DStv warns subscribers of possible loss of CNN, discovery, 10 other channels in 2026

MultiChoice has warned that DStv subscribers may lose access to CNN and 11 other Warner Bros. Discovery channels from January 1, 2026, if ongoing negotiations fail to produce a new broadcast agreement.

The pay-TV operator issued the alert to customers on Monday, noting that its current carriage contract with Warner Bros. Discovery will expire on December 31, 2025.

According to MultiChoice, “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.”

Channels that could go dark include CNN International, Discovery Channel, TNT Africa, TLC, Food Network, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Cartoonito, Investigation Discovery, Real Time, Discovery Family, and Travel Channel.

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The potential blackout comes at a difficult time for MultiChoice, which has been battling significant subscriber losses across Africa. In the last two financial years, the company shed 2.8 million active users, with 1.2 million lost in 2025 alone.

In Nigeria, the company lost 1.4 million DStv customers over two years, as rising subscription prices and economic pressures forced households to cut entertainment spending.

The channel uncertainty adds to MultiChoice’s widening content challenges. Paramount Africa has already announced that BET Africa and MTV Base will be withdrawn from DStv on January 1, 2026, while CBS Reality and CBS Justice will cease operations on December 31, 2025.

The disruptions reflect broader shifts within the global media industry. Warner Bros. Discovery is restructuring amid reported takeover interest from Paramount, Comcast, and Netflix. Reports indicate that Paramount is interested in acquiring the entire company, while Comcast and Netflix are eyeing studio and streaming assets.

Meanwhile, MultiChoice’s new parent company, Canal+, is moving to reposition DStv for Africa’s increasingly competitive streaming market through price adjustments, investment in local content, and a renewed focus on premium sports broadcasting.

Together, the Canal+–MultiChoice group now serves more than 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia, employing about 17,000 staff worldwide. A full strategic update is expected in early 2026.

Industry analysts warn that losing CNN, Discovery Channel, and other major Warner Bros. Discovery brands could significantly weaken DStv’s documentary and entertainment offerings, leaving sports content as its strongest competitive edge.

DStv warns subscribers of possible loss of CNN, discovery, 10 other channels in 2026

Sabinus Confirms Marriage Crash, Says He and Ex-Wife Are Focused on Co-Parenting

Popular Nigerian comedian and content creator Sabinus — real name Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu — has officially confirmed that his marriage has ended. The 30-year-old revealed during a recent TikTok live session that the union, formalised in 2023, ended on peaceful terms.

“I’m not married, despite any rumors. My child’s mother and I ended things peacefully, and she’s completely fine with it,” he stated.

Sabinus assured fans that he and his former wife remain on good terms and are committed to co-parenting their daughter. “The mum and I are good. My daughter is okay, and she is doing fine,” he said.

Rumours about the Sabinus marriage had circulated for months, despite earlier denials from both parties. His latest confirmation finally puts an end to the long-standing speculation.

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Sabinus, who began his online comedy journey in 2015, rose to mainstream prominence in 2019 and has since featured in Nollywood films such as Billionaire’s Bride and Man of War. His rising profile earned him the AMVCA Best Online Content Creator award in 2022.

Reflecting on his early struggles, the comedian recalled how difficult it was to gain support from established entertainers. “Even some top celebrities blocked me on Instagram because I asked for help. To an extent, I knew it was every man for himself,” he said.

Despite the marital setback, Sabinus continues to maintain his position as one of Nigeria’s most influential content creators and comedic voices.

Sabinus Confirms Marriage Crash, Says He and Ex-Wife Are Focused on Co-Parenting

2Baba Breaks Silence, Says Viral Aid Post Endangered Wife, Natasha

Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia (2Baba) has clarified the controversy surrounding a viral message allegedly posted from his Instagram account, stating that the fake plea for help has created unnecessary panic and put his wife, Natasha Idibia, at risk.

Addressing the situation in a video shared on X by user #AsakeGrn, 2Baba described the public uproar as “dangerous,” stressing that the post did not originate from him. He urged fans, friends, and family to “cease fire” and allow his family to resolve their issues privately.

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“This is getting out of hand; this is a dangerous situation,” he said. “I know what fans can do, and this is putting Natasha at risk. I didn’t publish that post. I am perfectly fine.”

The Afrobeats legend admitted that like any couple, disagreements do occur, but insisted the current frenzy surrounding his marriage has been blown out of proportion.

“It is not fair on anybody to face this kind of thing. People get issues for house, no be today. I need everybody to calm down; we will resolve these issues,” he said.

The clarification comes after reports claimed the singer was briefly detained by UK police following an alleged altercation with Natasha during his October tour. The situation escalated when an argument between the couple was overheard during an Instagram Live session with broadcaster Daddy Freeze, fueling speculation of a marital crisis and raising concerns about the singer’s well-being.

2Baba Breaks Silence, Says Viral Aid Post Endangered Wife, Natasha