{"id":194758,"date":"2025-11-22T18:28:12","date_gmt":"2025-11-22T18:28:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/194758\/"},"modified":"2025-11-22T18:28:12","modified_gmt":"2025-11-22T18:28:12","slug":"sky-and-virgin-media-customers-set-to-lose-two-major-channels-in-just-a-few-weeks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/194758\/","title":{"rendered":"Sky and Virgin Media customers set to lose two major channels in just a few weeks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Pop and Tiny Pop will no longer be accessed by Virgin or Sky from the end of next month but it can still be accessed via a web stream on internet connected Freeview boxes<\/p>\n<p>10:42, 22 Nov 2025Updated 18:14, 22 Nov 2025<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1_JS301168599.jpg\" alt=\"POP and Tiny POP TV channels will no longer be accessible on Sky and Virgin Media\" loading=\"eager\"  \/>POP and Tiny POP TV channels will no longer be accessible on Sky and Virgin Media<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"mirror\">Two much loved channels are set to disappear from Sky, <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/tech\/virgin-media-black-friday-2025-36206007?ref=cupure\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Virgin Media<\/a> and Freeview. Both POP and Tiny POP will no longer be accessible on these streaming platforms.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"mirror\">Both channels have been firm favourites among children over the years since 2003. The channel&#8217;s favourite shows include Elmo\u2019s World, Dragon Ball Super and Masha and the Bear.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"mirror\">From the end of December, on the 31st, the channels will cease to exist on both streaming platforms. POP player and the website will also close down but viewers can still watch their favourite TV shows on internet connected Freeview boxes as well as smart TV&#8217;s including Samsung TV Plus and LG channels.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_JS302919720.jpg\" alt=\"POP and Tiny POP TV channels will no longer be accessible on Sky and Virgin Media\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>POP and Tiny POP TV channels will no longer be accessible on Sky and Virgin Media<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"mirror\">On the back of this move, it means that CBeebies and CBBC will now be the last &#8220;free-to-air&#8221; children&#8217;s channel in the UK. This comes after the shutdown of CITV in September, two years ago.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"mirror\">The reason behind this dramatic move has been credited to the rise in <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/youtube\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">YouTube<\/a>&#8216;s popularity. According to Ofcom last year, data has shown that viewers from as young as four years old through to 15 are viewing shows on YouTube rather than any other streaming platform.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"mirror\">Earlier this month, Paul Dunthorne, who is the MD of Narrative, explained to Cordbusters: &#8220;With commercial value across the UK kids\u2019 TV market now just 4% of what it was 10 years ago, we\u2019ve taken the decision to close our linear Pop channel at the end of the year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"mirror\">&#8220;We understand the importance of offering high-quality kids\u2019 TV, and we\u2019ve done everything that we can to maintain Pop. But free-to-air channels for this audience are simply not commercially viable without public service broadcaster-style funding.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"mirror\">He added: &#8220;We will retain our Pop presence on FAST channels in the UK on Freeview, Samsung, LG and other platforms, and internationally, as these continue to offer commercial opportunities.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"mirror\">It was also recently reported that Eurosport channels on Sky and Virgin had also shut down, leaving many viewers without their trusted TV bundles.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"mirror\">According to The Express a statement read: &#8220;Cycling, Tennis, Snooker and the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will join the <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/premier-league\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Premier League<\/a>, UEFA European Club <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Football<\/a>, Premiership Rugby, MotoGP, UFC and <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/boxing\/\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Boxing<\/a> live on TNT Sports.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"mirror\">It added: &#8220;Eurosport to integrate with TNT Sports in the UK &amp; Ireland from February 28, 2025.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"mirror\">And WBD Sports Europe Chief, Scott Young said: &#8220;We know audiences are looking for a slightly simpler journey on where to find the sport they love. This move will also continue to best deliver value for our leagues and federation partners, as we continue our 35 years plus commitment to investment and championing of sport on our screens.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"mirror\">He added: &#8220;We\u2019re building out the best sports and entertainment profile we have in this country. People can choose to make their decision as to how they want to engage with us in the short term. We are investing in cycling. What\u2019s more important is the ecosystem of sports content in this market, and for sports fans now to come to one destination, and not try and pick which destination they\u2019ve got to go to.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/money\/shopping-deals\/heals-sale-christmas-dinner-tablescape-36195852\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36195852\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Heal&#8217;s launches winter sale for the ultimate Christmas table from \u00a36<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"mirror\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on <\/strong><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@mirrorshowbiz\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">TikTok<\/strong><\/a><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">, <\/strong><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/story.snapchat.com\/p\/e938f430-2c82-432e-9424-9522e5dc822c\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Snapchat<\/strong><\/a><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">, <\/strong><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mirrorceleb\/\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Instagram<\/strong><\/a><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">,<\/strong><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MirrorCeleb\/\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Twitter<\/strong><\/a><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">, <\/strong><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MirrorCeleb\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Facebook<\/strong><\/a><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">, <\/strong><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@MirrorCeleb\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">YouTube<\/strong><\/a> <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">and <\/strong><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.threads.net\/@dailymirror\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Threads<\/strong><\/a><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><script async src=\"\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Pop and Tiny Pop will no longer be accessed by Virgin or Sky from the end of next&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":194759,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[265],"tags":[18,117,19,4723,17,128,108209],"class_list":{"0":"post-194758","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tv","8":"tag-eire","9":"tag-entertainment","10":"tag-ie","11":"tag-in-the-news","12":"tag-ireland","13":"tag-tv","14":"tag-virgin-media-inc"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@ie\/115594770527386065","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/194758","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=194758"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/194758\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/194759"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=194758"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=194758"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=194758"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}