Ofcom rejects ITV proposal to slash children's programming

LONDON - ITV has had its proposal to slash its children's programming hours rejected by the media regulator Ofcom.

The broadcaster had been looking to cut back on its afternoon children's shows to free up the schedules for content that would bring in higher ratings and a larger adult audience.

ITV had submitted an official request to Ofcom in August asking for its commitment to children's programming on ITV1 to be reduced. The Ofcom board is understood to have mulled the proposal last week, scotching any moves to reduce the hours.
 
It is believed that ITV was looking to reduce its children's programming hours from eight hours to two a week.

An Ofcom spokesman said: "The Ofcom board met last week to consider the proposal from ITV to reduce the hours of children's programming on ITV1. I can confirm the proposal from ITV was rejected by the Ofcom during the meeting."

An ITV spokesperson 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."

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