MultiChoice Zambia Adds Government Based News Channel Zanis TV To DStv

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ZANIS TV has officially been onboarded onto the DStv platform following a landmark signing ceremony held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana represented the Zambian Government at the historic event, describing the partnership between Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) and MultiChoice Group as a major breakthrough for the country’s media industry.

Kawana said the development will significantly expand the reach of ZANIS TV, enabling more Zambians both at home and in the diaspora to access information on government programmes and national development initiatives.

“This partnership is a game-changer for our media industry. By expanding our reach, we are ensuring that every Zambian at home and abroad has a front-row seat to the developmental projects and policies of the New Dawn Administration,” Kawana said.

He noted that the move will enhance the visibility of Zambia’s developmental agenda and strengthen the dissemination of credible, timely and factual information.

However, Kawana said government has taken note of concerns raised by members of the public regarding DStv services. 

During the ceremony, he urged MultiChoice to address issues surrounding high subscription fees, reduce repetitive content and maintain ZNBC TV as a Free-To-Air channel.

“We have heard the concerns of our people and we have conveyed them directly to MultiChoice. It is important that as we expand access, we also ensure affordability and quality content for viewers,” he said.

Kawana also challenged the ZANIS team to uphold high standards of professionalism and integrity as the channel transitions onto a broader continental and global platform.

"To the ZANIS team, the world is now watching. Let us continue telling the Zambian story with professionalism and integrity,” he said.

The onboarding of ZANIS TV onto DStv is expected to boost the channel’s visibility across Africa and beyond, positioning it as a key platform for showcasing Zambia’s development trajectory and national discourse.

Love Nature Expanding To More Canal+ Markets, Still No Word On MultiChoice's DStv?

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Love Nature is a factual channel operated by Blue Ant Media with content focused on environmental appreciation and conservation. Based in Toronto, it features a range of wildlife and nature documentaries.

Following it's inception on Canal+ Polska, the French broadcaster is looking to expand Love Nature to all its French territories in France, Europe and Africa.

Programming set to be included at launch include Big Cat Country, Malawi Wildlife Rescue, Wildlife Icons Seasons 1 and 2 all of which are filmed in Africa. It seems kind of odd that a channel featuring this much local content is not as yet on DStv.

We've shot up a couple of theories as to why this may be the case as seen with the WBD deal. MultiChoice's contracts was aligned with that of Canal+'s operations in Europe so talks are likely still underway as the deal was said to unlock synergies.

There's no reason to think otherwise as Canal+ had promised that the buyout would include increased content for DStv consumers particularly local. Since last year, MultiChoice had stated they were in position to allocate more content and channels.

If I had guess where Love Nature would be placed probably in People's Planet former space which was channel 180. 

Is Canal+ Looking To Sell Showmax?

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Last month, Canal+ held a media briefing discussing various details about MultiChoice after completing it's acquisition of the company in late 2025. It was revealed that Showmax was losing a lot of money and are exploring options for the brand.

Canal+ is also looking at possibly launching its self titled streaming service in MultiChoice markets which would bundle Netflix and Apple TV.

The problem part as outlined would be Showmax and during that briefing it was revealed that Canal+ would be reducing its investment toward the streamer. They've even held various talks with Comcast about the future of the brand.

One of which could include a possible sale of the brand to Comcast's NBCUniversal after acquiring a 30% stake. Another could be Canal+ acquiring the remaining stake and phasing it out for its self titled streaming service although it may seem unlikely.

In the event, NBCUniversal does look to acquire the remaining 70% which seems possible as Canal+ talked about selling none-core assets. It's likely that a licensing agreement between them and MultiChoice would be put in place for local content. 

Canal+ plans to sell MultiChoice content even to the likes of Netflix which they deem a partner. Under the Nasper era, 

What to me would be unknown is whether Showmax as a brand would continue to operate in Africa under that trademark or fold under Peacock as seen in the US and select international markets.

There's literally nothing stopping NBCUniversal from retaining the Showmax trademark as Canal+ has already begun the due diligence. Several original shows like Youngins and Die Kantoor their windows between DStv has been shortened.

Another is the international deals, Canal+ got out of renewal talks with Warner Bros. Discovery which saw consumers lose out on HBO content. If I had to guess, the next victim to all of these cuts within Showmax will be that Premier League subscription.

Canal+ could redirect this efforts back to DStv Stream.

If NBCUniversal is looking to acquire Showmax, HBO may not be the only thing to get reduced even content from Sony, Paramount and AMC will see radical declines. As NBCUniversal can use this buyout to expand its own catalogue instead.

How Canal+ Might Rollout A Sports Only Package On DStv?

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Canal+ managed to complete it's acquisition of MultiChoice by late 2025 and since then had been undergoing some restructure. This includes scaling back on services such as Showmax and renewal of WBD channels in Europe and Africa.

Prior to the takeover, MultiChoice was exploring possibly offering sports on a separate package with another package offering local entertainment, movies and news.

It should be noted that this isn't the first time they explored such an offering and they've been very skeptical about separating SuperSport. This is because it wasn't deemed as viable as seen with Showmax PRO another had to do with the pricing.

In MultiChoice's first test run, consumers would have been given the option to pay a monthly rate of R300 for Mzansi Magic, Discovery Channel and Cartoon Network. This excluded the AddMovies offering which comprised of M-Net Movies 1 & 2.

SuperSport's offering on this package was divided between two the first would consist of PSL, La Liga and Premier League while the other featured Tennis, Rugby and Cricket. Both of which were also priced at R300 and those opting to pay both got a discount.

As seen with AddMovies where consumers aren't paying for this as a standalone the same is likely to await the sport's offering but under Canal+'s influence they could find some workaround.

A majority of Netflix subscribers are less likely to subscribe to the sports offering if MultiChoice were to tell them they needed to pay for the general entertainment package. This is what MultiChoice wanted to burden onto these clients in its drafts.

Under Canal+, these clients may be given the option to include SuperSport in their Netflix subscription. For those using Showmax, Canal+ could give these clients a discounted rate by bundling this service with SuperSport.

Netflix and Showmax are basically the OTT counterparts to this general entertainment package from DStv so the idea of them bundling SuperSport onto these services wouldn't seem far fetched.

Canal+ Looking To Launch It's Own Streaming Service In Place Of Showmax

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Canal+ SA is considering deploying its streaming app, which includes deals with Apple TV and Warner Bros Discovery’s HBO Max, to clients of South African pay-TV operator MultiChoice Group, which the French firm bought last year.

“All of the content is embedded on the Canal+ app, and as a user, you do not have to go on another app,” chief financial officer Amandine Ferre said in an interview on Thursday.

Canal+ gained control of MultiChoice — part owner of streaming service Showmax with Comcast — late last year in a deal that valued the African platform at about $3 billion.

The Johannesburg-based firm’s operations are mainly in the south and east of the continent, as well as Nigeria and Ghana, while the French company already has a presence throughout francophone western Africa.

It hasn’t taken a final decision on what to do with Showmax — MultiChoice’s streaming offering — or on the roll-out of the Canal+ app to countries where MultiChoice operates, Ferre said.

Canal+ shares surged as much as 15% in London on Thursday and are at a record.

The combined entertainment platform will likely deliver more than €400 million in earnings before interest, tax and amortisation, and about €300 million in free cash flow cost savings by 2030, it said in a statement Thursday.

Canal+ is working to start growing MultiChoice’s subscriber numbers after the company lost almost 3 million customers over the past two financial years.

It has already renegotiated a contract for set-top boxes and has provided cheaper units since November, she said.

“We are really working on the entry ticket and the best packages, and making sure we have the best price,” said Ferre.

The combined entity has returned National Basketball Association content to the SuperSport offering after an eight-year break, and also added French Ligue 1 football matches to its platform.

MultiChoice was created by Cape Town-based Naspers.

In 2019, the company was spun off from Naspers and in 2024, Canal+ made a takeover approach. Its premium service is priced at about $60 a month.

From Discovery Channel To CNN: Could MultiChoice Have Broadened The Reach Of More Channels On DStv?

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During the week, it was confirmed by MultiChoice that DStv Access subscribers would be gaining 3 additional 3 channels. This would consist of 2 music channels Trace Ngoma and Trace Gospel alongside wrestling promotion WWE.

This news came right after several DStv subscribers had spotted this channels on the company's website now listed under Access. It appears that MultiChoice may have broadened the reach of more channels.

As it should be noted, MultiChoice was running an Upsize promotion for various DStv consumers which is scheduled to end by 31 January 2026. Since then, a majority of Warner Bros. Discovery's channels are now listed under particular packages.

And it goes follows:

Discovery Channel - DStv Premium to Compact 

Discovery Family - DStv Family to DStv Access

HGTV - DStv Family to DStv Access

Food Network - DStv Family to DStv Access 

ID - DStv Compact to DStv Access

Travel Channel - DStv Family to DStv Access

Cartoonito - DStv Family to DStv Access

CNN - DStv Compact to DStv Access

Canal+ made a last minute deal with Warner Bros. Discovery for these channels which led to HBO and Warner Bros. content to get exempted from M-Net. Now it appears that the value of the higher end packages are being diluted.

According to a rep at Warner Bros. Discovery and MultiChoice, these channels are part of the Upsize promotion which runs from November 2025 to 31 January 2026. Of course, it still doesn't answer why these channels are listed on these packages.

Showmax Has Been Deemed As Unsuccessful, Canal+ Looking To Wind Down On Investments

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Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada says MultiChoice’s streaming platform, Showmax, was not a commercial success and that the company will cut further investments into the service.

Speaking during Canal+’s presentation on cost-cutting targets following its acquisition of MultiChoice, Saada was asked about his company’s plans for Showmax.

“Showmax is not a commercial success. It’s quite obvious. There were a lot of dedicated investments on the marketing side, on the content side, on the technology side,” the CEO said.

“We are in a position to reduce those investments. They are included in the synergies. I won’t say how much, but it is significant.”

However, he explained that their strategy was all about growth. So, when making these decisions, Canal+ will be very careful to avoid losing potentially valuable subscribers.

“Although we are very quick at assessing the investments that we believe are required and those that are not. We are also very cautious not to negatively impact the top line,” Saada said.

“Otherwise, it would be like a bandaid we could rip off, but we are not going to do that. There was so much investment there that we had a lot of room to improve the situation.”

Groupe Canal+ gained control of the MultiChoice Group in September 2025, following a lengthy mandatory buyout process. The final phase of the transaction commenced on 13 October 2025.

MultiChoice first launched its Showmax streaming platform in 2015. However, it received significant upgrades and relaunched as Showmax 2.0 in February 2024.

The DStv-owner had high hopes for the revamped platform, pinning its entire future on it and telling investors that it expected to generate $1 billion (R15.7 billion) in net revenue in five years.

The first indications of MultiChoice’s plans for Showmax surfaced in March 2023, when it announced a deal that would give its streaming service access to the technology behind NBCUniversal’s Peacock.

The deal’s terms stipulated that MultiChoice would sell a 30% stake in Showmax to NBCUniversal and Sky.

Showmax 2.0

MultiChoice invested in marketing, technology, and new content for Showmax’s relaunch. MultiChoice announced three subscription plans for Showmax alongside its relaunch.

These are Showmax Entertainment, Showmax Entertainment Mobile, and Showmax Premier League. The latter is a mobile-only subscription providing access to all 380 English Premier League matches.

Showmax Entertainment offers content like series, movies, and kids’ shows. It is also available in a mobile-only format for a lower monthly fee.

Showmax’s relaunch included an expanded local catalogue, including 21 Showmax Originals from four African countries. It promised that 1,300 hours of new Showmax Originals would be released in 2024.

The company’s strategy aimed to leverage the African streaming market entering an anticipated boom phase, and position Showmax to become the continent’s leading video streaming service.

It highlighted that Africa is home to more than 450 million smartphone users and 250 million football lovers, which MultiChoice saw as a significant untapped market.

“It is critical that we make our move now before others reorganise themselves and make a play for Africa, which is seen as the last remaining growth market,” MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela said.

A year after Showmax’s relaunch, MultiChoice said it was seeing significant growth in its subscriber base, with the number of paying customers increasing 50% year-on-year by September 2024.

“It was a landmark year for Showmax, which grew its paying subscriber base, excluding discontinued services, by 50% year-on-year,” it said.

In its results for the period, the broadcaster said it expected the growth to accelerate as its strategic initiatives start to bear fruit.

“Showmax streamer was named Best Television/Streaming Network at The National Film and TV Awards South Africa and Entertainment App of the Year at the Stuff App Awards,” it added.

While the streaming platform recorded further year-on-year growth in the 2025 financial year, it hasn’t been the success that MultiChoice had envisioned.

The streamer recorded 44% year-on-year growth and said the number of Showmax Originals offered on the platform had increased to 89.

The revenue it generated during the financial year was approximately R750 million, and MultiChoice said its revenue growth was impacted by discontinued products, like Showmax Pro, ahead of the relaunch.

MultiChoice initially projected that Showmax would make trading losses, which would begin decreasing by the 2025 financial year. However, the opposite happened.

MultiChoice’s latest annual results showed that Showmax’s trading loss had worsened by 88% from R2.6 billion to R4.9 billion. At the same time, revenue also significantly declined.

“The increased trading losses reflect the start-up nature of the business, with a step-change in content costs and increased platform costs,” MultiChoice said.

“Its results were also impacted by discontinuation of the Showmax Pro and diaspora packages in 2H FY24, prior to re-launch.”

The Group also recognised a R1.5 billion net loss from Showmax in its bottom line for its last financial year. Considering it owns 70% of the platform indicates that its overall net loss was R2.15 billion.

Canal+ Expects Billions In Savings After MultiChoice Deal

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Canal+ expects to generate more than €400-million (R7.5-billion) in annual earnings “synergies” from its acquisition of MultiChoice Group, underlining the strategic importance of Africa to the French media group’s long-term growth ambitions.

In a statement released on Thursday, Canal+ said the combined group is targeting run-rate cost synergies of more than €400-million at earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (Ebita) level, and more than €300-million in free cash flow, from 2030 onwards.

The group said the acquisition, which gave Canal+ effective control of MultiChoice in September 2025, had created a “unique global entertainment platform” anchored in Europe and Africa, with increased scale allowing it to optimise costs across content, technology and other group functions.

Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada said the deal positioned the group to capitalise on Africa’s long-term growth potential, while also delivering substantial efficiencies. “Our increased scale will enable us to generate substantial synergies, particularly across our cost base,” he said.

Africa is central to Canal+’s growth plans. The company said a combined management team is now responsible for all African markets under the leadership of Canal+ Africa CEO David Mignot, bringing together executives from both businesses.

The group cited favourable long-term trends on the continent, including rapid population growth, improving economic prospects and rising electrification and pay-TV penetration. Canal+ said its African subscriber base grew from 400 000 to nine million between 2010 and 2025, while MultiChoice’s customer base expanded from 3.9 million to 14.1 million over the same period.

Cost base

Together, the combined group has more than 40 million subscribers and operates in more than 70 countries. Canal+ said it is targeting between 50 million and 100 million subscribers over the longer term.

The company added that work is already under way to return MultiChoice’s African operations to growth following subscriber pressure in recent years. Further details on its plans for MultiChoice markets will be shared alongside Canal+’s full-year results in March.

Canal+ estimates the combined group’s 2025 cost base at around €8-billion, split between content costs of about €4.6-billion and technology and other costs of roughly €3.4-billion.

Cost synergies are expected to ramp up steadily, with more than €150-million in Ebita and free cash flow benefits targeted in 2026, rising to more than €300-million by 2028 and reaching full run-rate levels from 2030.

The group said more than €80-million of free cash flow synergies for 2026 have already been secured, including through new content partnerships, renegotiated hardware prices, optimisation of broadcasting and technology infrastructure, and the refinancing of MultiChoice’s long-term debt.

Implementation costs linked to the integration are expected to total about €35-million in 2026, rising to €40-million in 2028 and then declining to €20-million in 2030.

To support delivery of the synergies, Canal+ has centralised key group functions, including sports and entertainment content acquisition, technology, and procurement. It has also established dedicated governance structures to track and manage integration and cost savings.

Canal+ will provide further detail on the combined group’s strategy when it publishes its results for the year ended 31 December 2025 on 11 March 2026.

DStv Needs To Be Restructured

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Rationality is realising that gone are the days when DStv could offer a bouquet of entertainment from across the world. As suppliers and consumers shift their focus to online viewing further reducing the portfolio for linear consumers.

In general, there's nothing wrong with DStv if it offered more Zee World than HBO content as that's where most consumers reside. It's not that House Of Dragons and The White Lotus aren't superb but most would rather pay for this if it were on Showmax.

If Canal+ is hoping to scale up on subscriber count through its MultiChoice buyout the only best option would be rethinking how content gets packaged.

The premium market needed to be restructured even before the pandemic. Consumers haven't gotten anything worthwhile outside of sports and what little is left is being duplicated and becoming more accessible on cheaper packages.

MultiChoice initially offered DStv Select 1 and 2 in South Africa and from what I recall it's active in few African markets. Think of DStv Easyview but with only the must haves of DStv but expensive which is M-Net, KykNET, BBC Earth and SS Grandstand.

This is something I believe needs to be revived somehow then there's the other which is a standalone sports package or add-on.

SuperSport takes a very large audience share within DStv while eMedia, SABC and even Netflix can offer select sporting events. SuperSport continues to offer the whole enchilada from Premier League, NBA, La Liga, WWE and Moto GP.

Canal+ you could try to offer a promotions to consumers who wish to see select sporting events.

Getting back to the packages, MultiChoice had explored an entertainment only package maybe split this offering into two separate packages. One package carries premium networks like Mzansi Magic while the other has Mzansi Wethu.

Were Mexican Imports On TLNovelas A Miss On DStv?

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As I've reported, TLNovelas will be going dark on DStv in the coming weeks likely as part of Canal+'s aggressive cost cuts at MultiChoice. The channel is on track to wrap up Love To Death and It Had To Be You as Fall Into Temptation concludes this week.

Fans of the shows feel like MultiChoice's response is vague because often when a channel is removed the same statements. All consumers want is some clarity and what led TLNovelas to become an afterthought as Telemundo lives another day.

Over the years, Telemundo had seen a major drop in primetime and TLNovelas was regarded to some of these viewers as their holy grace. It features content from Mexico's biggest broadcasters Las Estrellas with Rubi, Love Spell and A Woman Of Steel.

What went wrong?

Firstly, we live in a market which is dominant by African stories and this content takes up a 40% audience share in primetime. TLNovelas was most likely not pulling up those same numbers making it vulnerable to potential cuts.

As for Telemundo, this is basically the HBO of Spanish television with shows like Iron Rose and Queen Of The South commanding a wider audience. It wouldn't be something you'd just let go despite Canal+'s scrutiny.

TLNovelas entire existence was solely based on archived Mexican telenovelas and those can often lead to low viewership.

Another problem stems from TelevisaUnivison, they had existing agreements with other local broadcasters for these shows. TLNovelas was basically another Discovery Family or Nicktoons funneled with repeats for some viewers.

Trace Ngoma, Trace Gospel And WWE Channel Now On DStv Access???

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MultiChoice had been running an Upsize promotion on the DStv platform since November 2025 as part of a 30 year celebration. This meant lower packages would get access to premium content at no additional charge.

Unbeknownst to some viewers was the sudden inclusion of Trace Ngoma, Trace Gospel and the 24 hour WWE channel on DStv Access.

WWE Channel (Channel 128) is a dedicated 24-hour channel for all things World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It offers flagship shows like Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, as well as pay-per-views documentaries, and archival content.

Trace Gospel (Channel 332) is a 24-hour music channel dedicated to showcasing the diversity and richness of local and international gospel music.

Trace Ngoma (Channel 326) is the new home for South African music and culture, with a strong focus on local genres and artists. "Ngoma" reflects themes of drumbeat, celebration, and heritage.

Last year, Paramount had shuttered MTV Base, BET, CBS Reality and CBS Justice due to a restructuring following it's buyout by Skydance. It was stated by MultiChoice that consumers could browse similar content on Mzansi Magic and Channel O.

This was their way of saying no plans are underway to retain Judge Judy much less rollout replacements. Consumers would be starting the new year with 4 less channels.

Since late 2025, Trace Africa, Trace Gospel and WWE brands which had been exclusive to DStv Premium, Compact+, Compact and Family are now listed on Access.

In an enquiry to MultiChoice, they were only able to confirm the inclusion of Trace Urban's other TV channels. We can only assume that maybe MultiChoice wants to make Access the premier destination for Gqom and Amapiano.

As for WWE, MultiChoice had been very mim about whether it's a permanent addition but if you do browse the company's services in other parts of Africa. WWE does serve as a permanent fixture to these consumers and oddly it wasn't the case in SA.

MTV Will No Longer Air Music Programming Following The Closure Of MTV Base

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During the month, Paramount closed four channels within the African market this comprises of BET, MTV Base, CBS Reality and CBS Justice. This forms part of corporate restructure which saw several linear channels close around the world.

This includes MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live in various European markets, BET in France and Nickelodeon in New Zealand.

For DStv consumers that are hoping that some fragment of MTV Base will form part of MTV shouldn't bet on it for the foreseeable future. This is because Paramount is leaning more toward reality TV for the main network.

This comprises of shows like Teen Moms, Dating Naked UK and Caught In The Act: Unfaithful. Award shows such as MTV EMAs were put on pause for the 2025 period and might be the closest anyone has to this fragment of MTV.

Speculation making the mount is that these are also in danger of getting the axe as seen with most of BET's award shows like Soul Train Awards and Hip-Hop Awards.

The new management at Paramount is getting with times and fact is Spotify and YouTube are gradually phasing out the likes of MTV Base. Plan B is to make MTV more leaner with documentaries, reality shows and some behind the scenes.

Problem here with Plan B is that MTV hasn't been as relevant as in a long while and the only reason it got this far was it's music brand it shuttered globally.

As it stands, MTV is at greater risk of following the same route as E! with the cancellation of Ridiculousness and Catfish: The TV Show. Majority of their audience latched onto these shows without them it's makes survival almost impossible.

Juana's Story And Aurora's Quest No Longer Moving Forward On DStv Following The Closure Of TLNovelas

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MultiChoice will be axing TelevisaUnivison's TLNovelas channel from DStv and GOtv platforms by the end of the month. As part of Canal+'s cost cutting measures following it's takeover of the company.

According to some insiders, TLNovelas allegedly had two shows slated for African audiences and were slated to launch in the first quarter of the year. Following their axing, these titles would be directed to TLN Network in Angola and Mozambique.

Affected shows included Juana's Story (La Historia De Juana) and Aurora's Quest (El Ángel De Aurora).

Synopsis for Juana's Story 

The narrative follows Juana Guadalupe Bravo (played by Camila Valero), a 20-year-old virgin and engineering student. Her life is unexpectedly upended during a routine medical checkup when she is accidentally artificially inseminated due to a clinical mix-up. 

As Juana grapples with an impossible pregnancy, she eventually crosses paths with the biological father, Gabriel Rubio (played by Brandon Peniche). Gabriel is a powerful businessman and cancer survivor who had previously frozen his sperm, believing it was his only chance to have a child and leave a legacy. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, the two begin a complicated journey that evolves into a deep, unconventional romance. 

Synopsis for Aurora's Quest

The story is set in motion by Jezabel, Aurora's jealous sister, who orchestrates a brutal attack on Aurora by a man known as "El Pintas". Aurora becomes pregnant as a result of this rape. 

On Aurora’s wedding day to her fiancé, Antonio, Jezabel presents a falsified DNA test claiming the baby is not his. Simultaneously, El Pintas calls Antonio to falsely claim he and Aurora were lovers. Devastated, Antonio abandons Aurora at the altar.

Driven by shame and sexism, Aurora’s father, Miguel, snatches her newborn son, Gabriel, and gives him to a humble couple, Pascual and Victoria, to raise. 

Gabriel has grown up as Ángel Santos, unaware of his true origin. Destiny brings him into Aurora’s world when he begins working at her corporation.

Could Canal+'s MultiChoice Look To Expand Novelas TV's Operations To DStv?

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As reported, MultiChoice will be axing TLNovelas after 5 years from their platforms by the end of January. They haven't given a reason to the sudden reason for the exclusion of the channel but several theories enter the mount.

Firstly, Canal+ has been slashing costs at MultiChoice and TLNovelas happens to be the first victim in this pursuit. Other cuts ranged from sporting events seen on SuperSport such as Philly Games and World Darts Championship.

Another theory to various DStv consumers is that the French broadcaster has plans to possibly possibly ramp up another TV channel, Novelas TV.

Novelas TV is the go to destination for French dubbed Latin American and Turkish telenovelas for consumers in France and Africa. A Polish version known as Novelas+ is being broadcast on Platforma Canal+ in Poland.

In technicality, it would be rivalling with both Telemundo and eExtra's existing offering on DStv.

MultiChoice had mentioned that they plan to enhance consumer's offering with more content and channels. To some, this could as well imply possibly reverting further content from TLNovelas onto Novelas TV or whatever the French prefers to call it.

It's less likely to be referred to as Novelas TV seeing as there's already one in Africa but rather Novelas+ as seen in Poland seeing as there's no overlap.

Novelas TV being a localised brand with both French and Polish audio could signal that a speculated feed will be in African languages.

KykNET has been distributing Afrikaans dubbed Turkish telenovelas like My Naam Is Farah and Kind Van Die Noodlot. Oddly enough, it had even been picked up by Maisha Magic which is based in East Africa so don't be surprised if that got slotted in.

Canal+ currently has a 37% stake in the Asian based streamer VIU and is looking to acquire majority stake. They've followed a similar route as Zee TV and KykNET with localised dubbing to international dramas again could be slotted in.

Teresa, Love Spell and the funnel of content viewed on TLNovelas again might as well garner some new life on Novelas TV.

Channel Closure: TLNovelas Will Stop Airing On DStv And GOtv From 31 January 2026 Due To Canal+'s Cost Cutting At MultiChoice

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MultiChoice in a statement:

We regularly review our channel line-up to ensure we offer customers the best in local and international content. This is done to ensure we deliver unbeatable content and that our DStv services cater for the needs and viewing requirements of our customers. As part of this ongoing process, some channels may be terminated. 

After Canal+ managed to forge an agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery for MultiChoice operations in Africa. A notice was sent out informing subscribers of TLNovelas's departure from DStv on 31 January 2026.

Not long ago, Paramount had claimed the lives of CBS Reality, CBS Justice, MTV Base and BET. Now consumers have to sayanara to TLNovelas which serves as the first victim in Canal+'s cost cutting.

TLNovelas was added to MultiChoice's DStv and GOtv platforms across Africa in September 2020 as a pop-up channel. StarTimes offered it as a permanent addition in a separate agreement when it launched in May 2020 - no longer available.

For DStv consumers, this was accompanied by two other pop-up channels, Timeless Dizi Channel and ZooMoo. Out of the three, MultiChoice had opted to keep only TLNovelas while removing ZooMoo and Timeless Dizi Channel. 

After five years, TLNovelas will take a bow on 31 January 2026 with Love To Death and It Had To Be You airing in double bill form. MultiChoice has no plans to replace the channel leaving Telemundo as the only other alternative on the platform.

Telemundo will be launching a new female led drama The Woman In Charge which serves as a reboot to Woman Of Steel. This will be followed by the romantic drama Love Of My Life in the month of February.

Canal+ Inks New Agreement With Warner Bros. Discovery For It's Operations In Europe And That Of MultiChoice In Africa

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MultiChoice owner Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery have announced that they have signed a multi-year, multi-territory agreement.

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

This resolves the uncertainty over 12 DStv channels that would have gone dark at midnight, had Canal+ not secured a renewed channel carriage agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Home Box Office (HBO), a longtime partner of MultiChoice and the inspiration for the original M-Net channel, is part of Warner Bros. Streaming.

HBO is home to hit franchises and shows such as Game of Thrones, Band of Brothers, The Sopranos, The Wire, Sex and the City, Veep, Six Feet Under, True Blood, and The Last of Us.

Warner Bros. Discovery also owns DC Comics, the film rights to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and New Line Cinema, which is known for its Lord of the Rings movies.

The company is currently in acquisition talks with Netflix and Paramount Skydance, with Bloomberg reporting Tuesday night that Warner Bros. is expected to reject Paramount’s offer next week.

Amid the trillion-rand corporate action, Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery were negotiating an agreement to replace one it had with MultiChoice, which expires at midnight.

Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery said their new agreement marked a major milestone in the development of their collaboration on an international scale.

“It builds on the landmark agreements concluded in France in 2024 — including the renewal of the exclusive pay-TV window for Warner Bros. Pictures films just six months after their theatrical release in France.”

The deal also includes the integration of HBO Max within select Canal+ group offers, with the renewal of the distribution agreement for 22 thematic channels and 4 free-to-air channels.

Canal+ confirmed that the agreement includes the renewal of the distribution of 12 Warner Bros. Discovery thematic channels across MultiChoice Group territories, with some offered exclusively.

The channels concerned are:

• CNN International and Cartoon Network — exclusively in South Africa, and non-exclusively in other territories.

• Cartoon Network Porto — exclusively in Angola and Mozambique, and non-exclusively in other territories.

• Cartoonito, Cartoonito Porto, Discovery Channel, Discovery Family, Real Time, ID, TLC, HGTV, Travel, TNT Africa, Food Network — non-exclusive.

“This agreement enables Canal+ group to strengthen its entertainment, kids, news, and documentary channel offering in African markets,” it said.

Canal+ said its partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery is also being extended and strengthened in Europe through several strategic renewals and expansions. These include:

• Renewal of Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, and CNN International in Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

• Renewal of Warner TV in the Czech Republic.

• Renewal of HBO Max, HBO, and Cinemax in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania.

• Expansion of HBO Max distribution via Canal+ to two new key territories: Belgium, and Austria.

“This agreement enhances access for Canal+ group subscribers to Warner Bros. Discovery’s iconic content via HBO Max and select channels,” it said.

“The access includes premium series and films that contribute to the studio’s international reach.”

Dark Days Could Be Lurking For TNT Africa

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As advised, MultiChoice will be shuttering Warner Bros. Discovery's 12 channels on the DStv platform due to pricing problems. Channels like Food Network qnd Discovery Family will cease to exist in Africa as MultiChoice was the only provider for them.

Another channel that could be joining Food Network and the other channels in a not so distant future would be TNT.

TNT is ranked as the #1 international movie channel in Africa offering action based films and various content from wrestling promotion AEW. It was only last year when StarTimes opted to discontinue carriage of the channel for similar reasons.

Unlike Cartoon Network and a fleet of channels that are packaged on StarTimes, Zuku TV and Azam TV. The only other means of viewing TNT would be through Canal+ Afrique's operations in Rwanda.

The problem part, Canal+ Afrique and MultiChoice are owned by the same company meaning TNT Africa's days in the market could be numbered. It's less likely to be revived on another platform as StarTimes and the latter already have alternatives in place.

Unlike Cartoon Network and TLC where the content can't simply be replaced with an alternative. Outside of AEW, TNT uses the same catalogue as ST Movies, Studio Universal and M-Net Movies.

How Azam TV And Canal+ Afrique In Rwanda Are Impacted By DStv's Closure Of Cartoon Network And Cartoonito?

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With a few days left in 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery and MultiChoice are set to close 12 channels on DStv and GOtv platforms across Africa by 31 December. Talks between the two have stalled due to pricing and might continue into 2026.

This means DStv consumers will be losing out on shows like Teen Titans GO!, Bugs Bunny Builders and Mr. Bean. Whatever alternatives MultiChoice's new owners have in store is less likely to include these shows from Cartoon Network and Cartoonito.

Cartoon Network would be exiting DStv platform after 30 years serving as one of 15 channels alongside CNN and Travel Channel when DStv launched in the market.

As advised, the exit of Cartoon Network means the only other way consumers can view the brand would be through Azam TV which is located in East Africa and Canal+ Afrique in Rwanda.

The problem part is that majority of Cartoon Network and Cartoonito's consumers were on DStv meaning most of their revenue resided with MultiChoice. If that space is closed, Warner Bros. Discovery will most definitely scale back on its operations.

Cartoon Network had been dubbing Teen Titans GO! and The Wonderfully Weird Of Gumball to Zulu that could as well get the boot. They had produced local series like Woola for Cartoonito which too is at risk of cancellation.

MultiChoice's cancellation of these brands could impact Canal+ Rwanda's existing agreement seeing as they're both divisions of Canal+. Warner Bros. Discovery might not deem Africa as viable for these networks with only Azam TV.

If Warner Bros. Discovery were to charge more to Azam TV, they may follow the same strategy as MultiChoice and severe its ties.

This is why the new management at MultiChoice doesn't feel threatened by their possible exit as the only other means for Regular Show would be streaming. Compared to South Africa, there's a lot of constraints to that in other parts of Africa.

Four Channels Facing Bigger Risk Of Extinction Within MultiChoice And Warner Bros. Discovery Dispute

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With only a few days left in 2025, MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery have yet to come into an agreement over the fate of its 12 channels. These include Discovery Channel, TLC, TNT, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, CNN, Travel Channel and HGTV.

If these channels were to go dark for instance, consumers in South Africa would have no other means of viewing them. As opposed to other markets with StarTimes, Zuku TV and Azam TV supplying some of these channels in a separate agreement.

For Discovery Channel, Investigation Discovery, CNN, TNT, TLC, Real Time and Cartoon Network and Cartoonito. With them being on other platforms within Africa means normal viewing is expected to resume once they go dark on DStv.

As opposed to Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel and Discovery Family that will have to see Warner Bros. Discovery reshuffle their portfolio and reschedule/delay shows. This is because MultiChoice was the only provider willing to bundle them despite the costs.

Most other providers rely on Discovery Channel and Real Time for the batch of shows on these channels including Ugliest House In America, Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking and The Kitchen.

MultiChoice now under French management has been scaling back on costs with the cancellation of Philly's Games and World Darts Championship on SuperSport. It's likely that the ongoing talks with Warner Bros. Discovery will see their linear operations reduced.

Canal+ following its acquisition of MultiChoice had lost another million subscribers between March 2024 to March 2025 which is where part of their income reside. With fewer subscribers, MultiChoice won't be able to maintain the current DStv structure.

If these two parties do come to an agreement expect a streamlined portfolio which could as well result in the closure of Travel Channel and Discovery Family. In regards to the fate of Dead Files that may not be a priority if the viewership doesn't justify the means.

DStv Blackout Seems More Imminent As Renewal Talks Between MultiChoice And Warner Bros. Discovery Are Underway

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With only a few days left into 2025, MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery have yet to reach an agreement regarding Cartoon Network and TLC. Consumers would have spotted this message informing them these channels might go dark soon.

Canal+ following its acquisition of MultiChoice had been scaling back on costs and at this point consumers shouldn't be remotely shocked if we were to see a total blackout of these 12 channels.

These channels are bundled so even if MultiChoice wanted to retain a few channels that's not possible at this stage. So letting these brands die out would give them an open window to negotiate a new agreement where a few channels get reinstated.

MultiChoice had already planned their next step as talks ensue this includes fliekNET and various pop-up channels. DStv Upsize special which was scheduled to end on 31 December 2025 had been pushed up a month later to 31 January 2026.

Cartoon Network and Cartoonito have a 49% market share for kids viewing on DStv making them stronger candidates to get revived. Followed by TNT and TLC as they rank #1 in their current fields being international movies and lifestyle.

News isn't as big of a trailblazer in pay-tv circuit but CNN has massive following I can only assume it would be the fifth channel.

Paramount is closing CBS Justice by the end of December in its joint venture with AMC Networks International alongside CBS Reality. Maybe Discovery Channel and Investigation Discovery could come in sixth and seventh place.

But what is clear here is that MultiChoice is one of Warner's largest investors in Africa. With a Netflix sale and potential spinoff, the company housing these brands faces a lot of uncertainty so they would need a MultiChoice deal to avoid low revenue.

MultiChoice has been losing subscribers in recent years and they'll need to continue offering Beat Bobby Flay and Tiny Toons Looniversity to avoid a massive downfall to their pay-tv business.