DStv subscribers across Africa will continue to receive 12 major television channels after parent company Canal+ secured a last-minute multi-year agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, averting their planned removal on January 1, 2026.
The deal brings relief to millions of customers who had been warned in December that popular channels such as CNN International, Discovery Channel and Cartoon Network would be terminated following a breakdown in negotiations between MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery. The notification, sent through DStv’s app, triggered widespread backlash and renewed calls for subscription fee reductions.
Canal+, which recently completed its takeover of MultiChoice Group, confirmed that the agreement covers multiple territories, including South Africa, the rest of Africa and selected European markets. The arrangement ensures the continued distribution of 12 Warner Bros. Discovery thematic channels, some on an exclusive basis, across DStv bouquets.
According to Canal+, the broader deal also includes elements related to HBO Max distribution, strengthening its entertainment, news, children’s and documentary offerings in African markets. The company described the agreement as a strategic expansion of its content partnerships following weeks of intense negotiations.
The channels retained on DStv include Discovery Channel, CNN International, TLC, Discovery Family, TNT Africa, Food Network, HGTV, Investigation Discovery, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, Travel Channel and Real Time.
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The uncertainty had frustrated subscribers, particularly news viewers and families, as the affected channels rank among the most-watched on the platform. Social media reactions in recent weeks reflected concern that the removal would significantly weaken DStv’s value proposition amid rising competition from streaming services.
With the agreement now in place, Canal+ appears to have stabilised a key part of DStv’s programming lineup as it begins a new chapter following the takeover, easing fears of immediate content losses for subscribers.
DStv warns viewers of December channel blackout as subscriber base collapses
