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

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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 Paramount Africa has already announced that BET Africa and MTV Base will be withdrawn from DStv on January 1, 2026, while CBS Reality and CBS Justice will cease operations on December 31, 2025.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

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Sandra Okunzuwa Reveals Movie Kiss Scene Ended Her Relationship

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Sandra Okunzuwa Reveals Movie Kiss Scene Ended Her Relationship

Sandra Okunzuwa Reveals Movie Kiss Scene Ended Her Relationship

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Sandra Okunzuwa has opened up about how performing romantic scenes in movies affected her personal relationships, revealing that one of her past relationships ended after a misunderstanding over a film kiss scene.

Speaking on the BTS Reality Podcast, the actress explained that her ex-boyfriend ended their relationship after someone allegedly sent him a movie clip showing her kissing a male colleague on set.

Sandra said the incident exposed how difficult it can be for actors to separate professional roles from private life, especially when partners struggle with insecurity or public perception.

According to her, filming romantic scenes is a highly controlled professional environment and far from what many people assume.

“When actors kiss while filming, about 20 people are watching them, instructions are being given, and the director is monitoring everything,” she said.

She added that such scenes are not emotionally or physically driven as many viewers might imagine.

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“Onscreen kisses are not even enjoyable. If they can be scrapped and viewers will still enjoy movies, I am in support,” she added.

Sandra further noted that repeated misunderstandings over her acting roles eventually created tension in the relationship, which later led to its breakdown.

She explained that while she understood her partner’s reaction may have stemmed from insecurity, it highlighted a broader challenge faced by actors in romantic roles.

“At the time, I felt his reaction came from a place of insecurity. But honestly, it is not easy,” she said.

The actress also stressed that people who choose to date actors must be prepared to understand the nature of the profession, especially the emotional demands and public exposure that come with it.

She encouraged colleagues in the film industry to maintain clear boundaries between their on-screen characters and real-life relationships to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Sandra Okunzuwa, known for her performances in several Nollywood productions, continues to gain recognition for her roles in drama and romance-themed films within the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Her comments have sparked conversations online about trust, insecurity, and the challenges actors face in balancing fame with personal relationships.

Sandra Okunzuwa Reveals Movie Kiss Scene Ended Her Relationship

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Chike Reacts To Rumours Linking Him With Frank Edoho’s Estranged Wife

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Chike Reacts To Rumours Linking Him With Frank Edoho’s Estranged Wife
Frank Edoho, his estranged wife Sandra Onyenucheya and Chike

Chike Reacts To Rumours Linking Him With Frank Edoho’s Estranged Wife

Nigerian singer Chike has sparked reactions online after posting a cryptic message amid growing speculation linking him romantically to Sandra Onyenucheya, the estranged wife of media personality Frank Edoho.

The controversy began after Frank Edoho, during a recent podcast interview, recounted issues that allegedly contributed to the collapse of his marriage. The television host claimed he once caught his former wife cheating with a musician, although he did not mention any individual by name.

His comments quickly triggered widespread speculation across social media platforms, with many users attempting to connect the statement to Chike.

As the rumours intensified online, Chike appeared to respond indirectly on Sunday night with a short but emotional social media post that read: “Pity my soul!”

The message immediately drew attention from fans and entertainment observers, with many interpreting it as a reaction to the ongoing allegations. Others, however, argued that the singer may have been referring to an entirely different issue unrelated to the controversy.

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Despite the online speculation, Chike has continued to maintain his public schedule and professional appearances.

The singer was recently spotted at a cinema outing in Lagos, where he interacted warmly with fans, signed autographs, and posed for photographs.

In one of the viral clips circulating online, fans were seen singing his hit song Running To You while taking pictures with the music star.

Neither Chike nor Sandra Onyenucheya has directly addressed the substance of the rumours beyond the singer’s cryptic post.

Frank Edoho has also not publicly identified the musician he referenced during the interview, leaving much of the speculation based entirely on social media assumptions.

The development has since generated heated conversations online, with some social media users criticising the spread of unverified claims involving public figures, while others continue to speculate about the identities behind Frank Edoho’s remarks.

Chike, known for songs such as Running To You, Roju, and Egwu, has remained one of Nigeria’s most celebrated contemporary vocalists, earning praise for his soulful sound and emotionally driven music.

Chike Reacts To Rumours Linking Him With Frank Edoho’s Estranged Wife

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Popular Nollywood Actor Alex Ekubo Reportedly Dies at 40

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Popular Nollywood Actor Alex Ekubo Reportedly Dies at 40

The actor, known for his charming screen presence and roles in several blockbuster Nigerian movies, was said to have passed away on Tuesday at the age of 40, according to reports circulating across major entertainment and news platforms.

Although details surrounding his death remained sketchy as of press time, reports claimed the actor died after battling an undisclosed illness, with some sources alleging he had been privately managing cancer-related complications.

The development has thrown the Nigerian entertainment industry into mourning, with fans, colleagues, and celebrities expressing shock and grief over the sudden loss.

Tributes poured in across social media shortly after news of his death emerged, as admirers remembered him for his talent, charisma, and contribution to the growth of Nollywood.

Born Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke, the actor rose to prominence after emerging first runner-up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest. He subsequently built a successful acting career, featuring in numerous acclaimed films and television productions.

Over the years, Ekubo became one of Nollywood’s most recognizable faces, starring in popular productions such as Weekend Getaway, The Bling Lagosians, Zero Hour, Merry Men, and A Sunday Affair.

Beyond acting, he was also celebrated for his fashion sense, brand endorsements, and influence within Nigeria’s entertainment and youth culture.

Industry stakeholders described his reported death as a painful loss to Nollywood, noting that he remained one of the most admired actors of his generation.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been released by his family, management team, or the Actors Guild of Nigeria confirming funeral arrangements or further details surrounding the circumstances of his death.

More details later.

 

Popular Nollywood Actor Alex Ekubo Reportedly Dies at 40

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