South Africa’s Openview debuts pay TV option with LGBTQI package

South Africa’s free-to-air satellite broadcaster Openview is to launch a satellite-based pay TV service branded Ultraview that will kick off with a two-channel LGBTQI-themed bouquet.

The service will enable viewers to see additional bouquets of content for a variety of monthly subscriptions.

Ultraview will launch the Pride bouquet on Monday. The service comprises channels OUTtv and FUSE. The former features a range of LGNBTQI series, reality and factual programmes along with OUT originals. Shows include Being Bebe, Call Me Mother, Gogo for the Gold and Hot Haus season 2, which Openview says will premiere on the new service.

FUSE offers a range of movies, documentaries and competition shows, including original series Sex Sells and Big Freedia.

Pride will be available to South Africans for ZAR74.99 a month.

First-time users will have the option of a three-day free trial. Subscriptions to Ultraview can be cancelled at any time.

Ultraview will follow up the launch of Pride with the adult-sounding Spice bouquet, which will also consist of two channels. The operator said that other bouquets will be added in the near future.

Openview is operated by Platco Digital, part of the eMedia Group that operates commercial channel e-tv. The FTA offering launched 10 years ago and carries both eMedia’s channels and pubcaster SABC’s services as well as a number of other TV and radio channels.