Legendary TV channel axed after 40 years on screens in major streaming shake-up
A LEGENDARY TV channel has been axed after 40 years on screens in a major shake-up.
ITV has announced that its dedicated children’s channel CITV will close down later this year.
The shock move comes as the broadcaster plans to move all of its slate of programming to its new streaming platform ITVX.
Explaining its decision, it said the average amount of broadcast TV minutes of kids TV channels watched by 4-15 year olds per week has declined by 62%.
Meanwhile, viewing on streaming platforms has risen by 30% in the same period.
CITV aired a number of classic shows from the 90s such as Jungle Run which ran between 1999 until 2006.
It saw a team of children come upon a mythical jungle ruled by the Jungle King, where the goal is to win treasure from the Temple of the Jungle King.
The channel was also the home of the hugely popular Art Attack, which saw presenter Neil Buchanan teach children arts and crafts.
Mildred Hubble fans will also remember The Worst Witch, which followed the adventures of a young witch at a magical boarding school.
The new ‘ITVX Kids’ section will replace CITV from July with the channel expected to be fully off air by autumn.
However, ITV will maintain the LittleBe preschool segment on ITVBe and will offer some children’s content in the early mornings on ITV2 from September with strong cross promotion to ITVX.
ITV has promised brand new shows as well as bringing back classical episodes of nostalgic series’ such as Bob the Builder, and Mr Bean.
The broadcaster’s managing director 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.”
Craig Morris added: “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.”
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