The stakes are significant. If an agreement is not reached by December 31, DStv viewers will find their viewing options drastically reduced on New Year’s Day, losing access to major channels such as CNN International, Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, and TLC, among several others.
This possible reduction follows the confirmed withdrawal of four Paramount channels (MTV Base, BET Africa, CBS Justice, and CBS Reality), resulting in a total of 16 channels being removed overnight.
Even with this major content loss, MultiChoice has assured customers that the subscription price will not change.
“While channels may be added or removed from time to time, there is currently no change to DStv subscription pricing. This includes Paramount pulling BET Africa, MTV Base, CBS Justice and CBS Reality from our platform.
“Customers continue to have access to a broad range of entertainment, sport, news, lifestyle and kids content across their packages,” the MultiChoice Group stated.
The “irreplaceable” defense
MultiChoice has made it clear that they are prepared to walk away from the negotiations, informing subscribers via email that they have “strong alternatives” ready to take the channels’ places.
They emphasize their commitment to providing the “best entertainment experience at the best possible pricing”, suggesting that WBD’s asking price is too high in the current cost-sensitive environment under French owner Canal+.
“We remain committed to delivering the best possible entertainment experience. MultiChoice has extensive global content partnerships and is already working on enhancements to the 2026 line-up, including new content, new channels and new services to ensure customers continue to receive exceptional value,” they specified.
However, can viewers truly substitute Cartoon Network or CNN with a non-specific alternative?
Warner Bros. Discovery disagrees. In an exclusive statement addressing the ongoing negotiations, WBD expressed the need to remind MultiChoice what both they and their audience stand to lose.
“We can’t speak to MultiChoice’s plans… but what we can share is the continued strength and relevance of Warner Bros. Discovery’s portfolio. Audiences in South Africa have loved our channels for almost 30 years,” a representative from WBD noted.
WBD provided substantial data supporting their argument, suggesting that they play a pivotal role in the DStv ecosystem.
According to their statistics:
- WBD’s channels account for a remarkable 49% of all children’s programming on DStv, with Cartoon Network being the leading children’s channel, attracting double the audience of its closest competitor.
- TNT is recognized as the top international movie channel, and TLC leads in lifestyle content.
- CNN International serves as a crucial source for worldwide news, essential for millions across the continent.
“These figures highlight the unique value our portfolio continues to deliver to South African families,” WBD emphasized.
The implication is unmistakable: MultiChoice may have “alternatives”, but they lack true replacements.
Squashing the “Netflix” rumour
For several weeks, industry experts have speculated that the deadlock stems from global uncertainties, particularly regarding a potential acquisition of WBD by Netflix, alongside a rival bid from Paramount.
Concerns rose that ambiguity over the ownership of these channels in 2026 was hindering progress in negotiations.
WBD has promptly addressed these rumors.
“The current discussions with MultiChoice are solely focused on the renewal of our channels on DStv and GOtv … Other factors have no bearing on these negotiations,” they confirmed.
The communication is clear: the impasse is not stemming from distant corporate boardrooms, but rather from local discussions around content value and pricing on DStv.
The Canal+ shadow and the “nuclear” option
Two key questions remain unresolved, lurking within the confidential negotiation process.
Firstly, has the situation shifted now that the cost-reducing French company Canal+ is effectively managing MultiChoice?
Secondly, what will occur if the channels cease broadcasting?
Embedded in their communications was a subtle warning. While expressing their desire to continue with DStv, WBD added, “We are working hard to ensure our portfolio remains with Multichoice and are also exploring other ways to deliver our loved brands and content to consumers.”
This represents a serious alternative.
In today’s streaming landscape, WBD might be hinting that if DStv closes the door, they could pivot to a direct-to-consumer model, possibly collaborating with a competing streaming service or launching their own channels, taking their share of the audience along.
The bottom line
As negotiations continue, MultiChoice appears to believe that subscribers will settle for cheaper, lesser-known options to manage subscription costs.
Conversely, WBD maintains that DStv cannot afford to lose its leading movie, lifestyle, and children’s channels simultaneously.
With the contract deadline approaching on December 31, both parties are still in talks, but for viewers, the difference between a festive season and a screen blackout hangs precariously in the balance.
