£60m boost will help home-made children’s TV take on America

HOME-GROWN children’s television is to get a £60million boost from government amid fears the area is being dominated by American media giants.

Over the past decade, the output of children’s TV from public service broadcasters has declined in the UK, with spending falling by £55million.

The investment is designed to help reverse the trend and increase the range of children’s programme, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said. The cash will be distributed over three years as part of a pilot, starting in 2019, with “programmes from new and diverse backgrounds, and those made in the nations and regions... a particular focus”.

Currently, children’s shows are broadcast in the UK on the likes of BBC channels Cbeebies and CBBC, and CITV from ITV, as well as the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon from the US. Children also access programmes on Youtube, Netflix and Amazon Prime.

While UK shows such as Horrible Histories (pictured) on CBBC and Bear Grylls Survival

School on CITV enjoy huge success, there have been concerns that children are now growing up watching repeats and imports. Ian Lucas MP, a member of the digital, culture, media and sport select committee, said: “The cultural import of productions that are made here really indicates a type and quality of work which is very popular worldwide, but is distinctly British. I think that’s something very valuable that we need to nurture and develop in the future.” Karen Bradley, the Culture Secretary, said: “High-quality children’s television is not only entertaining but plays a vital role in stimulating learning and giving young people a greater understanding of the world around them.”

The Government said that the pilot will fund up to 50 per cent of the production and distribution costs of original TV shows.

♦ Storylines in dramas Three Girls and Apple Tree Yard helped prompt over 127,000 calls or online visits to the BBC’S Action Line service for support. Three Girls was based on the true stories of victims of grooming in Rochdale. Apple Tree Yard featured a rape storyline. Eastenders, The Archers and Holby City also prompted calls or online visits.