MultiChoice risk loosing lots of channels
MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv, faces significant channel losses by early 2026 due to failed negotiations and supplier exits.
MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv, faces significant channel losses by early 2026 due to failed negotiations and supplier exits.
Confirmed Removals
Four channels from Paramount Africa will exit on 1st of January, 2026 following Paramount’s South African operations shutdown.
- BET Africa
- CBS AMC Networks
- CBS Justice, and
- MTV Base,
Potential Additional Losses
Up to 12 Warner Bros. Discovery channels are at risk if no deal is reached by 31st December, 2025:
- Discovery Channel
- CNN International
- TLC
- Discovery Family
- Real Time
- TNT Africa
- Food Network
- HGTV
- Investigation Discovery
- Cartoon Network
- Cartoonito
- Travel Channel
Context and Impact
This continues a trend, with DStv losing 22+ channels over five years amid subscriber declines (8% in South Africa for 2025). MultiChoice maintains fees unchanged, citing alternative content, but channel count could drop to 108.
What is causing the dispute between MultiChoice and Warner Bros Discovery
The dispute between MultiChoice (DStv’s parent) and Warner Bros. Discovery stems primarily from failed renewal negotiations for a distribution agreement expiring 31st December, 2025.
Core Issues
Carriage Fees: Warner Bros. Discovery is reportedly demanding higher payments for carrying its 12 channels (e.g., CNN International, Discovery Channel, Cartoon Network), while MultiChoice, under Canal+ ownership, pushes aggressive cost-cutting amid subscriber losses.
Contract Expiration: No agreement reached despite ongoing talks; MultiChoice notified subscribers of potential blackouts from 1st January, 2026.
Broader Context
Netflix’s $72B bid for Warner Bros. Discovery has intensified pressure, complicating content access for DStv/Showmax and favoring streaming over linear TV deals. MultiChoice emphasizes maintaining value without fee hikes, continuing a pattern of supplier disputes.
Its not all gloomy, because MultiChoice could step into the vacume and produce to fill the gap that may arrive. This however may be the challenge for CANAL+.
More Information ℹ
Gabby
