WildBrain to Close Family Channel After 35 Years of Service

The Canadian media landscape is witnessing a significant shift as Toronto-based company WildBrain prepares to shut down its iconic Family Channel along with three other channels. This decision comes after WildBrain announced on Monday that the channels—Family Channel, Family Jr., WildBrainTV, and Télémagino—are no longer considered commercially viable.

The closure follows a series of challenges in securing licensing agreements with major telecom companies, notably Bell and Rogers. Previously, Bell had removed WildBrain’s channels from its offerings due to an ongoing dispute, effectively leaving Rogers as the sole carrier. However, WildBrain has confirmed that Rogers will also discontinue the channels in the coming months.

In an attempt to address these issues, WildBrain had filed an appeal with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), arguing that it faced an “undue disadvantage” in negotiations with the telecom giants. Ultimately, the CRTC ruled in favor of Bell and Rogers, leading to WildBrain’s decision to exit the channels business entirely.

Legacy of Family Channel

Established in 1988, the Family Channel has played a pivotal role in Canadian television, particularly for younger audiences. The channel became a staple for many Millennials, featuring a mix of popular Disney programming and original shows like Life with Derek. Its departure marks the end of an era for viewers who grew up with its diverse offerings.

Despite the closure of its channels, WildBrain continues to thrive in television production. The company is recognized for creating various programs, including Peanuts content for Apple TV+, Sonic Prime for Netflix, and an upcoming Minecraft series also for Netflix. While the end of the Family Channel is undoubtedly a loss for many, WildBrain’s commitment to quality production remains intact.

As the company prepares for this transition, it reflects on its long history and the impact it has had on Canadian youth culture over the decades. The closure serves as a reminder of the evolving media landscape and the ongoing challenges faced by traditional broadcasting channels in adapting to modern viewing habits.