Special Bulletin - WildBrain will shut down all 4 linear TV channels in the coming months


Over a month after Corus announced that it will shut down 5 Pay television channels citing "financial pressure within the company", WildBrain announced that it will do the same, shutting down all 4 linear TV channels in the coming months!


The reason why? Because the company failed to negotiate a new carriage agreement with Rogers for the 3 channels.


As a result, WildBrain’s previously announced transaction to sell a majority stake in the Channels to IoM Media Ventures will no longer proceed.  


In light of these events in combination with the previously announced decision by Bell to also remove the Channels, WildBrain has assessed that the Channels are no longer commercially viable and intends to cease broadcast after their removal from Rogers and surrender the Channel licenses to the CRTC. Following this, WildBrain will no longer be subject to applicable Canadian control restrictions under the Broadcasting Act and intends to remove its variable voting structure currently applicable to non-Canadian shareholders. Simplifying the Company’s voting structure to a single class will provide greater strategic flexibility and opportunities for WildBrain.


A statement from WildBrain's President and CEO Josh Scherba said: “For nearly four decades, Family Channel has been a trusted destination for Canadian kids and families. We’re incredibly proud of the legacy we’ve built—thanks to our loyal viewers, dedicated television employees and the many talented Canadian producers we’ve partnered with.


Scherba added: “While it is unfortunate that the channels will be discontinued, the impact on our broader business is minimal and does not affect our go-forward strategy. WildBrain remains a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, with unique strengths in monetizing entertainment IP across content creation, audience engagement and global licensing. We have deliberately positioned our business to align with changing consumer habits, including a strategic exit from the declining broadcast space in Canada.


Another statement said: “We delivered 17% growth year-to-date through the third fiscal quarter, underscoring the strength of our diversified platform beyond the television business despite ongoing industry headwinds. We remain focused on sustaining that momentum by leveraging our iconic IP—such as Peanuts, Strawberry Shortcake and Teletubbies—across streaming, YouTube, consumer products and immersive fan experiences. As the entertainment landscape evolves, so do we—with a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to delivering quality content and beloved brands to kids and families around the world.”


And because of the impending closure of these 4 channels, my Rogers Flex Channel selection will be changed in the next few months thanks to WildBrainTV closing down for good.

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