Produce TV for children, broadcasters told

ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 have all but given up on making children’s programmes, a report has concluded, as younger viewers migrate to Youtube.

Ofcom, the media regulator, has told the broadcasters that they must “revitalise” their approach to children’s television and produce more original content, particularly when it comes to teenagers.

ITV cut the amount of new, Uk-made children’s shows on its main channel from 158 hours in 2006 to 47 hours in 2017, Ofcom’s report showed.

At Channel 5, the figure dropped from 150 hours to 32 hours.

Channel 4 had none, although it cites shows such as Ackley Bridge as examples that appeal to older children. Meanwhile, 71 per cent of five to sevenyear-olds now use Youtube, rising to 90per cent for children aged 12 to 15.

“While online platforms such as video-sharing sites and social media offer flexibility and access to a wide range of content, they also pose greater risks to children. This is because these providers operate under a much lower level of regulation in the UK than broadcasters,” Ofcom said.

The watchdog has asked the broadcasters to develop a “robust plan” for improvement. It said it would not impose quotas, but told the channels to find innovative ways to produce online content that will appeal to children.