DStv, GOtv Subscribers May Lose CNN, Cartoon Network, 10 Others

By Adedapo Adesanya

MultiChoice, the parent company to pay television services -DStv and GOtv, has  warned that it could lose up to 12 channels from Warner Bros. Discovery.

This comes after Canal+-owned MultiChoice notified customers that negotiations to renew a distribution agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery had deadlocked.

The agreement expires on December 31, 2025 and puts 12 channels at risk, including Discovery, CNN, TLC, Discovery Family, Real Time, Food Network, HGTV, Investigation Discovery, and Cartoon Network.

The company also confirmed that it will be losing four channels from Paramount Africa and CBS AMC at the end of 2025.

DStv alluded to the cost of renewing agreements being too high. Under its new owner, Groupe Canal+, it has embarked on significant cost-cutting efforts.

The deal may also face further troubles after Netflix announced it had reached a definitive agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for a total deal worth $83 billion. Pending regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.

Also, Warner Bros. Discovery is moving forward with its plans to split into two publicly traded halves in 2026. Once the split takes effect, Netflix intends to acquire the Warner Bros. half. The other half, Discovery Global, will house CNN and other cable channels. The Warner Bros. half includes its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.

That separation could open the door for MultiChoice to retain the rights to some of the company’s live channels, if Netflix plans to redistribute channels and Canal+ is satisfied with the new pricing.

Netflix’s announcement indicates that it plans to integrate HBO content into its service, which could spell bad news for DStv and Showmax.

“By adding the deep film and TV libraries and HBO and HBO Max programming, Netflix members will have even more high-quality titles from which to choose,” it said.

The move would allow Netflix to optimise plans for customers, enhancing viewing options and expanding access to content.

Its plans for Warner Bros. Discovery licensed linear channels are unclear. However, Netflix stated that existing operations would continue as is.

“Netflix expects to maintain Warner Bros.’ current operations and build on its strengths, including theatrical releases for films,” it said.