Major shake-p in DStv’s Channel line-up
Johannesburg, South Africa – DStv subscribers have been officially notified that the distribution agreement between MultiChoice and Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) will end on December 31, 2025, unless a last-minute deal is reached.
In an email sent to subscribers, including a NOWinSA staffer, on Monday, MultiChoice confirmed that the two parties “have not yet reached an agreement” and warned that “a number of Warner Bros. Discovery channels may no longer be available on DStv from January 1, 2026.”
“What matters most is ensuring that your viewing experience remains rich, diverse, and enjoyable,” MultiChoice said. “Our platforms already carry a wide range of local and international sport, entertainment, news, kids, lifestyle and documentary content — and we are preparing to further strengthen and enrich our line-up in 2026 with new content, channels and services.”
The announcement follows earlier confirmation that four well-known channels — BET Africa, MTV Base, CBS Reality, and CBS Justice — will officially go off-air by December 31, 2025.
Channels confirmed to end this December
As reported by multiple outlets and verified by MultiChoice, the following channels are confirmed to end this festive season:
- BET Africa (Channel 129)
- MTV Base (Channel 322)
- CBS Reality (Channel 132)
- CBS Justice (Channel 170)
BET Africa has already begun airing double episodes of its telenovela Black Gold to wrap up the season before its closure. Meanwhile, Paramount Africa — which operates both BET and MTV Base — has confirmed that the discontinuation is part of a broader “international content strategy review.”
CBS AMC Networks International will also pull CBS Reality and CBS Justice, bringing an end to over two decades of true-crime and courtroom programming on DStv.
The confirmed closures follow earlier changes to DStv’s entertainment lineup, including when the platform dropped E! Entertainment after 21 years to make room for new lifestyle and reality content earlier this year.
12 more channels at risk
Beyond the confirmed four, 12 channels owned by Warner Bros. Discovery are at risk of being pulled from January 1, 2026 if negotiations fail.
These include:
| Channel | DStv Channel No. |
|---|---|
| Discovery Channel | 121 |
| TLC | 135 |
| Discovery Family | 136 |
| TNT Africa | 137 |
| Real Time | 155 |
| Investigation Discovery (ID) | 171 |
| Food Network | 175 |
| HGTV | 177 |
| Travel Channel | 179 |
| Cartoon Network | 301 |
| Cartoonito | 302 |
| CNN International | 401 |
If no renewal deal is reached by the end of December, millions of DStv subscribers could lose access to some of the platform’s longest-running and most popular international channels.
Reports are rife that this impasse “could see all 12 Warner Bros. Discovery channels go dark at the end of December.”
Canal+ merger and the future of DStv
The potential blackout comes at a time of major transition for MultiChoice, following its 2025 acquisition by Canal+ Africa. The French media group has pledged to expand African content production and integrate international streaming services under one “super aggregator” model.
Canal+ says it already produces about 4 000 hours of African content annually, while MultiChoice delivers over 6 000 hours. The merged company plans to scale that up to between 100 000 and 150 000 hours over the next 15 years.l
MultiChoice has assured subscribers that “new channels, content, and services” will launch in 2026 as part of this restructuring — though details remain under wraps.
Viewer reaction and Industry Concerns
Social media erupted following the announcement, with many expressing dismay at losing long-standing channels.
“The way I loved CBS Reality, though … but as for BET and MTV, totally not surprised at all,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Others questioned whether the shake-up could pave the way for Paramount+ or other international streaming services to expand into South Africa — though analysts say the cost of content rights would make such moves unlikely.
As the Ghanaian envoy recently cautioned amid a separate DStv dispute, abrupt programming changes can even strain regional trade and broadcasting relationships.
What’s next for subscribers
For now, DStv customers are advised to:
- Keep an eye on official MultiChoice updates as talks with Warner Bros. Discovery continue.
- Watch or record content from channels set to close by December 31.
- Expect new channels and price adjustments as part of DStv’s 2026 realignment.
- Explore alternative content sources (like Showmax or local networks) as MultiChoice reshapes its offerings.
Despite uncertainty, MultiChoice insists it remains committed to “delivering the best value and entertainment experience for all families across Africa.”
Despite uncertainty, MultiChoice insists it remains committed to “delivering the best value and entertainment experience for all families across Africa.”
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