Disney Channel (British and Irish TV channel): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia


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{{Short description|Children's television channel in the UK and Ireland, (1995–2020)}}

{{copy edit|date=May 2023}}

{{Use British English|date=December 2019}}

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| logo_size = 240px

| logo_caption =

| launch_date = {{start date and age|1995|10|1}} (UK and Ireland)

| closed_date = {{end date and age|2020|10|01}}<ref name=TheVerge>{{Cite web|last=Alexander|first=Julia|date=2020-06-25|title=Disney is eliminating Disney Channel in the UK, moving titles to Disney Plus|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/25/21303043/disney-channel-united-kingdom-xd-streaming-plus-new-zealand-sky-comcast|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Verge|language=en}}</ref>

| replaced_by = [[Disney+]] (most of its content)

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| sister_channels = [[Disney Junior (British and Irish TV channel)|Disney Junior]]<br>[[Disney XD (British and Irish TV channel)|Disney XD]]

}}

'''Disney Channel''' was a British and -Irish children's [[pay television]] channel owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company (UK) Ltd., an overseasa subsidiary of [[The Walt Disney Company]]. AciveActive from 1 October 1995 to 1 October 2020, the channel catered to the entertainment needs ofserved young audiences in the region. This British and Irish iteration is distinct from the [[Disney Channel|original namesake American channel]] of the same name, which remains operational.

TheDuring channelits operatedoperation, fromDisney 1Channel Octoberwas 1995supported to 1 October 2020.by Aa one-hour [[timeshift channel|timeshift]] channel called, '''Disney Channel +1''' was, available on [[Sky UK|Sky]] and [[Virgin Media]]. At the time of the network’sits closure, the channelit had two sister channels: [[Disney Junior (British and Irish TV channel)Jr.|Disney Junior]] and [[Disney XD (British and Irish TV channel)|Disney XD]], bothwhich also originatingoriginated from the United States.

==History==

=== Pre-launchBackground (1989–1995) ===

In 1989, Disney Channel UK wouldwas haveset beento become the first international Disney Channel to launch with thesupport help offrom [[Sky Television (1984–1990)|Sky Television]], anda theformer channelBritish featuredsatellite muchTV ofcompany. theThe promotionalchannel materialwas surroundingto thefeature launchpromotional ofmaterial for Sky Television and the Astra satellite. However, the partnership and a proposed joint venture between [[The Walt Disney Company]] and [[Sky UK|Sky]] Television wentfell intothrough. aDisputes lawsuitover after the discussion regarding the joint venture took place in November 1988, but The Walt Disney Company felt that it was no longer on equal footing on "decision-making responsibility"responsibilities in a 50-50 partnership. The Walt Disney Company was supposedled to launch two new channels in the UK, but when the talks broke down, Sky filed a lawsuit against The Waltsuing Disney Company, claimingfor £1.5 billion in damages. The Walt Disney Company claimedargued that it wanted to getsought more influence over decision-making in the partnershipdecisions and change the terms of the partnership. The Walt Disney Company was also reluctantunwilling to providefund its share of fundingthe for The Disney Channelventure.<ref>{{cite web |date=16 May 1989 |title=Number 2043 |url=http://ftp.funet.fi/pub/dx/text/NEWS/SCDX/scdx2043.txt|title=Number 2043|publisher=SWEDEN CALLING DXERS|date=16 May 1989}}</ref>

The lawsuit was latereventually settled, and thenDisney Thesold Waltits Disneystake Companyin soldthe itsjoint joint-venture interest to Sky. As a Televisionresult, and Sky wentgained onaccess to access the [[Walt Disney Pictures]]' movie library for 5five years.<ref>{{cite web |author=Richard W. Stevenson |date=16 May 1989 |title=Murdoch Broadcast Concern Sues Disney |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/16/business/murdoch-broadcast-concern-sues-disney.html |work=The New York Times|date=16 May 1989}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Kathyrn Harris |date=3 June 1989 |title=Disney Settles Fraud Suit With Murdoch's News Corp. |url=httphttps://articleswww.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-03/business/-fi-953_1_disney-channel-satellite-tv-venture953-sky-moviesstory.html |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=3 June 1989}}</ref>

In December 1994, following the expiration of its agreement with Sky, The Walt Disney Company announced plans to independently launch The Disney Channel in the United Kingdom. The channel, which was set to debut in the autumn of 1995, would be available as a subscription service through a deal with [[Sky UK|British Sky Broadcasting]]. Subscribers to Sky’s movie package could receive The Disney Channel for free, while it was also offered as a standalone package.

=== Launch ===

With the five years of the agreement between Sky and Disney having expired, The Walt Disney Company decided to launch The Disney Channel in the United Kingdom without any interest in Sky, making the launch announcement on 7 December 1994. [[The Walt Disney Company]] announced that it had reached an agreement with the [[Sky UK|British Sky Broadcasting]] to launch The Disney Channel in the United Kingdom as a subscription service in the autumn of 1995. It was announced that the channel had formed a distribution deal with [[Sky UK|Sky]], offering The Disney Channel for free to cable and satellite subscribers if they had subscribed to Sky's movie package. The Disney Channel was also available as a standalone package without having to subscribe to Sky's movie package.

The Disney Channel UK was the first brand with that name. Back inIn January 1994, The Walt Disney Company also announced itsa joint venture with [[RTL Group|CLT Multi Media]] to launch [[Super RTL]] in Germany, which successfully launched in April 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1994-12-08 |title=BSKYB To Offer Disney Channel |url=https://the-media-leader.com/bskyb-to-offer-disney-channel/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=The Media Leader}}</ref> The new 50-50 partnership went well in Germany, and Super RTL was launched in April 1995, broadcasting throughout Germany and portions of Austria and Luxembourg.

On 25 August 1995, it was announcedconfirmed that The Disney Channel was set towould launch in the United KingdomUK and Ireland on 1 October 1995. The channel, broadcasting every daydaily from 6 am to 10 pm on channel 26, timesharingand sharing with [[Sky Cinema|Sky Movies Gold]] on the [[Astra 1B]] satellite service. It, was also announced that the channel would be subscription-only and notfree carryof advertising,. and that it would deliver family entertainment, with allIts programming aimedwas at being suitabledesigned for all family members. Theand schedule would feature a mix ofincluded dramas, comedies, cartoons, documentaries, and feature films from the Disney's archives, including the UK TV premierespremiere of ''[[The Jungle Book (1967 film)|The Jungle Book]]'' and ''[[Cool Runnings]]''. Mellors Reay & Partners werehandled appointedthe aschannel’s thelaunch advertising agency for the channel's launch, with media services handledmanaged by BBJ Media Services Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1995-08-25 |title=Disney Channel Launch |url=https://the-media-leader.com/disney-channel-launch/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=The Media Leader}}</ref> The Disney Channel eventually launched in the UK on [[Sky UK|Sky]] on 1 October 1995, becoming the second Disney Channel to be found outside the United States,<ref>{{cite web|title=Walt Disney International Television Names Disney Channel-UK Executives|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/WALT+DISNEY+INTERNATIONAL+TELEVISION+NAMES+DISNEY+CHANNEL-UK...-a016936028|publisher=The Free Library|access-date=4 April 2014|archive-date=8 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408051122/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/WALT+DISNEY+INTERNATIONAL+TELEVISION+NAMES+DISNEY+CHANNEL-UK...-a016936028|url-status=dead}}</ref> next to Taiwan, which began on 29 March 1995. Its first broadcast was the UKTV premier of the 1967 film ''[[The Jungle Book (1967 film)|The Jungle Book]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Disney Channel UK Launch (1 October 1995)| website=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KTZFlaAeZ4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/1KTZFlaAeZ4 |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=== Launch and development (1995–2020) ===

The Disney Channel UK's studios and broadcast playout facilities were mainlyinitially located at [[Teddington Studios]], where the defunct [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] franchisee [[Thames Television]] was based, which ended its broadcast in 1992, losing their franchise to [[Carlton Television|Carlton]]), for its first year of broadcasting. Then, inIn late 1996, they were movedrelocated to [[Stephen Street, Dublin|Stephen Street]], (where [[Thames Television]]'s hadoriginal itsheadquarters originalhad headquarters)been.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=St John's Wood Studios |url=https://www.tvstudiohistory.co.uk/independent-tv-studios/st-johns-wood-studios/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=TV Studio History}}</ref> In 1994, the year before Disney Channel UK launched, [[Pearson plc|Pearson]] acquired [[Thames Television]]'s business. In the early years, Pearson also offeredprovided playout and transmission services for the Disney Channelchannel.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-05-20 |title=Pearson Television Home Page |url=http://www.pearsontv.com/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000520065203/http://www.pearsontv.com/ |archive-date=20 May 2000 |access-date=2023-04-06}}</ref>

Within two weeks of its launch, Disney Channel UK began discussions with the [[Independent Television Commission]] (ITC) regarding the promotion of Disney products and services on the channel. Although the channel did not carry traditional advertising, the ITC proposed clear breaks for self-promotion, marked by the on-screen Disney Consumer Arcade motif.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1995-10-10 |title=Disney Channel Must Change Promotion Operations |url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/disney-channel-must-change-promotion-operations--66677 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Telecompaper}}</ref> In July 1997, the ITC criticized Disney Channel’s marketing practices, noting that it was offered for free to cable customers already subscribing to premium film channels. Disney Channel agreed to make adjustments, including increasing program continuity and launching Disney Channel UK Live, a new live block.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-07-29 |title=ITC Supports Complaints Over Disney Channel |url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/itc-supports-complaints-over-disney-channel--113779 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Telecompaper}}</ref>

=== Post launch ===▼

Within two weeks after the launch of the channel, The Disney Channel had talks with the [[Independent Television Commission|ITC]] (Independent Television Commission, now [[Ofcom]]) on how Disney's products, attractions, and services are promoted on the channel. The channel said it did not carry advertising at the time, but the ITC has talked about establishing clearly defined breaks for self-promoting its products and services. However, as Disney and ITC agreed, the breaks were signified by the appearance of the on-screen Disney Consumer Arcade motif.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1995-10-10 |title=Disney Channel Must Change Promotion Operations |url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/disney-channel-must-change-promotion-operations--66677 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Telecompaper}}</ref>

On 2 March 1998, Disney Channel UK became available as a separate premium channel on Sky and cable operators.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1998-02-27 |title=Disney Channel Goes "A La Carte" |url=https://the-media-leader.com/disney-channel-goes-a-la-carte/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=The Media Leader}}</ref> To promote this, Disney Channel offered three days of free programming from 21 to 23 March 1998. Paul Robinson was appointed managing director on 6 December 1998, overseeing day-to-day operations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1998-12-07 |title=Disney Channel UK Appoints Paul Robinson As MD |url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/disney-channel-uk-appoints-paul-robinson-as-md--156940 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Telecompaper}}</ref>

In July 1997, the ITC revealed that Disney Channel's marketing methods were improper because the channel was supplied 'free' to cable customers who were already paying for a minimum of two premium film channels, including [[Sky Cinema|Sky Movies]] and [[The Movie Channel (British TV channel)|The Movie Channel]]. Cable companies wanted to be able to supply the channel to subscribers as a standalone channel and as a bonus promotional channel for premium channel subscribers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-07-29 |title=ITC Supports Complaints Over Disney Channel |url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/itc-supports-complaints-over-disney-channel--113779 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Telecompaper}}</ref> In September 1997, Disney Channel decided to make more continuity links between programs. However, Corinthian Television permitted Disney Channel to make them at St. John's Wood Studios. After each run of interstitials, this resulted in the creation of the new live block, Disney Channel UK Live.<ref name=":1"/> During the same month, Disney Channel began to air more programs than movies, although the latter was still the main focus. Around this time, a preschool block called the "Under-Fives block" began airing, featuring mainly acquired preschool programming.

FollowingOn the15 ITCFebruary investigation1999, Disney Channel became available on Sky and cable operators asintroduced a separatenightly premiummovie channelslot onat 27 March 1998. To promote the channel's new availability to cable operatorspm, Disneywhich Channelsaw offereda three300% daysincrease ofin unencryptedviewership programmingafter froma 21promotional tocampaign 23featuring Marcha 1998lounge asset partwith ofDisney-themed its 'Big Free For All' campaigndecor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19981999-02-2712 |title=Disney Channel GoesUK "ALaunches LaEvening Carte"Movie Slot |url=https://the-media-leaderwww.combroadcastnow.co.uk/disney-channel-goesuk-alaunches-laevening-cartemovie-slot/1209620.article |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Thewww. Mediabroadcast Leadernow.co.uk}}</ref> OnThe 6channel’s Decemberschedule 1998,was Disneyrestructured Channelon UK1 announcedSeptember that it had appointed Paul Robinson1999, theintroducing former managing director ofa [[Talksport|TalkPlayhouse RadioDisney]],-branded aspreschool its new managing directorblock and vicevarious presidentprogramming changes.<ref Hename=":0">{{Cite wasweb responsible|date=1999-07-16 for|title=Disney theChannel channelUK's day-to-dayautumn operations,schedule includingwill alllaunch programmingon and1 marketing.September Paulwith Robinsona tooknew overgraphics Tompackage Wszalek'screated place,by later becoming the senior vice president for Walt Disney Television International'sFrench digitalproduction TVcompany developmentGedeon.<ref>{{Cite webThe |date=1998-12-07idents, |title=Disneyset Channelto UKroll Appointsout Paulto Robinsonother Asparts MDof |url=https://www.telecompaperbroadcastnow.com/newsco.uk/disney-channel-ukuks-appointsautumn-paulschedule-robinsonwill-aslaunch-mdon-1-156940september-with-a-new-graphics-package-created-by-french-production-company-gedeon-the-idents-set-to-roll-out-to-other-parts-of/1217262.article |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=TelecompaperBroadcast}}</ref>

In 2000, Disney Channel launched three new sister channels: Playhouse Disney, [[Toon Disney]], and Disney Channel +1.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-09-13 |title=Disney launches new channels |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-launches-new-channels/506643 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.campaignlive.co.uk}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2000-09-22 |title=CHANNEL FOCUS - The talk of the toon |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/channel-focus-the-talk-of-the-toon/1202051.article |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.broadcastnow.co.uk}}</ref> These additions aimed to cater to different age groups and programming needs. The Playhouse Disney programming block continued to air until July 2004. In May 2001, Disney Channel introduced Studio Disney UK, a live block featuring interstitials between programs. On 30 June 2001, the channel ceased broadcasting on Sky’s analog service, transitioning to digital.

On 15 February 1999, Disney Channel introduced an evening movie slot that airs different family movies every night at 7 pm. The first movie to air on this new movie slot was [[The Sword in the Stone (1963 film)|The Sword in the Stone]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1999-02-12 |title=Disney Channel UK Launches Evening Movie Slot |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/disney-channel-uk-launches-evening-movie-slot/1209620.article |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www. broadcast now.co.uk}}</ref> To promote the slot, Disney Channel hired Creative Forager to set up a particular build site at [[London]]'s [[Cromwell Road]], featuring a lounge set that includes a sofa with Mickey Mouse head-shaped pillows, a lamp, and a TV. At 7 pm every weeknight, a real family would sit on the sofa together to watch the movie. This resulted in a 300% increase in viewing figures for the Disney Channel's new movie slot.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney Channel |url=http://creativeforager.com/work/disney-channel/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Creative Forager}}</ref> On 1 September 1999, Disney Channel was relaunched and rolled out a daily schedule structure that includes the preschool zone (also known as [[Disney Junior (British and Irish TV channel)|Playhouse Disney]]) from 9 am to 2 pm, the Children's Zone from 2 pm to 7 pm, and the Family Zone (also known as [[Disney anthology television series|The Wonderful World of Disney]]) from 7 pm to 12 am the next day.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=1999-07-16 |title=Disney Channel UK's autumn schedule will launch on 1 September with a new graphics package created by French production company Gedeon. The idents, set to roll out to other parts of |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/disney-channel-uks-autumn-schedule-will-launch-on-1-september-with-a-new-graphics-package-created-by-french-production-company-gedeon-the-idents-set-to-roll-out-to-other-parts-of/1217262.article |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www. Broadcast now.co.uk}}</ref> With the changes, the Playhouse Disney-branded programming block in the UK was the first Playhouse Disney to launch outside the United States.

By 2002, Disney Channel UK moved to new facilities at Chiswick Park.<ref name=":1" /> On 17 August 2004, Disney Channel Play, a games service, was launched on [[Sky Active|Sky Gamestar]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-08-17 |title=Sky Selects Disney For Interactive Games Service - The Media Leader |url=https://the-media-leader.com/sky-selects-disney-for-interactive-games-service/ |access-date=2024-09-02 |language=en-GB}}</ref> In September 2004, the channel expanded to a 24-hour service.<ref name=":2" />

The lineup for the preschool zone between 9 am to 2 pm will include Winnie the Pooh, and a cookery series Bite Size, which Walt Disney Television International UK produced. The lineup for the Children's Zone consists of an animated adaption of the 1996 TV sitcom ''[[Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996 TV series)|Sabrina the Teenage Witch]]'', which was entitled ''[[Sabrina: The Animated Series]].'' [[Buena Vista Productions]] continued to supply more shows on the ''Disney Channel UK Live'' block, such as ''[[Microsoap]]'' and ''[[Crash Zone]]'', which was also being produced by the [[BBC]] and the Australian Children's Television Foundation (which in-credit was the [[Seven Network]]) respectively. The lineup for the Family Zone will also include the evening movie slot, which already premiered on 15 February of that year at 7 pm <ref name=":0"/>

On 16 March 2006, Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney shifted from premium channels to basic-level subscription packages.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 February 2006 |title=Disney in £130m deal with Sky as ESPN launches in the UK |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-130m-deal-sky-espn-launches-uk/543453 |publisher=Campaign}}</ref> [[Disney Cinemagic]] replaced Toon Disney, while Disney Channel +1 returned in June 2006.<ref>{{cite web |date=7 June 2006 |title=Disney Channel timeshift to rejoin Sky EPG |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tech/satellite/a33865/disney-channel-timeshift-to-rejoin-sky-epg/ |website=[[Digital Spy]]}}</ref> In late 2007, Disney Channel joined Sky’s Picnic service, which later became [[Now (streaming service)|Now TV]] in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney lines up for Sky's proposed Picnic |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-lines-skys-proposed-picnic/768600 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.campaignlive.co.uk}}</ref>

In 2000, Corinthian became part of Thomson Multimedia and was known as Corthinian Television Facilities. However, Corthinian quickly noticed that their company would make a lot more money if they had to look after all the channel requirements, including its post-production and playout, and not just the live studio links.<ref name=":1"/> In September 2000, Disney Channel UK launched three additional sister channels on the [[Sky UK|BSkyB Digital]] satellite TV service. The three new channels were an separate [[Disney Junior (British and Irish TV channel)|Playhouse Disney]] channel, which broadcast 15 hours of preschool content from the 5-hour preschool block of the same name; [[Toon Disney]], which focused on cartoons and behind-the-scenes documentaries; and Disney Channel +1, which was the one-hour timeshift of Disney Channel.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-09-13 |title=Disney launches new channels |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-launches-new-channels/506643 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.campaignlive.co.uk}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2000-09-22 |title=CHANNEL FOCUS - The talk of the toon |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/channel-focus-the-talk-of-the-toon/1202051.article |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.broadcastnow.co.uk}}</ref> Until 2002 and 2003, respectively, these networks were not available on [[NTL Incorporated|NTL]] or [[Telewest]], both of which at the time could still only receive Disney Channel. Likely due to this, the Playhouse Disney block remained on the air until July 2004.

In January 2009, Disney Channel UK launched an in-house sales team for commercial deals while remaining advertising-free.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney Channel's sales team boost |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-channels-sales-team-boost/873134 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=campaignlive.co.uk}}</ref> The channel began broadcasting in widescreen format in May 2010 and adopted a new logo in September 2011, with an HD version launching on Sky and [[Virgin Media Ireland|UPC Ireland]].<ref>{{cite web |date=6 July 2011 |title=Selena Gomez marks Disney Channel HD launch |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/news/a328603/selena-gomez-marks-disney-channel-hd-launch.html |publisher=Digital Spy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=15 August 2012 |title=UPC adds 21 new HD channels, including 19 Sky channels - Play |url=https://www.siliconrepublic.com/play/upc-adds-21-new-hd-channels-including-19-sky-channels |publisher=Silicon Republic}}</ref>

Paul Robinson also stated that the new structure helps Disney address the problem of having "different channels in one." A channel consisting of cartoons, preschool programs, and family entertainment in one schedule meant "someone was always upset." With the launch of these two dedicated channels, Disney should throw its whole weight behind each segment while simultaneously meeting the needs of different age groups. Toon Disney was also crucial for Disney's marketing strategy, as it was known for providing a dedicated outlet for the world's best-known animation factory. Before Toon Disney UK's launch in September 2000, Paul Robinson stated that only a third of Disney Channel's broadcast time was spent on cartoons. However, a 24-hour cartoon channel was an obvious decision. While there was much more time to play with the schedule, Disney had to fit in original animations over the cartoon classics it is best known for. Before these two sister channels were launched in September, Disney Channel had 4 million subscribers, a million more than in 1998. However, Disney Channel UK's rivals at the time, [[Cartoon Network (British and Irish TV channel)|Cartoon Network]] and [[Nickelodeon (British and Irish TV channel)|Nickelodeon]], had around 7 million subscribers. Still, these channels were in basic cable or satellite packages, while Disney Channel was a premium channel.<ref name=":5"/>

By 2012, Encompass took over as the playout provider for Disney Channel.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Walt Disney hearing summary |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5329deb4ed915d0e5d000287/walt_disney_summary.pdf |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=assets.publishing.service.gov.uk}}</ref> On 1 July 2013, Disney Channel and Disney Junior began carrying advertising, and Disney Cinemagic was closed,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney Channel and Disney Junior UK to start running spot ads |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-channel-disney-junior-uk-start-running-spot-ads/1173168 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=campaignlive.co.uk}}</ref> with Disney’s movie content moving to [[Sky Cinema|Sky Movies Disney]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-02-21 |title=Sky and Disney launch pay TV channel |url=https://tbivision.com/2013/02/21/sky-and-disney-launch-pay-tv-channel/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=TBI Vision}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-02-21 |title=Sky Movies Disney: new channel to show UK TV film premieres |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/feb/21/sky-movies-disney-new-channel-uk |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> Disney Channel left Now TV in 2016,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-11-23 |title=DisneyLife Streaming Service Launches in the U.K. |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disneylife-streaming-service-launches-in-the-u-k/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=[[The Walt Disney Company]]}}</ref> and [[Nat Geo Wild]] replaced it on the original slot.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2016-05-04 |title=Sky's Now TV intros new kids streaming service |url=https://kidscreen.com/2016/05/04/skys-now-tv-launches-contract-free-kids-streaming-service/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Kidscreen}}</ref> Disney+ replaced internet service DisneyLife in March 2020, no longer including linear TV channels.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-09 |title=DisneyLife - Watch Disney Movies, TV Box Sets, Listen to Music & More |url=https://www.disneylife.com/uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509032441/https://www.disneylife.com/uk |archive-date=9 May 2019 |access-date=2023-04-06}}</ref>

In May 2001, Disney Channel UK introduced a new live block slot entitled Studio Disney UK, airing from 3 pm to 7 pm on weekdays. The programming block featured live links between cartoons, dramas, and comedies. Disney Channel UK had a live block before the launch of the Studio Disney brand, but they decided to rebrand it into "a proper name and identity" and make the show feel "more pacey and quirky." Static Design, the production design arm of Static 2358 (now defunct), had designed the identity of Disney Channel UK's new live block, in addition to an on-screen package including ten idents, stings, on-screen bugs, program menus, and a style guide.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-05-10 |title=Static idents for Studio Disney |url=https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/10-may-2001/static-idents-for-studio-disney/ |access-date=2023-02-14 |website=Design Week}}</ref> Studio Disney UK also featured a team of two to six presenters who did the live links in between programs and also allowed viewers to phone in and win prizes or appear as part of the small studio audience.<ref name=":1"/> On 30 June 2001, Disney Channel ceased broadcasting on Sky's analog satellite service. At the time, Disney Channel stated that only 99% of its viewers were digital customers. Switching their services to digital meant more money for their customers to receive new channels, such as Disney's new [[Disney Junior (British and Irish TV channel)|sister]] [[Toon Disney|channels]] and Disney Channel's +1 timeshift service, and viewers who already received Disney Channel got their new additional Sky Movie channels through Sky Digital.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-06-29 |title=More Channels Leave Sky Analogue |url=https://the-media-leader.com/more-channels-leave-sky-analogue/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=The Media Leader}}</ref>

▲=== PostClosure launch(2020) ===

In 2002, Disney Channel's operations were significantly expanded because of an insufficient room at St. John's Wood Studios, so they should have a contract to fulfill; Corinthian took out a lease on a £15m purpose-built facility at [[West London]]'s [[Chiswick|Chiswick Park]] (which was 85,000&nbsp; ft in size), and the Disney Channel relocated their European operations hub there, with Corinthian responsible for everything in terms of providing broadcasting facilities for the Disney Channel.<ref name=":1"/>

On 3 June 2020, it wasDisney announced that David Levine, Disney's vice president of kids programming for theDisney's British, European, and African channels, and the general manager for Disney Channel UK, would leave the company on 30 June 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-06-03 |title=David Levine to leave Disney |url=https://kidscreen.com/2020/06/03/david-levine-to-leave-disney/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=[[Brunico Communications|KidScreen]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kanter |first=Jake |date=2020-06-03 |title=Disney European Kids Chief David Levine Quits After 16 Years |url=https://deadline.com/2020/06/disney-european-kids-chief-david-levine-quits-1202950164/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Deadline}}</ref> On 25 June 2020, it was announced that Disney Channel UK wouldwas leaveset theto airwavesclose infollowing favourthe launch of [[Disney+]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kanter |first=Jake |date=2020-06-25 |title=Disney To Close Kids Channels In The UK Following Launch Of Disney+ |url=https://deadline.com/2020/06/disney-to-close-kids-channels-in-the-uk-following-launch-of-disney-1202969592/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Deadline}}</ref> DisneyThe Channelchannel, along with its sister channels Disney Junior and Disney XD, closedceased broadcasting at midnight [[British Summer Time|BST]] on 1 October 2020. The closure occurred, exactly 25 years after theits channel launched in 1995launch. The [[YouTube]] channel offor theDisney networkChannel however,UK continues to remainremained active after the closure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DisneyChannelUK - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/@DisneyChannelUK/|title=DisneyChannelUK - YouTube|website=www.youtube.com}}</ref>▼

The channelsfinal wereprogram removedaired from Virgin Media on September 29,was the day2019 beforefilm the[[Descendants shutdown,3|''Descendants 3''.]]<ref>{{citeCite web |title=Disney Channel (UK) - Final Closedown - 1 October 2020 - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQut8Gz8l10.htmlYSOsKBexhpY |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/oQut8Gz8l10YSOsKBexhpY |archive-date=2021-12-19 |urlaccess-statusdate=live2020-12-19 |website=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=January 2021}} The channels were removed from Virgin Media on 29 September,<ref>{{cite web |author=Mullins, Daniel |date=1 October 2020 |title=Disney Channel UK: Virgin Media Feed Shutdown |authorurl=Mullins,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQut8Gz8l10.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/oQut8Gz8l10 |archive-date=2021-12-19 Daniel|via=[[YouTube]]|date=1 October 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=January 2021}} withand [[CBBC (TV channel)|CBBC]] and [[CBeebies]] takingtook the network'sover formertheir Sky EPG slots on 1 October.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} In November 2020, theDisney returned its broadcast licenceslicenses offor Disney Channel UK, [[Disney XD (British and Irish TV channel)|Disney XD UK]], and [[Disney Junior (British and Irish TV channel)|Disney Junior UK]] were handed back to [[Ofcom]], along with other Disney-brandednew European children'slicenses TV channels' broadcasting licences. Due to [[Brexit]], a lot of these European feeds now have broadcast licencesbeing handled inby Spain,'s authorisedCMNC bydue theto [[Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la CompetenciaBrexit]] (also known as CMNC).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-18 |title=[Archived Content] TV broadcast licensing monthly updates - Ofcom |url=https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20210118001317/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/tv-broadcast-licences/updates |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mavise - Search results |url=http://mavise.obs.coe.int/q/ondemand/Disney%20Channel |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=mavise.obs.coe.int}}</ref> Sky Cinema Disney also closed two months later, on 30 December 2020, whichmaking meant that [[Disney+]] became the homeprimary source offor Disney movies in the UK and Ireland.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-08 |title=Sky Cinema Disney To Close This Month |url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/sky-cinema-disney-to-close-this-month/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=What's On Disney Plus}}</ref> However,Following [[Fox (British and Irish TV channel)|Fox UK]]'s closedclosure down on 30 Junein 2021, leaving only [[National Geographic (British and Irish TV channel)|National Geographic]] and [[BabyTV]] aswere the only Disney-owned pay TV channels in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-06 |title=Fox to cease UK broadcasts |url=https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2021/05/19/fox-to-cease-uk-broadcasts/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.broadbandtvnews.com}}</ref>▼

Disney Channel's new studio facilities in Chiswick featured two new studios (with control rooms), ten non-linear editing suites, two 3D graphic origination suites, and a multi-control transmission and playout facility (which has six transmission master control facilities and four multi-language audio dubbing suites). The operation was one of the first-ever fully file-based automated environments involving a digital robotic archive storage, digital asset management services, and a server-based automated transmission playout.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-09-01 |title=Past Projects |url=http://www.nwetp.co.uk/index_files/Page354.htm |access-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901140256/http://www.nwetp.co.uk/index_files/Page354.htm |archive-date=1 September 2018 }}</ref> Two studios, which were not particularly large, were fully utilized, with one being the base for Studio Disney and the other one used regularly for kids gameshows and other shows. This included the talent show ''Star Ticket''.<ref name=":2"/>

After the shutdown of Disney Channel UKUK’s shutdown, Disney vacated the building atits Chiswick Park, and the building, wasreturning handed backit to the property's landlord in June 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Building 12, Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 5AN |url=https://www.novaloca.com/office-space/to-let/london/chiswick-park/193428?search=true |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.novaloca.com}}</ref> Even at the end of Disney's occupancy, the building still had two attached studios that were installed when Disney moved there. However, the facility was no longer needed duecontinues to the move to digital streaming distribution via Disney's streaming platform, [[Disney+]]. Disney still hasoperate its EMEA headquarters in Queen Caroline Street in [[Hammersmith]]|Hammersmith, London (which is 3 miles away from their original headquarters)]].▼

On 17 August 2004, BSkyB announced its deal with The Walt Disney Company to launch a Disney Channel-branded games service on Sky Gamestar, which is in the Games section of Sky's interactive services on its digital platform. The new service, Disney Channel Play, was available to Sky Digital's 7 million customers. It was also available through all four Disney channels (including Disney Channel, Disney Channel +1, Playhouse Disney, and Toon Disney). All games had free demos, which viewers must pay to extend their playing for longer or on a per-play or per-day basis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-08-17 |title=Sky Selects Disney For Interactive Games Service |url=https://the-media-leader.com/sky-selects-disney-for-interactive-games-service/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=The Media Leader}}</ref> On 1 September 2004, Disney Channel expanded its hours to be airing overnight temporary.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-09-01 |title=Disney Channel UK now broadcasts round the clock |url=https://forums.digitalspy.com/discussion/151879/disney-channel-uk-now-broadcasts-round-the-clock |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Digital Spy}}</ref> However, the channel returned to being a 24-hour service permanently on 11 September 2017 until the closure,{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} with the night schedule airing reruns of the German children's TV series ''[[Binny and the Ghost]]'' (known as Billie and the Ghost in the United Kingdom), the Argentine soap opera ''[[Violetta (TV series)|Violetta]]'', and their in-house production ''[[The Evermoor Chronicles]]''. In November 2004, Corinthian's parent company, Thomson Multimedia, was rebranded as Technicolor after purchasing the American film technology company of the same name. However, Corinthian became part of Technicolor Network Services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-11-11 |title=Thomson buys into Corinthian TV |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/thomson-buys-in-to-corinthian-tv/1101256.article |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.broadcastnow.co.uk}}</ref> However, Technicolor continued to provide playout services for the Disney Channel until its contract expired in 2012.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Walt Disney hearing summary |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5329deb4ed915d0e5d000287/walt_disney_summary.pdf |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=assets.publishing.service.gov.uk}}</ref>

On 1 July 2005, Studio Disney and other associated spin-off shows, also produced by the studio and co-produced with other studios, ended. However, with the changes, the studios (the home of the finished shows) were mothballed, the production crews working for these shows were made redundant, and the cameras at these studios were removed. Still, some equipment from these same studios was moved into various post-production suites around the building.<ref name=":2"/> However, while Disney Channel was the final British children's TV channel to stop operating live studio links during after-school hours, the free-to-air children's TV channel [[CBBC]] continued to produce these live-studio links; Disney Channel's rival pay-TV channel [[Nickelodeon (British and Irish TV channel)|Nickelodeon]] had already stopped doing these; and the children's block on [[ITV1]] and [[CITV]] also ended live-studio links a year ago.

On 16 March 2006, changes were made to Disney services in the UK. Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney in the UK stopped being premium add-on channels and operated as part of basic-level subscription packages, joining [[Jetix]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Disney in £130m deal with Sky as ESPN launches in the UK|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-130m-deal-sky-espn-launches-uk/543453|publisher=Campaign|date=27 February 2006}}</ref> However, this resulted in the "premium" aspect of Disney Channel (which includes [[Walt Disney Pictures]]' movies and a selection of Disney-branded animation) being merged with [[Toon Disney (UK & Ireland)|Toon Disney]] to launch a new channel, [[Disney Cinemagic (UK & Ireland)|Disney Cinemagic]], which was a premium channel included as a standalone channel and as a bonus channel as part of Sky's movie packages. Toon Disney was replaced with Disney Cinemagic; Toon Disney closed at 6 am, and Disney Cinemagic launched at 10 am. Disney Channel +1 closed and was replaced with Disney Cinemagic +1. However, Disney Channel +1 subsequently returned in June 2006.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tech/satellite/a33865/disney-channel-timeshift-to-rejoin-sky-epg/ | title=Disney Channel timeshift to rejoin Sky EPG | website=[[Digital Spy]] | date=7 June 2006 }}</ref> During the same month, Disney Channel changed its focus to air more original sitcoms, changing its demographic mostly towards girls. However, these changes did not affect Playhouse Disney and continued its usual preschool programming formula. However, an archive sports channel, [[ESPN Classic (European TV channel)|ESPN Classic]], was also launched on 13 March, which was three days before the launch of Disney Cinemagic in the UK. In October 2006, Disney Channel was added to [[Top Up TV Anytime]], which downloads programming overnight from various channels to a [[Thomson DTI 6300-16]]. In 2007, Disney added more [[Video on demand|On Demand]] content to [[Virgin Media]]'s service.

In late 2007, [[Sky UK|BSkyB]] announced their plans to launch their pay-TV service on DTT, as well as [[Freeview (UK)|Freeview]]'s offering, entitled Picnic. However, the purpose of Picnic was to offer a cheaper but limited offering compared to the [[Sky UK|Sky Digital]] satellite package for those without a satellite dish. Disney Channel became part of the service, and the channel was supposed to air from 6 am to 6 pm only on the new service. After Disney Channel joined Sky's proposed service, Picnic, Rob Gilby, the managing director of Disney Channel UK, stated, "Our strategy is to make Disney channels available via as many potential platforms as possible. Pay DTT is a natural next step for us, as Disney Channel is an advertising-free, subscription-only service."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney lines up for Sky's proposed Picnic |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-lines-skys-proposed-picnic/768600 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.campaignlive.co.uk}}</ref> However, Picnic was cleared by [[Ofcom]] for its proposed launch in 2008, but [[Sky UK|Sky]] already put Picnic on hold in 2008 due to indecisiveness on [[Ofcom]]'s part.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-09-12 |title=Sky ices Picnic, blames Ofcom |url=https://www.theregister.com/2008/09/12/sky_picnic_on_hold |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=The Register}}</ref> Picnic became [[Now (Sky)|Now TV]], an OTT internet streaming service that was launched in July 2012. Before 2016, Disney Channel, [[Disney Junior (British and Irish TV channel)|Disney Junior]], and [[Disney XD (British and Irish TV channel)|Disney XD]] were also part of the service.

In January 2009, Disney Channel UK announced that it would launch an in-house sales team to forge commercial deals for the channel, both online (disney.co.uk) and on-air. It was opened up to allow brands to associate themselves with popular Disney Channel properties, including ''[[Hannah Montana]]'' and ''[[High School Musical (franchise)|High School Musical]],'' for the first time. This also includes sponsorship around popular Disney Channel shows and movies, support for special events, and integrated campaigns across online and mobile platforms. Despite this change to have sponsorship, Disney Channel UK remained advertising-free.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney Channel's sales team boost |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-channels-sales-team-boost/873134 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=campaignlive.co.uk}}</ref>

The channel began broadcasting in [[16:9]] widescreen in May 2010. A new set of program mini-idents that would play before the program would start were launched in September 2010. In September 2011, a new logo was adopted. The same month, an HD version launched on Sky.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/news/a328603/selena-gomez-marks-disney-channel-hd-launch.html|title=Selena Gomez marks Disney Channel HD launch|publisher=Digital Spy|date=6 July 2011}}</ref>

In 2012, Technicolor's playout contract for the Disney Channel across the United Kingdom and Ireland expired, and [[Encompass]] became the new playout provider and continued to provide playout services for the Disney Channel until the channel's closure. During the channel's history, Disney has always outsourced its playout operations; thus, it never had an internal in-house process. However, over time, it brought some media functions in-house, such as production.<ref name=":4"/>

On 1 July 2013, Disney Channel and [[Disney Junior (British and Irish TV channel)|Disney Junior]] (formerly [[Playhouse Disney]]) began to carry advertising.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney Channel and Disney Junior UK to start running spot ads |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-channel-disney-junior-uk-start-running-spot-ads/1173168 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=campaignlive.co.uk}}</ref> During the same month, a new website was launched with [[Television on demand|On Demand]] services. However, on 28 March 2013, Disney UK fully exited the premium TV market (except [[ESPN in the United Kingdom|ESPN]]) with the closure of [[Disney Cinemagic]] in the country. Despite the changes, Disney has signed up with Sky for its movie content deal to launch [[Sky Cinema|Sky Movies Disney]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-02-21 |title=Sky and Disney launch pay TV channel |url=https://tbivision.com/2013/02/21/sky-and-disney-launch-pay-tv-channel/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=TBI Vision}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-02-21 |title=Sky Movies Disney: new channel to show UK TV film premieres |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/feb/21/sky-movies-disney-new-channel-uk |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> However, the deal led to Disney's premium offering becoming part of Sky's movie channels and Sky's on-demand service, allowing viewers to access and watch movies from Disney in the same place as other movies from other movie studios. Disney would no longer have the option to launch another premium movie channel and would focus on the essential pay-TV market. Sadly, this resulted in the loss of the children's TV animation programming Disney Cinemagic aired, which would mean Disney might be relinquishing control to Sky (under strict branding rules as part of the licensing agreement) and the loss of the subscription standalone option. Although it is not confirmed, it was likely that Disney's exit from the British premium pay-TV market (with revenue from Disney Cinemagic subscriptions, possibly subsidizing both Disney Channel and Disney Junior) was connected to Disney's plan to introduce advertising on Disney Channel and its sister channel [[Disney Junior (British and Irish TV channel)|Disney Junior]] in July 2013.

Disney Channel left the [[Now (Sky)|Now TV]] streaming service in 2016, a few months after the launch of DisneyLife (now [[Disney+]]) in the United Kingdom and Ireland.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-11-23 |title=DisneyLife Streaming Service Launches in the U.K. |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disneylife-streaming-service-launches-in-the-u-k/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=[[The Walt Disney Company]]}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2016-05-04 |title=Sky's Now TV intros new kids streaming service |url=https://kidscreen.com/2016/05/04/skys-now-tv-launches-contract-free-kids-streaming-service/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Kidscreen}}</ref> [[Nat Geo Wild]] was launched on the Disney Channel's original slot. At the time, the channel was not owned by Disney; it was acquired during [[Acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney|the 21st Century Fox acquisition]].<ref name=":3"/>

Before the relaunch of DisneyLife to [[Disney+]] in March 2020, DisneyLife also offered internet streams of Disney Channel, [[Disney XD (British and Irish TV channel)|Disney XD]], and [[Disney Junior (British and Irish TV channel)|Disney Junior]], in addition to showing programming on-demand as part of the service.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-09 |title=DisneyLife - Watch Disney Movies, TV Box Sets, Listen to Music & More |url=https://www.disneylife.com/uk |access-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509032441/https://www.disneylife.com/uk |archive-date=9 May 2019 }}</ref> However, DisneyLife's replacement, Disney+, didn't include these streams; it might have been a sign that linear TV channels have such a future.

===Closure===

▲On 3 June 2020, it was announced that David Levine, Disney's vice president of kids programming for the British, European, and African channels, and the general manager for Disney Channel UK, would leave the company on 30 June 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-06-03 |title=David Levine to leave Disney |url=https://kidscreen.com/2020/06/03/david-levine-to-leave-disney/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=[[Brunico Communications|KidScreen]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kanter |first=Jake |date=2020-06-03 |title=Disney European Kids Chief David Levine Quits After 16 Years |url=https://deadline.com/2020/06/disney-european-kids-chief-david-levine-quits-1202950164/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Deadline}}</ref> On 25 June 2020, it was announced that Disney Channel UK would leave the airwaves in favour of [[Disney+]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kanter |first=Jake |date=2020-06-25 |title=Disney To Close Kids Channels In The UK Following Launch Of Disney+ |url=https://deadline.com/2020/06/disney-to-close-kids-channels-in-the-uk-following-launch-of-disney-1202969592/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Deadline}}</ref> Disney Channel, along with its sister channels Disney Junior and Disney XD, closed at midnight [[British Summer Time|BST]] on 1 October 2020. The closure occurred exactly 25 years after the channel launched in 1995. The [[YouTube]] channel of the network however, continues to remain active after the closure.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/@DisneyChannelUK/|title=DisneyChannelUK - YouTube|website=www.youtube.com}}</ref>

The channels were removed from [[Virgin Media]] and [[Sky UK|Sky]], and their content was moved exclusively to [[Disney+]]. The final programme to be broadcast before its closure was the 2019 film ''[[Descendants 3]]''. It then showed adverts and "I Want This" from ''[[Raven's Home]]'', followed by an ident that froze for a few seconds and then cut to an image slide featuring the channel's logo, signalling the channel's closure.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Disney Channel (UK) - Final Closedown - 1 October 2020 - YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSOsKBexhpY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/YSOsKBexhpY |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|access-date=2020-12-19|website=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=January 2021}}

▲The channels were removed from Virgin Media on September 29, the day before the shutdown,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQut8Gz8l10.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/oQut8Gz8l10 |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|title=Disney Channel UK: Virgin Media Feed Shutdown|author=Mullins, Daniel|via=[[YouTube]]|date=1 October 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=January 2021}} with [[CBBC (TV channel)|CBBC]] and [[CBeebies]] taking the network's former Sky EPG slots on 1 October.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} In November 2020, the broadcast licences of Disney Channel UK, [[Disney XD (British and Irish TV channel)|Disney XD UK]], and [[Disney Junior (British and Irish TV channel)|Disney Junior UK]] were handed back to [[Ofcom]], along with other Disney-branded European children's TV channels' broadcasting licences. Due to [[Brexit]], a lot of these European feeds now have broadcast licences handled in Spain, authorised by the [[Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia]] (also known as CMNC).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-18 |title=[Archived Content] TV broadcast licensing monthly updates - Ofcom |url=https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20210118001317/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/tv-broadcast-licences/updates |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mavise - Search results |url=http://mavise.obs.coe.int/q/ondemand/Disney%20Channel |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=mavise.obs.coe.int}}</ref> Sky Cinema Disney closed two months later, on 30 December 2020, which meant that [[Disney+]] became the home of Disney movies in the UK and Ireland.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-08 |title=Sky Cinema Disney To Close This Month |url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/sky-cinema-disney-to-close-this-month/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=What's On Disney Plus}}</ref> However, [[Fox (British and Irish TV channel)|Fox UK]] closed down on 30 June 2021, leaving only [[National Geographic (British and Irish TV channel)|National Geographic]] and [[BabyTV]] as the only Disney-owned pay TV channels in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-06 |title=Fox to cease UK broadcasts |url=https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2021/05/19/fox-to-cease-uk-broadcasts/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.broadbandtvnews.com}}</ref>

▲After the shutdown of Disney Channel UK, Disney vacated the building at Chiswick Park, and the building was handed back to the property's landlord in June 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Building 12, Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 5AN |url=https://www.novaloca.com/office-space/to-let/london/chiswick-park/193428?search=true |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.novaloca.com}}</ref> Even at the end of Disney's occupancy, the building still had two attached studios that were installed when Disney moved there. However, the facility was no longer needed due to the move to digital streaming distribution via Disney's streaming platform, [[Disney+]]. Disney still has its EMEA headquarters in Queen Caroline Street in [[Hammersmith]], London (which is 3 miles away from their original headquarters).

==Programming==

{{Main| List of programmes broadcast by Disney Channel (UK and Ireland)}}

The majority of the channel'schannel’s programming scheduleprimarily was formed from the syndicationconsisted of televisionsyndicated seriesshows from its [[Disney Channel|American counterpart]]. However, thebut channelit didalso occasionallyfeatured actUK asand hostIrish forseries homegrownsuch UKas and[[The IrishLodge (TV series,)|''The includingLodge'']], ''[[TheStick Evermoorwith Me, Kid|Stick With Me, ChroniclesKid]]'', and [[Sadie Sparks|''Sadie Sparks'']].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barraclough |first=Leo |date=17 March 2014 |title=Disney Greenlights England-set Spooky House Tale 'Evermoor' |url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/disney-greenlights-england-set-spooky-house-tale-evermoor-1201136103/ |titleaccess-date=Disney28 GreenlightsMarch England-set2020 Spooky House Tale 'Evermoor'|last=Barraclough|first=Leo|publisher=Variety}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |dateauthor=17Seán MarchBrosnan 2014|access-date=2824 March 2020}}</ref>2016 ''[[The|title=Disney LodgeChannel (TVSeries series)|The Lodge]]'',<ref>{{Cite webBegins Filming in Northern Ireland |url=http://www.iftn.ie/production/production_news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4289117&tpl=archnews&force=1|title=Disney Channel Series The Lodge Begins Filming in Northern Ireland|work=IFTN|author=Seán Brosnan|date=24 March 2016|access-date=28 March 2020 |work=IFTN}}</ref> ''[[101 Dalmatian Street]],''<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Whittock |first=Jesse |title=Disney heads to 101 Dalmatian Street |url=https://tbivision.com/2017/06/14/disney-heads-101-dalmatian-street/761881 |work=TBI Vision |access-date=28 March 2020 |work=TBI Vision}}</ref><ref>{{Cite andbook ''[[Sadie|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sL4RAQAAMAAJ&q=stick+with+me+kid+disney+channel Sparks]]''|title=TV World |date=1995 |publisher=Alain-Charles Pub. |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Zahed |first=Ramin |date=2018-06-05 |title=Disney Reveals Magic Touch with 'Sadie Sparks' |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/disney-reveals-magic-touch-with-sadie-sparks/ |work=[[Animation Magazine]] |access-date=2019-11-03 |work=[[Animation Magazine]]}}</ref> Disney Channel UK also producedaired morea showsvariety andof manylocal interstitialsprogramming, including ''[[Life Bites]]'' (a localisedlocalized version of ''[[Life Bites – Pillole di vita]]|''Life Bites – Pillole di vita'']]),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dowell |first=Ben |date=2008-08-18 |title=Life Bites: Teens get acting break in Disney sketch show |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/aug/18/television.television |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> ''[[As the Bell Rings (British TV series)|As the Bell Rings]]'' (a localisedlocalized version of ''[[Quelli dell'intervallo]]|''Quelli dell'intervallo'']]), ''[[Hannah-Oke]]'' (a karaoke series withfeaturing songs from the hit TV series ''[[Hannah Montana]]''), ''[[Get the Look]]'', ''[[First Class Chefs]]'', ''Access All Areas,'', and ''[[Royal Ranch]]''.

In March 2014, Disney Channel announced a multi-part movie entitled ''Evermoor'' (now a TV series entitled ''[[The Evermoor Chronicles]]'') to be filmed in the UK. The mystery adventure film was shot on location in [[England]] and became the first long-form British series to be aired on the American version of the [[Disney Channel]]. [[Lime Pictures]] (known for the British TV series ''[[Hollyoaks]]'' and ''[[The Only Way Is Essex]]'') produced ''Evermoor'' along with Disney's EMEA television studio.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-03-17 |title=Disney Channel's Evermoor filming in UK |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a557948/disney-channel-multi-part-movie-evermoor-to-be-filmed-in-uk/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.digitalspy.com}}</ref>

On 18 March 2019, Disney Channel UK premiered the new locally produced animated TV series ''[[101 Dalmatian Street]]''. The show was based on a pitch by Finland's Gigglebug Entertainment (owned by Anttu Harlin and Joonas Utti) to Disney's original animation team in [[London]]. Both of the Disney's [[101 Dalmatians (franchise)|101 Dalmatians]] movies (including the [[One Hundred and One Dalmatians|animated]] and [[101 Dalmatians (1996 film)|live-action]] versions), both of which were in turn based on [[Dodie Smith]]'s original 1956 novel of the same name, were referenced as inspirations behind ''101 Dalmatian Street''. Disney's production team developed the plot, along with Passion Animation Studios for the plot and [[Atomic Cartoons]] for the external animation services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-10-02 |title=101 Dalmatian Street » Atomic Cartoons Inc. |url=https://www.atomiccartoons.com/projects/101-dalmatian-street |access-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002002450/https://www.atomiccartoons.com/projects/101-dalmatian-street |archive-date=2 October 2018 }}</ref><ref name=":6"/>▼

==Interactivity==

Disney Channel formerly had an [[interactive television]] service on [[Sky UK|Sky]], in which viewers were able to press the red button on their Sky remote to access information about their series, character profiles, detailed television listings, quizzes, and messages submitted by viewers.

==Website==

Disney Channel's website featured information, games, interactive features, contact details, and submission forms. The site had been made entirely in [[Adobe Flash]] since 1 May 1999, the same day as the 1999 rebrand. In May 2003, it was redesigned to fit with the other Disney Channels worldwide after the global rebrand. In 2007, it was added to disneychannel.co.uk when the website's homepage was revamped to fit the look of the American site. In 2011, along with the other Disney sites, it was revamped. In September 2011, it was revamped once again due to the new logo.

==Presentation==

During the channel's launch, The Production Design Company (then part of [[Pearson Television]], now defunct) did title sequences, channel promotions, and channel campaigns for The Disney Channel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ed Linfoot - Freelance Motion Graphic Designer - BBC Creative |url=https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ed-linfoot-65748325 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=[[LinkedIn|Linkedin]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Find and update company information - The Production Design Company Limited |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/02703453 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk}}</ref> The Disney Channel's first international (including the United Kingdom) branding was designed by [[Lambie-Nairn]] (founded by [[Martin Lambie-Nairn]], now a part of [[Superunion]]).<ref>{{Cite web |date=1996-04-27 |title=Vision on for TV brands |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/vision-on-for-tv-brands-1307117.html |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> Lambie-Nairn designed the identity, resembling various playful animations that would end up with the iconic simplified Mickey Mouse head silhouette alone on-screen and 'The Disney Channel' text on the bottom. When the Disney Channel expanded to other markets, it also brought its identity with it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-11-25 |title=A Lambie-Nairn showreel from 1996 |url=http://brandingsource.blogspot.com/2011/11/lambie-nairn-showreel-from-1996.html |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=The Branding Source}}</ref>

Regarding his first branding work on The Disney Channel, [[Martin Lambie-Nairn]] himself stated: "Disney was one of the world's biggest and most powerful brands. When Disney decided to extend their Disney Channel franchise to the UK, they recognised the need to take cultural differences outside the United States into account. The task was to customise the well-known brand for television viewers in the UK and elsewhere. Their solution was simple yet devastatingly effective. Following the success of their branding identity in the UK, Disney proceeded with their plan to use it in other TV territories around the globe."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-10-21 |title=Martin Lambie-Nairn |url=https://dayofactionrossoneill.blogspot.com/2013/10/martin-lambie-nairn.html |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=DAY OF ACTION}}</ref>

However, similar to how Lambie-Nairn designed the branding package for [[Carlton Television|Carlton]], the third [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] London weekday franchise that debuted in 1993, The Disney Channel UK's launch branding package also made use of the [[Gill Sans]] typeface, 2 years before their usage in Lambie-Nairn's new branding package for the [[BBC]], where the font came to be used on-air, including their logos and presentation (up until 2021/2022, when they began to use the in-house Reith typeface).

In July 1997, Disney Channel UK was relaunched following the launch of [[Disney Channel (French TV channel)|Disney Channel France]]. Since then, the splat logo has been used as one of the original launch idents made by Lambie-Nairn. With the new branding made by a French production design company, Jus De Prod,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-01-03 |title=Jus de Prod |url=http://www.jusdeprod.com/index.php?id=13 |access-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103232106/http://www.jusdeprod.com/index.php?id=13 |archive-date=3 January 2012 }}</ref> the new idents feature any red and blue objects form the Mickey Mouse head logo. Before the relaunch, the channel was branded "The Disney Channel", but during the rebrand, the name was shortened to "Disney Channel".

On 1 September 1999, Disney Channel UK was relaunched by a French production company, GÉDÉON; the new branding was also applied to almost all of Disney Channel's worldwide networks, except for the United States.<ref name=":0"/> The branding was entitled the "Circles" era. The new branding package also focused on the Mickey Mouse head and ears symbol; all the self-promotion kits and idents for the channel start and end with it. According to GÉDÉON, the new logo was described as an "experimental field for animation". More than 30 illustrators, animators, graphic designers, and directors, including Gamma Studios and Velvet mediendesign worked on the project.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-02-18 |title=Disney Channel - Corporate Design |publisher=Gedeon Broadcast design company |url=http://www.gedeon.com/archives/disney-channel--corporate-design_120 |access-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218150944/http://www.gedeon.com/archives/disney-channel--corporate-design_120 |archive-date=18 February 2017 }}</ref> When the new look was first launched, nine identifications aired on the same day. In addition, when Toon Disney and Playhouse Disney launched in the UK, these channels also followed the same branding scheme "Circles", from the international versions of Disney Channel at the time.

In 2003, Disney Channel UK was rebranded using the American version branding package made by American production company Razorfish (which then became CA Square, now part of Realistic Studio). However, the new branding was also a global rollout, and this was the first time they put the worldwide versions of the channel's presentation in line with the American channel. However, the branding took 12 months to complete, and it was the first time that the international versions had been rebranded its logo for more than 5 years. The new branding also involves a "contemporary combination" of the Walt Disney signature and a three-circle shape symbolising the Mickey Mouse head and ears, with the logo being on the corner commonly seen in bumpers and as an on-screen bug. As stated by Disney, this new branding package also has the flexibility for markets to incorporate local references.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-06-05 |title=The Disney Channel unveils new package |url=https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/5-june-2003/the-disney-channel-unveils-new-package/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Design Week}}</ref> It was entitled the "Bounce" era, as the Disney Channel logo mainly bounces during bumpers.

In 2007, Disney Channel UK was rebranded, keeping the Bounce era with a slight refresh. However, the era was entitled the "Ribbon" era. Despite the name, it was often referred to as a ribbon twirling around 3D elements of the idents and bumpers. The branding package was made by New Wave Entertainment, which also developed more than 400 elements for the relaunch. The rebranding project was led by Mary Snyder.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-06-10 |title=Broadcast Design |url=http://www.nwe.com/studio/p_broadcastdesign.asp |access-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610235023/http://www.nwe.com/studio/p_broadcastdesign.asp |archive-date=10 June 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Resume |url=https://www.pxlgirl.com/RESUME |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Pxlgirl's Portfolio}}</ref>

In September 2011, Disney Channel UK was rebranded using the American version branding package that features the smartphone-like version of the Disney Channel logo. The branding package was produced by Pembrook Creative, which also designed [[Radio Disney]]'s final logo.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TV Network Rebrands |url=http://www.pembrookcreative.com/portfolio#/tv-network-rebrands/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Pembrook Creative}}</ref> Pembrook Creative also created the graphics for the Digital Signage to promote the launch of [[Disney XD]] in the United States in 2009. At the time, the graphics could be seen at [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s headquarters in [[Times Square]] in [[New York City|New York]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Times Square Supersign - Digital Signage |url=http://www.pembrookcreative.com/portfolio#/time-square-supersign/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Pembrook Creative}}</ref>

During the "Smartphone App logo" era, Beautiful Creative also designed a movie bumper for the Disney Channel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney Channel Movies |url=https://www.beautifulcreative.com/work#/disney-movies/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Beautiful Creative}}</ref> In addition, Beautiful Creative also provided the branding for the Disney Channel Top 10. The show features the top 10 countdowns of Disney moments, such as the top 10 Disney movies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney Top 10 |url=https://www.beautifulcreative.com/work#/disney-top-10/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Beautiful Creative}}</ref>

During Disney Channel UK's final decade, the branding also had a more seasonal approach, with various studios providing the branding packages for the Disney Channel, including Mainframe for the Summer 2012 branding package,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney Channel Europe Summer Rebrand |url=https://www.ericjbauer.com/Disney-Channel-Europe-Summer-Rebrand |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Eric J. Bauer}}</ref> and Modus Operandi (also shortened as Modus) for the Summer 2013 promo branding package.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dave McVeigh Creative |url=https://www.dmcmotion.com/#work |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.dmcmotion.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Experiences {{!}} Jason Hadley |url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhadley/details/experience/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=[[LinkedIn|Linkedin]]}}</ref>

In 2014, Disney Channel UK was rebranded using a branding package made by BDA Creative. Back in summer 2013, BDA Creative won a contract to produce a branding package for the Disney Channel, which was set to roll out worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-07-15 |title=BDA Creative Munich works on Global Branding for Disney Channels · News · BDA |url=https://www.bdacreative.com/news/article/bda-creative-munich-works-on-global-branding-for-disney-channels |access-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715205424/https://www.bdacreative.com/news/article/bda-creative-munich-works-on-global-branding-for-disney-channels |archive-date=15 July 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-26 |title=Disney Channel Rebrand |url=https://www.behance.net/gallery/20791001/DISNEY-CHANNEL-REBRAND |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=[[Behance]]}}</ref>

BDAIn CreativeMarch also produced various idents2014, aDisney genericChannel packageannounced ''Evermoor'', a primetimemulti-part package,movie andfilmed seasonalin packagesthe such as Summer, AutumnUK and Winter,later plusdeveloped twointo specials''[[The forEvermoor MonstoberChronicles]]'' andTV Falalali Daysseries. TheIt rebrandbecame didn'tthe havefirst anlong-form officialBritish name,series soto theair rebrandon alsothe featuresAmerican several curves in itsDisney presentationChannel. However,The theseries brandingwas wonproduced aby [[Promax Awards|PromaxLime North America 2015Pictures]] Goldand award in theDisney's ProgramEMEA Informationaltelevision categorystudio.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-03-17 |title=Disney Channel's RebrandEvermoor filming in UK |url=https://crashdummywww.digitalspy.netcom/tv/a557948/disney-channel-rebrandmulti-part-movie-evermoor-to-be-filmed-in-uk/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.crashdummydigitalspy.netcom}}</ref>

▲On 18 March 2019, Disney Channel UK premiered the[[101 new locally produced animated TV seriesDalmatian Street|''[[101 Dalmatian Street'']]''. The show was based on, a pitchlocally byproduced Finland'sanimated Gigglebugseries Entertainment (ownedinspired by Anttu Harlin and Joonas Utti) to Disney's original animation team in [[London]]. Both of the Disney's '[[101 Dalmatians (franchise)|101 Dalmatians]]'' movies (including the [[One Hundredfranchise and One Dalmatians|animated]] and [[101 Dalmatians (1996 film)|live-action]] versions), both of which were in turn based on [[Dodie Smith]]'s original 1956 novel. ofThe theseries samewas name,developed wereby referencedDisney’s asLondon inspirations behind ''101 Dalmatian Street''. Disney's productionanimation team developed the plot, along with Passion Animation Studios for the plot, and [[Atomic Cartoons]] for the external animation services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-10-02 |title=101 Dalmatian Street » Atomic Cartoons Inc. |url=https://www.atomiccartoons.com/projects/101-dalmatian-street |access-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002002450/https://www.atomiccartoons.com/projects/101-dalmatian-street |archive-date=2 October 2018 |access-date=2023-04-06}}</ref><ref name=":6" />

In February 2017, Disney Channel UK had its final rebrand. Unlike the other branding packages (which were designed by others), the rebrand package was designed in-house at Disney EMEA, led by Paul Noddings (also known as NoddyDog).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney Channel |url=https://noddydog.com/work/disney-channel/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=NoddyDog}}</ref> The branding package was different from the United States, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific branding packages (which were made by MakinÉ Studios and came almost a year after the EMEA branding package),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney Channel 2019 |url=https://makinestudios.com/work/disney |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.makinestudios.com}}</ref> and it was rolled out across websites, social media, advertising, the new Disney Channel app, and also the TV channel. The rebranding package also featured vibrancy and playfulness by using strong, bold colors, eye-popping patterns, and whimsical doodles, which brought out the individual personalities of each Disney Channel show and its stars. A style guide was also produced, providing instructions to each Disney Channel feed in the EMEA on how the rebrand should be implemented.

==See also==

During Summer 2020, Disney Channel UK had their own final summer look (or a sub-rebrand); the branding package was developed by Philip Knock and Jadane Carey at The Strand Creative Studio (now Level UK) in [[Derby]], England. The summer package also had an 80s-like vaporwave look.

* [[Disney Channel]]

* [[Disney Jr]]

* [[Disney XD]]

* [[DreamWorks Channel]]

==References==