CBBC Channel

Infobox TV channel
name = CBBC Channel
logofile = CBBCLogo2007.svg
logosize = 200px
logoalt = CBBC Logo
launch = 11 February 2002
picture format = 576i 16:9(SDTV)
share = 0.5%
share as of = May 2008
share source = [http://www.barb.co.uk/viewingsummary/monthreports.cfm?report=monthgmulti&requesttimeout=500]
owner = BBC
replaced names = CBBC on Choice (CBBC Programming strand on BBC Choice)
sister names = CBeebies
web = [http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc]
terr serv 1 = Freeview
terr chan 1 = Channel 70
sat serv 1 = Sky Digital
sat chan 1 = Channel 613
sat serv 2 = Freesat
sat chan 2 = Channel 600
cable serv 1 = Virgin Media
cable chan 1 = Channel 701
cable serv 2 = UPC Ireland
cable chan 2 = Channel 612
cable serv 3 = Telenet (Belgium)
cable chan 3 = Channel 605
cable serv 5 = Ziggo (Netherlands)
cable chan 5 = Channel 52
online serv 1 = bbc.co.uk
online chan 1 = [http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/watch/cbbclive/ Watch online] (UK only)
adsl serv 1 = Tiscali TV
adsl chan 1 = Channel 306

The CBBC Channel is a BBC television service aimed at 6 to 12 year olds. It complements the CBBC programming that continues to air on BBC One and BBC Two. Launched on 11 February 2002 it broadcasts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Freeview, cable, IPTV and digital satellite, occupying the same bandwidth as, but a different channel position from BBC Three. CBeebies is its sister service for younger children.

History

The channel, along with CBeebies, launched on 11 February 2002. It launched on all of the major platforms. It broadcasts between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. It shared a channel with BBC Knowledge on the ITV Digital platform. [cite news|publisher = Digital Spy|accessdate = 2007-07-18|date=2002-02-11|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/a6198/new-childrens-channels-from-bbc--launch.html
title =New children's channels from BBC launch] With the advent of Freeview, the channel was given its own number.

From its launch in 2002 until 2005, presentation for the CBBC Channel shared studio facilities with the channel's magazine show "Xchange" in studio TC2, before moving to studio TC9 adjoining the "Blue Peter" garden at BBC Television Centre. From Monday 4 December 2006, all CBBC Presentation output on BBC One, BBC Two and the CBBC Channel was produced from studio TC12. There was also a change in format, from two continuity presenters to just one, and several of the presenters, including Simon Grant, Matt Edmondson and Angelica Bell left as CBBC studio presenters without being replaced.

Until the end of August 2007, Gemma Hunt and Anne Foy presented CBBC continuity. Barney Harwood and Jake Humphrey made occasional appearances when not busy with other presenting commitments.

In 2007, the BBC had confirmed plans for a major rebrand of CBBC. New channel idents and presentation were launched on 3 September 2007. As of this date, the main CBBC presenter is now Ed Petrie. Accompanied by a talking cactus called Oucho, he presents on the CBBC Channel and CBBC's coverage on BBC One every weekday afternoon and BBC Two every morning. Ben Hanson and Ciaran Joyce (who appeared as Bouncer and Lol in CBBC series "Tracy Beaker") present at the weekends. Ross Lee, Ted Robbins, Barney Harwood and Nev the bear, have also made occasional appearances.

A further move, from TC12 to a new studio facility in the East Tower of Television Centre, took place during March 2008. It is still unknown if the channel is to extend its hours until 9 p.m. each evening. [cite news|publisher = The TV Room Plus|accessdate = 2007-07-18|date=2007-07-18|url=http://tvpresnews.thetvroomplus.com/?month=07&year=2007#141
title =BBC announces rebrand and hours extension for CBBC]

On 25th August BBC Press Office announced CBBC Channel would be available live on the CBBC website from 16th September. [http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/08_august/22/simulcast.shtml]

Programming

The channel carries many programmes shown on terrestrial services on BBC One and BBC Two, but also broadcasts other programmes unique to itself.

Interactive services

CBBC extra

CBBC extra is a free interactive television service from CBBC provided by BBC Red Button. It is accessible from the CBBC Channel by pressing red and then selecting CBBC extra. It can also be accessed from any other BBC channel by pressing red and going to page number 570. The service differs across digital platforms, for example Sky Digital viewers can access a video loop. Its availability on Freeview is dependent upon BBC Red Button not showing other interactive services, such as major sports events coverage. [cite news|publisher = CBBC|accessdate = 2007-05-21|date=2007-05-21|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/content/articles/2005/11/09/otherservices_cbbcextra_feature.shtml
title =CBBC- CBBC extra] CBBC extra offers 'Nev's Horoscopes', 'Ask Aaron' (an agony uncle which can also be accessed on CBBC's Yourlife website), games, jokes sent in by viewers, a weekly competition and an occasional preview of future programming.

CBBC Extra's presenting part is mainly from selected children who watch CBBC, they are the people who report. But if needed either Ed Petrie or Holly Walsh will step in to voiceover.

References

External links

*bbc.co.uk|id=cbbc|title=CBBC