Before I state the pros and cons of Netflix’s launch in Nigeria as it affects other media firm positively or negatively I want to really explain what Netflix really is. Netflix is the world’s leading video-on-demand platform. In other words, it is simply the world’s number one internet television company. It should not be mistaken for YouTube as it is quite different and the only similarity between them is streaming.
I think it is pertinent to say here and now that Netflix is a paid TV streaming platform. Right from the desk of Netflix’s CEO, the company has announced that they will be extending their services to over 130 countries including our dear country, Nigeria. According to the statement released from the company, people who subscribe to Netflix service will be able to stream their TV series and catalog of licensed TV shows and movies online. Do not take my word for it, here is the statement released by Netflix’s CEO on Forbes:
“Today, I am delighted to announce that while we have been here on stage at CES, we switched Netflix in Azerbaijan, in Vietnam, in India, in Nigeria, in Poland, in Russia, in Saudi Arabia, in Singapore, in South Korea, in Turkey, in Indonesia, and in 130 new countries” said Hastings.
It is going to be a big challenge to IrokoTV here in Nigeria, before now, they have been the master of the game. Jason Njoku’s IrokoTV has received some talks from film makers online for reduction in their revenue but now I think they are going to be glad that Netflix is or rather has found its way to Nigeria plus they are going to get a share off Netflix’s revenue. With Netflix in Nigeria, it is going to be a tough one for IrokoTV and maybe DSTV in Nigeria, as Netflix is currently adding Nollywood movies into their system and this means a wider audience from Nigerians.
The only downside Nigerians will have to battle with is the exhorbitant rate at which we purchase data for streaming combined with our epileptic connection, not forgetting power supply. I hope our network providers roll out plans that would allow us to enjoy Netflix while chilling at home, maybe that was the reason it was normally called ‘Netflix and Chill’ in its early days.
