Kids channel CITV will be closing within days after bosses’ huge decision, according to reports.
CITV first launched in 2006 and will be axed in September to make way for ITV’s new kids steaming service ITVX Kids.
According to TV Zone UK, CITV will close on September 1 at 9pm to make way for the new streaming platform, which launched in July.
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The new service will be offering “more content than ever across a range of titles appealing to both school age and pre-school age children”.
ITV is still set to air certain children’s programmes across its channels, with ITV2 airing content in the early mornings from September.
ITVBe will also still be airing its LittleBe pre-school segment.
The big move comes after ITV said earlier this year that the average time spent by a British child watching kids TV channels has fallen by 69%.
(Image: YouTube/CITV)
This comes after TV channels have faced competition from services such as YouTube and Netflix, with parents opting for more on-demand content for their children.
Some of CITV’s original series, such as The Rubbish World of Dave Spud, will continue to be created and aired, according to The Guardian, but other shows and their futures are said to be under review.
(Image: ITV/REX Shutterstock)
Managing editor of ITVX Craig Morris 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.”
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