RACHNA LAL
SUVA
Fiji Television Limited chief executive, Tevita Gonelevu, during a press conference yesterday. Photo: JONA KONATACI
Good news is the company is introducing 11 new channels taking up the total number of channels to 24 for the same cost of $49.
But bad news is nine of the old channels have been replaced including Star Plus, BBC and Nat Geo Wild. The changes are effective August 3.
Fiji Television Limited chief executive, Tevita Gonelevu, said the new channel lineup will provide compelling content ensuring SKY’s subscribers continue to enjoy a variety of entertaining options.
“The decision was made following an extensive review process taking on board customer feedback,” he said.
“This was on what type of content is suitable – not only in Fiji but the Pacific.”
Mr Gonelevu said this was also part of their plan for expansion into the Pacific where they have already entered Samoa and soon will announce something in Papua New Guinea.
“The changes are expected given SKY’s business expansion into new Pacific Island territory and that it has the legal right to broadcast into all Pacific Island countries,” he said.
“One of the things we found out was variety as a demand from our customers.
“We service 12 different islands and therefore we try to cater for the different markets and also grow our customer base.”
SKY subscribers will bid farewell to Fox Crime, Nat Geo Wild, Discovery Home and Health, Star Plus, Star World, Fox Premium, Discovery, BBC and Cartoon Network.
Mr Gonelevu said he was aware the removal of Star Plus might not go down well with their viewers as it was quite popular.
“But we negotiated with them in terms of different channel lineup. The suppliers were not very flexible and so we went to look for alternative,” he said.
“We have brought Set India (Sony) and Zee Premier to make up for it.”
Future target
Mr Gonelevu said their target is to go up to 50 channels.
He said this would be done when they reach up to at least 40,000 customers, up 10,000 from their current 30,000.
The only financial effect Mr Gonelevu said they anticipate as a result of this change is growth in their customer numbers.
Feedback: rachnal@fijisun.com.fj