DStv Subscribers Face Potential Blackout of Warner Bros. Discovery Channels
JOHANNESBURG – DStv subscribers across South Africa are facing the potential loss of 12 Warner Bros. Discovery channels, including CNN International, TLC, Cartoon Network, and the Food Network, from 1 January. This looming blackout affects subscribers to all six DStv packages, from the budget-friendly EasyView to the premium offerings.
MultiChoice, in an email dispatched to subscribers on Monday afternoon, revealed that its distribution agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery is set to expire on 31 December, and as it stands, a new agreement has yet to be reached. The announcement has left many subscribers concerned about the future of their viewing experience.
The full list of channels at risk of disappearing from DStv subscribers' channel line-up after the new year includes a diverse range of popular options: Discovery Channel, TLC, Discovery Family, Real Time, TNT Africa, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, Investigation Discovery, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, and CNN International.
In its communication, MultiChoice acknowledged the ongoing discussions between the two media giants. “While discussions between the parties [DStv and Warner Bros. Discovery] continue, no agreement has been reached at this stage,” the email stated. The company further cautioned, “If this remains unchanged, a number of Warner Bros. Discovery channels may no longer be available on DStv from 1 January 2026.”
Attempting to mitigate the potential disappointment, MultiChoice assured subscribers that efforts are being made to ensure a continued high-quality viewing experience. “You will continue to enjoy an exceptional entertainment experience across your package, supported by strong alternative channels across every genre,” the company stated.
MultiChoice emphasised its commitment to providing a rich and diverse entertainment landscape. “What matters most is ensuring that your viewing experience remains rich, diverse, and enjoyable,” the email continued. The company highlighted its existing wide array of local and international sport, entertainment, news, kids, lifestyle, and documentary content. It also promised to bolster its offerings in the coming year. “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 lineup in 2026 with new content, channels and services.”
The potential channel cuts would impact subscribers across the board. Even those on the most affordable package, EasyView, priced at R30 per month, would lose access to Cartoon Network, a popular channel among younger viewers. Premium subscribers, who currently pay R979 per month, stand to lose all 12 channels, significantly diminishing the value of their subscription.
MultiChoice is undoubtedly preparing for potential backlash from consumers who may demand subscription reductions if a deal cannot be reached with Warner Bros. Discovery to keep these well-liked channels on the air. The loss of these channels could lead to increased subscriber dissatisfaction and potential cancellations.
The news comes as MultiChoice faces broader challenges in retaining subscribers. French pay-television giant Groupe Canal+, which acquired MultiChoice in September, revealed that the company lost 1.2 million subscribers across its operations in the year spanning March 2024 to March 2025. This decline underscores the competitive pressures in the pay-TV market and the need for MultiChoice to maintain a compelling channel offering.
Earlier this month, Canal+ Africa CEO David Mignot, described the situation as "bad" and stated that “the company is still bleeding subscribers”. Groupe Canal+'s strategy involves expanding its subscriber base by targeting the "underpenetrated African pay-TV market," highlighting the importance of subscriber retention and growth for the company's future success. The outcome of the negotiations with Warner Bros. Discovery will be a key factor in MultiChoice's ability to achieve these goals.
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