Sky is set to make a significant change to its channel lineup next week, with the permanent shutdown of Sky Animation HD on Thursday, April 30. The move leaves a notable gap in the broadcaster's animated movie offerings, as no replacement channel has been confirmed.
Merger of Channels
However, Sky has confirmed that Sky Cinema Animation and Sky Cinema Family will merge into a single channel. All animated content will now be housed under the Sky Cinema Family brand. EE informed 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.”
Viewer Reactions
The decision has sparked discussion among viewers. One Digital Spy forum user commented: "Another u turn it seems, Sky Cinema Animation is being folded back into Sky Cinema Family." Another noted: "But there is a Sky Family on 306 Animation is on 305. SKY Q, With Entertainment SD and Sky Sports HD." A third user added: "You'll find that the EPG for Sky Max has listings for Sky One. It appears that for Series Link purposes, Sky Max moves to 106 and renames to Sky One. Any Series Links you have set up on Sky Showcase will disappear." Another viewer questioned: "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. Sky Max EPG has the Program for SKY One. SKY Q, With Entertainment SD and Sky Sports HD."
Sky Animation HD had been part of the Sky Cinema package for six years, offering a dedicated lineup of animated films. The merger aims to consolidate family-friendly content under one roof, but the absence of a direct replacement for the animation channel has left some subscribers disappointed.
