ABC axes two TV channels and an app as part of move towards more ‘family’-orientated content
The ABC has axed and relaunched two of its family-oriented channels as part of its long-distance digital upgrade.
The channel known as ABC ME will now be called ABC Entertains and will feature both children’s and ‘tweener’ content, as well as programming for more mature viewers.
ABC TV plus has been transformed into ABC Family.
The channel will show ABC Kids programming until 7:30 p.m. The evenings will be dedicated to shows that appeal to teenagers and audiences of all ages.
This is the second time in just three years that ABC has rebranded the channel, which was known as ABC Comedy until 2021.
The ABC has axed and relaunched two of its family-oriented channels as part of its long-distance digital upgrade. ABC TV plus has been transformed into ABC Family. Pictured: Tom Gleeson’s Hard Quiz Kids, featured on ABC Family
The ABC announced the changes earlier this year to make reporting the user experience ‘easier’ Mumbrella in May.
ABC ME, meanwhile, was launched in 2016 as a digital app, replacing ABC3, which launched in 2009.
The ABC announced that the app has now been closed and its contents can be viewed via ABC Iview.
The channel known as ABC ME will now be called ABC Entertains and will feature both children’s and ‘tweener’ content, as well as programming for more mature viewers. In the photo: Nowhere Boys
ABC Family content includes the children’s version of Tom Gleeson’s hit game show, Hard Quiz Kids, as well as the hit animated series The Strange Chores, family comedy Fresh Off the Boat and the hit nature show Expedition with Steve Backshall.
Also available are well-known ABC hits such as Bluey, The PM’s Daughter and Nowhere Boys.
ABC Entertains, meanwhile, offers Australian and international content, including films and series.
ABC Family features the popular ‘tweener’ series The PM’s Daughter (pictured)
Some of the shows fans can look forward to include long-running educational programs such as Behind the News, Louis Theroux Interviews and horror comedy Wreck.
Teen programming is scheduled from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. Fans can watch reruns of Mythbusters and Would I Lie To You?
ABC Family starts every day at 7:30 PM and includes Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures alongside and repeats of Shaun the Sheep, Bluey and Merlin.
Viewers can now access all channels on their television without having to retune.
Ny Breaking Australia has approached ABC for comment.