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2w ago

WildBrain to Close Family Channel and Sister Kids Networks After Rogers Drops Them

Following distributor removals by Rogers and Bell, WildBrain is exiting Canadian broadcast TV for children’s content.

A family watches television in this undated Getty Creative Image. WildBrain, a Toronto-based media and entertainment company, announced last week it is closing four of its channels, including the Family Channel, Family Jr., WildBrainTV and Télémagino for French-language kids.
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Overview

  • The company says Family Channel, Family Jr., WildBrainTV and Télémagino will cease broadcasting after their removal from Rogers in the coming months.
  • WildBrain plans to surrender the services’ licences to the CRTC, formalizing the shutdown of the linear channels.
  • Rogers cited Numeris data showing an 85% decline in viewership for the channels between 2018 and 2024 to explain its decision.
  • CEO Josh Scherba framed the move as a strategic shift toward changing consumer habits, saying the closures have minimal impact on WildBrain’s broader business.
  • Launched between 1988 and 2015, the networks were longstanding fixtures for Canadian families, and fans expressed disappointment at the planned shutdown.