Subscribers to MultiChoice's DStv platform in Nigeria and across Africa are facing the potential loss of 11 major television channels by the end of next year. The pay-TV giant has confirmed that a critical distribution agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery is set to expire, putting popular networks at risk of disappearing from screens.
Channels on the Chopping Block
In a direct notice to its customers, MultiChoice listed the channels that could cease broadcasting on DStv from 23:59 CAT on December 31, 2025. The company stated that if a new agreement is not finalized before this deadline, the channels will no longer be part of the DStv lineup starting January 1, 2026.
The threatened channels represent a significant slice of entertainment, news, and children's programming. They are:
- CNN International
- Cartoon Network
- Cartoonito
- Discovery Channel
- TLC Africa
- Investigation Discovery (ID)
- TNT Africa
- Food Network
- Travel Channel
- Discovery Family
- Real Time
MultiChoice's Battle on Multiple Fronts
This potential content loss comes at a challenging time for MultiChoice. The company is grappling with a significant decline in subscribers, particularly in key markets like Nigeria. Its audited results for the year ending March 31, 2025, revealed that Nigerian subscriptions fell by a staggering 1.4 million over a two-year period.
This exodus is attributed to a combination of rising subscription costs, general economic pressures on households, and intense competition from global streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+.
MultiChoice emphasized that renewal discussions with Warner Bros. Discovery are ongoing but have not yet been concluded. "Should this remain the case, these channels will no longer form part of the DStv lineup from 1 January 2026," the company stated, while affirming its commitment to reaching a resolution.
What Alternatives Are Available for Viewers?
In an effort to reassure subscribers, MultiChoice pointed to its existing catalogue of alternative channels. The company highlighted that viewers would still have access to networks such as Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, DreamWorks, National Geographic, History Channel, BBC Lifestyle, Sky News, and Al Jazeera.
MultiChoice also promised that more content, new channels, and expanded services are expected in the coming year, regardless of the outcome with Warner Bros. Discovery.
If unresolved, the removal of these 11 channels would mark one of the largest single content losses for DStv in recent memory. The situation is further complicated by MultiChoice's ongoing corporate restructuring under new ownership. For Nigerian viewers who have grown accustomed to these staple channels, the final weeks of 2025 will be a tense wait to see if a last-minute deal can be struck to keep them on air.
