Changing nature of children’s programming

Ofcom research identifies changing nature of children’s programming
Ofcom’s study reveals significant changes in the children’s media market, including:
- Children have an increasing range of media available to them - nearly two thirds of 12-15 year olds have access to the internet and mobile phone while ‘media stacking’ is becoming increasingly common – over 80% of this age group regularly watch TV while engaging with other media devices;
- Between 1998 and 2007 the number of dedicated children’s channels in the UK increased from six to 25;
- Children still strongly prefer programming made in the UK, the majority of which is commissioned by the Public Service Broadcasters. While UK children’s programmes accounted for 17% of total children’s hours, they delivered a 38% share of viewing.
- Increased competition has brought about a declining share of viewing for public service broadcasters (including the BBC children's channels), falling from 50% of children's viewing to children's programmes in 2002 to 38% in 2006.
- However, children’s viewing to children’s programming has remained relatively stable, and has increased as a proportion of total viewing to all programmes.
- Children are watching more children’s television and less programming aimed at adults – viewing to children’s airtime has increased from 27% to 30% of total viewing since 2002

The future of children’s television programming

Children's Television Programming - Stakeholder Event