Millions of DStv subscribers across Nigeria and Africa have been spared a major disruption after a last-minute agreement was reached between broadcasting giants Canal+ and Warner Bros Discovery.
Channels Saved from Disappearance
The deal, signed on the eve of a potential blackout, ensures that 12 key channels will remain available on the DStv bouquet. This follows alarming warnings sent to customers from December 1, 2025, indicating that the channels could be removed due to stalled contractual talks.
The channels that have been secured for subscribers include:
- CNN International
- Cartoon Network
- Discovery Channel
- TNT Africa
- Food Network
- HGTV
- Investigation Discovery
- TLC
- Travel Channel
- Discovery Family
- Real Time
- Cartoonito
Details of the Multi-Territory Agreement
Announced by Canal+ on December 31, 2025, the new multi-year, multi-territory agreement marks a significant strengthening of the partnership between the two media powerhouses. The pact covers several regions where Canal+ operates.
The agreement spans South Africa, the rest of Africa, and parts of Europe. Crucially for the African market, this secures content for MultiChoice's vast subscriber base, which Canal+ now oversees. Recent checks indicate MultiChoice serves 14.5 million customers in Africa, with a significant portion—7.5 million—located in Nigeria and other African nations outside South Africa.
Broader Impact and Future Expansion
Beyond securing existing channels, the deal also paves the way for the expansion of the HBO Max streaming service into two additional countries. European nations like Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia will also see renewals for channels like Cartoon Network and CNN International.
Canal+ released a statement celebrating the milestone, saying, "Canal+ and its longstanding partner, Warner Bros Discovery, are pleased to announce the signing of a new multi-year and multi-territory agreement, marking a major milestone in the development of their collaboration on an international scale."
For Nigerian viewers who rely on DStv for news, entertainment, and children's programming, this resolution provides much-needed stability and ensures their favourite channels will continue to broadcast without interruption.
