Through the partnership, Viu gains exclusive digital rights to selected SABC titles, as well as a slate of premium library content for a period of 24 months. The license agreement will see SABC 1 programmes Uzalo and Skeem Saam migrating its video playbacks from YouTube onto the Viu app.
Uzalo and Skeem Saam will remain available for viewing on both YouTube and Viu app, until the migration period ends on Thursday, 28 February when Viu officially launches in the South African market. Thereafter, the two SAFTA award-winning shows' latest seasons will exclusively be available on the Viu App or on www.viu.com as a catch-up service.
In addition, Viu has also secured video-on-demand (VOD) rights to 18 South African favourites from the SABC catalogue. This includes TV series The Docket, as well as selected dramas and telenovelas, namely Yizo Yizo, Single Galz, Taryn and Sharon, Ngempela, The Sober Companion, When We Were Black and Emoyeni, to name a few.
All programmes licensed exclusively to Viu remain the property of the SABC.
Madoda Mxakwe, SABC’s group chief executive officer, says, "The SABC is proud to have partnered with Viu South Africa on this exciting new initiative. As a broadcaster, it is imperative that we continuously move with the times and ensure that our programmes are available through VOD platforms."
"With its experience in delivering and successfully monetising OTT and VOD services across the globe, Viu South Africa will assist the SABC’s mandate of ensuring universal access for South Africa’s rich home-grown content," Mxakwe adds.
"This strongly aligns with our strategic objective to identify new revenue streams and, in this particular case, increase revenue through sub-licensing SABC’s owned intellectual property, specifically in the video entertainment space," Mxakwe says.
Ryan Solovei, country manager: Viu South Africa, adds, "As a premium platform, we are proud to partner with SABC to provide a digital platform for the broadcaster’s incredible shows. We believe in the power of South African stories, and we look forward to increasing access to these stories to as many people as possible through our digital platform."
The service can be accessed on connected devices (mobile, tablet and laptop), through the mobile App, which is available for free download on IOS and the Google Play store, and on the web. Additionally, the Viu app has the ability to download content to watch offline later as well as a data-friendly feature allowing users to select their preferred resolution.
For more information, visit www.sabc.co.za or www.viu.com.