Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Canal+'s MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery unable to agree on price for 12 TV channels and HBO content, won't lower subscription fees for DStv subscribers if channels are axed


by Thinus Ferreira

Bloomberg reports that Canal+'s MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) can't agree on the price to pay for the linear TV channels that MultiChoice wants to keep on DStv and which will be axed at the end of December if no new channels carriage contract is signed.

MultiChoice says it won't lower DStv subscription fees for DStv subscribers if these 12 TV channels and content on M-Net is taken away.

Bloomberg quotes an insider who said the channels carriage negotiations have stalled because of a difference over what WBD wants to be paid and what Canal+ Africa is willing to pay.

Another insider told TVwithThinus that MultiChoice and WBD held talks again on Thursday evening last week.

Besides the 12 TV channels on DStv from WBD currently - or possibly an adjusted number of channels that MultiChoice wants to keep - MultiChoice, M-Net and Showmax are also facing the loss of all HBO content, as well as the content from Warner Bros.' TV and film studios, acquired separately for M-Net (DStv 101), the M-Net Movies channels on DStv, and for Showmax run with Comcast's NBCUniversal.

The TV channels that DStv subscribers will lose at the end of December without a contract extension include Discovery Channel, Cartoonito, Cartoon Network, CNN International, Food Network, TNT, TLC, ID: Investigation Discovery, Real Time, HGTV, Discovery Family and the Travel Channel.

According to MultiChoice, "No final decision has been made regarding the future availability of those channels, and renewal discussions remain a normal part of industry practice. At this stage, we are not in a position to comment on any other commercial agreements".

On lowering prices for DStv subscribers in 2026 if these 12 TV channels go dark, MultiChoice says "While channels may be added or removed from time to time, there is currently no change to DStv subscription pricing. This includes Paramount pulling BET Africa, MTV Base, CBS Justice and CBS Reality from our platform".

Warner Bros. Discovery told TVwithThinus in response to a media query on Monday night that there's no deal yet with MultiChoice and that it understands "the concern" around the axing of WBD's TV channels from DStv.

WBD said that it "deeply values its long-standing partnership with MultiChoice across multiple territories, and most importantly, our connection with the millions of viewers who cherish our channels".

"We understand the concern surrounding the potential discontinuation of our brands, including Discovery, Cartoonito, Cartoon Network, CNN International, Food Network, TNT, TLC, ID: Investigation Discovery, Real Time, HGTV, Discovery Family, and Travel Channel, from DStv and GOtv as of 1 January 2026".

"This situation arises because we have not yet reached a mutual agreement with MultiChoice to continue broadcasting our much-loved brands."

"We want to assure our viewers that Warner Bros. Discovery remains unequivocally committed to finding a resolution."

A concerned DStv subscriber, George Pietersen, noting that "loyal DStv subscribers are deeply frustrated", has started an online petition on change.org, named "Save our DStv channels from cancellation" that by Tuesday morning had over 400 signatures.


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Monday, December 8, 2025

Paramount launches hostile takeover bid of Warner Bros. Discovery with cash offer directly to its shareholders after Netflix said it's buying WBD


by Thinus Ferreira

Paramount isn't going gently into the good night and on Monday launched a hostile takeover bid of Warner Bros. Discovery, after Netflix and WBD on Friday announced that Netflix is buying WBD.

Paramount Skydance is offering an all-cash buy to WBD's shareholders, backed by the Ellison family and RedBird Capital.

Whereas Netflix is buying Warner Bros.'s TV and film studios as well as its streamer HBO Max, Paramount wants all of WBD, including its Discovery Global set of linear TV channels.

Paramount on Monday said that its deal to snap up WBD is of superior value to shareholders and won't face the uncertain regulatory process that a Netflix buyout of WBD will confront.

Since Netflix is the world's and the United States' largest video streaming service, it will raise anti-trust issues when it wants to acquire HBO Max as a big video streaming service as well that specialises in premium content.

On Monday, Paramount said that it is taking its all-cash offer directly to WBD shareholders since Paramount believes that they were not presented with "the most compelling and superior transaction".

According to Paramount, a Netflix transaction of WBD represents "inferior and uncertain value, a protracted and uncertain multi-jurisdictional regulatory clearance process, a complex and volatile mix of equity and cash, and ownership of Global Networks as a standalone over-leveraged company whose future trading value is uncertain".

Paramount says it is offering $18 billion more than Netflix to buy the entirety of WBD.

David Ellison, chairman and CEO of Paramount, in a statement, says, "WBD shareholders deserve an opportunity to consider our superior all-cash offer for their shares in the entire company".

"Our public offer, which is on the same terms we provided to the Warner Bros Discovery board of directors in private, provides superior value and a more certain and quicker path to completion."

"We believe the WBD board of directors is pursuing an inferior proposal which exposes shareholders to a mix of cash and stock, an uncertain future trading value of the Global Networks linear cable business and a challenging regulatory approval process."

"We are taking our offer directly to shareholders to give them the opportunity to act in their own best interests and maximise the value of their shares."

"We believe our offer will create a stronger Hollywood. It is in the best interests of the creative community, consumers and the movie theatre industry."

"We believe they will benefit from the enhanced competition, higher content spend and theatrical release output, and a greater number of movies in theatres as a result of our proposed transaction. We look forward to working to expeditiously deliver this opportunity so that all stakeholders can begin to capitalise on the benefits of the combined company."

Neither Netflix nor Warner Bros. Discovery had immediate comment.

Emarketer senior analyst Ross Benes told Reuters "The Warner Bros Discovery acquisition is far from over. Netflix is in the driver's seat but there will be twists and turns before the finish line. Paramount will appeal to shareholders, regulators and politicians to try to stymie Netflix. The battle could become prolonged."

Canal+'s MultiChoice is currently in contentious channel carriage negotiations with Warner Bros. Discovery for a carriage extension of 12 TV channels on the DStv pay-TV service in South Africa and the Rest of Africa (RoA) region.

With no new deal, MultiChoice will lose the 12 TV channels by the end of December 2025, as well as studio output like the TV content from Warner Bros. Television and films from Warner Bros. Pictures, as well as everything from HBO, all bought for M-Net (DStv 101), the M-Net Movies channels, as well as MultiChoice's streamer Showmax it runs with Comcast's NBCUniversal.

On Monday afternoon, MultiChoice Group said that it "is aware of the announcement made regarding Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix".

"Our own commercial discussions with WBD remain ongoing, and we are not in a position to comment on the negotiations of other industry players. There is no final decision regarding any WBD channels or content on our platforms."

"As always, any updates that may affect our customers will be communicated directly and transparently. Our focus remains on providing the best possible content offering."
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M-Net and Showmax at risk of losing HBO and all other Warner Bros studios series and film output in TV channels carriage fight between Canal+'s MultiChoice and WBD


by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net and Showmax are both at risk of losing all of Warner Bros. Discovery's HBO content, as well as all of the TV series and films licensed from WBD's TV and film studios, in separate negotiations that form part of the bigger channels carriage agreement negotiations and standoff between Canal+'s MultiChoice Group and WBD.

The existing channels carriage contract between MultiChoice and WBD expires at the end of December 2025.

The months-long talks to hammer out a new channels carriage extension contract have become contentious, with the risk that DStv subscribers could lose the 12 TV channels supplied by WBD at the end of the month.

It is however not just the 12 TV channels that might get axed from DStv but also all of the HBO content seen on MultiChoice's video streaming service Showmax, as well as on the M-Net (DStv 101) channel, and the M-Net Movies channels, which are bought "separately" from the full linear TV channels as part of output deals.   

A source told TVwithThinus that the potential loss of WBD's content for MultiChoice's DStv, M-Net and Showmax is its "biggest existential threat in its history".

Talks between Canal+, MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery again took place on Thursday evening.

The WBD channels at risk of going dark on DStv on 31 December include CNN International, Discovery Channel and Cartoon Network - all three of which have been on DStv since it launched 30 years ago in 1995 - as well as Cartoonito, Food Network, TNT, TLC, ID: Investigation Discovery, Real Time, HGTV, Discovery Family and the Travel channel.

Another source made it very clear to me that the current negotiations with MultiChoice involve separate agreements for both Warner Bros. Discovery’s channel brands, as well as for all of its premium content like HBO series and Warner Bros. titles.

It means that HBO shows and Warner Bros. films appearing on M‑Net, M‑Net Movies and Showmax are also part of the ongoing discussions - not just the 12 TV channels, creating a much bigger possible content loss catastrophe than what DStv subscribers realise.

If MultiChoice and WBD fail to sign a new channels carriage agreement, M-Net and Showmax will also lose the individual shows and films acquired from WBD's TV and film studios like Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema, as well as HBO.

HBO series titles range from The Gilded Age, The White Lotus and Dune: Prophecy to House of the Dragon, the new upcoming spinoff Knight of the Seven Kingdoms that will debut in 2026, the new Green Lantern series Lanterns that will start in 2026 as well, and also the highly anticipated new Harry Potter drama series, currently filming its first season and is expected to run for a decade like Friends.

M-Net didn't respond with any answers or clarification to multiple media queries made last week about this output deal that it is at risk of losing.

A concerned and angry DStv subscriber has now started an online petition, entitled "Save our DStv channels from cancellation" to implore MultiChoice not to allow these 12 TV channels to get axed from DStv.

A third insider told me "things are not looking good".

"WBD, which is now taken over by Netflix, is the largest American content supplier of third-party entertainment to DStv and M-Net. You can't replace that massive loss with anything else, even if MultiChoice says it will work on finding replacement content."

"How will they explain to DStv subscribers paying exorbitant monthly subscription fees already why they no longer have CNN, Discovery or Cartoon Network, but that you want them to keep paying?" another source said.

MultiChoice says "While discussions between the parties continue, no agreement has been reached at this stage".

MultiChoice also hinted that WBD's asking price for whatever content the negotiations are over, might be too high.

MultiChoice says it's trying to acquire content "at the best possible pricing. Every time you subscribe, you trust us with your money, and we take that responsibility seriously".

Warner Bros Discovery told TVwithThinus that it has "not yet reached a mutual agreement with MultiChoice to continue broadcasting our much-loved brands. We want to assure our viewers that Warner Bros. Discovery remains unequivocally committed to finding a resolution".

"Our primary goal is to keep these channels accessible to our loyal audience. We are hopeful that a constructive path forward can be found that benefits all parties, especially the viewers."

Before Canal+'s takeover of the MultiChoice Group, Maxime Maada, Canal+ CEO, told South African regulators that DStv would have more content and more services after Canal+'s buyout and not fewer.

The Competition Commission of South Africa told TVwithThinus in response to a media query about the potential loss of WBD's TV channels and content from DStv, M-Net and Showmax, that "The Competition Commission is not able to comment on this at this stage until it has established all the relevant facts".

"However, it is important to note that any changes to the business of the merged entity will have to be done in a manner that ensures that the merger conditions are not undermined or violated."


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After SABC News journalist that was fired for being drunk claims insider political plot, SABC sends cease-and-desist demand over 'claims without merit'


by Thinus Ferreira

After the SABC fired SABC News senior political journalist Tshepo Ikaneng for allegedly being drunk, the South African public broadcaster has now demanded he stop defaming the SABC "over claims without merit".

Tshepo Ikaneng, on social media, claimed that he was fired after he threatened to expose corruption and nepotism.

Tshepo Ikaneng alleged that Deidre Uren, SABC News boss, was apparently colluding with William Baloyi, the head of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) to get their "puppet" into a position at SABC News special projects as part of a political plot to undermine the ANC, MKP and EFF political parties in favour of the DA political party before 2026's local government elections.

Reesha Kasipershad-Pillay, SABC legal advisor, has sent Tshepo Ikaneng a cease-and-desist letter, demanding that he remove all of the allegedly defamatory statements in his posts from his social media.

Reesha Kasipershad-Pillay instructed Tshepo Ikaneng to confirm that the statements have been removed, that he confirm in writing that he won't make any further false and defamatory remarks about the SABC or SABC staffers, as well as a written retraction and apology to the South African public broadcaster.

The SABC, in a statement, says "We take any allegation made against the organisation or our employees seriously, and we follow established internal processes to evaluate and address such matters thoroughly and fairly".

"In this case, as with all matters brought to our attention, the allegations are subjected to the appropriate internal procedures. These claims without merit are being perpetuated by Tshepo Ikaneng whose employment was recently terminated after a properly constituted disciplinary process."

"The SABC stands firmly with the employees who are being targeted by these unfounded claims. The SABC has robust governance, editorial and operational frameworks in place to ensure the continued credibility and professionalism of SABC News."

"Given the seriousness and the public impact of the false statements being circulated, the SABC has taken the necessary legal steps."

The broadcaster confirms that "A formal cease-and-desist demand has been issued to Tshepo Ikaneng, requiring him to remove the defamatory content and refrain from making any further false assertions."

Tshepo Ikaneng has also declared a dispute at the CCMA through his union.

The SABC says it will "engage fully in that process".
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Primedia+ adds JAN Voyage: Italy with chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen from Brainwave Productions as its first original series


by Thinus Ferreira  

Primedia+ has added the travelogue series JAN Voyage: Italy from brainwave Productions and fronted by the South African Michelin star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen as its first original production. 

The six half-hour episode series is available on Primedia+ on the website as well as on the Primedia+ app for free after registration.

In JAN Voyage: Italy, the South African Michelin star chef travels through various Italian regions by car and train with his four-year old dog, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, named Elizabeth, that he calls "Lizzie".

Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen showcases places ranging from Apricale and Florence to to Parma, Naples and Positano.

Primedia Studios commissioned JAN Voyage: Italy specifically for Primedia+. Brainwave Productions previously produced the series JAN as well as JAN RSVP for Media24's VIA (DStv 147) channel.





"In every encounter with the people behind the food, I find a story of passion, patience and devotion," says Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen.

"It reminds me that food is never just about what's on the plate - it's about the hands, the hearts, and the histories that bring it to life Рfrom the butchers who still wrap their cuts in brown paper with pride to the corner shopkeepers who know every face in the village and the families who've run their caf̩s for generations, still stirring the same sauces their great-great-grandparents made."

"It reminds me that food is never just about what’s on the plate - it’s about the hands, the hearts, and the histories that bring it to life."

Jan du Plessis, Primedia Studios president, says "We are incredibly honoured to have joined forces with the multiple Safta-winning Brainwave Productions to showcase this stunning show on Primedia+."

"Jan Hendrik brings the Midas touch to everything he does, and JAN Voyage: Italy is a sure-fire recipe for binge-worthy viewing."
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New Afrikaans newspaper Die Papier launching March 2026


Thinus Ferreira

A new weekly Afrikaans newspaper, Die Papier (The Paper) will launch in March 2026 with former Beeld editor Barnard Beukman as its first editor.

Taking a page from the Daily Maverick as an online publication that has a weekly print edition, Die Papier will be available nationally in all major metros and some rural areas with a weekly print edition.

Die Papier will be the first new Afrikaans news and perspective publication in print since Media24 shuttered the print runs of Beeld, Die Volksblad and Rapport on Sundays earlier this year and after the revived Vrye Weekblad shuttered in March after six years.

Novus Holdings' Novus Media will publish Die Papier. 

Novus Holdings bought Media24's distribution business On the Dot and several community newspapers at the end of 2024 following the closure of the print runs of Beeld, Die Volksblad and Rapport.

Besides a website, Die Papier will appear in print on Fridays with news, sport, lifestyle, business and culture coverage aimed at South Africa's Afrikaans readership. The first issue of Die Papier is set for 6 March 2026, targeting an Afrikaans market of more than seven million consumers.

André van der Veen, Novus Holdings CEO, says "The opportunity to grow print publications in focused markets remains relevant if readers' needs are listened to with innovation and thorough comprehension".

According to Esmé Smit, Novus Media director, Die Papier "is a milestone for us - it's our first national newspaper and takes quality Afrikaans journalism to a new level with a reach that includes all the provinces".

"6 March 2026 signifies a new chapter - for the Afrikaans print media and for South African journalism. We're looking forward to telling collective stories, empowering citizens and building a platform where communities can partake constructively in a democratic discussion. Quality content for, from and to the benefit of the Afrikaans community - that's the vision of Die Papier."

Beukman told RSG that Die Papier will "repair the balance in the South African media landscape".

"The aim is not to be just another platform that reports on what's happening but to provide creative and interesting journalism to readers".

"There's an important market segment asking for news in print. Die Papier won't just be a printed newspaper; you'll also be able to page through it as an e-newspaper. It's that a component that has been lost is being repaired. National advertisers are already excited and told us thanks for seeing the gap in the market."

"Die Papier will be a national weekly. A possible comparison is with how the Saturday edition of Beeld looked in tablet form, taking recognition of the hard news of the previous day or two, with a focus on the weekend, the sport. There was an in-depth section. Afrikaans readers still want a print newspaper."

"One of the assignments from Novus Media is to bridge the gap between online and social media and the content of newspapers to make it accessible to younger readers," Beukman said.

He mentioned Die Papier will be available "in all nine provinces - of course always in core cities and as far as possible in rural areas. We'll try to distribute it as widely as possible."

"The hope is that Die Papier will contribute to the role of Afrikaans people and South Africans as a nation in conversation with itself."
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Canal+ appoints Elvire Charbonnel as new MultiChoice corporate communications boss


by Thinus Ferreira

France's Canal+ has appointed Elvire Charbonnel as the new corporate communications boss of the MultiChoice Group.

As the MultiChoice Group's latest head of corporate communications, Elvire Charbonnel will report Emilie Pietrini, Canal+'s brand and communications director.

After Canal+'s buyout of MultiChoice, Maxime Saada, Canal+ CEO, in October said that Canal+ doesn't plan on filling positions with a majority of French executives, although that is what has been happening since October the management of new Canal+ Africa CEO David Mignot.

Elvire Charbonnel will remain responsible for corporate communications at StudioCanal. It's still unclear whether Elvire Charbonnel will be relocating to Johannesburg in South Africa or remain in Paris, France.

Elvire Charbonnel has a master's degree in communication and media from Sciences Po Paris and was a consultant for Havas, Tilder and Clai (then Taddeo).

Elvire Charbonnel joined Canal+ in September 2022 as project manager and was then upped to head of corporate communications at StudioCanal.
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Sunday, December 7, 2025

Subscriber starts 'Save our DStv channels from cancellation' petition as Canal+'s MultiChoice tries to strike new deal with WBD: 'Loyal DStv subscribers are deeply frustrated over betrayed trust'


by Thinus Ferreira

A concerned DStv subscriber, George Pietersen, noting that "loyal DStv subscribers are deeply frustrated", has started an online petition on change.org, named "Save our DStv channels from cancellation" as Canal+'s MultiChoice warned its pay-TV customers that up to 12 TV channels supplied by Warner Bros. Discovery could be gone by the end of December when the existing channel carriage agreement ends.

The "Save our DStv channels from cancellation" petition by Sunday morning already amassed hundreds of supporter signatures that notes that the axing of these TV channels from MultiChoice's service "betrays the trust that we have placed in DStv by subscribing to their service".

Canal+'s MultiChoice is trying to sign a channels carriage agreement extension with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) for its 12 TV channels, including Discovery Channel, Cartoonito, Cartoon Network, CNN International, Food Network, TNT, TLC, ID: Investigation Discovery, Real Time, HGTV, Discovery Family and the Travel Channel.

In addition, MultiChoice and M-Net might also lose the series and films supplied separately to M-Net (DStv 101), its M-Net Movies channels on DStv, and Showmax, since TVwithThinus has reliably learnt that this separate output deal also forms part of the MultiChoice and WBD negotiations.

If MultiChoice and WBD are unable to come to a new agreement, not only will the 12 TV channels get axed from DStv, but also all of the TV series and films, as well as all of the HBO content like House of the Dragon, The Gilded Age and The Pitt, seen on the M-Net channel, Showmax and the M-Net Movies channels.

M-Net failed to respond with any answers on multiple media queries made about this additional output deal contract that was posed to it this past week.

In his petition, George Pietersen, notes that "loyal DStv subscribers, are deeply frustrated by the recent announcement that MultiChoice and DStv intend to cancel a lineup of beloved channels".

"We pay substantial monthly fees with the understanding that we are entitled to a broad spectrum of content that caters to diverse tastes and preferences. However, the impending removal of several channels severely undermines this promise, leaving us with limited options for quality entertainment." 

"The potential loss of these channels not only impacts our entertainment choices but also affects our family bonding activities, education, and overall happiness at home," George Pietersen says.

"The idea of losing channels that we have treasured for years is not only heartbreaking but betrays the trust that we have placed in DStv by subscribing to their service. To consider paying the same subscription fees for a weakened lineup is simply unacceptable. Many of us are on the brink of cancelling our subscriptions immediately if these removals proceed.

George Pietersen wants MultiChoice to actually talk to DStv subscribers, noting that Canal+ Africa's cost-cutting at MultiChoice and of DStv is chasing subscribers away.

"There are numerous other ways to optimise operations and costs without depriving viewers of long-cherished channels and beloved content."

"We propose an open dialogue between DStv, its partners, and the subscriber community to explore alternative solutions that benefit all parties. Such a move would demonstrate a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction and would reinforce your reputation as a customer-oriented service provider."

"We urge MultiChoice and DStv to prioritise their subscribers and halt the proposed cancellations. We stand united in our demand to save our cherished channels."


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Netflix to buy Warner Bros. Discovery's studios and HBO Max streamer for $72 billion: 'The Albanian army has taken over the world'


by Thinus Ferreira

Netflix will buy Warner Bros. Discovery's TV and film studios, as well as its HBO Max streaming service for $72 billion, excluding its Discovery Global TV channels.

Netflix and WBD announced the deal on Friday that will give Netflix control of the content produced by TV studios like Warner Bros. Television, film studios like Warner Bros. Pictures, as well as premium pay-TV channel HBO and the video streaming service HBO Max.

Canal+'s MultiChoice is currently in contentious negotiations with WBD for a channels carriage contract extension for its 12 TV channels included on DStv in South Africa and the Rest of Africa (RoA) which expires at the end of December 2025.

Canal+'s MultiChoice and M-Net is furthermore in negotiations for a new content output deal as well with WBD for HBO originals, as well as the TV series and films shown on M-Net (DStv 101), DStv's M-Net Movies channels, and MultiChoice's video streamer Showmax.

Both of these contracts - for the linear TV channels, as well as for the series and films content from WBD - form part of the same negotiations.

Fifteen years ago in December 2010 in an article headlined "Time Warner views Netflix as a fading star", Jeff Bewkes, then the CEO of Time Warner that owned Warner Bros. and HBO, in an interview with the New York Times, said, referring to Netflix, that "It's a little bit like, is the Albanian army going to take over the world? I don't think so".

Now that Netflix "Albanian army" has indeed taken over the world - or at least Warner Bros. Discovery.

Netflix's buyout of WBD has to pass regulatory scrutiny in the United States, with the deal expected to take between 12 to 18 months to complete.

It will exclude Discovery Global, the TV channels division that will house WBD's linear TV channels like CNN, CNN International, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Travel channel, Magnolia Network, Discovery Channel and others.

On Friday, Netflix was adamant that nothing would change, that Netflix would continue to operate according to how it always has, and that Warner Bros.' currently operations and distribution would continue independently, including its theatrical film releases and schedule.

The TV and film studios of Warner Bros. are combined the biggest in the world.

Where the deal might run into trouble is the anti-trust issue that will arise with the world's and the United States' biggest video streaming service buying another streaming service and by all measures HBO Max as the one with arguably the most premium content.

The Netflix deal is strongly opposed by Hollywood.

"Together we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling," said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, in a statement.

"Today's announcement combines two of the greatest storytelling companies in the world," said David Zaslav, president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, in the statement.


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