DStv Channel Crisis Averted As CNN, Cartoon Network And Discovery Stay After Last-Minute Deal

In a major relief for DStv subscribers, Canal+ has secured a last-minute agreement that will keep 12 popular channels on the DStv bouquet, just hours before they were set to be discontinued.

The deal was confirmed on Wednesday, narrowly avoiding the planned removal of channels such as CNN International, Discovery Channel, and Cartoon Network, which were due to go dark on 1 January 2026.

DStv Subscribers Warned of Channel Removals Weeks Earlier

Last month, MultiChoice — following its takeover by Canal+ Group — alerted subscribers via a push notification on its app that 12 channels carried under an agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery would be removed from its line-up.

Canal+ had previously acknowledged a deadlock in negotiations with Warner Bros. Discovery, sparking outrage among customers. Many subscribers threatened cancellations and demanded subscription fee reductions should the channels be dropped.

New Multi-Year Agreement Secured Across Multiple Regions

Canal+ has now confirmed a new multi-year deal with Warner Bros. Discovery covering South Africa, the rest of Africa, and parts of Europe where Canal+ operates.

“This expanded agreement covers both the distribution of HBO Max and the renewal of several Warner Bros Discovery thematic channels across numerous regions,” Canal+ said.

“It includes the renewal of the distribution of 12 Warner Bros Discovery thematic channels across MultiChoice Group territories, with some offered exclusively. [This] enables Canal+ to strengthen its entertainment, kids, news and documentary channel offering in African markets.”

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These 12 Channels Are Staying on DStv

The channels confirmed to remain available are:

• Discovery Channel
• CNN International
• TLC
• Discovery Family
• Real Time
• TNT Africa
• Food Network
• HGTV
• Investigation Discovery
• Cartoon Network
• Cartoonito
• Travel Channel

The deal comes as welcome news for news junkies, documentary lovers, and families alike, ensuring continued access to global news, factual entertainment, and children’s programming.

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