Canadian children will soon have fewer television networks to enjoy as Corus Entertainment prepares to axe several kids channels by the end of summer.
According to media reports, Corus will shut down five children’s channels by the end of the summer, including Disney XD, Disney Jr., Nickelodeon, the French-language La Chaîne Disney, and ABC Spark. The channels are scheduled to shut down on Sept. 1.
However, Canadian children’s networks like YTV and Teletoon, will not shut down in an attempt to keep up with Canadian media requirements, media reports say.
In a statement to Now Toronto, Corus says the decision to cut some channels was made after a comprehensive review.
“As viewing habits continue to evolve, we are concentrating our efforts on the platforms and services where audiences are most engaged,” the statement said. “We remain committed to our family and younger audience with beloved brands like Disney Channel, YTV, Treehouse, Boomerang, and Cartoon Network.”
Although meant for children, adults have taken to social media to remember some of the channels fondly, and shows from the networks that shaped their childhood, including “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “The Fairly OddParents,” and “Rugrats.”
“Oh no…My childhood…,” a Reddit user said.
“My kid watches Disney Jr. Almost every day. That’s disappointing,” a Reddit user said.
“This is a sad day for Nickelodeon fans from Canada (including myself) Corus has shut down A LOT of channels lately. Just shows how [messed up] Canadian TV is nowadays,” another user said.
On the other hand, some people are using the news to highlight some Canadian alternatives that still exist and offer children’s programming.
“It is sad but on the other hand you still have YTV, Family channel and even Wildbrain TV that has been airing Nickelodeon and Disney programming for years at this point,” a Reddit user said.
“Dropping American companies hopefully means Corus is going to focus on Canadian animation and entertainment more,” another user said.
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This comes after the company already made cuts to its television programming including HGTV, and The Food Network last year.
However, the company has replaced the networks with Home Network and Flavour Network, two new original Canadian programs that offer more original Canadian content.
