Termination Notice Has Been Issued Out To Cartoon Network And Discovery Channel Leaving Only TNT And Discovery Family On DStv

Yesterday, it was reported that MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery "might" have settled their carriage dispute regarding the 12 channels and HBO's content on M-Net. This is because a few channels had a termination card and some didn't.

Now, MultiChoice had sent out channel termination notices for Cartoon Network and Discovery Channel leaving only Discovery Family and TNT. 

Negotiations between both parties are still ongoing so the fact that the batch to have gotten termination notices earlier doesn't mean an agreement can't be reached where they join the initial four. None of the messages list each individual channel so there's hope.

Of course several theories behind Cartoon Network's inclusion does enter the fray.

Firstly, MultiChoice's team has been incompetent for a while it's not news to any DStv customer so it's likely they took longer to add them.

But of course, when Paramount announced that BET and MTV Base alongside CBS Reality and CBS Justice in its joint venture with AMC Networks International were out the door. These notices were sent out simultaneously despite them not going dark at the same time.

It does lead some to wonder could a new agreement have been reached for the initial four and MultiChoice in its attempt to prevent a media debacle chose to now list Cartoon Network up for closure. I mean it wouldn't be the first time MultiChoice had tried scrubbing such info.

The news of those 8 channels possibly leaving DStv would anger a lot of DStv customers. But similar to the Cartoonito leak in 2023, MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery probably want to address the elephant in the room - TLC and Food Network.

MultiChoice had stated they were open to replacing these channels and if an agreement had been reached. Could it be that some of this content will just resurface on a replacement as seen with Nickelodeon in New Zealand.

Its so possible that MultiChoice is more channels aside from TNT and Discovery Channel. Perhaps renewals for Food Network, Investigation Discovery and HGTV are taking a lot longer than anticipated again those are all theories.

DStv Customers Are Shocked And Utterly Disappointed By MultiChoice's Decision To Possibly Cancel TLC, HGTV And Food Network

MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery might have settled their carriage dispute as 8 out of the 12 channels might be exiting DStv. These include TLC, Real Time, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Food Network, HGTV, Cartoonito And CNN.

A termination notice had already been spotted for these channels and it as goes follows:

Dear viewer, please note this channel may no longer form part of our content line-up from 31 December 2025. Thank you.

The channels in question come as a shock to viewers like myself specifically for TLC as it's basically what Bravo is to NBCUniversal or MTV is to Paramount. But this was to be expected I mean Canal+ Afrique only distribute 5 channels from the brand including CNN.

I'd like to believe that more channels could end up joining Discovery Channel, Discovery Family, Cartoon Network and CNN. 

If you had to sum it up, several factors contribute to the possible demise of these brands firstly MultiChoice had implied renewing their agreement with the company had been deemed non-viable. This is where brands like Food Network and CNN factored in.

Another may have something to with their viewership particularly for the likes of Travel Channel. Canal+ is shedding costs at MultiChoice and one way would probably be phasing out niche and redundant brands.

As for the content, MultiChoice had stated they're more than willing to replace these channels which does lead us to wonder. Could these replacements perhaps carry shows like 90 Day Fiance and Evil Lives Here I mean it wouldn't seem far fetched.

Warner Bros. Discovery had run into similar issues in New Zealand and since then channels have come in place to carry this content. MultiChoice had done similar actions in the past with the likes of Animal Planet (under Real Time) and ITV Choice (under M-Net).

Developing Story: Channels Likely Remaining On DStv Include Cartoon Network, TNT, Discovery Channel And Discovery Family

As consumers have already heard, talks between MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery regarding the carriage agreement for Cartoon Network and 11 other channels are on the line. MultiChoice sent a notice out earlier in the month about the pending disaster.

Since then, a petition had started to garner traction online from a concerned DStv subscriber and has since crossed the 300 milestone.

In recent developments, it appears that Cartoon Network, TNT, Discovery Channel and Discovery Family won't be leaving DStv. As a termination notice has only been sent out for TLC, HGTV and Warner's 6 other channels.

The message goes as follows Dear viewer, please note this channel may no longer form part of our content line-up from 31 December 2025. Thank you.

The fact MultiChoice states "may no longer" doesn't mean their fates are set in stone just yet but that some progress has already been established. This comprises of brands such as Cartoon Network, TNT, Discovery Channel and Discovery Family.

It's very likely that more channels could join the lineup but as of right now it appears MultiChoice will be removing 8 additional channels alongside the 4 channels by Paramount. They had recently extended the DStv Upsize promotion giving them ample time to resolve the matter.

Developing Story: Channels Likely Going Dark On DStv Include TLC, Real Time, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Food Network, HGTV, Cartoonito And CNN

As consumers have already heard, talks between MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery regarding the carriage agreement for Cartoon Network and 11 other channels are on the line. MultiChoice sent a notice out earlier in the month about the pending disaster.

Since then, a petition had started to garner traction online from a concerned DStv subscriber and has since crossed the 300 milestone.

At the time, it was stated by MultiChoice that should a new agreement not be reached consumers would lose 12 additional channels by 31 December 2025. But that may not be the case for Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, Discovery Family and TNT.

Termination cards are being spotted on TLC, Real Time, HGTV, Travel Channel, Food Network, Cartoonito, CNN International and Investigation Discovery with the following message:

Dear viewer, please note this channel may no longer form part of our content line-up from 31 December 2025. Thank you.

MultiChoice had implied that Warner Bros. Discovery is asking for too much money to extend the carriage agreement for these 8 channels. Honestly, I was right to suspect that Food Network or even HGTV are likely goners in this carriage dispute.

The fact MultiChoice states "may no longer" doesn't mean their fates are set in stone just yet but that some progress has already been established. It's possible that some of these 8 could remain onboard I mean Canal+ Afrique does offer CNN International.

But as of right now, MultiChoice had extended its DStv Upsize promotion which can only imply several scenarios. Firstly talks between the two extend to 2026 which is unlikely and, second is that 8 channels are likely done for and this promotion is just a distraction.

Could Canal+'s MultiChoice Be Hinting At A Grim Future For Warner Bros. Discovery?

Warner Bros. Discovery serves as MultiChoice's largest entertainment provider behind BBC Studios, Disney, NBCUniversal and Paramount. It provides shows like House Of Dragons to M-Net alongside cable networks like Discovery Channel, CNN and Cartoon Network.

The fate of this offering now hangs in the balance as MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery struggle to finalise to a new agreement. Aside from Paramount's 4 channels, consumers stand a chance of losing an additional 12 channels bringing to 16 channels.

A petition had been going around in order to try and save these channels. Because let's face it within this 12 everyone has a favourite and some have even threatened to cancel their subscription.

MultiChoice was asked what they're next grand plan would be if the 12 channels were axed and of course it would be replacing them. But none of the content viewed on Cartoon Network or TLC would make it which is what consumers are paying for.

So now they're extending the DStv Upsize promotion to 31 January 2026. Not as a thank you for being a loyal subscriber but rather a way for them to say we're screwed without these channels.

Consumers missing out on Cartoon Network would have Disney Channel and Nickelodeon to keep occupied. Those missing out on AEW on TNT would have access to live episodes of Raw and SmackDown alongside PPV events.

This is all until 31 January 2026 which would give them ample time to find replacements. If I'm being honest here, there's a 50/50 chance that all 12 channels will be exiting or maybe 4-6 get retained.

According to insiders, talks between them aren't looking good so consumers should expect something major to get axed. This is why there's talks of replacements and for Paramount's brands which are definitely exiting aren't getting replaced.

DStv Upsize Promotion Receives Another Extension Amidst A Carriage Dispute

MultiChoice has announced that DStv customers with decoder-based subscriptions will be upgraded to higher-tier packages for free until the end of January 2026. This is because consumers are likely to lose 12 additional channels by the end of this month.

DStv has been running a promotion that gives customers on its mid-tier and entry-level packages access to higher-end bouquets until the end of December. This has now been extended by a month as Warner Bros. Discovery and MultiChoice try to reach an agreement.

Until 31 January 2026, DStv Compact and Compact Plus customers will have access to all Premium channels, while Family and Access customers will be upgraded to Compact. 

DStv Premium subscribers receive two extra concurrent streams, for a total of four, and will get more DStv Rewards points than usual.

While the upgrade promotion is exclusive to decoder-based subscribers, MultiChoice said that DStv Stream customers will get separate offers on DStv Rewards.

To make it easier for customers to get a decoder and other products, DStv is relaunching its online store later this month, offering free delivery and a simpler ordering process.

MultiChoice launched its Upsize promotion on 10 November, immediately following its successful Open Weekend that gave all decoder-based subscribers free access to DStv Premium.

“With the summer holidays fast approaching, families can enjoy a wide range of local and international entertainment,” MultiChoice stated.

It stated that no action is required from customers to receive the upgrade, and normal billing will resume in February 2026.

DStv said the Upsize promotion forms part of its broader plan to improve customer value. MultiChoice CEO for Pay TV South Africa, Byron du Plessis, said the campaign was part of a bigger value reset.

“We’re focused on making DStv more accessible and rewarding, with affordability and customer experience at the heart of our strategy,” Du Plessis said.

The campaign follows several recent initiatives since the company’s takeover by Canal+, including decoder price cuts and a refreshed DStv Rewards programme.

While the DStv Rewards refresh had been in the works since before the takeover, it has been allowed to proceed with Canal+’s blessing.

More Bad News Might Be Awaiting DStv Consumers As MultiChoice And Warner Bros. Discovery Square Off

According to some new reports, DStv subscribers may have to brace for more bad news aside from Paramount closing MTV Base and 3 other channels. The fight is on in trying to retain Cartoon Network and TNT as well as The White Lotus on M-Net.

Warner Bros. Discovery and MultiChoice had this carriage dispute for sometime regarding the future of these networks and it's content on M-Net. As reported, Netflix had won the bid to acquire the portion that licenses to M-Net.

MultiChoice under its new owners Canal+ seemingly implied that rates to renew such agreement is higher. And as I've mentioned for a while now things about to get messy from insider's reports that things aren't looking good.

It could imply two scenarios

The first DStv consumers will lose all 12 channels meaning no more reruns of Regular Show on Cartoon Network and Holiday Baking Championship on Food Network. Superman, Green Lantern and Harry Potter on M-Net Movies those are gone as well.

From 2026, MultiChoice will lose DStv consumers at an alarmingly rate as seen in Kenya where it lost 85% of its audience. While they promise to replace the affected channels, none of the content from these brands would form part of the lineup anyways.

MultiChoice will find it hard trying to convince consumers across the DStv bouquet to retain their subscription. Even with replacements, there would be no Sister Wives or AEW Dynamite which is what the paying consumer subscribed for.

Various outlets are putting most of their bet on the first scenario and if you've seen what happened in the week was Netflix's possible acquisition of Warner Bros. Lots of websites placed their bid on Paramount winning as the deal would have included the cable networks.

But I'm putting my cards out for the second scenario where MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery are able to finalise an agreement - eventually.

"Things Aren't Looking Good" could imply instead of 12 additional channels joining the 4 existing channels from Paramount to exit DStv. It could as well be between 4-7 channels and I've stated this before MultiChoice doesn't need all these channels.

Travel Channel had been in decline that even MultiChoice Africa no longer offer it to DStv consumers. HGTV similar to BBC Earth wasn't even licensed to consumers in some African markets making it a strong contender to get the axe.

Under previous management, MultiChoice was prioritising on content which led to the exit of a couple of popular brands like Animal Planet and BBC First. Maybe under French hands, they could look to keep channels with massive appeal and remove ones deemed expensive or redundant.

Popular brands within their stable include Discovery, TLC, Cartoon Network and TNT, with expensive or low rated brands like HGTV, Food Network and Discovery Family.

If theres one thing I believe would be a priority is the part that deals with M-Net and Showmax as a loss would lead to viewer erosion. The part in which M-Net contract with has major IPs under their belt and is a contributor to M-Net's success.

The linear part doesn't even appear in South Africa's 20 most watched channels making the content part a liability. 

The second scenario seems probable although they would lose subscribers it wouldn't be severe if this number went up to 16 channels. MultiChoice can do without some of these brands as it would give them time to calm the masses and seek alternatives.

How Netflix's Potential Acquisition Of Warner Bros. Discovery Affects M-Net, DStv And Showmax?

Not long ago, it was reported that Netflix won the bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery valuing the deal at $72 billion. This deal would DC Entertainment/Studios, Cartoon Network Studios, HBO, Warner Bros. Pictures/Television and New Line Cinema.

Below is a how this deal is bad news for MultiChoice

M-Net and Showmax

MultiChoice had been licensing Game Of Thrones and Penguins from HBO to M-Net and Showmax. In the event of an acquisition, Netflix had expressed interest to continue these partnerships with local broadcasters but it may not be easy.

If MultiChoice continues to license content from Warner Bros. they could as well look to increase the rates. This is something MultiChoice's new owners Canal+ may not find amusing as they've begun cost cutting due to DStv's shrinking consumer base.

Besides that, the previous owners at MultiChoice had been anti-Netflix for sometime so the general audience had sort of painted a certain image of the company. While free-to-air broadcasters such as SABC and eMedia Investments had been licensing from the streamer.

MultiChoice put up a wall between them and Netflix again this was the previous owners regime as Canal+ does view them as partners. They do have an agreement to bundle their services in francophone markets alongside a content deal through K+.

The reality is while Warner Bros. continues to license content to M-Net and Showmax, Netflix will likely make further productions exclusive to their services. If they do continue licensing, I doubt MultiChoice would want their scraps.

Netflix is already available in the market which further complicates things as M-Net and Showmax are meant to go hand in hand with their content. But then again, MultiChoice is part of StudioCanal's parent company which gives them leverage.

Netflix may offer Stranger Things, Squid Games and Wednesday but with Canal+'s MultiChoice there's Paris Has Fallen, Spinners and iShaka iLembe.

DStv

For this part, I feel there's a lot of exaggeration as Netflix is not acquiring Discovery, TLC or the linear Cartoon Network as that is being spun off into a separate company. Of course, Netflix's bid to be frank sort of dilutes the value of Cartoon Network.

Cartoon Network under Discovery Global will be leaning more toward third party programming such as Lego Ninjago, Dragonball Super and Totally Spies!. While what made Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Disney "The Big 3" like Regular Show and Tiny Toons Looniversity goes to Netflix.

It's likely that they will be a licensing agreement for these shows but they'll most definitely be like DreamWorks Channel - reruns. Under a separate company, they're not going to prioritise on these Netflix originals.

If it is deemed expensive these shows could as well get phased out and again that just dilutes Cartoon Network who had been reliant on these IPs.

Turning over the torch to Discovery Global, this is the company that MultiChoice is involved in a carriage dispute with over the future of its 12 channels. These include Discovery Channel, HGTV, TLC and as mentioned the linear Cartoon Network.

Of course, the matter of concern here to me is that as mentioned with Cartoon Network while the Netflix deal makes the company more leaner. There's still another 20 billion worth of debt they need to clean out.

Expecting for content to be reduced, potential sales or closures to operations or channels and lastly massive layoffs particularly for international feeds.

All of this might as well unfold while these channels are no longer on DStv but then again it's likely that MultiChoice could opt to keep a few channels. My guess would be Discovery Channel, TLC, Cartoon Network, Real Time, Cartoonito, ID and CNN.

MultiChoice Is Ready To Launch More Channels Amidst It's Offset With Warner Bros. Discovery

MultiChoice has sent notice to various informing them that Warner Bros. Discovery's slate of channels would be exiting DStv by the of December. This comes after Paramount announced plans to shutter CBS Justice, CBS Reality, BET and MTV Base on the platform. 

Canal+, MultiChoice's new owners appears to have a different strategy when negotiating carriage deals. Previous carriage deals were often extended quietly and it lead to fee hikes it appears that Canal+ wants to minimise costs amidst MultiChoice's financial woes.

One could say MultiChoice's reasoning for issuing a termination notice through email is their way of pressuring Warner Bros. Discovery. They're amidst a potential buyout or split by Netflix, Comcast and Paramount.

MultiChoice's previous owners wouldn't have done the runaround with Warner Bros. Discovery as opposed to Canal+. They are open to replacing these channels (or at least some of them) but the reality is there really is no alternatives.

For consumers hoping that MultiChoice would replace them with something that can go on par with TLC or Cartoon Network this may never be the case. Linear television had been in rapid decline in the US and its led some companies to scale back on original content.

With Canal+ also having pay-tv operations held in Europe, France and Asia it's likely replacement would be sought there.

Canal+ Distribution which serves as both production and distribution company offers diverse content and channels from markets in which it's pay-tv services reside. This can range from France24 in which eMedia Investments distribute in a separate agreement alongside FilmBox channels.

In the event these channels were to go dark, I'd imagine they'd look through that outlet for this "fresh content" they've promised to introduce to subscribers.

Canal+ Distribution's catalogue ranges from news through AfricaNews and France24, music through Trace Urban and Trace Gospel and cartoons with Duck TV and ZooMoo. Following its acquisition of MultiChoice, it's portfolio would also include M-Net and Mzansi Magic.

Is The Cat Really Out Of The Bag For MultiChoice And Warner Bros. Discovery??? As The Channels Remain On Canal+ Afrique In A Separate Agreement

MultiChoice has sent notice to various informing them that Warner Bros. Discovery's slate of channels would be exiting DStv by the of December. This comes after Paramount announced plans to shutter CBS Justice, CBS Reality, BET and MTV Base on the platform. 

Warner Bros. Discovery currently has the largest linear portfolio with MultiChoice being 12 channels as opposed to Disney and Paramount who offer 5 to 6 channels. These includes brands Discovery Channel, TLC, HGTV, Cartoon Network and CNN.

There's a strong possibility that Canal+ following its takeover of MultiChoice will likely to reduce the offering. As it understood, MultiChoice is bleeding subscribers or in general losing money and Canal+ is trying to put out these flames.

MultiChoice's previous owners were more likely to retain these 12 channels compared to the French broadcaster. When they mentioned potentially replacing these channels it could imply doing away with Bobby Flay and Fixer Home Fabulous.

MultiChoice's French African equivalent Canal+ Afrique distribute Warner Bros. Discovery's cable networks in a separate agreement. Large number of premium channels are excluded from their offering including TLC, HGTV and Food Network.

Through M7 Group, it's European equivalent offers HBO, Discovery Historia, Discovery Life, Cartoon Network and Cartoonito through Canal+ Polska. Channels to be excluded can also range from Discovery Channel and Investigation Discovery.

In the event that both parties come to an agreement it's likely that Discovery Channel, TLC, Cartoon Network and CNN will continue on the platform. But to save up on costs, Canal+ may look to remove channels which are deemed non viable or repetitive.

Check our previous story: this could as well range from HGTV, Food Network or Real Time. Another could as well be that Discovery Family, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel get the axe while Real Time is all that's left of the flock.

MultiChoice may notify consumers of channel terminations but this isn't their first rodeo as a similar situation occured with Lifetime, History and C+I before the company opted to remove only C+I. Even Bloomberg had its feed cut off before getting reinstated.

DStv Without Discovery Family And Possibly Real Time??? It Wouldn't Seem Far Fetched A Stretch

As some consumers have heard, MultiChoice might be removing 12 additional channels following the news of CBS Justice, CBS Reality, BET and MTV Base's purge from DStv. It should be noted that MultiChoice is still negotiating with Warner Bros. Discovery over these 12 so nothing is final.

My esteemed guess is that MultiChoice will likely look to reduce the number of channels targeting premium brands like HGTV and even redundant ones like Discovery Family. 

Due to the rise in streaming, various companies such as Disney and Paramount have been scaling back on their international operations. As mentioned, the upcoming axing of MTV Base and BET which would the likes of FOX and Disney XD.

Warner Bros. Discovery has the largest linear portfolio with MultiChoice compared to Disney which had only 6 with Paramount that will be reduced to just 5 channels. Amongst the offering are crown jewels Discovery Channel, TLC, CNN and Cartoon Network.

Over the years, some of these cable networks have seen a rise in reruns or in this case TLC which had its airtime split for shows on Food Network, HGTV and Investigation Discovery.

MultiChoice had already been distributing content from these channels through Real Time which had me wondering why Warner Bros. Discovery would diminish the value of TLC. Even Investigation Discovery and Discovery Channel had gone through a similar ordeal.

Food Network and HGTV are the only brands that haven't been affected.

A few years ago, Warner Bros. Discovery opted to discontinue distribution of Discovery Science and Discovery Turbo across Europe. Very similar to Discovery Family and Real Time no marketing was done for any new content from these brands.

It would only seem logical if plans were underway to do away with these channels especially amidst Warner Bros. Discovery's potential acquisition by either Comcast, Netflix and Paramount.

With the main networks struggling to scavenge new content it makes Discovery Family and Real Time the weakest links.

Canal+ following its acquisition of MultiChoice has been trying to put out the fire as the company has seen a loss in subscribers and a drop in revenue. This had led Canal+ to shed certain operational expenses at the company by 20%.

In this carriage deal MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery are embroiled in there's a strong chance that both parties will settle this with lesser channels.

Discovery Family very much like TLC and Real Time have been airing older programming it's not only Discovery Channel's yesteryear stock but also My Cats From Hell. The same show would eventually resurface on Real Time making it a stronger candidate to get the axe.

Real Time could as well be repositioned to include shows from Discovery Channel as seen with Animal Planet, Food Network, HGTV and Investigation Discovery. Perhaps take up a higher position within DStv instead of 155 it sits alongside TLC on 136.

Amidst this whole dispute, Warner Bros. Discovery had unveiled several upcoming titles for Discovery Family that could as well migrate to Real Time in the event Discovery Family would be removed.

Channels That Are Likely Safe Or Canned Within MultiChoice's Channel Negotiation Agreement With Warner Bros. Discovery

MultiChoice is set to lose 4 channels by the end of December which include BET, MTV Base, CBS Reality and CBS Justice. There's a chance that more channels could join the list as it's embroiled in a carriage dispute with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Warner Bros. Discovery operates 12 channels on the DStv platform which is the most for any provider in contract with MultiChoice. This includes Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, TNT, CNN, Discovery Channel, TLC, Discovery Family, Real Time, HGTV, Travel Channel, Investigation Discovery and Food Network.

Unless a new agreement is put in place, DStv consumers would start the year with 16 less channels. Here's the thing, MultiChoice likely through its the parent company Canal+ is open to replacing them.

As mentioned, this isn't the first time MultiChoice had been involved in such matters but it is under Canal+. If they're bullish on the matter, then expect for consumers to lose access to Teen Titans GO! and Guy's Grocery Games.

From the looks of things, it appears as if Warner Bros. Discovery is open to retaining these channels or at least a few of them as they mention wanting to reach an agreement that benefits both parties.

Below is channels I believe safe, mild, at risk or likely to get the axe

Discovery Channel - Safe

Discovery Channel is a male oriented factual entertainment brand offering educational and wildlife content alongside other content. These include shows like Dirty Jobs, Gold Rush, Deadliest Catch and Mythbusters.

TLC - Safe

TLC is a female tailored brand offering content ranging from medical, lifestyle to reality basically rivalling with NBCUniversal's Bravo. It includes shows like 90 Day Fiance, Sister Wives, Dr. Pimple Popper and My 600LB Life.

Cartoon Network - Safe

Cartoon Network is a children's channel offering animation ranging from comedy, adventure and action for children's aged 6-12. It is home to shows like Adventure Time, The Powerpuff Girls, Craig Of The Creek and Teen Titans GO!.

CNN International - Safe

CNN International is a 24 hour channel offering news related programming and aimed at overseas territories similar to BBC News and Aljazeera. They offer news coverage in the world of sports, technology, science and politics.

Investigation Discovery - Mild

Investigation Discovery is a factual based channel offering content that ranges from paranormal, crime and investigative journalism. It includes shows like Death By Fame, Evil Lives Here and Murder Under Friday Night Lights.

Cartoonito - Mild

Cartoonito is a preschool channel offering content for viewers aged 2-5 years with a mixture of comedy and education. These include shows like Cocomelon, Thomas And Friends: All Engines Go!, Mr. Bean and Batwheels.

TNT - At Risk

TNT is a male oriented and family inclusive movie channel offering films ranging from action, adventure, sci-fi and horror. Since it's inception, TNT has been ranked as the #1 movie channel within the market and aside from films offers content from wrestling promotion, All Elite Wrestling. 

Real Time - At Risk 

Real Time is a lifestyle oriented brand offering shows ranging from home and decor, foodies, wildlife and investigation. It offers programming from Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, Food Network and HGTV.

HGTV - At Risk

HGTV as the name implies is a home and gardening channel offering reality programming related to home improvement and real estate. It includes shows like Ugliest House In America, My Lottery Dream Home and Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge.

Discovery Family - Axe

Discovery Family is viewed as family based channel offering content ranging from wildlife, science, technology and automobiles. Most of its programming comes from Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.

Travel Channel - Axe

Travel Channel is regarded a tourist destination for travel and leisure with its own themed content and part of the time it dwells on the supernatural. This includes shows like House Hunters International, Building Alaska and Destination Bigfoot.

Food Network - Axe

Food Network is a cable network that offers programming about food and cooking. It features shows like Holiday Baking Championship, Guy's Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay and Chopped.

Development Alert: Trace Africa's Pan African Offering Is Being Axed On DStv For More Mzansi Vibes With Trace Ngoma

Trace, in partnership with Canal+ and MultiChoice, will rebrand Trace Africa as Trace Ngoma, with the channel scheduled to launch on 18 December 2025 at 3pm CAT on DStv Channel 326. This follows news that Paramount will be axing MTV Base by the end of December which curated local hits.

The rebrand of Trace Africa to Trace Ngoma positions the channel as a platform focused on South African music and culture, with programming centred on locally rooted genres such as amapiano, Afro-pop, maskandi, hip hop, gqom, lekompo and urban gospel. The change is intended to align the channel more closely with South African audiences and the country’s evolving music landscape.

The name ‘Ngoma’, which is associated with the concepts of drumbeat, celebration, unity and heritage, is used to reflect a renewed focus on local languages, traditions and artistic expression.

“Our customers want to see themselves reflected on screen – their music, their languages, their culture,” MultiChoice CEO Willington Ngwepe said. “Trace Ngoma brings that to life in a powerful way. This rebrand aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver meaningful local entertainment that celebrates who we are as South Africans.”

Trace co-founder and chief executive Olivier Laouchez said the channel will serve as a space for cultural expression and representation.

“Trace Ngoma is where music meets identity. It amplifies the rhythms and stories that define South African culture and gives young people a space to connect and feel seen,” he said.

The channel will feature a range of locally curated programmes, including Amapiano Plz, Maskandi Vibes, Ke Hip Hop Dawg!, Lekompo Fela and Top 10 Afro-pop.

In addition, the line-up will include live performances, DJ sets, documentary-style storytelling and faith-based formats such as Gospel Kickstarter. The programming is expected to highlight both established artists and emerging talent, alongside grassroots cultural movements.

Could MultiChoice Risk Losing More DStv Channels Ahead Of Paramount Africa's Exit In The Market?

As reported, MultiChoice is set to lose four channels by the end of 2025 including CBS Reality, CBS Justice, BET and MTV Base. This forms part of a corporate restructure at Paramount that will see the closure of several international channels.

In an email sent to various DStv consumers not long ago, MultiChoice has now warned it's subscribers that they could be losing an additional 12 channels by the end of 2025. For sometime, they've been embroiled in a carriage dispute with Warner Bros. Discovery and no agreement is in place.

This means Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, CNN, TNT, Discovery Channel, TLC, Discovery Family, Real Time, Investigation Discovery, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel could be going dark on DStv and GOtv by 1st January 2026.

MultiChoice has been involved in multiple carriage disputes in the past there was one with A+E Global Media for History, Lifetime and C+I. Followed by eMedia Investments who provide eToonz, eExtra, eMovies and eMovies Extra which dragged on for 2 and half years.

It's currently unclear what led to this but from what I understand Warner Bros. Discovery will be closing off Cartoon Network in New Zealand and possibly Italy. It had been alleged that Warner Bros. Discovery wants more money and MultiChoice refused.

Again nothing is confirmed here but its also been alleged MultiChoice which is now owned by Canal+ wants to pay less for these channels. A few months ago, they decided to reduce payments to various suppliers and contractors by 20%.

But if you had to look at past disputes particularly the one with A+E Global Media there's a strong chance that CBS Justice, CBS Reality, BET and MTV Base won't be the only ones leaving DStv.

"our priority is to provide you with the best entertainment experience at the best possible pricing"

While it's too soon to speculate, MultiChoice does mention wanting to provide the best entertainment experience at the best possible pricing. To me this seems like an indicator that the company could be looking to shed costs or minimise rates.

If there are channels expected to leave DStv soon which I believe might be the case I'd imagine niche brands like Travel Channel would be axed. Followed by TNT as MultiChoice already boasts a diverse lineup of films through M-Net Movies, Movie Room and KIX.

Through an enquiry, MultiChoice had said to DStv subscribers that it is ready to replace Warner Bros. Discovery's TV channels with alternatives. But it's unlikely that all channels would be replaced some like TNT already come with those alternatives.

Cartoon Network, TNT Africa And 12 More Channels Could Be Exiting DStv As MultiChoice And Warner Bros. Discovery Enter A Carriage Dispute

DStv parent MultiChoice Group on Monday sent a warning to its subscribers: that 12 Warner Bros Discovery-owned channels could be removed from all DStv bouquets in the coming weeks should the two parties fail to reach a new distribution agreement.

In a letter, which was sent as an on-screen pop up and e-mail to DStv customers, MultiChoice said it will continue to strive to give customers an “exceptional entertainment package”, whether a new deal is struck or not.

“The distribution agreement between MultiChoice and Warner Bros Discovery is scheduled to end on 31 December 2025. While discussions between the parties continue, no agreement has been reached at this stage. If this remains unchanged, a number of Warner Bros Discovery channels may no longer be available on DStv from 1 January 2026,” MultiChoice said in a letter to subscribers on Monday.

The 12 channels that could be affected are:

• Discovery Channel

• CNN International

• TLC

• Discovery Family

• Real Time

• TNT Africa

• Food Network

• HGTV

• Investigation Discovery

• Cartoon Network

• Cartoonito

• Travel Channel

MultiChoice hinted at a possible refreshed channel line-up in 2026: it said it is “preparing to further strengthen and enrich its line-up with new content, channels and services” in the new year.

The changes will affect all DStv customers across Africa; customers of sister company Showmax will not be affected should the Warner Bros content be removed from DStv.

Subscriber losses

The news comes as MultiChoice parent company, French pay-TV giant Groupe Canal+, stated its commitment to stemming the subscriber decline at MultiChoice. In a presentation to investors, Canal+ revealed that a 1.2 million year-over-year loss in subscribers to the year-ended 31 March had accelerated to 1.4 million year on year by end-June. Canal+ said it will leverage cost optimisation to reset the cost base across its African operations while taking advantage of groupwide technology “synergies” to drive costs down even further.

“What matters most is ensuring that your viewing experience remains rich, diverse and enjoyable. You will continue to enjoy an exceptional entertainment experience across your package, supported by strong alternative channels across every genre,” MultiChoice told customers about the Warner Bros Discovery talks.  

Could CBS Reality Be Shutting Down Around The World Alongside True Crime UK???

Some consumers were likely keeping tabs on this but CBS Reality's carriage had been in decline over the years. In the UK, this offering was folded under True Crime which very much like CBS Reality has been airing a lot of Judge Judy same goes for the feeds to have closed.

MultiChoice and DStv consumers have been the latest victims in this corporate restructure of Paramount with CBS Reality and CBS Justice expected to close by 31 December 2025.

This was stated by them when addressing the press

“Following a strategic review, CBS AMC Networks EMEA Channels Partnership – the owner of CBS Reality and CBS Justice – has decided to close both channels,” MultiChoice said.

Does this mean remaining feeds for the channels are expected to close???

At the time of reporting, the only markets that would continue to offer CBS Reality would be the UK (through True Crime), Romania and the Middle East. If you had to look at the channel's reach excluding the UK, it's a lot smaller and such aren't prioritised.

Unlike MultiChoice's DStv, Paramount's Channels Are Being Replaced In Other Parts Of The World

At this current stage, MultiChoice has no plans to replace CBS Reality, CBS Justice, MTV Base and BET once they go dark on DStv. This will only enrage consumers by next year and lead to the potential loss in subscribers as seen with high end packages.

From what is understood, the decision to remove these channels was a corporate decision coming from Paramount and AMC Networks International. MultiChoice has no control over that and are as much customs as of its subscribers.

But as MultiChoice a service is being provided by them so it would only seem logical in this scenario for consumers to get some form of compensation. Rather than widening down the reach of existing channels as if your top level or mid entry subscribers don't exist.

In New Zealand, Sky had launched two channels Sky Comedy and Sky Kids that have licensed content from Paramount's cable networks.  Even in Poland whose CBS Reality is scheduled to close at the same time as Africa is treating this as a rebrand with another set to launch in place.

Even in Australia, Foxtel had launched its replacements for MTV's cable networks: CMC, Australian Played and Trending. This is despite the fact that Spotify and YouTube Music are booming within the streaming space.

Then you have MultiChoice which is losing 4 channels despite closing an additional 2 channels in the year and between 7 to 12 channels in the previous financial year. They had only managed to launch like 1 channel and another 1 or 2 in the previous year.

In general, things at MultiChoice are really a mess and those following the media can only just hope that this tie up with Canal+ can only benefit existing clients in the long run. There's likely going to be more corporate restructuring within the media landscape.

Paramount is currently in pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery and if they're able to sink their teeth into Discovery Channel and Cartoon Network. Expect a similar outcome to await these brands and MultiChoice won't have much leverage by then.

Some consumers are threatening to cancel their DStv subscription once MTV Base goes dark this was somewhat like the Mzansi Magic of music. Judge Judy that's also being axed without airing it's final season alongside reruns to Cheaters as this content won't be found elsewhere.

"There Are A Variety Of Other Channels That Contain Similar Content", MultiChoice On The Closures Of MTV Base, BET, CBS Reality And CBS Justice On DStv

As reported moments ago, CBS Reality, CBS Justice, BET and MTV Base will be exiting DStv soon due to a corporate restructure at Paramount. For DStv consumers particularly high end subscribers that are hoping to be compensated there no plans to replace these channels.

MultiChoice when asked about the matter pertaining to BET and MTV Base 

"There are a variety of other channels that contain similar content, such as Sound City, Channel O, Trace Urban or Trace Africa for music, or Mzansi Magic, M-Net, Bravo, and Movie Room for viewers who prefer series and movie entertainment.”

MultiChoice when asked about the matter pertaining to shows like Judge Judy on CBS Reality 

"Customers can continue to enjoy a wide range of local and international reality and investigative content across our bouquet of channels.”

However the fact that MultiChoice has no workaround to such doesn't mean there won't be one eventually. Best guess here is that MultiChoice will be widening the reach certain channels within 2026.

For MTV Base, this could as well be Trace Africa to DStv Access but like MultiChoice has stated there's plenty of channels for local music. There's been an increase in online usage for platforms like Spotify which partially contributed to the channel's demise.

For CBS Reality, this could as well be the additions of Discovery Family to DStv Access or Curiosity Channel to DStv Family subscribers. As highlighted, there's a wide range of local and international reality and investigative content.

Lastly for other DStv consumers, MultiChoice had been part of a corporate buyout by French broadcaster Canal+. Through its sub division, Canal+ Afrique had boasted about 4000 hours of African content which is currently being integrated with MultiChoice. 

From 9 December, MultiChoice will be adding Sunu Yeuf, Pulaagu, Mandeka, Maboke and Zacu TV currently seen on Canal+ Afrique to DStv. These channels form part of 4000 hours content slate the company is introducing in select African markets.

Scheduling Update: BET And MTV Base Will Stop Airing On DStv From January 1st At 9AM CAT

As reported moments ago, CBS Reality, CBS Justice, BET and MTV Base will be exiting DStv soon due to a corporate restructure at Paramount. This had led to several linear channels to shut down from across the globe and this included various MTV branded channels.

MultiChoice sent a notice to various DStv consumers informing them that these 4 channels would be exiting DStv by 31 December 2025. Yet on the programme guide, BET and MTV Base are only scheduled to close by 1 January 2025 at 9AM CAT.

This could mean several things the first Paramount could be curating special programming for the channels. As I understand it, MTV Base had been curating content to celebrate 20 years perhaps BET with its 10 year presence is being stringed along.

Their closures seemed abrupt when it was first announced and this could be their way of trying of settling the score or rather make amends. 

On the MultiChoice side of things, the company will now to have work around the clock to allocate more content or risk losing subscribers. Since their buyout by Canal+, DStv consumers have seen some enhancement with the addition of Ligue 1 and NBA on SuperSport.

Canal+ is expected to provide a detailed report about its plans for MultiChoice by next year. Some of which include merging their operations with that of MultiChoice a process in which the company is expected to conclude within 12 to 18 months.

Channel Closure: CBS Reality And CBS Justice Will Stop Airing On DStv From 31 December 2025

Due to a corporate restructure at Paramount, DStv consumers will be bidding farewell to both BET and MTV Base as the channels are set to close by 31 December 2025. Joining the duo will be CBS Reality and CBS Justice in which the company operate alongside AMC Networks International.

This will follow a slate of channels by both companies which are set to shutter by the end of 2025. This includes CBS Reality in Poland, BET in France, Nickelodeon's channels in New Zealand and MTV's music channels across the whole of Europe.

CBS Reality was added onto MultiChoice's DStv by November 2001 as Zone Reality offering reality based content and documentaries. It was known for shows like Cheaters, Judge Judy, Dogs Behaving Very Badly, Border Patrol: Beyond Borders and Hardcore Pawn.

It's closure means DStv consumers won't be seeing the final season of Judge Judy as CBS Reality was currently broadcasting it's 21st season. 

MultiChoice added CBS Justice as a replacement to Hearst's Crime + Investigation by November 2019. Serving as a spin-off to CBS Reality, it offered shows like Murder Made Me Famous, World's Most Evil Killers and Donal MacIntyre's Murder Files.

As reported, MultiChoice will be adding four pop-up channels for the festive holidays: DStv 30, AFCON, fliekNET and The Holiday Channel. They are also running an Upsize promotion on various DStv packages which will just serve as distractions.

Canal+ is currently integrating it's African operations with that of MultiChoice following its acquisition of the company. This has led to the further additions of Sunu Yeuf (Senegalese), Pulaagu (Pulaar/Fulfulde), Mandeka (Mandinka and related Manding languages) and Maboke (Lingala).