11 Channels Could Disappear From DStv in 2026, Reasons Emerge
- Multichoice has confirmed that 11 channels including CNN, Cartoon Network, TLC Africa and Discovery Channel may be removed from DStv by December 31
- This could be the reality if Mutichoice failed to reach a deal with Warner Bros who is the owner of the channels
- MultiChoice is battling with subscriber loss amid rising subscription costs, economic pressures, and growing competition from streaming platforms
Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.
MultiChoice Group has confirmed that 11 popular television channels could be removed from its DStv platform by December 31, 2025 if it failed to reach a deal with Warner Bros.
The development raises concerns among viewers who rely on the affected channels for entertainment, news, lifestyle and children’s programming.
Source: UGC
In a notice issued to customers, MultiChoice listed the channels under threat as Discovery Channel, TLC Africa, Discovery Family, Real Time, TNT Africa, Food Network, Travel Channel, Investigation Discovery (ID), Cartoon Network, Cartoonito and CNN International.
The company said the channels would cease to broadcast from 23:59 CAT on December 31 unless a new agreement is reached before the deadline.
Multichioice gives update on channels
TheCable reports that MultiChoice explained that the current distribution deal with Warner Bros. Discovery officially expires on December 31, 2025.
It noted that although there is still time on the contract, renewal discussions have not been concluded, and a prolonged deadlock could result in the channels being pulled from the platform once the deal runs out.
MultiChoice said:
“Should this remain the case, these channels will no longer form part of the DStv lineup from 1 January 2026."
The company added that it remains committed to reaching a resolution but must prepare subscribers for a potential content reshuffle.
Despite the uncertainty, MultiChoice assured its customers of continued access to a rich catalogue of entertainment.
It highlighted alternative channels available on DStv, including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, DreamWorks, National Geographic, History Channel, BBC Lifestyle, Sky News and Al Jazeera, among others.
The company also said more content, new channels and expanded services are expected in the coming year.
Source: Facebook
DSTV channels to disappear
BusinessDay reports that if unresolved, the removal of 11 channels many of which are long-standing favourites, would mark one of the largest content losses on DStv in recent years.
The timing is particularly sensitive as MultiChoice undergoes restructuring under new ownership and increasing competition from global streaming platforms.
The company is also battling subscriber decline in key African markets. Its audited results for the year ended March 31, 2025, showed that Nigerian subscriptions fell by 1.4 million over two years due to economic hardship and rising subscription costs.
DSTV removes 12 channels
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that DStv had taken down 12 channels across different categories such as sports, news, religion, and children’s content.
At the time of the report, viewers no longer had access to the affected stations, and there was no confirmation on whether they might return.
The removals occurred gradually from January through August, with PSB Kids on Channel 313 being the latest to go off the platform.
Source: Legit.ng
