16 Popular Channels Set to Leave DStv in 2026
DStv is set to lose 16 channels from 1 January 2026 if MultiChoice does not secure new carriage agreements before existing contracts expire on 31 December 2025.
Twelve of the channels at risk are operated by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). MultiChoice confirmed ongoing discussions with WBD but warned that without a renewed distribution deal, popular channels such as Discovery Channel, CNN International, TLC, Discovery Family, Real Time, TNT Africa, Food Network, HGTV, Investigation Discovery (ID), Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, and Travel Channel will be removed.
Paramount Africa has also announced it will withdraw several channels. MultiChoice said BET Africa and MTV Base will be discontinued on both DStv and GOtv, alongside CBS Justice and CBS Reality, from 1 January 2026.
MultiChoice reassured the public that it remains committed to maintaining a “compelling content lineup” and is exploring alternative content offerings and services to reduce the impact of any potential losses. Viewers are advised to follow official DStv communications and the MultiChoice website for updates on channel line-ups.
The potential blackout has raised concerns among viewers and industry analysts, as it will affect a mix of news, lifestyle, factual entertainment, and children’s programming during a peak viewing period.
The issue is linked to Netflix’s $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The deal brings Warner Bros.’ film and TV studios, including HBO and HBO Max, under Netflix, while Discovery Global—which includes CNN, TNT Sports, European terrestrial broadcasters, and Discovery+—will be spun off as a separate listed company.
The restructuring allows Netflix to expand its content library, while WBD can reduce long-term debt and focus on content production by separating slower-growing business units. The outcome of negotiations with MultiChoice will determine whether DStv retains access to some of Africa’s most-watched channels in the new year.
