Disney confirms closure of linear channels in UK

Disney has confirmed that it will be shutting down its linear children’s channels in the UK later this year and moving them to its Disney+ video streaming service.

As of 1st October 2020, Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior will exit Sky and Virgin Media platforms. The three channels will be exclusively available on Disney+ worldwide.

A statement from Disney said, “From 1 October, Disney+ will become the exclusive home for content from Disney Channel, DisneyXD and Disney Junior in the UK … The Walt Disney Company remains committed to our kids channels business and continues to execute distribution agreements for Disney channels in many markets where Disney+ is also available, with the goal of giving our fans multiple entry points to our storytelling.”

A spokesperson for Sky said, “We have over 5,000 episodes of on demand content alongside our brilliant linear channels, from our partners Viacom and Turner, and we’re investing more in our own Sky Kids Originals too, like Moominvalley and Morph. Kids can watch favourites like Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol, SpongeBob Squarepants and the Amazing World of Gumball, all the wonderful LEGO content and much, much more. And it is all available in one place – together with the best apps, like Disney+ and Netflix – on Sky Q.”

A Virgin Media spokesperson said, “Virgin Media will continue to give its customers thousands of hours of fantastic kids programming, such as Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol, across a range of channels and apps as well as on demand and on the move.”