Bring Back Qubo: We Need Free, Quality Kids’ TV Beyond the Basics


Bring Back Qubo: We Need Free, Quality Kids’ TV Beyond the Basics
The Issue
Television for kids is currently stuck in two extremes. On one side, you have PBS Kids, which is wonderful for toddlers but eventually, kids outgrow it. On the other, you have MeTV Toons, which is great for nostalgia but is marketed more toward adults than a modern generation of children.
Everything else is locked behind a monthly subscription fee.
We are calling on The E.W. Scripps Company to revive Qubo.
Qubo was more than just a channel; it was an essential resource for thousands of families who didn't have cable or high-speed internet. It provided a safe, 24/7 space for "middle-age" kids—shows that were adventurous, funny, and story-driven without being locked behind a paywall.
Why this matters now:
• Subscription Fatigue: Families are increasingly frustrated by the "paywalling" of basic entertainment. As Scripps focuses on free, over-the-air solutions for sports and news, kids’ programming should be part of that mission.
• The "Middle Child" Gap: There is a lack of free, over-the-air (OTA) content for kids who have outgrown Sesame Street but aren't yet ready for adult-leaning programming.
• A Dedicated Safe Haven: Parents need a reliable, "set-it-and-forget-it" channel they can trust. A dedicated home on the channel lineup gives kids a space they can call their own without the risks of unmonitored internet algorithms.
Qubo has a legacy as the "third option" that actually worked. While streaming is everywhere, it cannot replace the accessibility of a free broadcast. We urge Scripps to re-evaluate the potential of this brand and put Qubo back on the airwaves for a new generation. Let’s bring back the Cube!

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The Issue
Television for kids is currently stuck in two extremes. On one side, you have PBS Kids, which is wonderful for toddlers but eventually, kids outgrow it. On the other, you have MeTV Toons, which is great for nostalgia but is marketed more toward adults than a modern generation of children.
Everything else is locked behind a monthly subscription fee.
We are calling on The E.W. Scripps Company to revive Qubo.
Qubo was more than just a channel; it was an essential resource for thousands of families who didn't have cable or high-speed internet. It provided a safe, 24/7 space for "middle-age" kids—shows that were adventurous, funny, and story-driven without being locked behind a paywall.
Why this matters now:
• Subscription Fatigue: Families are increasingly frustrated by the "paywalling" of basic entertainment. As Scripps focuses on free, over-the-air solutions for sports and news, kids’ programming should be part of that mission.
• The "Middle Child" Gap: There is a lack of free, over-the-air (OTA) content for kids who have outgrown Sesame Street but aren't yet ready for adult-leaning programming.
• A Dedicated Safe Haven: Parents need a reliable, "set-it-and-forget-it" channel they can trust. A dedicated home on the channel lineup gives kids a space they can call their own without the risks of unmonitored internet algorithms.
Qubo has a legacy as the "third option" that actually worked. While streaming is everywhere, it cannot replace the accessibility of a free broadcast. We urge Scripps to re-evaluate the potential of this brand and put Qubo back on the airwaves for a new generation. Let’s bring back the Cube!

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The Decision Makers
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Petition created on March 14, 2026
