Sky Cinema Animation Channel to Shut Down and Merge with Family Channel
Sky has officially announced the closure of Sky Cinema Animation, with the channel set to disappear from screens on April 30. This move marks a significant shake-up in the broadcaster's television lineup after six years of operation.
The entertainment provider confirmed that Sky Cinema Animation will be axed later this month and merged with Sky Cinema Family. All animated content previously available on Sky Cinema Animation will now be housed under the Sky Cinema Family brand.
Channel Merger Details and Viewer Impact
In a statement, EE told customers: "On 30 April, Sky Cinema Family and Sky Cinema Animation are merging. All of the content on both channels will be housed on a channel called Sky Cinema Family."
This consolidation means viewers will find animated hits integrated into the Sky Cinema Family channel. The change has sparked discussion among Digital Spy forum users, with one noting: "Another u turn it seems, Sky Cinema Animation is being folded back into Sky Cinema Family."
EPG Changes and Series Link Implications
The merger will affect Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) listings and series links. A forum user explained: "Any Series Links you have set up on Sky Showcase will disappear." Another user highlighted EPG adjustments, stating: "In the EPG of the Channels SKY Showcase and +1, stands, for the Program of tomorrow 'New Programs coming soon'. Do you think sky is Planning to use that Place for a new Channel? Or is it just a Placeholder."
Additional changes were noted, with a user typing: "The thing is that (in my eyes), Sky Max is just rebranding to Sky One, and Sky Max doesn't have a +1. So, it makes sense not to have a +1. But I also suspect that they want people to use the on-demand and catch-up services more."
This restructuring reflects Sky's broader strategy to streamline its channel offerings and encourage greater use of digital services.
