South African network provider, Cell C announced on Tuesday, 3 September 2019, that it has temporarily suspended linear channels from its video streaming service, Black. Black customers will have continued access to music, series, and movies – even though linear channels have been temporarily suspended while the company enters negotiations with content providers.
“Cell C has in recent months made some important business decisions to ensure that the company establishes itself as a strong and competitive player in the industry,” says a spokesperson from CellC. One such decision has been to review Black’s content strategy, particularly when it comes to its linear channels. “Content remains part of the broader strategy and will continue to be offered, albeit in a different format.”
According to newly appointed CEO, Douglas Craigie Stevenson, Cell C is taking steps to right-size the business, focusing on revenue-generating activities and cutting costs where necessary. This comes after earlier this year, Cell C fell into some dangerous territory when debt, poor business performance and liquidity problems threatened to cripple the network provider.
Since his appointment in August, Stevenson has tried to ensure that there is adequate clarity and transparency within the company.
“Our decision to reconfigure our product and services is part of putting the business on the right track,” continues Stevenson. “We need to move forward based on a roadmap that is robust, profitable and in the best interests of Cell C and its customers.”
There has been no official word on when/if the linear channels are expected to return.
Edited by Jenna Cook
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