The Tanzanian government has called on broadcasters, sports stakeholders, and consumers to join forces in combating content piracy, warning that it threatens investment in sports broadcasting and the entertainment industry's sustainability. Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Hamisi Mwinjuma emphasized that protecting broadcasting rights is crucial to ensuring content owners, creators, and investors receive fair returns, encouraging continued investment in quality programming.
Mwinjuma's remarks come as DStv introduces new packages, significantly reducing prices for premium football competitions to attract a wider audience. The sports package featuring UEFA Champions League coverage is now priced at Sh50,000, down from Sh118,000, representing a reduction of over 50 percent. English Premier League followers will also benefit from a lower entry price, with access through DStv Select now costing Sh25,000 compared to the previous Sh68,000.
Piracy undermines the content value chain, denying legitimate operators and creators their earnings, Mwinjuma said. He stressed that coordinated action involving government institutions, regulators, content owners, broadcasters, and consumers is necessary to protect intellectual property. The Deputy Minister commended MultiChoice Tanzania for its continued investment in local content and contribution to the country's media and creative industries.
MultiChoice Tanzania CEO Sophie Tchatchoua highlighted the company's commitment to delivering greater value and responding to customer preferences with the *Expect More* proposition. The new offering provides customers with richer entertainment experiences through more accessible packages, stronger local content, and content presented in the language they connect with most.
As part of the *Expect More* proposition, DStv is introducing SuperSport Swahili, a dedicated sports channel offering football and other sporting content with Kiswahili commentary and analysis. The company is also expanding its selection of Tanzanian and African productions, while Ubongo Kids will strengthen its educational entertainment offering for children.
Tchatchoua emphasized that investment in local storytelling, sports, and educational programming must be supported by efforts to protect content from illegal distribution. She noted that sustainable investment depends on ensuring creators and broadcasters receive fair returns for their work.
The revised prices and new packages could widen access to major football competitions, particularly among Tanzanian supporters who have faced affordability challenges when subscribing to premium sports content. The government's call to action and DStv's new offerings aim to promote a more sustainable and equitable sports broadcasting industry in Tanzania.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government has urged stakeholders to combat content piracy to protect investment in sports broadcasting and the entertainment industry.
- DStv has reduced prices for premium football competitions, introducing a sports package featuring UEFA Champions League coverage at Sh50,000 and English Premier League access through DStv Select at Sh25,000.
- MultiChoice Tanzania has introduced SuperSport Swahili, a dedicated sports channel offering football and other sporting content with Kiswahili commentary and analysis.
