The decision by Sky to end commissioning of original children’s content represents a significant loss to the UK’s animation and children’s media sector.
Under Lucy Murphy’s inspired leadership, Sky Kids has been a valued commissioner and supporter of original UK content, contributing to the strength of the UK’s world-class children’s production sector. The decision will come as a significant blow to the many animation creators, studios, and freelancers who have helped build Sky’s acclaimed slate.
While Animation UK welcomes Sky’s assurance that it will continue to honour existing commissions and maintain a schedule of children’s content, the shift away from original UK content towards acquired programming adds to an escalating crisis in children’s television.
This news arrives at a time of growing concern across the industry, with public service broadcasters also under pressure and independent producers struggling to find sustainable pathways for financing and distribution. The loss of a major commissioner, such as Sky, reduces creative opportunities and limits the ability of UK producers to reach audiences with culturally relevant stories and characters.
This development underscores the importance of the newly launched Culture, Media and Sport Committee inquiry into Children’s TV and Video Content. We will be submitting evidence to highlight the structural challenges facing the sector and the urgent need for targeted policy interventions to support UK children’s content production.
Sky has played a valuable role in backing original UK animation and children’s programming. Its decision to step away from commissioning is another signal that the children’s content sector needs urgent attention. Without intervention, we risk losing the UK’s ability to tell its own stories to its youngest citizens and to support our world class content creation sector.
Kate O’Connor, Executive Chair of Animation UK
Animation UK stands ready to work with government, regulators, and industry partners to ensure that future generations continue to enjoy high-quality, UK-made children’s programming that reflects their lives, values, and culture and to secure support for our world class animation sector.
