In a significant blow to children's television in the UK, two beloved channels are being pulled from major broadcasting platforms. Both Pop and Tiny Pop will cease broadcasting on Sky and Virgin Media from 31st December, marking the end of an era for young viewers who have grown up with their content.
The End of an Era for Children's Broadcasting
Pop and Tiny Pop, which have been firm favourites with children since their launch in 2003, will disappear from the Sky and Virgin Media line-ups at the end of next month. The channels have hosted popular shows including Elmo's World, Dragon Ball Super, and Masha and the Bear.
This move follows the earlier closure of CITV in September two years ago, leaving CBeebies and CBBC as the last remaining free-to-air children's channels available to UK audiences. The decision reflects a dramatic shift in how young people consume entertainment.
How to Still Access Your Favourite Shows
While the traditional broadcast channels are closing, viewers won't completely lose access to their favourite programming. The Pop Player and official website will also shut down, but content will remain available through alternative digital platforms.
Families can continue watching shows via internet-connected Freeview boxes and on smart TV services including Samsung TV Plus and LG Channels. This transition to online streaming reflects broader changes in media consumption habits.
Why Are These Channels Disappearing?
The primary reason behind this dramatic move is the overwhelming rise of YouTube's popularity among young audiences. Ofcom data from last year revealed that children as young as four through to teenagers aged 15 are now preferring YouTube over traditional television platforms.
Paul Dunthorne, Managing Director of Narrative, explained the commercial reality facing children's television. "Commercial value across the UK kids' TV market is now just 4% of what it was 10 years ago," he told Cordbusters.
He added: "We understand the importance of offering high-quality kids' TV, and we've done everything that we can to maintain Pop. But free-to-air channels for this audience are simply not commercially viable without public service broadcaster-style funding."
Dunthorne confirmed that Pop will maintain a presence on FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels in the UK on Freeview, Samsung, LG and other platforms, where commercial opportunities remain viable.
This channel closure comes alongside other significant changes in the broadcasting landscape. Eurosport channels have also recently shut down on Sky and Virgin, with their content integrating into TNT Sports from February 28th, 2025. Sports including cycling, tennis, snooker and the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will join TNT Sports' existing lineup.
Scott Young, WBD Sports Europe Chief, commented on this consolidation trend: "We know audiences are looking for a slightly simpler journey on where to find the sport they love. This move will also continue to best deliver value for our leagues and federation partners."
The disappearance of Pop and Tiny Pop from major platforms signals a fundamental transformation in children's media consumption, driven by digital migration and changing commercial realities in the broadcasting industry.
