Channel 5 to expand UK originated kids programming

British commercial broadcaster Channel 5 is to increase the amount of local original kids series it airs following its latest license renewal.

The Northern & Shell-owned company has pledged to air at least 600 hours of UK originated kids series, meaning that British content will make up half of the channel’s kids content for the first time.

“The channel has said it will broadcast at least 600 hours of UK-originated children’s programmes a year and this would comprise at least half of children’s programmes on the channel,” DCMS said in a statement.

This comes as the new Culture Secretary renewed Channel 5’s license for a further ten years. “The UK is in a global race, and the TV programmes produced for 3 and 5 are exported around the world. Renewing the licences will ensure the holders can continue to invest in original UK content,” she said.

Channel 5 runs the successful kids block Milkshake! with UK series including Peppa Pig (pictured) and Thomas and Friends.