Narrative Entertainment has confirmed that children's channels POP and Tiny POP will stop broadcasting as linear TV channels on Sky, Virgin Media, and Freeview after 31 December. The closure also includes the POP Player and the POP website.
On Sky, POP is currently on channel 613 (satellite) and 213 (Sky Glass/Stream in GB) or 215 (Northern Ireland and Ireland). Tiny POP is on channel 614 (satellite) and 214 (Sky Glass/Stream in GB) or 216 (Northern Ireland and Ireland). Both will be removed from the EPG after 31 December.
The POP brand will not disappear entirely. It will continue as a free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel, available via various platforms. Tiny POP is expected to continue in a similar streaming-only format. Narrative Entertainment cited the declining commercial viability of linear children's TV, as most younger viewers now prefer streamed content.
Households that rely on POP or Tiny POP are advised to check whether their devices support the new streaming versions before the switch-off on 31 December.
