Intelsat and ViewMedia have renewed their agreement to expand Free-to-Air TV services in Sub-Saharan Africa via the Intelsat 20 satellite. This move aims to enhance entertainment offerings and attract new channels, providing viewers with a broader range of content while supporting ViewMedia’s growth in the region. The announcement was made on Thursday, signalling a strong commitment to improving TV accessibility and quality in this part of Africa.
Expanding free-to-air TV channels and audience reach
The renewed partnership will focus on increasing the variety of entertainment channels available on ViewMedia’s FTA platform. In 2025, Intelsat will collaborate with ViewMedia to engage regional organisations managing audience measurement databases. This partnership aims to generate ad revenue and customise content for diverse viewer interests in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Rhys Morgan, Intelsat’s Regional Vice President for EMEA, emphasised the goal: “Our aim is to support ViewMedia in providing a diverse range of entertainment channels that cater to the interests of viewers in Sub-Saharan Africa while encouraging their own growth.” The partnership will ensure that audiences, especially in Nigeria and surrounding countries, continue to enjoy high-quality programming via satellite.
Leveraging satellite technology to enhance viewing experience
The Intelsat 20 satellite is essential to this initiative, providing reliable satellite connectivity for Africa’s leading Direct-to-Home (DTH) community. This infrastructure allows ViewMedia to distribute content efficiently and reach millions of households with free television services.
Intelsat’s extensive satellite network and expertise enable it to bridge connectivity gaps and provide secure communications to various sectors globally. The company’s extensive experience and innovative satellite technology enable media providers like ViewMedia to expand their reach and enhance service quality in the challenging terrains of Sub-Saharan Africa.
This renewal of the partnership highlights Intelsat’s ongoing role in transforming the media ecosystem in Africa by making entertainment more accessible through satellite technology. As ViewMedia expands its channel offerings and strengthens audience engagement, viewers in the region stand to benefit from a richer and more diverse TV experience.