewers’ choice is still self-selected DStv packages.

@Solomon_Madube#RepeatedProgramsMustFall#DSTV2017 and we must be allowed as their clients to choose our channels of choice 👊

— Themba Mbonane (@Sloter_Mbonane) March 9, 2017

Update (4.05pm): DStv’s dedicated customer service Twitter has responded to users complaining about their lack of choice in four-tweet-long replies.

“We know that our subscribers want the flexibility of choosing their own channels. However, by packaging channels in the way we do into predetermined bouquets, we make the services more affordable for more of our customers. We are always improving choice and flexibility by improving our on-demand services, that is why we are looking at how we can further address that desire on various online platforms,” it writes.

@MozaefaneM …at how we can further address that desire on various online platforms. ~ LRM

— DStv Care (@DStvCare) March 9, 2017

DStv is also welcoming a new e-Sports channel.

GAMERS STAND UP! @SuperSportTV is bringing the GINX e-Sports channel! #DStv2017

— DStv (@DStv) March 9, 2017

This is a developing story and we will be updating as the showcase unfolds.