In a heated live broadcast on Citi FM and Channel One TV, General Manager and host Bernard Avle engaged in a fiery clash with the Minister for Communications and Digitalization over MultiChoice’s DStv subscription policies.
The exchange, which quickly went viral, centered on a controversial automatic entry scheme for a competition that critics argue undermines the value of higher-tier bouquets. Viewers and social media users were left buzzing as Avle pressed the minister on whether such promotions truly benefit loyal premium subscribers or merely serve as a gimmick akin to a lottery draw.
Multichoice Ghana- Limited Bernard Avle and Sam George clash on Dstv: Point of view show [WATCH VIDEO]
Avle didn’t hold back, questioning the logic behind offering automatic entries to all DStv customers regardless of their package level. “What sense does it make?” he probed, highlighting how premium users could simply downgrade to the more affordable Compact Plus tier and still qualify for the same perks. The host argued that this erodes any incentive for viewers to invest in costlier plans, effectively turning the premium option into a financial dead end for discerning audiences seeking exclusive content.
The minister countered by emphasizing a data-driven approach, revealing that government analysis of viewer demographics shows the bulk of DStv’s customer base clustered in mid-range packages. He described many subscribers as “price agnostic,” implying they prioritize affordability over bells-and-whistles upgrades, and defended the promotion as a broad incentive to retain the masses. Yet, Avle’s sharp rebuttal cut through the defense, insisting that true value in broadcasting should reward commitment rather than dilute it with blanket offers that ignore tiered loyalty.
As the debate intensified, Avle circled back to a core query: Does participating in the competition require any real effort from viewers to unlock benefits? The minister’s vague affirmation was swiftly dismantled by the host’s fact-checking interjection, exposing potential gaps in the policy’s fairness. The exchange underscored broader frustrations with pay-TV pricing in Ghana, where rising costs and stagnant perks have fueled public discontent amid economic pressures.
The viral clip has ignited a storm of online criticism, with many Ghanaians slamming the minister’s stance as a misplaced focus on mass appeal over equitable consumer protections. Supporters, however, praise the initiative for democratizing access to entertainment giveaways. As discussions rage on platforms like X and Facebook, this showdown spotlights urgent calls for regulatory reforms in the digital broadcasting sector, urging MultiChoice and policymakers to prioritize transparent, subscriber-centric strategies.
