DStv retains Warner Bros Discovery channels after last-minute Canal+ deal

DStv subscribers will continue to enjoy key Warner Bros Discovery channels after Groupe Canal+, the parent company of MultiChoice, reached a last-minute agreement that averts their removal from the pay-TV platform.

The deal follows weeks of uncertainty after DStv customers were warned from 1 December that up to 12 popular channels could be discontinued amid stalled negotiations between the two media groups.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Canal+ confirmed that the new multi-year agreement covers several territories, including South Africa, the rest of Africa and parts of Europe where the French broadcaster operates. The agreement secures the continued distribution of Warner Bros Discovery’s thematic channels and also broadens the partnership to include HBO Max.

Canal+ said:

“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.”

Under the agreement, the 12 Warner Bros Discovery channels remaining on the DStv bouquet are Discovery Channel, CNN International, TLC, Discovery Family, Real Time, TNT Africa, Food Network, HGTV, Investigation Discovery, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito and Travel Channel.

The announcement brings relief to millions of DStv subscribers who had received email and on-screen notifications warning that the channels could be withdrawn if an agreement was not reached.

Beyond Africa, the agreement also affects several European markets. In Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito and CNN International have been renewed. Other Warner Bros Discovery channels renewed in parts of Europe — but not available in Africa — include Warner TV, Cinemax and TVN.

Canal+ described the agreement as a landmark moment in its long-running relationship with the US media group, saying:

“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.”