Discovery's cancellation of 19 Kids and Counting cost the channel $19MILLION

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19 Kids and Counting, with the Duggars, was TLC's highest-rated show
Its cancellation cost network's parent firm, Discovery, about $19million
High figure was cited by channel's CFO Andrew Warren on Wednesday
Program's status had been pending since May following allegations that Duggars' eldest son, Josh, molested four of his sisters and a babysitter
Josh, 24, has recently welcomed fourth child into world with wife Anna
Last, year, Discovery experienced $20million in losses after cancelling TLC hit show, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, in similar circumstances

Published: 13:49 EST, 5 August 2015 | Updated: 15:15 EST, 5 August 2015

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The cancellation of 19 Kids and Counting cost Discovery a whopping $19million, it has emerged.

The long-running reality TV series - starring Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their 19 children - was cancelled by TLC's parent company last month amid eldest son Josh's molestation scandal.

The program, which had chronicled the home life of the Arkansas family for 10 seasons, had been TLC's highest-rated show, so its cancellation was bound to have a negative financial impact.

And now, the astronomical level of that impact on the network's owners has been revealed in a post-earnings conference call by Discovery communications's chief financial officer Andrew Warren.

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High cost: The cancellation of 19 Kids and Counting cost Discovery a whopping $19million, it has emerged

New father: The reality TV show - starring Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their 19 children - was cancelled by TLC's parent company last month amid eldest son Josh's molestation scandal. Above, Josh Duggar, 27, and his wife Anna, also 27, are pictured with their fourth child, baby Meredith Grace, who was born on July 19

In the call, Warren said the channel had suffered 'higher restructuring and other charges this year of $19million, primarily due to content impairment charges of canceling TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting.'

The $19million marked the difference between the $5million charge incurred in last year's second quarter and the firm's total charges for the same three-month period in 2015, The Wrap reports.

This year's charges total a staggering $24million.

MoffettNathanson analyst Michael Nathanson also cited the $19million figure, in reference to the Duggars, in a review of Discovery's latest earnings, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

He said it explained why the firm's earnings were much lower than expected amid cost savings, writing: 'Higher other losses (which includes currency impact) and $24million in restructuring from the cancellation of 19 Kids and Counting (not included in segment earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) offset the higher profitability leading to the earnings per share miss.'

Scandal: The financial impact of the cancellation of TLC's highest-rated show was revealed to be $19million by Discovery Communications's CFO Andrew Warren (right). Left, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar last year

Proud aunt: Discovery said last month that it is not ruling out a spin-off of the program featuring some of the Duggar children, with Jill and Jessa seeming the most likely choices as they have each started their own families. Above, Jessa - who is expecting her first child in November - poses with her niece, Meredith Grace

Last year, Discovery experienced $20million in losses after cancelling the TLC hit show, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, following reports that its star, 'Mama June', was dating a sex offender.

The losses are also believed to have stemmed from the cancellation of Discovery's Sons of Guns.

TLC's decision to stop airing 19 Kids and Counting had been pending since May, when reports emerged that Josh Duggar - now a married father - had molested five girls in 2002 and 2003.

These children were later revealed to be four of Josh's younger sisters and a babysitter.

But despite the reality show's absence from the network, it is not all sad news for the Duggars.

A Discovery spokesman told CNN last month that the network is not ruling out a spin-off of the program featuring some of the Duggar children, with Jill and Jessa - who were both among Josh's molestation victims - seeming the most likely choices as they have each started their own families.

Family: TLC's decision to cancel 19 Kids and Counting had been pending since May, when reports emerged that Josh Duggar - now a married father-of-four - had molested five young girls. Above, the Duggars last year

Tearful: Jess, left, and Jill Duggar appeared on Fox News last month to confirm they had been two of their brother Josh's victims. But the sisters largely downplayed what had occurred and said they'd forgiven him

Jill Duggar breaks down as she talks about Josh with sister Jessa

Meanwhile, TLC has announced it has teamed with two prominent child-protection organizations for an ongoing campaign to raise awareness about child sexual abuse.

The initiative will begin with a one-hour, commercial-free documentary, likely airing in late August, featuring Jill and Jessa.

It comes as Josh, now 27, and his wife Anna, also 27, have recently welcomed their fourth child, Meredith Grace, into the world. The little girl was born on July 19 weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces.

Jess, 22, and husband Ben Seewald, 20, meanwhile, are expecting their first child in November.

Following the shocking claims surrounding Josh's molestation of his sisters and a babysitter, which first emerged on May 21, Josh apologized for his actions, admitting he had 'acted inexcusably'.

'Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends,' he said in a statement.

'I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar welcome arrival of new grandchild

'We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling.'

He also resigned from his position at the Family Research Council in Washington D.C.

On Wednesday, it emerged that Josiah Duggar, 18, has broken up with Marjorie Jackson, 17.

The fifth-eldest Duggar son and Marjorie officially began their courtship four months ago in April - several years after Marjorie's mother, Analucia, started teaching Josiah how to speak Spanish.

But now, it seems that the teenage couple will never make it past a side hug.

Broken up: On Wednesday, it emerged that Josiah Duggar (left) has broken up with Marjorie Jackson (right)

'A few weeks ago Marjorie and Josiah agreed to end their courtship, keeping in step with what they believe the Lord’s will is,' the Duggar and Jackson families said in a joint statement on Facebook.

The families added: 'Both are thankful for the time getting to know each other, and their families continue to enjoy each other’s company and close friendship. As parents we are very pleased to see two young people searching out their futures with God's will as their first priority!'