Bring Back Qubo: Free, Quality TV for the "Middle Child" Gap

Recent signers:
Der Idk and 17 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Television for kids is currently stuck in two extremes. PBS Kids is great for toddlers, but older kids eventually outgrow it. On the other side, MeTV Toons is amazing for nostalgia, but it’s marketed more toward adults than a new generation of children. Everything else is locked behind a monthly subscription fee.

We are calling on The E.W. Scripps Company to revive the Qubo brand.

Qubo was more than just a channel; it was a resource for families who didn't have cable or high-speed internet. It provided a safe space for "big kids" (ages 6–12) with shows that were adventurous and story-driven without being hidden behind a paywall.


Why this matters now:
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 ready for adult-leaning shows.
• Subscription Fatigue: Families are tired of "paywalls." As Scripps focuses on free, antenna-based solutions for sports and news, kids’ programming should be part of that mission.
A Sensory-Friendly Sanctuary: As an autistic teenager, I know firsthand that Qubo’s calm, story-driven animation is a vital alternative for neurodivergent viewers who find modern, high-energy cartoons overstimulating.
A Trusted Brand: We are asking for the return of the trusted, iconic "Cube" logo and the high-quality "Prime Era" library (shows like Jane and the Dragon, Jacob Two-Two, and Pecola). These shows still resonate with kids today—including my younger brother.

 

A Sustainable Path Forward:
We understand that television is a business. We aren't asking for a 24/7 charity. We suggest a model that includes late-night paid programming to ensure the channel is profitable, while keeping the daytime and evening hours dedicated to quality, safe content for a new generation of fans.

Streaming can’t replace the accessibility of a free broadcast. We urge Scripps to put Qubo back on the airwaves.

Let’s bring back the Cube!

avatar of the starter
Retrok VRPetition StarterI like Gorilla Tag.
This petition had 26 supporters
Recent signers:
Der Idk and 17 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Television for kids is currently stuck in two extremes. PBS Kids is great for toddlers, but older kids eventually outgrow it. On the other side, MeTV Toons is amazing for nostalgia, but it’s marketed more toward adults than a new generation of children. Everything else is locked behind a monthly subscription fee.

We are calling on The E.W. Scripps Company to revive the Qubo brand.

Qubo was more than just a channel; it was a resource for families who didn't have cable or high-speed internet. It provided a safe space for "big kids" (ages 6–12) with shows that were adventurous and story-driven without being hidden behind a paywall.


Why this matters now:
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 ready for adult-leaning shows.
• Subscription Fatigue: Families are tired of "paywalls." As Scripps focuses on free, antenna-based solutions for sports and news, kids’ programming should be part of that mission.
A Sensory-Friendly Sanctuary: As an autistic teenager, I know firsthand that Qubo’s calm, story-driven animation is a vital alternative for neurodivergent viewers who find modern, high-energy cartoons overstimulating.
A Trusted Brand: We are asking for the return of the trusted, iconic "Cube" logo and the high-quality "Prime Era" library (shows like Jane and the Dragon, Jacob Two-Two, and Pecola). These shows still resonate with kids today—including my younger brother.

 

A Sustainable Path Forward:
We understand that television is a business. We aren't asking for a 24/7 charity. We suggest a model that includes late-night paid programming to ensure the channel is profitable, while keeping the daytime and evening hours dedicated to quality, safe content for a new generation of fans.

Streaming can’t replace the accessibility of a free broadcast. We urge Scripps to put Qubo back on the airwaves.

Let’s bring back the Cube!

avatar of the starter
Retrok VRPetition StarterI like Gorilla Tag.

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