ITV is scrapping an iconic children’s TV channel after 17 years on screens amid major upheaval
One of the most popular children’s channels on TV is being discontinued after 17 years on screens.
ITV has announced that its dedicated children’s channel CITV is closing in September after entertaining young viewers for almost two decades.
Before its launch as an exclusive channel in 2006, CITV was the brand for broadcasting afternoon programs for children and was first used in 1983.
The channel has been home to iconic shows like Jungle Run, The Worst Witch and Art Attack.
But now ITV has moved all of its children’s programming to its new streaming platform ITVX Kids, which launched in July.
RIP: One of the most famous TV channels has been shut down after 17 years. ITV announced that its dedicated children’s channel CITV is closing in September after entertaining young viewers for almost two decades
Moving on: ITV has moved its entire children’s programming to its new streaming platform ITVX Kids, which launched in July
According to TV Zone UK, the channel will cease airing on September 1 at 9pm.
Craig Morris, Managing Editor of ITVX, said: “We are delighted to launch this dedicated platform for children on ITVX, which will offer a wealth of content including new series, well-known brands and existing favorites for all ages all rolled into one child-safe area, with editorial oversight to guide viewing.”
Justifying their decision, ITV bosses revealed that the average number of minutes of television programming watched by children’s TV channels per week by 4-15 year olds has fallen by 62% since 2019.
Streaming ratings are up 30% over the same period.
ITV has confirmed the platform will offer a range of brand new shows and classic episodes of nostalgic series such as ‘Bob the Builder’ and ‘Mr. Bean” will bring back.
However, ITV will continue to offer the LittleBe pre-school segment and will offer some children’s content in the early hours on ITV2 from September.
Since its inception 17 years ago, CITV has hosted shows including the animated series The Rubbish World of Dave Spud and Horrid Henry.
The network recently relaunched its legendary show HOW, hosted by Vick Hope, Sam Homewood and Frankie Vu.
Blast from the past! Established in 2006, the channel has been home to iconic shows such as Jungle Run, The Worst Witch and Art Attack, but the CITV brand was established way back in 1983
CITV has also boosted the careers of many popular TV stars, including Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern as hosts of the weekend show Ministry Of Mayham.
One of the best films remains “Jungle Run”, which aired from 1999 to 2006 and revolved around a team of children navigating a mythical jungle ruled by the jungle king, with the goal of winning treasures.
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly also hosted SMTV: Live with Cat Deeley when CITV shows aired on ITV and were presenters of the iconic show from 1998 to 2001.