TV viewers have just 24 hours to prepare their children for the disappearance of a beloved kids channel tomorrow.
However, a new station from the same network, Narrative Entertainment, will be taking its place.
Kids channel Tiny POP will no longer be broadcast as a traditional TV channel on all major platforms, ranging from Sky and Virgin, to Freeview and Freesat.
The channel is home to shows such as Barbie, CoComelon and Sesame Street spin-offs like Elmo’s World.
But from 20 March, it will only live on as an online-only service available on these platforms:
- LG Channels
- Netgem
- Samsung TV Plus
- YouTube
- POP Player
“Why on Earth have you removed your channels,” one mother ranted on Facebook when the move was first announced.
“One very upset little boy who doesn’t understand we can’t watch on TV anymore!”
It follows the closure of CITV last year after 17 years on screen, which switched to digital-only via ITVX Kids.
Replacing Tiny POP is, unfortunately for the kids, not a channel aimed at those aged seven and under.
Arriving on 20 March is GREAT! Real, the first channel in the GREAT! Network to broadcast only unscripted content.
It will host shows like Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport; Paddington Station 24/7; Island Medics; Emergency Rescue: Air, Land and Sea; and Coast Guard Alaska.
It comes as the makers of Freeview and Freesat recently announced plans for the next generation of TV beamed into homes via the internet.
Freely is set to launch sometime from April this year built into new smart TVs.
FREE TV APPS
Last year, Narrative Entertainment stepped into the on-demand streaming space with its red button GREAT! Player.
The GREAT! Player hosts tons of free-ad-supported television (FAST) channels for viewers who have gone off paid-for streaming apps.
And it’s not the only one on your telly.
As streaming giants Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video hike prices and put previously free features behind paywalls – more people are turning to FAST apps.
FAST apps available in the UK include:
Must-know Sky tips and tricks
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