Ofcom Rejects ITV Cutting CiTV Programming

ITV1 will retain its children programming in the afternoon schedule after Ofcom rejected the broadcaster’s proposal to drop its CiTV programming.

The decision will be a further blow to the broadcaster, which had been hoping to boost ITV1’s audience figures on weekday afternoons by getting rid of its CiTV programming and replacing it with daytime output aimed at a wider adult audience.

“The Ofcom board declined a proposal from ITV PLC for a significant change in the volume of children’s programmes on ITV1,” said a spokesman for the regulator.

An ITV spokeswoman said: “Ofcom has acknowledged that children’s output is an area that might be difficult to sustain on ITV1 in the run-up to digital switchover.

“ITV has consulted with Ofcom on the provision of children’s programming on ITV1 and we take note of Ofcom’s public statement on this matter.

“ITV will meet its regulatory requirements and plans for ITV’s schedule will be set out in our statement of programme policy, which we are currently preparing for 2007.”

ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com