UPDATED: WildBrain dropping TV broadcast business

Children’s and family entertainment company DHX Television Ltd. (WildBrain) is shutting down its television broadcast operations, the company announced Monday, Aug. 25. The move follows disputes with Rogers Communications Inc. and BCE Inc. in which WildBrain alleged the media giants had given undue preference to Walt Disney Co.’s Disney+ and Corus Entertainment Inc.’s YTV and Treehouse services, and that Bell had given undue preference to its Crave streaming service. The CRTC dismissed both of those complaints. WildBrain said it has been unable to secure a new carriage agreement with Rogers or Bell for its TV channels, including Family Channel, Family Jr., WildBrain TV and French-language service Télémagino. Rogers confirmed to The Wire Report that it intends to remove the channels from its distribution service on Oct. 22. Bell also previously decided not to carry WildBrain's channels anymore. “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,” the company wrote in a press release. WildBrain’s previously announced deal to sell a majority stake of its TV business to IoM Media Ventures is also cancelled. Following the surrender of its licences, WildBrain will no longer be subject to Canadian ownership rules under the Broadcasting Act and intends to remove its variable voting structure, “simplifying” its voting structure to a single class. WildBrain CEO Josh Scherba stated that “while it is unfortunate that the channels will be discontinued,” the impact on WildBrain’s broader business is “minimal” and does not affect its strategy moving forward. “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,” he continued. The company intends to continue leveraging its brands across streaming, YouTube, consumer products, and “immersive fan experiences.” “For nearly four decades, Family Channel has been a trusted destination for Canadian kids and families,” said Scherba. “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.” The Wire Report reached out to WildBrain requesting an interview for additional comment and details about the shutdown’s impact on its employees, but the company declined. phalentm@thewirereport.ca Editor's note: This story was updated with confirmation of Rogers' plans to remove WildBrain's TV channels on Oct. 22 from its service.

UPDATED: WildBrain dropping TV broadcast business

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By Phalen Tynes-MacDonald
| August 25, 2025

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UPDATED: WildBrain dropping TV broadcast business

Broadcast | By Phalen Tynes-MacDonald | August 25, 2025

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By Phalen Tynes-MacDonald
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