Tag Archives: Mark Rayner

MultiChoice SA chief Rayner resigns

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Pay TV company MultiChoice has announced the resignation of its CEO for South Africa, Mark Rayner.

Mark Rayner

In a statement, Multichoice said: “It is with great regret that today we announce the departure of Mark Rayner from MultiChoice, effective November 30. Having been part of the MultiChoice family for the past 14 years leading in various parts of the group, Mark has now decided to further his journey outside the group.

“Over the years, Mark has been a key part of driving growth, championing product innovation and pushing customer focus. We wish him well in the future. An announcement on Mark’s successor will be made in the near future.”

Rayner joined MultiChoice in March 2007 where he served as the chief financial officer of DStv Mobile until September 2008, after which he took the helm at the company.

As CEO of DStv Mobile, he oversaw the introduction of various mobile television services across the African continent. He was appointed as chief operating officer of MultiChoice South Africa in November 2013 and was promoted to CEO in May 2016.

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MultiChoice adds musical feature

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Pay TV company MultiChoice is adding a new musical feature for customers of its DStv platform.

Mark Rayner

JOOX VIP will allow subscribers to sing along with songs, karaoke style, at the press of a button from now until September 10.

It will offer uninterrupted local and international music hits and will also air live concerts from major stars.

MultiChoice South Africa CEO Mark Rayner said: “This is just another way in which MultiChoice is working to ensure that our loyal and valued customers continue to enjoy the best entertainment during these difficult times.

“Being in lockdown has given us the perfect opportunity to demonstrate our support as we continue to find innovative ways to entertain our customers.”

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MultiChoice offers online learning

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MultiChoice South Africa, the company behind pay platform DStv, has expanded its offering to include free online learning and more entertainment.

Mark Rayner

DStv customers will have access to 600 free courses offered by US online learning platform Udemy through the DStv app until the end of July. DStv Premium customers will also have access to an email voucher to use on any of Udemy’s paid-for courses, valid for a month.

According to MultiChoice, this is an attempt to expand its content selection, value and reach as South Africans continue to adjust to new ways of living and working.

MultiChoice South Africa CEO Mark Rayner said: “MultiChoice is pleased to introduce a brand new initiative designed to help our customers make the most of their time indoors. The free online courses available through the DStv app, provide customers with the opportunity to transform their business, learn a new language or discover a new passion.

“DStv is committed to offering trusted companionship to our loyal customers. We will continue to bring you only the best local and international entertainment, keep you informed with up-to-the-minute news updates, and support our industry and government in combatting the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The group is also offering 21 channels, currently available on premium package DStv Family, to DStv Access customers from May 15 to June 14. These include sports net WWE, reality-themed Moja Love and kids’ channels Nicktoons and Boomerang HD.

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DStv retains A+E Networks channels

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MultiChoice Group’s pay TV operator DStv has announced it will no longer remove two A+E Networks EMEA channels from its platform.

Yolisa Phahle

The History and Lifetime channels will remain but Crime + Investigation has been cut off.

MultiChoice CEO Mark Rayner revealed the group has signed a new multi-year contract. “We’ve reached an agreement with A+E Networks for terms that we think are acceptable to our DStv subscribers for both History and Lifetime, but Crime + Investigation is still ending,” he said.

“Two further channels from another provider will be announced before the middle of November as a replacement for Crime + Investigation, as well as another factual documentary channel. We’re just finalising technical launch plans so that we can be clear on a launch date.”

Yolisa Phahle, MultiChoice Group CEO for general entertainment, added: “We are excited to have reached this agreement as it allows us to ensure we meet our commitment to get the best programming for our customers, based on commercial terms that make sense and provide a value for money offering to customers. We are pleased that Lifetime will also now be available to our Compact package customers.

“We appreciate our customers’ patience and feedback and have their best interests in mind as we continue to work hard to improve our entertainment offering.”

“We are pleased to have agreed a long-term renewal of our flagship brands, History and Lifetime, in Africa with our partner DStv. As part of this renewal, the new distribution of Lifetime in Compact presents an exciting opportunity to reach millions of new viewers with our unique programming offering”, said Dean Possenniskie, MD of A+E Networks EMEA.

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