Relief for DStv subscribers as Canal+ seals Warner Bros. Discovery deal– here’s what to know

MultiChoice majority owner Canal+ has reached a significant multi-year, multi-territory agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, bringing relief to DStv subscribers across Africa and parts of Europe who were facing the imminent loss of several popular channels.

The newly announced deal confirms the continued distribution of Warner Bros. Discovery’s thematic channels and also expands access to HBO Max, strengthening Canal+’s premium content portfolio. The agreement comes just hours before the expiration of the previous carriage arrangement, which would have seen 12 DStv channels go off air at midnight.

What the New Deal Covers

According to Canal+, the expanded partnership includes both the renewal of multiple Warner Bros. Discovery channels and the broader international distribution of HBO Max. The agreement builds on earlier landmark deals signed in France in 2024, including the exclusive pay-TV window that allows Warner Bros. Pictures films to reach audiences just six months after their theatrical release.

The deal also allows HBO Max to be integrated into selected Canal+ subscription packages, further deepening the collaboration between the two global media giants.

HBO’s Continued Presence on DStv

HBO, a long-standing partner of MultiChoice and the inspiration behind the original M-Net channel, remains a cornerstone of premium television content in Africa. The brand is behind globally acclaimed series such as Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, The Wire, Band of Brothers, Sex and the City, Veep, Six Feet Under, True Blood, and The Last of Us.

Warner Bros. Discovery’s broader content empire also includes DC Comics, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and New Line Cinema, the studio behind The Lord of the Rings franchise.

Channels Retained Under the Agreement

Canal+ confirmed that the deal ensures the continued distribution of 12 Warner Bros. Discovery thematic channels across MultiChoice Group territories, with some channels offered on an exclusive basis.

• CNN International and Cartoon Network will be exclusive to South Africa and non-exclusive in other regions.

• Cartoon Network Porto will be exclusive in Angola and Mozambique.

• Other channels such as Discovery Channel, TLC, HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel, TNT Africa, ID, Real Time, Discovery Family, Cartoonito, and Cartoonito Porto will continue on a non-exclusive basis.

Canal+ said the agreement strengthens its entertainment, kids, news, and documentary offerings across African markets.

Four Paramount-Linked Channels Still Leaving DStv

Despite the positive development with Warner Bros. Discovery, DStv subscribers will still lose four channels linked to Paramount Africa.

Paramount Africa has confirmed it will shut down its operations at the end of December 2025, ending its presence in South Africa and across the continent. The company previously reached more than 100 million viewers across 52 African territories through a portfolio of channels including BET, MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and VH1 Classic.

MultiChoice has confirmed that BET Africa and MTV Base will be discontinued on DStv and GOtv at 09:00 on 1 January 2026. Additionally, CBS Reality and CBS Justice, operated through the CBS AMC Network partnership, will shut down on 31 December 2025.

MultiChoice has expressed appreciation to Paramount and CBS for their years of collaboration, marking the end of a notable chapter in African pay-TV broadcasting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Did DStv lose any Warner Bros. Discovery channels?
No. Canal+ secured a renewed carriage agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, ensuring that 12 channels remain available across MultiChoice territories.

Is HBO leaving DStv or Africa?
No. HBO content remains available through Warner Bros. Discovery, with HBO Max now set to be integrated into selected Canal+ subscription packages.

Which DStv channels are confirmed to be shutting down?
Four Paramount-linked channels are leaving: BET Africa, MTV Base, CBS Reality, and CBS Justice.

When will BET Africa and MTV Base stop airing?
Both channels will be discontinued on DStv and GOtv at 09:00 on 1 January 2026.

Why is Paramount Africa exiting the market?
Paramount Africa is shutting down its African operations as part of a broader corporate restructuring strategy.

Will more DStv channels shut down in 2026?
As of now, no further channel closures have been officially announced beyond the Paramount-linked exits.