DStv Premium subscribers are set to lose access to several popular television channels following ongoing corporate battles involving Netflix, Paramount Global and Warner Bros Discovery, a development expected to take effect before the end of December.

MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv and recently taken over by Canal+ Group, confirmed that 16 channels will cease transmission on its platform from Dec. 31, 2025, with most of them available only to Premium subscribers.

The development comes amid intense competition for control of Warner Bros Discovery, as Netflix announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the media giant, while Paramount Global has countered with a hostile takeover bid.

In a media statement made available to The Citizen, MultiChoice said no fresh agreement had been reached with Warner Bros Discovery to retain the affected channels.

> “At this stage, no new agreement has been reached between the parties. Should this remain the case, these channels will no longer form part of the DStv lineup from 1 January 2026,” the company stated.

Channels Affected

Warner Bros Discovery currently owns 12 channels on the DStv platform. These include:

•Discovery Channel (121)

•TLC (135)

•Discovery Family (136)

•TNT Africa (137)

•Real Time (155)

•Discovery ID (171)

•Food Network (175)

•HGTV (177)

•Travel Channel (179)

•Cartoon Network (301)

•Cartoonito (302)

•CNN International (401)

In addition, four Paramount Africa-operated channels – BET Africa, MTV Base, CBS Justice and CBS Reality – will also be removed from DStv.

Despite the looming losses, MultiChoice assured subscribers that it remains committed to providing alternative content.

> “MultiChoice has extensive content partnerships across the world, giving us flexibility and capacity to enhance our packages with fresh content, new channels and new services in the year ahead,” the company said.

Warner Bros Discovery Restructuring

In June 2025, Warner Bros Discovery announced plans to split its operations into two publicly traded companies – Streaming & Studios and Global Networks.

The Streaming & Studios division comprises its film and television studios, HBO and HBO Max, while the Global Networks division includes international entertainment, sports and news brands such as CNN, Discovery channels, TNT Sports (U.S.), and digital platforms like Discovery+ and Bleacher Report.

Netflix is reportedly interested only in the Streaming & Studios division, while Paramount seeks to acquire the entire Warner Bros Discovery group, including the Global Networks business. However, the corporate separation is expected to be completed before any acquisition is finalised.

Implications for DStv Subscribers

Industry analysts note that carriage agreements between broadcasters and content owners are often rigid, leaving pay-TV operators with limited negotiating power.

Although the loss of Warner Bros Discovery channels may not immediately impact DStv’s most-watched content rankings, concerns remain over what replacement channels will be introduced, particularly amid speculation that more French-language channels may be added following Canal+’s takeover.

Netflix Deal and Paramount’s Hostile Bid

Following a bidding deadline shortly after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, Netflix announced it had reached an agreement to acquire Warner Bros Discovery in a deal valued at approximately $82.7 billion (about R1.4 trillion). The transaction values Warner Bros shares at $27.75 (R475) per share.

Days later, Paramount launched a hostile takeover bid, offering $30.00 (R513.30) per share. Paramount said the offer would expire at 5:00 p.m. New York time on Jan. 8, 2026, unless extended.

In a statement, Paramount criticised Warner Bros’ decision to accept Netflix’s proposal, describing it as “financially inferior and more uncertain”.

> “We are making the Offer directly to the Warner Bros. stockholders and the board of directors of Warner Bros. to ensure that they have the full terms of our Prior Proposal,” Paramount said.

As the battle for Warner Bros Discovery intensifies, DStv Premium subscribers appear to be the immediate casualties, facing reduced channel offerings as the global media landscape undergoes significant transformation.