A significant change is on the horizon for viewers who rely on Sky, Freeview, or Virgin Media for their entertainment needs. Two popular children’s channels, Pop and Tiny Pop, are set to be removed from the standard TV guide starting next month. This decision will impact millions of households that currently enjoy watching shows like Pokémon, LEGO Friends, Hello Kitty, Power Players, and Monster High on these free-to-view channels.
The move to take Pop and Tiny Pop off the air comes as a result of commercial challenges, making it no longer feasible to sustain these channels. Paul Dunthorne, Managing Director of Narrative, explained that the UK kids’ TV market’s commercial value has significantly declined over the past decade, leading to the closure of the linear Pop channel by the year’s end. Despite efforts to keep Pop operational, the lack of traditional funding for free-to-air children’s channels has made their sustainability untenable.
While the closure of these channels may disappoint viewers, there is a silver lining. Following the shutdown, the content will still be accessible through “FAST” platforms, which are internet-based services. The Pop presence on FAST channels will be maintained in the UK on platforms like Freeview, Samsung, LG, and others, providing continued commercial opportunities domestically and internationally.
Additionally, alongside the channel closures, the Pop Player app and website will also cease operations. However, to uplift spirits, Sky has announced the introduction of Disney Jr., a new kids’ TV channel featuring a lineup of shows tailored for children aged 2-6. This addition to the Sky Kids package will launch on November 13, offering popular titles like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, Marvel’s Iron Man and his Awesome Friends, as well as beloved preschool favorites such as Bluey, Doc McStuffins, and Sofia the First.
Viewers subscribing to the Sky Kids pack can enjoy Disney Jr. through the TV guide or on-demand on various Sky devices, including Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Sky Q, and Sky+, as well as on the Sky Go app. Furthermore, Disney Jr. content will remain accessible for streaming on Disney+ for continued entertainment options.