New streaming app Viu launches in SA

This week Asian and Middle Eastern streaming service Viu will officially launch in South Africa.

Viu operates in 16 markets, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Mayanmar and the Middle Eastern countries of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

The app, which offers a hybrid of both free and paid-for content will join Amazon, Netflix, Showmax and Black as a streaming option in South Africa. This is Viu’s first entry into the African market. As part of the launch, the SABC has signed a licence agreement where Viu gains exclusive digital rights to selected SABC titles, as well as a slate of premium library content for two years.

The agreement will see SABC 1 shows Uzalo and Skeem Saam offered on the platform. This will migrate video playbacks from YouTube on to the Viu app.

Uzalo and Skeem Saam will remain available for viewing on both YouTube and the Viu app, until the migration period ends on February 28, when Viu officially launches in the South African market. Viu will launch on Thursday in Hyde Park. Other SABC soapies Muvango, Isidingo and 7de Laan will still be available on YouTube.

Madoda Mxakwe, SABC’s group CEO, says: “It is imperative that we move with the times and ensure our programmes are available through VOD platforms.”

Ryan Solovei, country manager of Viu South Africa, said: “As a premium platform, we are proud to partner with SABC to provide a digital platform for the broadcaster’s incredible shows.”

– adriaanr@citizen.co.za

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