Millions of households relying on Sky, Freeview, or Virgin Media for entertainment are set to have a reduced selection of TV channels available in the standard TV guide. The popular children’s channels, Pop and Tiny Pop, are scheduled to be removed from the airwaves starting next month, marking the end of an era for viewers tuning in to these free-to-view services. These channels currently showcase a range of beloved children’s shows like Pokémon, LEGO Friends, Hello Kitty, Power Players, and Monster High, catering to younger audiences round the clock.
The decision to discontinue Pop and Tiny Pop stems from the channels no longer being financially sustainable in the current market landscape. Paul Dunthorne, Managing Director of Narrative, explained that the declining commercial value in the UK kids’ TV sector has led to the closure of the linear Pop channel by the year’s end. Despite efforts to preserve these channels, the absence of public service broadcaster-style funding has made free-to-air offerings for this demographic unfeasible.
Although the closure of these channels may disappoint viewers, the content will still be accessible through “FAST” platforms, requiring internet-enabled devices for streaming. The presence of Pop on FAST channels in the UK and internationally will be maintained, presenting new commercial opportunities.
In a positive turn, Sky has announced the addition of Disney Jr. to its lineup, catering to children aged 2-6 with a range of engaging shows. The Disney Jr. channel, set to launch on November 13 as part of the Sky Kids package, will feature popular titles like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, and more, offering a diverse selection of programming for young viewers.
Viewers can enjoy Disney Jr. content through the Sky Kids pack via the TV guide or on-demand across various Sky devices, including Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Sky Q, and Sky+, as well as the Sky Go app. Additionally, Disney Jr. content will be available for streaming on Disney+ for continued viewing options.