In a significant shift in the British broadcasting landscape, millions of viewers have bid farewell to the beloved CITV channel this week as ITV introduces ITVX Kids.
CITV, known for airing classics like Art Attack, Fraggle Rock, and Horrid Henry for the past four decades, CITV has been a cherished part of many households. However, a decline in viewership prompted ITV to make the tough decision to discontinue the service. The news of ITV shutting down its CITV service was in the circle for quiet some time now.
Announcing the closure, Freeview stated in a blog post,
“From 2nd September 2023, the CITV channel will no longer be broadcasting on Freeview.”
While this news may sadden those who had CITV on their favorites list, there is a bright side for younger viewers.
According to sources, ITV has introduced ITVX Kids, an online streaming platform catering to children. This platform offers a wide range of the latest shows, cartoons, and entertainment. Accessible through the dedicated ITVX app, this service can be enjoyed on most new smart TVs, streaming devices, phones, and tablets.
“The ITVX Kids homepage is accessible within a child-safe ITVX kids profile on the ITVX app, offering more than 1,000 hours of programming,”
Freeview elaborated.
What makes ITVX Kids even more appealing is that it’s entirely free to watch, requiring only a broadband connection. Unlike CITV, which relied on traditional broadcasting, ITVX Kids streams all its content over the internet.
Once connected, viewers can explore a variety of shows, including classics like Scooby-Doo! and Mr. Bean, along with movies such as Kung Fu Panda and Ice Age, all without the need for a subscription.
Craig Morris, Managing Editor of ITVX, expressed his excitement about these changes, stating,
“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, recognizable brands, and existing favorites for a range of ages, all in one child-safe area, with editorial curation to guide viewing.”
As the curtain falls on CITV, a new era of children’s entertainment dawns with ITVX Kids, offering a fresh and easily accessible platform for younger audiences.
