Ofcom has today published its first annual report on public service broadcasting, which provides evidence of what broadcasters have shown onscreen since 2002, how viewing has changed over this period, and opinions of current programming.
The report showed that viewers believe that programmes that stimulate learning are not well delivered.
It also revealed that despite the stated importance of children's television to parents, viewing of children's programming on the five terrestrial channels is diminishing swiftly.
Viewing of children's programming across all channels has remained stable over the past few years, growing from 4.5 hours a week in 2002 to 4.7 hours a week in 2007.
However, while children's programmes on the five terrestrial channels made up 45% of the programming watched by children in 2002, this dropped to 18% in 2006.
ITV1, Five and Channel 4 were consistently rated below average by parents on a range of measures including whether they show high quality programmes and help children learn and develop.
BBC One, BBC Two, CBeebies and CBBC were consistently rated above average.
ITV's digital children's channel CITV was not included because it is not a recognised public service channel.
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