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ABC Kid’s shows switch to ABC2

ABC kid's shows switch channels, as adult titles move into ABC1 daytimes.

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2014-07-06_2349Today ABC4Kids children’s programming moves to ABC2, freeing up ABC1 for more adult programming such as Grand Designs, Time Team, Big Ideas and Midsomer Murders throughout the day.

ABC’s Facebook page has attracted some criticism from parents who rely on regular programming especially when putting their kids to bed.

Deirdre Brennan, ABC TV Head of Children’s Television said, “ABC TV cares about kids and we value the trust that Australian families place in us to educate and entertain their children, with quality local and international programming. Changes to the program times can have an impact on both parents and kids, but we are excited to offer new channel schedules that better reflect the lives of our audience.”

From Monday 7 July the changes on ABC4Kids will be:

• ABC4Kids will now commence at 5am, seven days a week. This comes as a result of feedback from parents of younger children who would like the channel to start earlier. From 5am, early-rising preschoolers will now be able to enjoy programs such as Waybuloo, Pingu and The Koala Brothers.

• ABC TV’s flagship program Play School can now be seen four times every weekday (6am, 9.30am, 12.30pm and 3.30pm) and twice on weekends (9.30am and 3.30pm).

• Giggle & Hoot will now start at 7.30am every morning. Featuring popular preschool programs Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom, Peppa Pig, Octonauts, Charlie and Lola and Bing.

• Bedtime messages will now begin at 5.30pm. ABC TV understands the importance of bedtime routines for little ones, so, to support our youngest viewers, Giggle & Hoot bedtime messages will begin at 5.30pm, helping children prepare for bed with songs like The Birdbath Boogie, Five Steps to Bed and The Night Watch. Each day on ABC4Kids will end with Hoot’s lullaby.

• From 6-7pm, ABC4Kids will be broader in nature to appeal to the older end of our demographic (4-6 year olds). Programs from July 2014 will include much-loved shows Shaun The Sheep, Peter Rabbit, Guess How Much I Love You and Grandpa In My Pocket.

14 Responses

  1. Well the ratings show that Grandpa in my Pocket was near the top of the multi channel list, where In The Night Garden never was (from memory). So I guess there was a demand for the change to happen.

    I still think In The Night Garden is a better program for the 6:30pm slot.

    @chuck: Yes, we read a story and have a song with our boys each night, and no tv at the table policy. ItNG was the perfect timing for showers and play time before bed.

    Hadn’t thought about tivoing the show, that might be a good idea. Still a hassle.

  2. Oh man, I didn’t think it was going to be that bad… But the 6:00-7:00 shows they chose are just oh so wrong.

    In fact, they make so little sense, that I can’t help but be a little suspicious. I don’t know what I’m suspicious of, mind you… Maybe something like show producers having some deal to be on at a certain time, or something like that.

    It seems some of our thoughts are echoed over on that linked facebook page (where some of the comments are quite funny). And ABC’s ridiculous response is to watch it on iView.

  3. chuck128. we do read to him. in the night garden calms him down and puts him to sleep. the stuff they have on now had the opposite reaction so he screamed his head off instead of calmly going to sleep. before tv you say. funny that tv has been around since the 50s. i suppose you’d also think that we don’t take him to the park with our dog or play outside with him but hey. sorry my parenting abilities obviously aren’t up to your high standards. you win parent of the year mate?

  4. Also noticed on ABC3: Kids programming extends to 930pm Sun-Thu; to 10pm Fri-Sat. Rage follows from 930-1030pm Mon-Thu and 930pm-130am on Sundays! Interesting indeed.

  5. 00mike82-what do you think parents did before TV and generally with more kids to worry about as well? Try reading to them-you might enjoy the experience as well…

  6. Thanks ABC, I don’t care how much “notice” you gave anyone. You try and get a toddler to go to sleep while watching the stuff you’ve put on now. Put back in the night garden you bunch of clowns. Children (very young ones) watch these shows so they can calm down before going to sleep. Older kids (young primary school) would be doing homework after dinner so who cares what you put on for them. I’m sure that I’m not the only one who feels this way. But once again, thanks for screwing up our young families quiet time before our toddler goes to bed. Much appreciated

  7. I don’t understand-ABC1 has been showing the non kids’ programming for months now and there still seems to be kids stuff on ABC2 till 7.00pm-what is supposed to have changed?

  8. DeeBee, just in case you were not aware, ‘In the Night Garden’ now airs at 11:30am. We’re simply going to record it then and play it at 6:30’ish.

  10. @Bogues you are not the minority. 🙂 Sadly every parent I know feels the same but ABC obviously do not care. I had to try and explain to Miss 3 last night that she will not be able to watch in the night garden any more. Try explaining stupid programming decisions to a child….. not fun and no doubt there will be tears tonight. That is her bedtime routine while I feed Mr 1 and put him to bed..

  12. As the parent of a young ‘un, I have no problem with most of what has been done here… & it does make sense. Being nit-picky though, their only letdown is the final 2 points.

    ‘In The Night Garden’, which has held the 6:30-7:00 slot for admittedly some time now perfectly defines the previous point of “bedtime messages”. The ending to every episode sees the characters go to sleep.

    I’m unsure about aiming that timeslot for the “older end of the demographic”, because they aren’t the ones going to sleep very soon after, and they’re at the point where they’re almost in a position (or at least a better position) to watch the news with their parents.

    Oh well, that’s where PVRs come in handy, I guess.

  13. Personally I’m disappointed that In The Night Garden has been removed from the 6:30 slot. 6-7pm is winding down time, not for loud shows like Bokaboo and Grandpa in my Pocket. But I’m sure ABC have done their research on the changes, and I’m in the minority.

  14. Starting the day with the soothing sounds of Waybuloo at 5am is a great idea!
    My kids are often up before 6am as I am sure many others are also.
    It’s about time the remaining kids shows were moved over now that the digital switchover is complete.
    Love ABC1,ABC2/ABC4,ABC3 and ABC News everyday!

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