DStv Could Be Losing 12 Channels, Including Your Child’s Favourites

MultiChoice has confirmed that its distribution agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery is scheduled to end on 31 December 2025. In a statement to subscribers on 1 December, the broadcaster explained: “The distribution agreement between MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery is scheduled to end on 31 December 2025. While discussions between the parties continue, no agreement has been reached at this stage. If this remains unchanged, a number of Warner Bros. Discovery channels may no longer be available on DStv from 1 January 2026.” 

DStv Channels at Risk

This means the decision is not final as negotiations are ongoing. However, if talks fail, subscribers stand to lose the following Warner Bros. Discovery channels:

• Children’s channels at risk: Cartoon Network, Cartoonito
• Other channels at risk: Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery (ID), The Travel Channel, TNT Africa, Animal Planet, CNN International, HGTV, Real Time, Discovery Family

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DStv Channels Confirmed to be Discontinued

The shake‑up doesn’t end there. Other distributors are also restructuring:

• Paramount Africa will shut down BET Africa and MTV Base at the end of 2025
• AMC Networks International will shut down CBS Reality and CBS Justice, also at the end of 2025

The Invisible Caregiver

In many homes, kids’ channels function as a form of childcare. They provide safe distraction during the dinner rush, keep toddlers calm during rainy afternoons and give parents breathing room in households where multitasking is constant. This “invisible caregiver” role is especially critical for single parents or families without access to streaming services. While wealthier households may pivot to Netflix Kids or Disney+, many South Africans rely on DStv channels as their primary source of children’s programming. The potential loss could deepen the digital divide, leaving lower‑income families with fewer safe options.

Safety vs. Chaos

Children’s channels are often described as “safe spaces.” Unlike the algorithm‑driven chaos of online platforms, curated TV channels filter out harmful content. They offer predictable schedules, familiar characters and cultural touchpoints. Without them, children may be exposed to unmoderated material from violent cartoons to influencer content that promotes unrealistic lifestyles.

Reassuring its viewers, the pay-TV platform said, “What matters most is ensuring your viewing experience remains rich, diverse, and enjoyable,” adding that the plan is to strengthen and enrich its line-up in 2026.

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Here are other ways to keep your children occupied:

• Encourage regular reading time with age‑appropriate books
• Involve them in simple household tasks (tidying, cooking prep, gardening)
• Set aside time for outdoor play and sports
• Use educational toys, puzzles, or board games for structured engagement
• Explore community resources such as libraries, after‑school programmes and local clubs

Closing Thoughts

The status of the 12 DStv channels remains unresolved as negotiations continue between MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery. If talks collapse, subscribers face the loss of some of their favourite children’s programming and popular lifestyle networks from 1 January 2026. Yet television is never a closed door; families can turn to other options, from streaming platforms to community resources and educational content, ensuring that safe and engaging alternatives remain available even if the channel line‑up changes.