Millions of households relying on Sky, Freeview, or Virgin Media for entertainment will soon have fewer options on their TV screens. Popular children’s channels, Pop and Tiny Pop, are set to be removed from the lineup starting next month. These channels, known for showcasing well-liked programs like Pokémon, LEGO Friends, Hello Kitty, and more for younger audiences, will no longer be accessible via traditional broadcast.
The decision to pull the plug on Pop and Tiny Pop comes as a result of commercial challenges, making their continued operation unsustainable. According to Paul Dunthorne, MD of Narrative, the declining commercial value in the UK kids’ TV market led to the closure of the linear Pop channel by the year’s end. Despite efforts to sustain these free-to-view channels, the lack of sufficient commercial support akin to public service broadcasters has made their viability unfeasible.
However, there is a silver lining amidst the channel closures. The content from Pop and Tiny Pop will still be available on online platforms known as FAST channels, but viewers will need internet-connected devices to access them. This move aims to keep the content accessible while adapting to changing viewing habits.
In a positive development, Sky is introducing Disney Jr. to its lineup on November 13 as part of the Sky Kids package. This new channel caters to children aged 2-6 and offers a variety of shows like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, and more beloved preschool favorites. Disney Jr. will be accessible through various Sky devices and the Sky Go app, providing a fresh array of content for young viewers to enjoy.
As the landscape of children’s TV programming undergoes shifts with the closure of traditional channels like Pop and Tiny Pop, the introduction of Disney Jr. by Sky brings a fresh and exciting lineup to engage young audiences in the evolving era of digital entertainment.