An iconic TV channel is set to be AXED after 17 years on screens as it moves to streaming in a major-shakeup
One of TV’s most beloved channels has been axed after 17 years on screens.
ITV has revealed that its dedicated children’s channel CITV will close later this year after nearly two decades of entertaining young viewers.
Before its launch as an exclusive channel in 2006, CITV was the brand used to broadcast afternoon shows for children, and was first used back in 1983.
The channel has been home to iconic shows such as Jungle Run, The Worst Witch and Art Attack.
But now, ITV are planning to move its entire slate of children’s programming to its new streaming platform ITVX, with a dedicated destination called ITVX Kids.
RIP: One of TV’s most iconic channels has been axed after 17 years, with ITV announcing CITV will cease operations this autumn as they launch a dedicated children’s platform on ITVX
Explaining their decision, ITV bosses revealed the the average amount of broadcast TV minutes of kids TV channels watched by 4-15 year olds per week has declined by 62% since 2019.
Viewing figures on streaming figures have risen by 30% in the same period.
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.’
The launch is set to begin in July and will be rolled out over the school summer holidays, and the CITV channel will cease operations in the autumn.
ITV has confirmed that the platform will feature a slate of brand new shows, as well as bringing back classical episodes of nostalgic series’ such as Bob the Builder, and Mr Bean.
However, ITV will continue to feature the LittleBe preschool segment and will offer some children’s content in the early mornings on ITV2 from September.
Since its inception 17 years ago, CITV has been home to shows including the animated shows The Rubbish World of Dave Spud and Horrid Henry.
Blast from the past! The channel, began in 2006 has been home to iconic shows such as Jungle Run, The Worst Witch and Art Attack, but the CITV brand began back in 1983
Drama! The move comes after a decline in viewing figures, with ITV bosses confirming that the ITVX Kids platform will feature a slate of brand new shows
More recently, the channel rebooted its iconic programme HOW, hosted by Vick Hope, Sam Homewood and Frankie Vu.
CITV also kickstarted the careers of many beloved TV stars, with Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern fronting the weekend show Ministry Of Mayham.
One of its best remains Jungle Run, which aired from 1999 to 2006, and focused on a team of children who navigate a mythical jungle ruled by the Jungle King, where the goal is to win treasure.
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly also hosted SMTV: Live with Cat Deeley when CITV shows were aired on ITV, fronting the iconic programme from 1998 to 2001.