Millions of DStv subscribers across Nigeria and Africa can now relax after a last-minute agreement was reached to keep a dozen popular television channels on the platform. The deal between Canal+, the new owner of MultiChoice, and Warner Bros Discovery was confirmed on the eve of a potential blackout, ensuring continuity for beloved networks.
Details of the Crucial Broadcast Agreement
The breakthrough came just in time, as a previous warning in December 2025 had indicated that 12 channels could be discontinued from January 1, 2026. The new multi-year, multi-territory agreement was signed by both media giants, effectively strengthening their international partnership. According to a statement released by Canal+, the deal spans several regions where Canal+ operates, including South Africa, the rest of Africa, and parts of Europe.
Canal+ explicitly stated: “This expanded agreement covers both the distribution of HBO Max and the renewal of several Warner Bros Discovery thematic channels across numerous regions.” This partnership is significant given the vast subscriber base involved. Recent checks indicate that MultiChoice, now under Canal+, serves 14.5 million customers in Africa. This figure includes 7 million in South Africa and another 7.5 million spread across Nigeria and other African nations.
Channels Saved and Wider Impact
The channels that have been secured for DStv subscribers are:
- CNN International
- Cartoon Network
- Discovery Channel
- TLC
- TNT Africa
- Food Network
- HGTV
- Investigation Discovery
- Travel Channel
- Discovery Family
- Real Time
- Cartoonito
The announcement ends weeks of anxiety for viewers who had received on-screen alerts and email notices starting December 1, 2025, warning of the possible removal due to stalled contractual talks. The relief is palpable, as these channels form a core part of entertainment and news offerings for many households.
The agreement's reach extends beyond the African continent. It also positively affects viewers in European nations such as Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, where channels like Cartoon Network and CNN International have been renewed. Furthermore, the deal includes the renewal of other Warner Bros channels in European regions, such as Warner TV and Cinemax, which are not part of the African bouquets.
A Major Milestone for International Collaboration
Canal+ hailed the new contract as a significant step forward in its long-standing relationship with Warner Bros Discovery. The company emphasized that the pact marks a major milestone in the development of their collaboration on an international scale. A key component of the deal is the planned expansion of the HBO Max streaming service to two additional countries, though specific locations were not immediately disclosed.
For Nigerian subscribers, this outcome means uninterrupted access to a wide range of programming, from global news on CNN to children's entertainment on Cartoon Network. The resolution underscores the complex negotiations behind the scenes of pay-TV and highlights the importance of such partnerships in delivering content to a vast and diverse audience.
