DirecTV adds Weigel’s MeTV Toons

National feed to launch June 30; DirecTV also strikes deal with Paramount for ‘MySports’ and other skinny bundles

Exactly a year after its launch, Weigel’s MeTV Toons is getting a major distribution boost, courtesy of DirecTV. Starting Monday, the classic animation channel will be available to Choice and Ultimate subscribers, as well as the newly announced MyKids genre pack.

“Viewers have fallen in love with MeTV Toons, which in just its first year has attracted a passionate and loyal audience,” said Neal Sabin, Vice Chairman for Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting Co. “It is exciting to further extend the network’s national reach. With its broad multigenerational appeal, we know MeTV Toons will bring incredible entertainment and joy to DIRECTV subscribers around the country.”

The new multicast network launched on June 25, 2024 on digital subchannels of local stations, including those owned by Weigel (in Chicago, you can find MeTV Toons on Ch. 26.7). DirecTV is the first cable and satellite provider MeTV Toons has struck a deal with as they join H&I, StartTV, and MeTV as Weigel channels now available on DirecTV. MeTV Toons showcases animation from the Hanna-Barbera and Warner Bros. libraries.

Meanwhile, DirecTV is adding Paramount’s networks to its “MySports” skinny bundle, including CBS, its owned-and-operated stations (including CBS Chicago), and the CBS Sports Network. The deal is important because CBS carries marquee sporting events, including the NFL, March Madness, and The Masters. MySports was announced in January 2025, featuring news and sports channels from NBCUniversal, WBD, Disney, and Fox – a service that the latter three had previously attempted to offer through a new platform called Venu, but abandoned due to legal challenges. Regional sports networks (which are Marquee and CHSN for Chicago-area viewers) are separate add-ons. 

This is a part of a larger deal with DirecTV, as Paramount’s Nickelodeon and its related channels are being made available in a new MyKids package, which includes Cartoon Network (but not Adult Swim) and Disney Channel. The aforementioned MeTV Toons will also be included in the package. 

Paramount’s channels will also be added to DirecTV’s MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspanol skinny bundles (in this case, Tr3s). DirecTV is also adding Paramount’s Smithsonian Channel to its MyCinema pack. Currently, Paramount Plus is not included in these skinny bundles.