THE FUSE

DSTV viewers will soon say goodbye to two of Africa’s biggest entertainment channels. BET Africa and MTV Base will officially be removed from DStv and GOtv at 9:00am on 1 January 2026, broadcasting giant Paramount has confirmed. The move marks the end of an era for channels that have long celebrated African music, youth culture, and storytelling.

According to Daily Sun, Paramount explained that the decision is part of a global strategy shift as the company adapts to changing viewer habits. With more people turning to digital and on-demand platforms, traditional pay-TV channels are rethinking how they deliver content.

In a statement, Paramount said: “Paramount is adjusting its international pay-TV strategy in response to industry-wide changes and evolving audience habits. As part of this review, BET Africa and MTV Base will be discontinued on the DStv platform from 9:00am on 1 January 2026.

Paramount is proud of the legacy these channels have built and thanks their viewers and partners for their support over the years. Paramount’s global channels – Nickelodeon, NickToons, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, and MTV – will remain available to African audiences.”

MultiChoice also confirmed the news, reassuring viewers that other Paramount channels will continue to be available.

“MultiChoice can confirm that BET Africa and MTV Base will be discontinued on the DStv and GOtv platforms from 1 January 2026 at 9:00 CAT, following updates from our channel partner, Paramount,” the company said.

“Our customers can continue to enjoy other international channels from Paramount, including Nickelodeon, NickToons, Nick Jr, Comedy Central, and MTV. We thank Paramount for their continued partnership and look forward to working with them on the remaining channel offerings.”

To give fans a proper send-off, BET Africa will air double episodes of its hit South African telenovela Black Gold from 22 December until the channel goes off-air. The show, which launched in August, quickly became a must-watch, telling a gripping story of betrayal, family legacy, and the fight for power in KwaZulu-Natal.