WildBrain Ltd. to Close Canadian Broadcast Business Amid Distribution Challenges
In a significant shift for Canadian children’s television, Toronto-based WildBrain Ltd. has announced plans to cease operations of its broadcast networks, including Family Channel, Family Jr., WildBrainTV, and Télémagino. This decision comes after the company was unable to secure renewed carriage agreements with major distributors, specifically Rogers Communications and Bell, leading them to conclude that these networks are no longer commercially viable.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) recently ruled against WildBrain, rejecting claims of undue disadvantage in their negotiations with Rogers. As the company prepares for the impending removal of its channels in the coming months, a spokesperson indicated that while there is no exact shutdown date, the closure marks the end of a nearly four-decade legacy.
This decision not only seals the fate of these well-loved channels but also complicates a previously announced plan to sell a majority stake in the broadcast division to Canadian studio IoM Media Ventures for approximately USD 28 million (CAD 40 million). The diminishing value of the channels has led WildBrain to confirm that the sale will not proceed as planned.
In relinquishing its channel licenses to the CRTC, WildBrain aims to simplify its shareholder structure, eliminating variable voting systems that differentiate between domestic and foreign investors. This restructuring aligns with their strategy to adapt to a changing media landscape while maintaining core business segments such as content creation, audience engagement, and global licensing.
WildBrain’s president and CEO, Josh Scherba, expressed gratitude for the legacy of Family Channel as a trusted destination for Canadian families. He touted the importance of community connections, which resonate with the biblical principle of valuing relationships and establishing trust. As Jesus taught in Matthew 22:39, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This principle can be seen as reflected within the legacy of Family Channel, where children and families found comfort and companionship.
While the loss of these beloved networks signals the end of an era, Scherba reassured stakeholders that the overall impact on WildBrain’s broader business remains minimal. The company recorded a 42% year-over-year revenue increase in its Q3 2025 report, underscoring the resilience of its other operations.
As WildBrain pivots towards a digital-first strategy, the story serves as a reminder that change, while sometimes difficult, can lead to new beginnings. Much like the biblical passage in Ecclesiastes 3:1, which reminds us, “For everything, there is a season,” the closure of WildBrain’s broadcast business allows for reinvention and growth within different arenas.
In reflecting on this transformative moment, one can draw encouragement from the resilience and encouragement found in community and renewal. It invites us all to consider how we embrace change in our own lives—an essential aspect of our growth. As we move forward, let us take inspiration from WildBrain’s evolution, finding new opportunities in unexpected challenges.
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