A POPULAR free kids channel will disappear from TV services including Sky and Virgin in March.
But the channel isn’t closing down entirely – instead it’s going digital only.
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.
Instead, it’ll live on as a streamed-only service.
Tiny POP focuses on programmes for younger children aged seven and under, with shows such as Barbie, CoComelon and Sesame Street spin-offs like Elmo’s World on the schedule.
For the most part, viewers should be able to access Tiny POP from alternative devices.
It’s not the first time a kids’ broadcaster has gone all digital.
Last year the CITV channel closed down after 17 years on screen and went online-only with ITVX Kids.
However, Tiny POP will continue as a channel on some online platforms where it can already be watched. These include:
The POP Player is available on Freeview Play, YouView, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, iOS and Android, where there’s also more than 1000 hours of content on-demand to watch.
One viewer wrote on Tiny POP’s Facebook page asking the broadcaster to “u-turn” over concerns some children without access to internet may be left without.
Francesca Newington, Director of POP Channels said the move comes as Ofcom research shows a rise in children aged between three and four consuming content online.
“Our expansion onto platforms such as FAST has provided us with new opportunities to evolve and adapt to provide viewers with free access to exciting content wherever and whenever they choose to watch,” she said.
Tiny POP will transition to digital only on March 20.
