SPI/FilmBox Inks Channel Distribution Deals with Multiple Players in the African Region
SPI/FilmBox announces new channel and content distribution deals with Azam TV, MTN Group, and habeshaview to deliver eight of SPI/FilmBox’s most sought after channels to viewers across Africa
SPI/FilmBox continues to expand its presence across the African continent through partnerships with Azam TV, MTN Group and habeshaview. Subscribers to these platforms will have access to eight of SPI/FilmBox’s most exciting channels including FilmBox Africa, which features Hollywood movies and TV series from world renowned directors and producers.
“We are proud to partner with Azam TV, MTN Ghana via Silver Rock Technology Services and habeshaview to introduce eight of our most popular channels to viewers in East Africa, the Republic of Ghana and to Ethiopian communities around the world,” said Georgina Twiss, MD Western Europe & Africa at SPI International. “We are excited to support the success of these partnerships and build brand engagement and TV viewership in these regions,” continued Twiss.
“By having a partnership with SPI International, Azam TV offers a combination of eight unique channels through its OTT app, including: FilmBox Africa, FilmBox ArtHouse, DocuBox, FightBox, Fast&FunBox, FashionBox, 360 TuneBox and GameToon,” commented Jacob Joseph, Azam Media Limited’s Deputy CEO. “We at Azam TV always aim to give the best of the best to our customers and this partnership with SPI shows that we mean it,” continued Joseph.
“Africa is still an untapped territory especially in the digital market,” said Stephanie Wallace, Content Acquisition Manager at Silver Rock. “Our aim is to provide affordable but innovative digital entertainment available to “All” and we believe this collaboration with SPI/FilmBox is in the right direction to spearhead growth in a largely mobile phone dependent African population,” continued Wallace.
“habeshaview is delighted with our partnership with SPI International and providing their channels to our audiences worldwide. We believe the variety of channels within the SPI package offer our customers the variety of programs they are looking for” said Tigist Kebede, Operations Director at habeshaview.
Seven of SPI/FilmBox’s unique thematic channels and FilmBox Africa, which offers over 300 premiere titles every year, will now be available to Azam TV subscribers with the OTT app in East Africa, MTN subscribers in Ghana, and over 6 million habeshaview subscribers worldwide.
The other channels included are: FilmBox Arthouse which brings world cinema classics from iconic directors such as Hitchcock, Kurosawa, Fellini and many others to cinema lovers; Gametoon which is dedicated to gaming content created by gamers for gamers; FightBox broadcasts some of the most electrifying combat sports live events and multi-discipline mixed martial arts coverage from all over the world; Fast&FunBox offers action-packed programming dedicated to adrenaline sports; DocuBox delivers a collection of award-winning documentaries about different cultures and the wonders of our world; FashionBox provides highly entertaining content on fashion trends and all things style, and 360 TuneBox presents new music every week with today’s emerging artists.
About SPI International
SPI International is a global media company operating 40 television channels on six continents. FilmBox being its flagship channel, SPI is one of the biggest aggregators of native Ultra HD content in the world. Working with over 1,400 operators worldwide, SPI uses state of the art technology providing its 60 million subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on demand content including live streaming of UHD programming and FilmBox channels on any Internet-connected device via major global streaming media players as well as local OTT providers. SPI recently added to its portfolio Film1 premium movie services in the Netherlands, including four movie channels and digital services.
For over 25 years, SPI International has been a leading distributor of theatrical films and television programming in the international market. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand. www.spiintl.com
About Azam TV
Azam TV is the leading Satellite TV content provider in East Africa with a strong presence in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi & Malawi. The company expanded its customer base to more than a million customers in just 5 years. Azam TV offers more than 100 channels in its bouquet and is credited with launching the first HD channel in East Africa.
About Silver Rock
Silver Rock Technology Services is a management advisory and execution support firm with a primary focus in the telecom, media and digital industry.
It has recently launched a new line of service, branded ‘TVAnywhere’, offering enriched broadband, digital media, and value-added services.
TV Anywhere is a Wholesale Digital Media and Value-Added Services Business poised to leverage on the vast reach of broadband internet technologies and increasing smartphone (device) penetration in order to make digital entertainment available and affordable to a growing number of smart device users in Ghana and other African countries, in partnership with telecom and internet service providers.
TV Anywhere’s mission is to make affordable digital entertainment available to largely mobile phone dependent African population while creating sustainable revenue streams for Telecom Service Providers and Content Providers.
It also aims to be the leading entertainment and media gateway to Africa and other emerging markets with the mission to change the way and manner in which TV/ and Video contents are being distributed and consumed in the market.
www.silverrocktech.com www.tvanywhereafrica.com
About MTN
MTN, the leading provider of telecommunications services in Africa and the Middle East, entered the Ghanaian market after the acquisition of Investcom in 2006. MTN Ghana has invested in new technologies to ensure growth and expansion of the network, and has since been the market leader in Ghana’s telecommunications industry.
The company was successfully listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange in 2018 after its Initial Public Offer. The transaction saw over 120,000 Ghanaians buying shares in the company. As a result, the organization became the only company to be listed on the stock exchange with high Ghanaian participation. Raising over Ghc 440million. MTN Ghana was the first company globally to issue its IPO through Mobile Money, the first time the platform has been used for an IPO.
The company according to NCA 2018 report, December 2018, had 20,092,798 subscribers, representing about 49.08% of the market share.