Iconic CITV children's channel being axed after 17 years in move to streaming

Virgin Radio

10 Mar 2023, 19:46

C-ya, then. It's the end of a children's TV era. CITV is getting the channel chop this autumn after nearly two decades of entertainment, producing shows such as Horrid Henry, The Worst Witch and Art Attack.

The broadcaster announced the CITV channel is 'set to close in early autumn after the launch of a new dedicated destination for kids on its streaming service ITVX'.

According to ITV, the ITVX Kids homepage 'will be accessible within a child-safe ITVX Kids profile and offer more than 1,000 hours of programming'.

Streaming figures have risen by 30% per week since 2019, while broadcast TV-watching by 4-15 year olds has decreased by 62%.

Craig Morris, Managing Editor of ITVX said: "We're really excited to launch this dedicated destination for kids on ITVX, which will be home to a wealth of content including new series, recognisable brands and existing favourites for a range of ages, all in one child-safe area, with editorial curation to guide viewing. 

"The wealth of content will be available to stream for free, with the option for parents to choose ad free viewing, through a subscription to ITVX Premium."

As well as a slate of brand new shows, retro series such as Bob the Builder and Mr Bean will be making a welcome comeback.

ITV will continue to feature the LittleBe preschool segment and will 'offer some children's content in the early mornings on ITV2 from September'.

Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern started their careers on CITV's weekend show, Ministry Of Mayham, while Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly hosted SMTV: Live with Cat Deeley from 1998 to 2001. 

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