BBC chief calls for strong CITV (original) (raw)

The Children's BBC controller, Nigel Pickard, has called on his former employer, ITV, to reconsider its plan to cut the funding for children's programming.

He described as "bleak news" reports CITV is to lose 25% its £40m annual budget as a result of the slump in ITV advertising revenue.

"Such a significant drop in funding can only mean more repeats and a decrease in the level of new original productions," he said during a speech at Bafta in London last night.

"A decrease in original programmes and spend by CITV cannot be met by our other colleagues in children's television. The end result is clear - less choice for children," Mr Pickard added.

"I urge the ITV companies to reconsider the proposed funding cuts or at least an undertaking to reinstate the loss in funding when advertising revenues increase again.

"We need a strong CITV. Not only to ensure the audience has a choice but that the competition remains balanced and healthy."

Mr Pickard also advised Janie Grace, the controller of CITV, to "look creatively at the problems and find solutions.

"Perhaps rethinking CITV's stripped schedule and working in partnership with rights holders and producers might offer some respite," he suggested.