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


Bring Back Qubo: Free, Quality TV for the "Middle Child" Gap
The Issue
Over-the-air TV for kids is stuck in two extremes right now. PBS Kids is great for toddlers, and MeTV Toons is mostly for nostalgic adults. This leaves "big kids" (ages 6–12) with almost nothing to watch for free. Everything else is locked behind a monthly subscription.
We are calling on The E.W. Scripps Company to revive the Qubo brand.
Qubo was more than just a channel; it was a safe haven for families who didn't have cable or high-speed internet. 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.
Scripps is currently focusing on free, antenna-based solutions for sports and news, and we believe kids’ programming should be part of that mission. We are asking for the return of the iconic "Cube" logo and the high-quality library of shows that families already trust. These stories still resonate with kids today, including my younger brother.
We understand that television is a business. We aren't asking for a charity. We suggest a model that includes late-night infomercials to make the channel profitable, while keeping the daytime hours dedicated to safe content for a new generation.
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!

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The Issue
Over-the-air TV for kids is stuck in two extremes right now. PBS Kids is great for toddlers, and MeTV Toons is mostly for nostalgic adults. This leaves "big kids" (ages 6–12) with almost nothing to watch for free. Everything else is locked behind a monthly subscription.
We are calling on The E.W. Scripps Company to revive the Qubo brand.
Qubo was more than just a channel; it was a safe haven for families who didn't have cable or high-speed internet. 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.
Scripps is currently focusing on free, antenna-based solutions for sports and news, and we believe kids’ programming should be part of that mission. We are asking for the return of the iconic "Cube" logo and the high-quality library of shows that families already trust. These stories still resonate with kids today, including my younger brother.
We understand that television is a business. We aren't asking for a charity. We suggest a model that includes late-night infomercials to make the channel profitable, while keeping the daytime hours dedicated to safe content for a new generation.
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!

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Petition created on March 14, 2026
