Media & Advertising
From The Report: South Africa 2013
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South Africa is home to one of Africa’s most dynamic media markets. The end of apartheid created a new era of freedom in which independent voices have blossomed. A population of over 50m and economic growth provide sound fundamentals. Technological changes can be challenging for traditional outlets, but also provide opportunities for those willing to innovate. Having weathered the international economic storm well, the South African advertising industry had a tough year in 2012 and may have a slower period ahead. Having been carried through the worst of the international recession with the help of the World Cup, South Africa’s advertising industry now finds itself in a more difficult period, in which competition is high. Nonetheless, the growing economy should continue to feed into higher spending over the longer term.
This chapter contains an interview with Collins Khumalo, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice South Africa.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Cultural capital: New strategies are being adopted as the internet erodes print sales
OBG
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Home to one of Africa’s most dynamic media markets, many of South Africa’s leading media houses trace their roots back many decades. However, the end of apartheid created a new era of freedom in which independent voices have blossomed. There is a diverse range of outlets, from popular tabloids and serious business publications establishing an international presence to niche blogs that are seeing rising traffic. A population of over 50m and economic growth provide sound fundamentals. Technological…

Interview

OBG talks to Collins Khumalo, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice South Africa
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Interview:Collins Khumalo How much room is there for further Pay-TV penetration in the South African market? COLLINS KHUMALO: The middle and lower end of the market certainly have room for growth. For those with lower disposable incomes, what we are seeing – mainly due to family structures in townships where you have three or four families living in a compound – is customers pooling together for a shared subscription and rotating monthly in terms of which family pays. Reaching these emerging…

Analysis

Turn on, tune in: Broadcasters provide a platform for a diverse group of voices
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Long under tight state control, South Africa’s broadcasting market has become livelier and more diverse over the past three decades, with private stations emerging to challenge the incumbent South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Pay-per-view television channels have sprung up, though the free-to-air stations run by SABC continue to command large market shares and influence. “Broadcasters are the primary source of information for South Africans, and will remain so in the medium term at…

Overview

Delivering results: Strong foundations and innovation will help the sector ride out what is expected to be a difficult period
OBG
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Having weathered the international economic storm well, the South African advertising industry had a tough year in 2012 and may have a slower period ahead. The sector is contending with economic headwinds and subsequent caution among advertisers. Nonetheless, major clients are still willing to spend, and innovative agencies could find opportunities to expand in new niches. The size of the market continues to attract foreign investment, but international firms often work in partnership with nimble…