Paramount May Look To Merge CNN With CBS News

Paramount is looking to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in the coming months as they await regulatory approval. This deal would bring CNN and it's global operations under the mercy of CBS News with it's minimised presence.

CBS News operates a 24 hour channel in the US and has existing deals with some international broadcasters for various programming. Now that it would join forces with CNN, viewers may start to see CBS News bulletins on CNN.

CBS News will not be expanding abroad. Instead, CNN will become the international pipeline that fuels both networks.

Figuring out how to brand a CNN-produced package on a CBS evening broadcast without confusing viewers is a problem executives have actively debated since the deal was approved.

CNN has over 3000 employees while CBS News has less than half and with the Paramount transaction plans are underway to reduce the number of buildings. This would most definitely lead to layoffs particularly for the staff at CNN.

Interesting to note was that Paramount had entered talks with Warner Bros. Discovery back in 2019 over using CNN's global footprint to replace the current ones by CBS News. Now these plans abandoned plans are now set to be in motion.

Paramount had stated if it is able to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery that they would make changes at CNN. One of the reasons some people don't even like this buyout is the amount of political involvement this transaction has.

Donald Trump initially wanted to be involved in the approval process of this deal before stepping aside and Paramount's investors are well acquainted with the US president.

CNN isn't how I would put it an anti-trump channel but they divulge on realism and public opinions some of it toward Donald Trump. With it under Paramount whatever strategy and ideology was given to CBS News will be brushed onto CNN.

Paramount Aims To Finalize Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition By July

Paramount Skydance is reportedly aiming to finalize its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery as soon as July.

Paramount, home to CBS, Paramount Pictures and Paramount+, is internally eyeing July 15 as its target date to finalize the deal, the Status newsletter reported late Tuesday.

In public statements, David Ellison-led Paramount has said it expects the $110 billion deal to close by the third quarter, or Sept. 30.

Shareholders have already approved the merger between Paramount and WBD, which owns CNN, Warner Bros Pictures and HBO, though it remains subject to regulatory approval.

UK regulators are getting ready to begin their review of the deal, with their deadline for public comments closing last month.

Paramount has also asked the Federal Communications Commission to approve foreign investment in the deal. Investors outside the US will account for 49.5% of the equity of the combined company.

Another potential hurdle could come at the state level, with California Attorney General Rob Bonta launching a probe of the deal in March.

“There are red flags everywhere for us,” the Dem said earlier this month. “We’re looking at things like higher prices, lower wages, fewer jobs, less quality, less choice, less competition — the things that you look at when you’re looking at an antitrust case and a proposed merger.”

Paramount’s chief legal officer Makan Delrahim has argued that the mega-deal will bring “new competitive” energy to the entertainment business.

In the event that the merger does not close by Sept. 30, WBD shareholders will receive a 25 cent-per-share “ticking fee” for each quarter until closing.

On the chance the deal falls through all due to regulatory woes, Paramount will pay WBD a $7 billion termination fee.

Paramount Could Look To Shut Down Remaining Boomerang Feeds Alongside Boing

Paramount is looking to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery which would bring Boomerang, Boing and Nicktoons under one umbrella. These are the brands with the least amount of investment which put them at risk of possible extinction.

Although Paramount plans to keep as much of the acquired company intact, cuts form part of the playbook within M&As. While they plan to make cuts within tech and marketing it's less likely the content aspect won't see some ripple effects.

In this case, Paramount will own Boomerang and Boing while distributing Nicktoons. They might as well look to address the overlap between these brands and look to cut off some feeds.

As of 2026, Boomerang only resides in the US, France, UK & Ireland, Canada and Italy. This is because a majority of its international feeds had been replaced by Cartoonito whose future had also been questioned.

Boing being a smaller entity than Boomerang resides mainly in Spain and Italy through its joint venture with Mediaset while being fully owned by Warner Bros. Discovery in Africa.

There's no reason to doubt that Paramount won't look to offload these networks and focus their efforts under one brand, Nicktoons. As plans are underway to combine HBO Max and Paramount+ in their efforts to take on Netflix and Disney+.

Why wouldn't they shift these efforts to Nicktoons?

Nicktoons is still the bigger entity here as it covers up all the markets that Boomerang and Boing reside in. They even take up territories in which Boomerang had been replaced by Cartoonito which include Latin America, Austria and the most of Europe.

Paramount being the acquiring company will usually put their agendas first over the acquired company, another rule in the M&A playbook. The reality here is that Boomerang and Boing had been running on thin ice for quiet sometime.

As mentioned, there's not much investment being put toward new content and a company like Paramount won't see the sense in operating these many brands under one unit especially redundant.

Canal+ Is Looking To Align MultiChoice's Business With International Vendors

Last year, Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery extended their carriage agreement for the channels viewed on MultiChoice platforms. This deal was also expanded to include Warner Bros. Discovery's existing channels in Canal+ territories in Europe.

After Canal+ managed to complete it's acquisition of MultiChoice, plans were put in motion to align some of MultiChoice's business with that of its owners. This included agreements MultiChoice currently has with BBC Studios, NBCUniversal and Disney.

With them now serving over 40 million subscribers in 70 countries, there's really no point in them having to handle contracts separately. When with a combined scale they can just offer one contract and try to bring down the costs.

As some people recall Canal+ was able to call Warner Bros. Discovery bluff by having a last minute agreement put in place for MultiChoice territories.

The reality is that MultiChoice offers the most channels so basically they would serve as Warner Bros. Discovery's largest client in Africa. Despite already having agreements with other players, most of their revenue would reside with MultiChoice.

Canal+ also stood the chance to lose more DStv subscribers as Warner Bros. Discovery offers the top channels on DStv. While they expressed willingness to replace these channels there's no such thing as a like for like alternative.

Warner Bros. Discovery had expressed willingness to recover from the lost income if these channels went dark on MultiChoice platforms. There's really no recovery when MultiChoice competitors are willing to offer the bare minimum of DStv. 

Warner Bros. Discovery And StarTimes Expand Carriage Deal To Include TNT Africa And Cartoon Network

A few years ago, TNT ended it's distribution on StarTimes platforms across Africa due to a carriage dispute between the operator and Warner Bros. Discovery. Since then, TNT was only distributable MultiChoice platforms and Canal+ Afrique.

During this time, StarTimes had revived it's ST Movies brand in place of the movie channel. With TNT set to be reinstated on their platforms from 1st May with Cartoon Network to be included as a new offering to viewers.

It will join Investigation Discovery, TLC, Discovery Channel, Toonami and Boing bringing the number of channels from Warner Bros. Discovery on the platform from 5 to 8 channels. 

Tailormade for African fans, TNT offers the best of contemporary and Hollywood blockbusters, with programming built on an action-driven, pulse-raising slate, mixed with romantic gems and hilarious comedy.

It is the exclusive home of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in Africa, broadcasting AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage weekly.

Cartoon Network is a premier children's television channel offering animated series, including Teen Titans Go!, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Craig of the Creek. It ranks as #1 children's channel and is responsible for 50% kids viewing on DStv.

The channel actively produces and showcases African content, such as CN to the Rescue and Garbage Boy and Trash Can. Since late 2025, the channel has been multilingual giving viewers the option to watch select shows in IsiZulu.

Could Paramount Look To Merge Cartoonito With Nick Jr.?

Paramount is looking to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery after Netflix walked out of the bidding war. As preschool brands like Cartoonito and Nick Jr. likely to be owned by the same company, with this merger set to close by the end of 2026.

According to Paramount, they intend to keep most of the company intact but with the amount of debt they'd be digesting it's hard to believe they'll retain both Cartoonito and Nick Jr. if this deal closes.

Cartoonito is home to shows like Bugs Bunny Builders, Batwheels and Grizzy And The Lemmings. While Nick Jr. offers Paw Patrol, Dora The Explorer and The Tiny Chef Show.

Even if Paramount plans to keep Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. while inheriting Cartoon Network and Cartoonito. There's definitely going to be some restructuring content wise, likely for its international variants of Cartoonito.

Cartoonito had been struggling to find it's footing in the US despite having hits shows like Batwheels. All the while Warner Bros. Discovery continued expanding its preschool slate the development of Hey BMO and Foster's Funtime.

Of course the problem part here is that none of these shows have a platform and with this buyout by Paramount. This offering will most definitely get picked up by Nick Jr.

Nick Jr. has global appeal and it's history dates to the 80s as opposed to Cartoonito which dates to the mid 2000s in the UK/Europe so it's safe to bet they will handle this department.

Cartoonito will likely lean more toward shows like Mr. Bean and Grizzy And The Lemmings perhaps become a complementary/extension to Nick Jr. Think of how Candle Media structured it's Moonbug and Blippi And Friends channels internationally.

Nick Jr. could offer a programming block on Cartoonito perhaps for older shows like Nella The Princess Knight, Bubble Guppies and Rusty Rivets.

Cartoon Network And Nickelodeon Under The Same Roof??? A Story For The Dark Ages

For decades, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon have been battling it out alongside Disney Channel to be the top kids brand. Now that's all about to end as Paramount emerged victorious in it's bidding war with Netflix with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Cartoon Network is home to Adventure Time, Ed Edd'n Eddy and The Grim Adventures Of Billy And Mandy which were rejects from Nickelodeon. Now that's likely to be merged with Dora The Explorer, SpongeBob Squarepants and Rugrats.

Let's not forget, Cartoon Network's failed attempt rivalling with iCarly and Henry Danger with shows like Incredible Crew and Level Up. This merger now gives both brands the leverage over Disney Channel.

Nickelodeon's animation slate hasn't been stable in recent years with it's only successor in the 2010s being The Loud House. During this time, Cartoon Network had Regular Show, Adventure Time, Uncle Grandpa, Steven Universe and Teen Titans GO!.

With this merger still underway there's growing fear that Nickelodeon will no longer produce animation content moving forward. This is because Paramount let a majority of the brand's staff out of a job and there hasn't any word on new content.

Warner Bros. Discovery is no different on this matter but then again they are in a better position. Even though the latter is mainly existing IPs such as Tiny Toons Looniversity, Adventure Time: Side Quests, We Baby Bears and Batman: Caped Crusader.

Some people probably may not realise this but Nickelodeon was once formed part of a joint venture between Warner Communications and American Express alongside MTV. Due to financial constraints, it was sold to Viacom and formed MTV Networks.

In technicality, what we're witnessing here is basically a re-merger of some kind and Paramount is no stranger to that bit at all as it came out of a merger between Viacom and CBS.

Then again a lot is on the line, what does this deal mean for Nickelodeon on an animation standpoint? What becomes of Nicktoons, Nick Jr. and Cartoonito? Can Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network really function under one company?

If I'm being honest, the difference between the two is live-action as both are dominant in their respective fields so it's a safe bet that Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network will be retained. This is where most of the viewers and advertising revenue reside.

With Boomerang, Boing and Nicktoons basically being used for reruns that's likely to go away soon. The same outcome could await Cartoonito as Paramount doesn't have much animation in the pipeline compared to Warner Bros. Discovery.

Nick Jr. being the most recognisable brand compared to Cartoonito could serve as the new home to shows like Batwheels, Baby Looney Tunes, Hey BMO and Foster's Funtime For Imaginary Friend.

Netflix Backs Out Of Warner Bros. Bidding, Paramount Set to Win

In a stunning twist, Netflix is declining to raise its bid for Warner Bros., positioning David Ellison’s Paramount as the winner in the battle for the fabled studio.

Netflix co-CEOs Ged Sarandos and Greg Peters released a statement Thursday outlining their decision, namely that the the deal is “no longer financially attractive” and that it “was always a ‘nice to have’ at the right price, not a ‘must have’ at any price.”

“The transaction we negotiated would have created shareholder value with a clear path to regulatory approval. However, we’ve always been disciplined, and at the price required to match Paramount Skydance’s latest offer, the deal is no longer financially attractive, so we are declining to match the Paramount Skydance bid,” the co-CEOs said.

“Warner Bros. is a world-class organization, and we want to thank David Zaslav, Gunnar Wiedenfels, Bruce Campbell, Brad Singer and the WBD Board for running a fair and rigorous process,” they added. “We believe we would have been strong stewards of Warner Bros.’ iconic brands, and that our deal would have strengthened the entertainment industry and preserved and created more production jobs in the U.S. But this transaction was always a ‘nice to have’ at the right price, not a ‘must have’ at any price.

With Netflix out, Paramount’s latest bid is almost a sure thing to be accepted by the Warners board, which determined earlier Thursday that it was a “superior proposal” to Netflix’s deal.

PSKY’s latest proposal was for $31 per share, but had a number of other sweeteners, including a ticking fee payable to shareholders equal to $0.25 per quarter beginning after Sept. 30, 2026, as well as a $7 billion regulatory termination in the event the transaction does not close due to regulatory matters.

Paramount has also agreed to pay the $2.8 billion termination fee that Warner Bros. would be required to pay to Netflix to terminate the existing merger agreement.

If all goes as expected, Netflix will be on the receiving end of that $2.8 billion sooner rather than later. Netflix shares soared by more than 10% in after-hours trading after the decision was announced.

Sarandos and Peters say they will continue to pour cash into content:

“Netflix’s business is healthy, strong and growing organically, powered by our slate and best-in-class streaming service. This year, we’ll invest approximately $20 billion in quality films and series and will expand our entertaining offering. Consistent with our capital allocation policy, we’ll also resume our share repurchase program,” they said. “We will continue to do what we’ve done for more than 20 years as a public company: delight our members, profitably grow our business, and drive long-term shareholder value.”

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

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.

More Mergers And Acquisitions On The Horizon

Since last year, MultiChoice now forms part of the Canal+ ecosystem after the French company managed to acquire full ownership of the brand. This has led to various enhancements like NBA on SuperSport and the expansion of Zacu TV to DStv.

Now, all eyes are on Warner Bros. Discovery whose entangled themselves in a feud with Paramount as Netflix serves as frontrunner for its streaming and studios company. 

Paramount wants to acquire the entirety of Warner Bros. Discovery who plan to form Discovery Global which houses all the cable networks. At the moment, we're just standing in the sidelines waiting to see how this matters continues escalating.

Below is other deals I believe consumers should be on the lookout for some could be speculated 

Warner Bros. Discovery

During the bidding process, Warner Bros. Discovery had stated they've got several solicited offers from potential buyers some like Netflix are in it for the studios. Then Paramount wants to buy the whole enchilada which would risk over $50 billion in debt.

Would you believe me if I said that shareholders at Warner Bros. Discovery can do without Paramount's offer?

Even if the Netflix deal fails, Warner Bros. Discovery can continue to split the company and look to sell the split parts and still make as much as Paramount's current offer which is $108 billion.

According to some insiders, Starz Entertainment and Standard General have both been eyeing Warner's cable networks. It should be noted that there's barely any overlap in assets making approval chances a lot higher.

It's clear here that both companies similar to Canal+ are trying to increase scale in a landscape ruled by social media and YouTube. They both lack broad appeal and Discovery Global gives them that advantage.

At the time news of their bids were made transparent it was stated that it was not applicable. That doesn't mean they're not interested, they're probably focused on the Netflix deal and will explore this at a later stage.

Paramount/NBCUniversal 

If Paramount is able to own CNN and Cartoon Network expect massive cost synergies amounting to possibly $5 billion. They'll be wasting over $100 billion to get what they want and in most M&As the acquiring company tries to recover those funds.

Some sources have indicated or speculated that if their bid fails to garner traction. The other option would be a possible buyout or merger with either Lionsgate and NBCUniversal.

NBCUniversal's owners Comcast served as another bidder for Warner Bros. Discovery whose plans included merging it with NBCUniversal. This was the only way they could get clearance for the deal as Trump dislikes the company's CEO and CNBC.

Since then, various media outlets long predicted that Comcast could explore a potential sale or partnership for the brand and who better than Paramount.

Before Skydance acquired Paramount, they were talks of the two potentially merging and in Europe the two are basically partners with the rollout of SkyShowtime.

A+E Global Media

Starz Entertainment which had already made a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery's cable networks had also explored acquiring A+E Global Media. They'll probably be more updates on this during the year as of right now it's kind of quo.

A+E Global Media is responsible for the distribution of Lifetime and History channels in the US while in Europe those rights are held by Sky Studios.

Canal+

MultiChoice isn't the final pitstop in buyouts for the French broadcaster as they acquired majority stake in a MC Vision. A Mauritius based broadcaster operating in French speaking Africa.

They also have stakes in VIU which is based in Southeast Asia and Viaplay in the Nordic regions. All of these the French broadcaster could look to gobble within the year as they aim to reach 50 million to 100 million subscribers by 2028.

Another buyout that wouldn't surprise me for the year would be for Senegalese based production company, Marodi TV.

ITV

A few years ago, ITV Choice was yanked from DStv consumers and since then the channel's owner ITV plc had been undergoing restructure. This included and was not limited to a sale of their company.

CVC Capital Partners, TF1 Group, RedBird Capital Partners, All3Media, Mediawan and KKR had been linked to as potential buyers. Even Comcast's Sky had entered talks to acquire only the linear networks and ITVx.

DStv And Showmax Subscribers Bid Farewell To Euphoria And Peacemaker As Canal+'s Doesn't Renew Content Deal For HBO And Warner Bros.

Last year, Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery created a media debacle when it was announced that Cartoon Network and 11 other channels would be removed from DStv. Paramount was already closing 4 other channels on the platform.

It was not until a last minute deal was reached where Canal+ thought of merging MultiChoice's contract with that of its operations in Europe. This deal included a possible rollout of HBO Max as Canal+ will be rolling it out in various markets.

Initially, it was reported by some outlets that this new agreement saved the licensing deals for M-Net and Showmax. But others were quick to spot it's sudden exclusion from this new agreement.

According to News24, this new agreement excluded premium TV series from HBO and Warner Bros. film and TV studios. This means DStv and Showmax consumers will be missing out on Game Of Thrones spinoff, A Knight Of Seven Kingdoms.

This is because Canal+ is busy slashing tires at MultiChoice with TLNovelas that is scheduled to close by 31 January 2026. 

MultiChoice had been losing subscribers with those numbers dropping from 17.3 million in 2023 to 14.5 million in 2025. This whole ordeal took a bigger plunge in some African markets particularly Kenya where cuts reached between 80% to 90%.

Canal+ is trying to put out a fire even if that means DStv and Showmax subscribers miss out on The White Lotus and House Of Dragons. As the French company deemed M-Net's agreement with Warner Bros. non viable.

As mentioned, MultiChoice has been losing DStv consumers and their premium market has been under siege post the pandemic.

M-Net has been the glue to the DStv Premium structure but with massive cord cutting seen in the United States and elsewhere. One channel alone isn't enough to entice viewers to subscribe especially if they're more affordable options.

That doesn't mean the loss of The White Lotus and The Glided Age won't impact M-Net's remaining viewers immensely as this will just lead to even more cord cutting for DStv.

Canal+ has been boasting about being a super aggregator and the plan is to have HBO Max funnel all this content. The problem is that for linear viewers that aren't streaming it only leads to even lesser content.

HBO Max's parent company is currently undergoing a takeover process by Netflix and should the deal succeed all this content will likely be made exclusive to the streamer.

Could Discovery Global Look To Overhaul Cartoon Network?

Continuing onto last year, Warner Bros. Discovery is exploring a potential sale where Netflix bags IPs such as Harry Potter and Looney Tunes. Then there's Paramount that wants the whole enchilada including CNN, Cartoon Network and TLC.

For the part that Netflix excluded from the deal, the plan is to get that spun off into a separate entity, Discovery Global. It will be loaded in debt which amounts to $20 billion as Netflix takes up $10-$15 billion from its buyout of Warner Bros.

Discovery Global is expected to generate a lot of cash flow but with immense cord cutting as seen with that of Canal+'s DStv. The revenue will continue to plummet and channels like Cartoon Network and Cartoonito (or. Boomerang) aren't immune.

Netflix had stated that if it's buyout of Warner Bros. succeeded that the company would continue to operate independently. Licensing agreements with Canal+, Sky and even Discovery Global would be retained.

These means shows like Tiny Toons Looniversity and Teen Titans GO! would continue to be seen on Cartoon Network. But then there's lingering fears from various consumers about the viability of the brand under Discovery Global.

Bloomberg did it's piece on Cartoon Network last year where it was reported that the network makes between 15% to 20% of what it had in 2014. And also that Warner Bros. Discovery only relies on the brand for its older catalogue.

The fear for some here again is that Discovery Global will slash the tires of Cartoon Network or possible keep only the international variant. Think of Universal Kids, it's predecessors are Sky Kids in the UK and DreamWorks Channel everywhere else.

Discovery Global could lean more toward existing partnerships with Hasbro for Discovery Family and WeTV for MeTV Toons.

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

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

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?

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

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

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. 

Could Canal+'s MultiChoice Give HGTV The Boot?

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 brands do get removed from DStv, some brands like Discovery Family for instance is less likely to resurface on another platform. As I mentioned, further content is on Discovery Channel.

There's also a possibility that this may extend to include HGTV.

HGTV was launched in South Africa by July 2019 and since it's inception it isn't viewable in most parts of Africa in which MultiChoice operate. Part of the reason is similar to what happened to BBC Earth's operations in these markets - it was just not viable at the time.

Now that Canal+'s is looking to slash costs at the company it's very likely that if a new agreement is reached some brands may not form part of this offering. In this case, it could as well be HGTV not because of consumer preferences but cost cutting.

MultiChoice had lost close to 3 million subscribers in the past two years and as a result they're operating income had plummeted.

Under previous management, they would have fought for HGTV but under Canal+ pricing is another factor. And if HGTV were to shutter it's less likely that StarTimes would snatch those rights and they could as well opt for alternatives e.g. Real Time.

Discovery Family's Uncertain Future On DStv

As some already know, MultiChoice might be losing an additional 12 channels by 31 December 2025 as Paramount looks to axe BET, MTV Base, CBS Reality and CBS Justice. Warner Bros. Discovery for about a month now has been trying to find a resolution.

If these two aren't able to reach an agreement, consumers will be missing out on Death By Fame, Still A Mystery and Looney Tunes Cartoons. Unlike Cartoon Network and TNT that are viewed on Canal+ Afrique and Azam TV in other African hits the cuts will have a major impact on Discovery Family.

Since the channels exit on StarSat in 2021, MultiChoice was the only provider within Africa to offer the brand. If these channels were to shut down its very unlikely that another broadcaster would revive Discovery Family.

As MultiChoice outlines that talks between Warner Bros. Discovery are still ongoing as they haven't come into an agreement over the pricing. But as seen with past disputes such as that of A+E Global Media with History and Lifetime it's likely that more channels could exit soon.

Discovery Family could form part of those cuts cause ever since Discovery Science was axed in most parts of Europe. The channel had been leaning it's offering toward Discovery Channel and reruns of older shows making it feel zombified.

If MultiChoice was paying Warner Bros. Discovery half a billion for these 12 channels I'd imagine under the Canal+ regime they likely want to pay less. As MultiChoice has lost close to 3 million DStv subscribers and they've been slashing costs.

Canal+ could opt for a partial renewal where the only thing left of the company would be TLC, Discovery Channel, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito and CNN. Everything else from Discovery Family, Food Network, Travel Channel and HGTV go dark by 2026.

With the likes of Netflix, MultiChoice should have worked on becoming more flexible rather than bundling all these brands (e.g. Travel Channel) that are likely getting very little notice from subscribers.

Under new management, MultiChoice is probably looking at the performance of these brands to see whether they're viable. For all anyone knows, Food Network, HGTV, Discovery Family and Travel Channel could as well be reduced to just Real Time.

Starz Placed $25 Billion Bid For All Of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Cable Networks Including Cartoon Network And TLC

Starz put in a $25 billion bid for all of Warner Bros. Discovery’s cable networks and 20% of its studio and streaming businesses last month, TheWrap has learned, acting as a dark horse contender for an asset most companies bidding on the entertainment company were not interested in.

Warner Bros. Discovery revealed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that a previously undisclosed company — labeled “Company C” in the filing — put in the $25 billion all-cash bid on its Nov. 20 deadline. It also proposed a 90-day exclusivity period, which Netflix, Paramount Skydance and Comcast (labeled “Company A” in the filing) did not.

That company was Starz. While the WBD board considered all the bids on Nov. 21, it found that Company C’s bid was “not actionable at that time” and responded to the top three bidders on Nov. 22.

Puck first reported the news.

The filing also revealed more details about Netflix’s and Paramount’s efforts to purchase some or all of WBD, as the companies publicly advocate for their bids to WBD’s shareholders. Netflix and WBD entered into an exclusive arrangement for the streamer’s $82.7 billion bid for the studio and streaming businesses, while Paramount has mounted a $30-a-share hostile takeover bid for the entire company. WBD on Wednesday rejected Paramount’s latest offer.

A Starz spokesperson declined to comment. Starz CEO Jeff Hirsch previously told TheWrap that he wanted his company to be “additive” to networks he believed were too linear-focused in a digital age.

“There’s a lot of networks out there today that are marooned on the linear side and don’t have technical capabilities to do what we’ve done,” he said in May after Starz completed its spin-off from Lionsgate. “We think we can be very additive to content that is stuck on the linear side to give them a digital future.”

Starz reported a $53 million loss in its third quarter, missing Wall Street expectations, and revenue dropped 8% to $320.9 million. It reported a loss of 130,000 U.S. subscribers for a total of 17.5 million, driven mostly by linear subscribers’ cord-cutting. Linear subscribers also dropped by 24o,000 to 5.17 million while it saw a streaming increase of 110,000 U.S. subscribers for a total of 12.3 million.

Still, Hirsch teased the possibility of venturing into the M&A space during its third-quarter call in November, a week before the company reportedly placed its bid for WBD’s cable networks.

“With a potential for increased consolidation across the media landscape, we believe that we are uniquely positioned to capitalize on potential M&A opportunities,” Hirsch said. “Given our track record of profitability converting our business from linear to digital and our industry-leading tech stack, we are positioned to increase our scale as assets that are strategically valuable to Starz become available.”

The company reportedly found its first target last month when it expressed interest in A+E Global Media, the parent company of networks such as Lifetime and the History Channel.