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.
