In a major shake-up for the African media landscape, Paramount Africa has announced it will completely cease its operations across the continent by the end of December 2025. This decision marks the end of the entertainment giant's nearly two-decade presence in key markets like Nigeria and South Africa.
The Final Curtain for Popular Channels
The most immediate impact for millions of viewers will be the disappearance of two beloved entertainment channels. BET Africa and MTV Base will permanently go off-air on both the DStv and GOtv platforms at 09:00 West African Time on January 1, 2026. This move is part of the broader winding down of Paramount Africa's channel portfolio and physical offices.
For years, Paramount Africa served as a leading entertainment network, reaching an estimated audience of over 100 million viewers in 52 countries. Its portfolio included 10 television channels such as Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., and VH1 Classic, alongside a significant digital operation boasting millions of monthly engagements.
Global Cost-Cutting Drives Exit
The closure is not an isolated event but a direct result of a stringent global strategy by its parent company, Paramount Global. The corporation is implementing a wide-ranging cost-reduction programme aimed at saving $3 billion, which includes cutting its international workforce by 15%.
This retreat from linear (cable) broadcasting in Africa underscores a massive industry shift. Media conglomerates worldwide are pivoting resources away from traditional TV towards digital and subscription-based streaming services to adapt to changing viewer habits.
The scaling back has been gradual. Earlier, the CBS News bureau in Johannesburg was closed, with African operations now managed from London. Furthermore, MultiChoice, the operator of DStv, confirmed it would lose a total of four channels from Paramount Africa and CBS AMC by year's end.
Broader Implications for the Market
This exit follows a pattern of channel removals on the DStv platform. Reports indicate that at least 12 channels across sports, news, and kids' programming have been taken off the air between January and August of this year alone.
Interestingly, the shutdown occurs despite a recent content deal. In February 2024, MultiChoice signed a licensing agreement with Paramount Global to introduce a Paramount+-branded hub on DStv, offering CBS shows and Paramount+ originals. This highlights the complex transition where companies support their streaming brands while withdrawing traditional broadcast services.
The departure of Paramount Africa represents a significant moment for the continent's creative and media industries, signaling the end of an era for linear TV and accelerating the race towards a fully digital future.
