Disney to Close 100 International TV Channels in Streaming Shift
Walt Disney Co. plans to close 100 of its international TV channels this year as it marches toward a future where streaming services such as Disney+ are front and center.
www.bloomberg.com
Thanks to @animegamer for finding this article.
This is already being discussed in the International Disney Thread, but I think we can all agree that this is major news and deserves its own thread, no? The international closedown of KidsCo with Nelvana and DIC cartoons also had its own thread in 2013.
Let's take a look at all of the major Disney networks.
1. Disney XD
This channel currently has no new original programs planned and has already closed down internationally except in the USA, Canada, Latin America, the Netherlands and Poland. I expect this channel to close down everywhere.
2. Disney Channel and Disney Junior
These channels closed down in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Southeast Asia will follow on October 1st. Definitely more countries will follow. In the Netherlands, these two channels merged. Disney Junior airs from 06am until 12pm and Disney Channel airs during the rest of the day. This might happen in some other countries as well, especially in the USA (Disney's homeplace). I can imagine the USA will keep Disney Channel the longest.
3. FOX, FOX Life and FOX Crime
FOX recently closed down in the UK, Norway and Sweden. Most of Asia will follow on October 1st and more countries will probably follow. In Latin America, the name changed to Star. Disney is not allowed to keep the FOX name, so it will change its name to Star or FX everywhere.
4. National Geographic and Nat Geo Wild
There are rumours that it will close down in the UK and Italy. (Thanks to @Francisque for finding out about this) Southeast Asia will keep National Geographic.
5. Baby TV and 24Kitchen TV
Strangely enough, these channels are the most likely to survive, since none of their programs are on Disney+
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