DStv subscribers can breathe a sigh of relief after Groupe Canal+, the parent company of DStv, and Warner Bros Discovery reached a last-minute agreement to keep 12 popular channels on the DStv bouquet. This comes after warnings earlier in December that these channels might be discontinued due to stalled negotiations.
According to a statement released by Canal+ on Wednesday, the new multi-year agreement spans several regions, including South Africa, the rest of Africa, and parts of Europe where Canal+ operates. The deal not only renews the distribution of Warner Bros Discovery’s thematic channels but also expands collaboration to include HBO Max.
Canal+ stated:
This expanded agreement covers both the distribution of HBO Max and the renewal of several Warner Bros Discovery thematic channels across numerous regions. It includes the renewal of 12 Warner Bros Discovery channels across MultiChoice Group territories, with some offered exclusively. This enables Canal+ to strengthen its entertainment, kids, news, and documentary offerings in African markets.
The 12 channels secured under the agreement are:
- Discovery Channel
- CNN International
- TLC
- Discovery Family
- Real Time
- TNT Africa
- Food Network
- HGTV
- Investigation Discovery
- Cartoon Network
- Cartoonito
- Travel Channel
The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty for DStv customers, who received email and on-screen notifications from 1 December warning that these channels could be removed due to an impasse in negotiations.
Beyond Africa, the agreement also impacts several European territories, including Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, where Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, and CNN International have been renewed. Additional Warner Bros Discovery channels renewed in Europe—but not available in Africa—include Warner TV, Cinemax, and TVN.
Canal+ described the deal as a significant milestone:
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.
