WildBrain Ltd., a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, has announced a significant strategic shift that will see the cessation of its Canadian television broadcast business, including Family Channel, Family Jr., WildBrainTV, and Télémagino. This move comes after the company was unable to negotiate a new carriage agreement with Rogers Communications Canada Inc. for these channels, following a recent decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Rogers has informed WildBrain of its intent to remove the channels from its distribution service in the coming months.
This decision marks the end of an era for these long-standing Canadian children’s channels, which have been a staple for families for decades. The inability to secure a new distribution deal with Rogers, coupled with a previously announced decision by Bell to also remove the channels, has led WildBrain to assess that the channels are no longer commercially viable. Consequently, WildBrain intends to surrender the channel licenses to the CRTC.
A Complex Carriage Dispute and Regulatory Landscape
The situation stems from a complex relationship and past disputes between WildBrain and Rogers. In December 2022, the CRTC sided with WildBrain in a final offer arbitration over carriage rates for the Family and Family Jr. channels, rejecting Rogers’ proposal for reduced rates that cited declining consumer interest and market oversaturation. Rogers had argued that increased competition from streaming services and other broadcasters, such as Corus Entertainment’s Disney channels, impacted viewership.
More recently, WildBrain filed a complaint in September 2024 alleging that Rogers was showing an “undue preference” to competing services, including Disney+, and other children’s content providers. However, the CRTC dismissed this complaint in July 2025, stating that Rogers’ actions did not violate affiliation agreements or regulatory obligations. This dismissal appears to have been a precursor to the current impasse, leading to the unsuccessful negotiation for a new carriage agreement.
Strategic Exit and IP-Centric Future
WildBrain’s decision to exit the Canadian broadcast sector is a deliberate part of its overarching strategy to simplify its business and focus on its core strengths: the global monetization of its extensive portfolio of iconic intellectual property (IP). The company highlighted that the impact on its broader business is minimal, as it has intentionally positioned itself to align with evolving consumer habits by leaning into areas with significant growth potential.
Key to this strategy are WildBrain’s celebrated franchises such as Peanuts, Strawberry Shortcake, and Teletubbies. The company reported strong performance across these brands, with Global Licensing experiencing a 44% year-over-year increase in the third fiscal quarter of 2025. This growth is driven by extensive consumer product lines, digital engagement, and immersive fan experiences, underscoring the success of WildBrain’s integrated “360° strategy”. This approach leverages content creation, audience engagement, and global licensing to build lasting connections with fans across multiple platforms.
Streamlining Operations and Global Flexibility
The cessation of broadcast operations will also allow WildBrain to shed applicable Canadian control restrictions under the Broadcasting Act. This will enable the company to remove its variable voting structure, which has been in place for non-Canadian shareholders. Simplifying to a single class of shares is expected to provide greater strategic flexibility and unlock new opportunities for WildBrain on a global scale.
As the entertainment landscape continues to transform, WildBrain’s focus on its robust IP library and diversified revenue streams positions it for continued growth. The company’s latest financial reports indicate a solid performance year-to-date, demonstrating the strength of its strategy beyond traditional television broadcast. This move signals a clear commitment to adapting to market trends and maximizing the value of its beloved brands in an increasingly digital-first world, leaving the terrestrial television space in Canada behind.
WildBrain remains committed to delivering quality content and beloved brands to children and families worldwide, continuing its mission to inspire imaginations and foster deep fan engagement. The news comes as the company actively pursues growth opportunities in streaming, YouTube, consumer products, and beyond, solidifying its position as a global player in the kids’ and family entertainment sector.
