Iconic kids TV channel CITV axed in shocking channel shake up
One of the nation's most loved children's TV channels has been axed by ITV after 17 years.
CITV is ITV's dedicated children's channel, but they have revealed that it will come to an end in September.
It launched as an exclusive channel in 2006, but before that, CITV was used to broadcast afternoon shows for children from 1983.
Over the years, the channel has been home to some huge childhood shows such as Art Attack, Horrid Henry and Jungle Run.
However, ITV is now moving the entire children's programming over to their streaming platform ITVX Kids, which was launched in July.
TV Zone UK is reporting that the channel will stop airing programmes at 9pm on Friday, 1 September.
Craig Morris, the 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."
To explain their decision, Craig explained that the average amount of broadcast minutes of TV children's channels watched by 4-15 year olds has reduced by 62% since 2019.
On the other hand, viewing figures on streaming sites in that period have risen by 30%.
The new platform will see a whole range of new shows, as well as bringing back classic kids shows like Mr Bean and Bob the Builder.
For viewers who don't have the streaming platform, there will be some kid's shows still on ITV.
From September, the broadcaster will show the LittleBe preschool show will air on ITV2.
Some other children's content will also air in the early mornings on ITV2 alongside the preschool show.
The channel has become a household name since it became an exclusive channel, broadcasting a whole host of shows.
From the classics of The Rubbish World of Dave Spud to the more recent shows such as Heros, the channel has had it all throughout the years.
They are also known for kickstarting the careers of many famous faces, including ITV legends Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern.
The pair hosted the weekend show Ministry Of Mayhem together in 2004.
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