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2 popular channels axed from Freeview after 23 years on the air
Free-to-air POP and Tiny POP channels end linear broadcasts due to declining commercial viability with young viewers shifting to social media, continuing only via streaming services.
- On Saturday, POP and Tiny POP were pulled from Freeview and other platforms, ending more than two decades of linear broadcasting.
- Facing a collapse in commercial viability, Narrative Entertainment said it was forced into the move as children increasingly turn to online content and YouTube, reducing linear audiences.
- From Saturday the channels continue only as streaming/FAST services on internet-connected Freeview, Samsung and LG smart TVs while the POP Player and linear feeds shut, and the director in charge remains to oversee FAST.
- Launched in 2003 by CSC Media, the exit removes two once-popular services this week and leaves only CBBC, CBeebies and Milkshake! among traditional children's linear channels.
- Narrative warned free-to-air kids' channels are not commercially viable without public service broadcaster-style funding and said it tried to maintain POP before deciding to close linear channels.
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Total News Sources21
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center14Last UpdatedBias Distribution87% Center
Bias Distribution
- 87% of the sources are Center
87% Center
13%
C 87%
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