Children’s TV in decline on the BBC

There has been a marked decline in the viewing figures for children’s television programmes on the BBC, and the BBC Trust has said that the broadcaster must take measures to prevent this decline.

The budget for BBC children’s programming is currently set at £125 million for the year, to run the two digital TV channels CBBC and CBeebies, as well as to supply content for BBC One, BBC Two, Radio 4 and digital radio channel BBC 7.

The BBC believes that the decline is due to the scheduling changes, which took place after the soap Neighbours went to Five and was replaced by the Weakest Link.

This meant moving children’s programmes to an earlier time and as a result the viewing figures have fallen by five per cent.