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."