According to Global Market Intelligence analyst Scott Robson from NextTV, Spectrum could look into dropping more channels and this includes secondary channels already seen on DStv and StarTimes such as E!, CNBC World, Nicktoons, Nick Jr. and Boomerang.
Similar to what MultiChoice has been doing in recent years, Spectrum is streamlining their portfolio and putting more emphasis on core brands. DirectTV is said to be ongoing a similar route by 2024 with Disney's linear offering which coincides with MultiChoice's pending agreement.
As seen with Spectrum, the channels to have been affected reside within DStv and StarSat and this included the preschool brand Disney Junior and factual channel National Geographic Wild while the animation centric Disney XD was axed in most parts of Europe years prior.
Disney XD hasn't gotten original content following the launch of Disney+ while the 24 hour Disney Junior channel serves as catch-up to the primetime block on Disney Channel. National Geographic Wild alongside the two brands had all seen a decline in cable households.
The decline in cable and also carriage for these channels could lead a brand like Disney to further downsize their portfolio as seen in most parts of the world where the latter is streaming exclusively on Disney+.
Cable remains a necessity in Africa as a majority of households can't afford to bulk Disney+, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video under one subscription. As mentioned, Spectrum is looking to make such platforms accessible and as more households use these platforms it further reduces the linear offering.
