Five years after closing its children’s linear TV channels in the UK, Disney is returning to traditional TV with Sky confirming a launch on its TV platforms this month.
- Disney Jr is returning to UK TV screens.
- Marks a major U-turn for Disney.
- Relaunch in an era where parents are restricting access to mobiles and tablets
Sky has confirmed its subscribers will gain access to Disney’s relaunched TV channel for younger children.
Disney Jr HD is due to go live later this month on Sky satellite, Sky Glass and Sky Stream with a mix of animated series for pre-school children, going head-to-head with established rivals CBeebies, Nick Jr and Tiny Pop.
Sky currently expects Disney Jr to launch on Thursday 13 November across the UK and Ireland. Channel numbers are still to be confirmed.
Disney has not yet confirmed if Disney Jr will become available more widely on other pay TV platforms.
U-turn
Disney closed its UK children’s linear channels in 2020 after launching Disney+ in the UK. It was seen as a trailblazing move as younger audiences shifted online. Since then, ITV has closed its children’s channel and the BBC is considering the future of CBBC.
But in recent years, a growing number of parents have decided to restrict access to mobiles and tablets over concerns about content available to children. That’s resulted in a traditional TV screen remaining a key tool to reach younger children, which may have prompted the U-turn. Despite the growth of Disney+, Disney also continues to operate linear TV channels with children’s content in other countries.
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Disney