Sky Kids (TV channel)
| Broadcast area |
|
|---|---|
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | English |
| Picture format | 1080i HDTV |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Sky Group (Comcast) |
| History | |
| Launched | February 2023 |
| Links | |
| Website | www |
Sky Kids is an upcoming British pay television channel, due to launch during February 2023. The channel will be owned and operated by Sky Group, a subsidiary of Comcast.
History
The concept of a Sky-branded Children's television channel was first proposed in 1986. This was part of Rupert Murdoch's bid for the Digital Satellite Television franchise, won by British Satellite Broadcasting.[1] Prior to the launch of Sky Kids, a Sky Kids Magazine was briefly available for subscribers of Sky Magazine. A Sky Kids app was launched in 2016, with an On Demand service being available for Sky customers.[2] However, on linear television, Sky UK instead owned a stake in the UK Nickelodeon channel with Paramount Global, which on October 31, 2022 they fully sold to Paramount in order for Sky to launch Sky Kids.[3]
On 22 November 2022, Sky UK announced the launch of a linear Sky Kids channel for February 2023. The channel is intended to serve viewers aged 1–7, with competitors including CBeebies and Nick Jr.[4]
Programming
Original programmes for the channel announced at launch include My Friend Misty, a series executive produced by Fearne Cotton, and Ready, Eddie, Go! These are complemented by acquired programmes including Trolls: TrollsTopia, Where's Wally, and Madagascar: A Little Wild, and existing content commissioned for Sky such as MC Grammar: Wonder Raps and The Brilliant World of Tom Gates.[5]
References
- ^ Miller, Jonathan (1 September 1986). "Rapid decision on Satellite TV". The Times.
- ^ "Sky Kids app launches with original content in tow". Retrieved 2022-11-22.
- ^ "NICKELODEON U.K. LIMITED filing history - Find and update company information - GOV.UK". find-and-update.company-information.srvice.gov.uk. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
- ^ "New ad-free Kids channel coming to Sky and NOW". RXTV info. 2022-11-22. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
- ^ "Sky to launch brand new 24-hour ad-free Sky Kids channel". www.skygroup.sky. Retrieved 2022-11-22.