View source for CITV

{{Short description|British children's morning programming block on ITV2}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Infobox television channel
| name = CITV
| logo = CITV logo 2013.svg
| logo_caption = Logo used since 2013
| launch_date = {{start date and age|1983|1|3|df=yes}} ([[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] block)<br>{{start date and age|2006|3|11|df=yes}} (channel)<br>{{start date and age|2023|9|2|df=yes}} ([[ITV2]] block)
| closed_date = {{end date and age|2023|8|27|df=yes}} (ITV block)<br/>({{Age in years, months, and days|1983|1|3|2023|8|27}})<br>{{end date and age|2023|9|1|df=yes}} (channel)<br/>({{Age in years, months, and days|2006|3|11|2023|9|1}})
| picture_format = [[1080i]]/[[1080p]] [[HDTV]]<br />(downscaled to [[576i]] on terrestrial television)
| language = English
| owner = [[ITV plc]]
| parent = [[ITV Digital Channels]]
| country = United Kingdom
| network = [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] (1983–2023)<br>[[ITV2]] (2023–present)
| sister_channels = {{hlist|[[ITV1]]|[[ITV2]]|[[ITV3]]|[[ITV4]]|[[ITV Quiz]]}}
| website = {{URL|itv.com}}
| terr_serv_1 = [[Freeview (UK)|Freeview]]
| terr_chan_1 = Channel 203
}}
'''CITV''' is a British children's morning programming block on [[ITV2]] and formerly a [[free-to-air]] channel owned by [[ITV plc]]. CITV, then Children's ITV, launched on 3 January 1983 as a late afternoon programming block on the ITV network for children aged 6–12.<ref group="notes">At this point, there was only one "ITV" channel in any given area - transmitter overlap and split weekday/weekend franchises aside - and "ITV" was solely a generic/collective name for the various regional commercial television stations.</ref> It replaced the earlier Watch It! branding and introduced networked in-vision{{clarify|reason=WHAT DOES JARGON "IN-VISION" MEAN?|date=February 2024}} continuity links between programmes. These links were originally pre-recorded from a small [[London]] studio up until 1987, when [[ITV Central|Central]] won the contract to produce live links from their Birmingham studios. In 2004, presentation of CITV was relocated to [[ITV Granada|Granada Television]] in Manchester, which saw the demise of in-vision continuity. Nine years later, the operations moved to ITV Granada's [[MediaCityUK]] studios in Salford.

In 2006, CITV launched as a digital channel on Freeview. The channel primarily ran repeated ITV content and acquisitions daily from 6:00am to 9:00pm. Following the axing of its original afternoon slot in late 2006, a CITV programming block on the ITV network continued to air on weekend mornings from 6:00 am to 9:25 am as part of the [[ITV Breakfast]] time slot. CITV did not have a +1 [[simulcast]], unlike the rest of ITV's portfolio of channels. Additionally, the channel was only simulcast in HD on [[Sky UK|Sky]] online and [[Sky Glass]].

On 22 July 2023, ITV launched a new children's hub on the [[ITVX]] streaming service, ''ITVX Kids'', previously announced to be an eventual replacement for the CITV channel.<ref name="RXTV2">{{cite web |last1=Thornham |first1=Marc |date=22 May 2023 |title=ITVX Kids launch date announced |url=https://rxtvinfo.com/2023/itvx-kids-launch-date-announced/ |access-date=23 May 2023 |website=RXTV info}}</ref> At 9:00pm on 1 September 2023, the channel ceased broadcasting, with a promotional loop informing viewers of the move to ITVX. At around 9:02pm, the ITVX loop started airing with a screenbug.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CITV: Children's TV channel will close in September following launch of ITVX Kids |url=https://news.sky.com/story/citv-childrens-tv-channel-will-close-in-september-following-launch-of-itvx-kids-12943766 |access-date=3 September 2023 |website=Sky News}}</ref>

On 2 September 2023, the children's block was moved to feature every morning on [[ITV2]] during breakfast time, from 05:00am to 09:00am. However, it was later shortened to 6:00am to 09:00am. Shows broadcast are sourced from the ''ITVX Kids'' streaming service.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 August 2023 |title=Changes to ITV1 and ITV2 after CITV closure |url=https://rxtvinfo.com/2023/changes-to-itv1-and-itv2-after-citv-closure/ |access-date=4 September 2023 |website=rxtvinfo}}</ref> This strand has retained usage of the pre-existing CITV branding, following the channel's closure.<ref>{{cite news |last=Farber |first=Alex |date=24 December 2023 |title=CITV to close this year amid rising popularity of streaming services |url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/citv-to-close-this-year-amid-rising-popularity-of-streaming-services-vnkcx9plq |via=www.thetimes.co.uk}}</ref>

On 1 October 2023, the CITV channel's 602 Freesat slot was removed, exactly one month after the closure.

== History ==
{{Further|Timeline of children's television on ITV}}

=== Watch It! and Children's ITV: Early years (1980–1989) ===
Before being known as Children's ITV, the timeslot for children's programmes on the ITV network was briefly branded as '''Watch It!''', which started on 29 December 1980,<ref>{{cite news |date=29 December 1980 |title=[no title cited] |newspaper=[[The Times]] |department=Television and Radio |place=<!-- Presume London, UK, but could be Dublin, EI, etc. -->}} {{full citation needed|date=September 2020|reason=Author, place (London, UK?) published, or full name ("The Times, London"), title, URL, access-date}}</ref> and was presented live by the duty continuity announcer in each ITV region.

The notion of networking children's continuity was first suggested within ITV as far back as the early 1970s, but with fierce regional identities prevalent – including scheduling, presentation, and programming – the idea stalled until the late 1970s, when the [[Independent Broadcasting Authority|IBA]] began to express concern that most ITV shows for children were not consistent or fully networked. On Thursdays, the ITV regions were able to broadcast whatever programmes they wished; many non-children's programmes appeared, such as ''[[Looney Tunes]]''. In December 1980, ITV announced its first concerted effort at a more coherent approach to children's output, with the introduction of the new Watch It! block each weekday from 4:15pm to 5:15pm, after the [[Independent Broadcasting Authority|IBA]] continued to emphasize issues.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gosling |first=Kenneth |date=11 December 1980 |title=ITV denies profligacy in programme deals |newspaper=[[The Times]] |page=4}} {{full citation needed|date=September 2020|reason=access-date, place (London, UK?)}}</ref>

Watch It! was conceived by the promotions department at ATV, with the implementation of the branding differing from region to region, thus it was always transmitted locally and never provided on a network basis.<ref name="web.archive.org2">{{cite web |last1=Taylor |first1=Greg |last2=Wilson |first2=Jamie |date=12 June 2000 |title=Watched It! - Children's ITV Presentation |url=http://freespace.virgin.net/greg.taylor1/watched_it/citv.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010408191056/http://freespace.virgin.net/greg.taylor1/watched_it/citv.html |archive-date=8 April 2001 |access-date=22 June 2013 |website=freespace.virgin.net}}</ref> ATV provided different animations each season, to freshen up what was available to each company. Most regions would use their own station announcers during Watch It! airtime.<ref name="web.archive.org2" />

Shortly after the start of new franchises in 1982, some ITV stations raised concerns that Watch It! had not gone far enough to address previous concerns.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gosling |first=Kenneth |date=21 January 1982 |title=Donald Duck faces the cold shoulder from TV |newspaper=[[The Times]] |page=12}}</ref> [[ITV Central|Central]]'s Controller of Children's Programmes, Lewis Rudd, suggested a different approach to the presentation method. As a result, the Central Promotions Department came up with the initial concept for Children's ITV. The new look was devised, and links between programmes were pre-recorded using presenters drawn from the constituent programmes. The networking arrangements were similar to those already in place for the transmission of schools programmes – the links were played out from Central and the component programmes came from the supplying companies.<ref name="web.archive.org2" />

'''Children's ITV''' went to air on Monday 3 January 1983,<ref>{{cite web |date=19 December 2012 |title=CITV set for classic kids TV weekend |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20780372 |access-date=22 June 2013 |work=BBC News}}</ref> between 4 and 5:15pm every weekday afternoon, the extra 15 minutes being filled by a repeat of one of the preschool programmes shown at [[lunchtime]] the same day. Initially featuring a different presenter each month (usually from children's television, e.g. [[Matthew Kelly]], who became the strand's original presenter whilst also hosting ''[[Madabout]]''), the links were pre-recorded in advance in a small studio at a London facility called Molinare, using a single locked-off camera. The first set design was a rocket ship and was used for the first few months. The concept was eventually retired, and the set and style of presentation used began to reflect the presenter doing the presenting that month or the programme that they starred in (i.e. [[Pat Coombs]] as "The Dressmaker" from [[Yorkshire Television]]'s ''[[Ragdolly Anna]]'' in a room of antiques in April 1984).

By 1985, the links were still being recorded, but using a common, stylized set known as "Network Control", which allowed the presenter to be joined by guests in the studio for interviews.<ref name="web.archive.org2" />  The exterior of this fictitious location also featured in the animations and stings.<ref name="web.archive.org2" /> Technical considerations often left the system flawed. With each programme coming from a different playout source (usually from that of the originating ITV company, i.e. if the first programme was ''[[Rainbow (TV series)|Rainbow]]'', which came from [[Thames Television|Thames TV]], their staff would have to run the tape while the presenter was talking, and would not show the region's skyline ident before the programme's titles) and each link being pre-recorded (played out by Central), things often went wrong on air: programmes would be rolled early and the links would be cut short.<ref name="web.archive.org2" />  Programmes would also fail to appear and the presenter would be left on screen. Because each link was recorded for the slot available, the presenter would hold the final pose for a few moments so that the transmission controller at Central had something to leave on screen just in case. Pre-recording the links also meant that late schedule changes could not be easily referenced.<ref name="web.archive.org2" />

In September 1985, the BBC revamped their own children's presentation with the introduction of Children's BBC. Using the BBC1 announcer booth at [[BBC Television Centre]], later dubbed "The Broom Cupboard", [[Phillip Schofield]] provided links between the programmes. This format of a small self-op continuity studio using one single presenter (and an occasional puppet) continued in largely the same format until 1993, but was broadcast live and allowed for a looser, more relaxed style of presentation than the rival Children's ITV service.<ref>{{cite web |title=An unofficial history of children's BBC presentation |url=http://www.thebroomcupboard.co.uk/page2.html |access-date=22 June 2013 |website=Broom Cupboard}}</ref>

Children's ITV went live in early June 1987.<ref>TV Times: 30 May - 5 June 1987 Issues:  P26 Gary and Debbie Welcomes you to Children's ITV</ref> Using the small presentation studio at their [[ITV Central#Studios|Broad Street studios]] – which had become available since in-vision continuity for the Central region was dropped – former Central announcers [[Gary Terzza]] and Debbie Shore presented live links from a set built to look like a transmitting station. Although the studio space was small, the designers' use of a plate glass mirror gave the effect of a much larger set. The new live format gave brought a great deal of flexibility; timings could be altered, schedule changes reflected, and breakdowns dealt with in a continuous manner. In 1988, the format was refreshed again with a new single presenter, Mark Granger,<ref>{{cite web |last1=McDonald |first1=Keith |date=2010-02-22 |title=Children's ITV - 1988 |url=https://www.knightmare.com/series/series-2/citv-1988.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101142022/https://www.knightmare.com/series/series-2/citv-1988.html |archive-date=1 January 2023 |access-date=1 January 2023 |website=Knightmare}}</ref> replacing Terzza and Shore, in a smaller, more basic studio set which included in-vision monitors showing the VT clock of the next scheduled item.

=== Stonewall Productions era (1989–1991) ===
On 3 April 1989, the independent production company Stonewall Productions won the contract to produce and revamp the Children's ITV presentation''. Stonewall Productions'' was headed up by Michael Jackson, a Central staffer who used his expertise to put a successful application together.<ref name="web.archive.org2" />

Whereas Central had restricted links to the station's former in-vision presentation studio, Stonewall chose not to use a fixed set, but instead presented links from various areas of Central's headquarters at Broad Street in Birmingham, utilising a rotating team of presenters consisting of [[Clive Warren]], [[Jeanne Downs]], [[Jerry Foulkes]], and large puppet [[Scally the Dog]] (which was first introduced during Granger's final few months under Central).<ref name="web.archive.org2" />

=== Central regains control (1991–2001) ===
Central won back the contract to produce the continuity links from 9 April 1991, choosing to revert to a small in-vision studio using only one regular presenter, [[Tommy Boyd]], and use their own new branding package.<ref name="web.archive.org2" /> During the 1991–1993 era, greater relevance was being placed throughout television on promotional trailers as a way of effectively detailing areas of the schedule to viewers who might not know about them; consequently, the 1993 invitation to tender for the provision of the Children's ITV service specified a minimum number of high quality trailers that the successful applicant were required to create over the term of the contract.<ref name="web.archive.org2" /> Containing a sizeable promotions department - and a credible reputation for presentation within the ITV network - the contract remained with Central.<ref name="web.archive.org2" />

The [[Broadcasting Act 1990]] and subsequent [[1991 ITV franchise auctions]] also brought about numerous changes to the output and structure of ITV's children's output. Both saw several regions end in-house production of its programming in favour of commissioning independents, such as [[Tetra Films]], which housed children's personnel from Thames. Alongside this, the network's subcommittee on children's productions across its regions was superseded in favour of one controller of children's and daytime programming at the newly established ITV Network Centre, a role first taken up by [[Dawn Airey]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 March 1993 |title=Television People: It's child play for Airey |url=https://britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001180/19930325/119/0023 |access-date=7 January 2024 |work=[[The Stage]] |pages=23}}</ref> Soon after assuming control of Children's ITV, Airey dropped its in-vision presentation - beginning from 15 February 1993, [[Steve Ryde]] instead provided live out-of-vision continuity links featuring a variety of animated characters and settings.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |last=Langham |first=Josephine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3YBZAAAAMAAJ |title=Lights, camera, action!: working in film, television, and video |publisher=BFI |year=1996 |isbn=0-85170-573-1 |page=245}}</ref> Ryde additionally had creative input into on-screen promotions devised alongside producer-director Tony Jopia,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jopia Productions |url=https://www.jopiaproductions.com/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=www.jopiaproductions.com}}</ref> and occasionally appeared on-screen.<ref name=":5" /> On 6 September 1993, the strand was extended to start at 3:30pm, a move made possible by shifting ITV's lunchtime pre-school programming broadcasts at 12:10pm to mid-afternoon.<ref name="web.archive.org2" /> Around the same time, Children's ITV began to be informally referred to as CITV. However, the "Children's" was not removed from the logo until Monday 2 September 1996, accompanying the introduction of a [[digital on-screen graphic]] (DOG).<ref>{{Cite web |date=1996-08-29 |title=Change Of Image For CITV - The Media Leader |url=https://the-media-leader.com/change-of-image-for-citv/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Presentation for the service was relocated in 1997 when Central moved into newer, smaller studios at [[Gas Street Studios]] in Birmingham.<ref name="web.archive.org2" /> A heavily revamped live in-vision service and logo were introduced on Tuesday 26 May 1998 by the new controller of CITV output, [[Nigel Pickard]], who had replaced Airey's successor Vanessa Chapman in January.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=1998-04-08 |title=Revamp For Children's ITV - The Media Leader |url=https://the-media-leader.com/revamp-for-childrens-itv/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

[[File:CITV_90s_logo.jpg|right|thumb|200x200px|CITV logo (26 May 1998 – 7 September 2003)]]

With the refresh and his subsequent commissioning of the highly-popular ''[[SMTV Live]]'', Pickard sought to reinvigorate the strand with more live entertainment content for an older pre-teen and teenage audience, such as ''[[The Top 10 of Everything]]'' and ''[[Mad for It]]'',<ref name=":1" /> an area of the service which had been given less prominence for some time due to ITV allocating its spend on other means such as [[Formula One coverage on ITV|Formula One coverage]]. As a result of the shift towards older audiences, preschool programming was also revamped, with numerous preschool shows such as ''[[Tots TV]]'', ''[[Wizadora]]'', ''[[The Riddlers]]'', ''[[Potamus Park]]'', ''[[The Blobs]]'' and ''[[The Caribou Kitchen]]'', which aired weekly (and in some cases, twice-weekly), decommissioned as part of the revamp airing their final episodes between late 1997 and August 1998, in favour of newer programmes designed to be stripped daily in the style of the BBC's daily preschool programmes (such as ''[[Teletubbies]]'' and ''[[Playdays]]''), such as ''[[Dream Street (British TV series)|Dream Street]]'', ''[[Maisy]]'' and ''[[Mopatop's Shop]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wow! |url=https://www.paulmorris.co.uk/satkids/wow.htm |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=www.paulmorris.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Brit preschool production goes into overdrive |url=https://kidscreen.com/1999/07/01/25990-19990701/ |access-date=2024-07-02}}</ref>

Steve Ryde became producer behind the scenes, and selected [[Stephen Mulhern]] and [[Danielle Nicholls]] as the new in-vision presentation team out of over 900 auditions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Daily Telegraph 30 May 1998, page 148 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/752281315 |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Manchester Evening News 08 Jun 1998, page 17 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/922940572 |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> CITV was initially broadcast live daily on weekdays from a small studio at Gas Street Studios during this period; a new Sunday morning strand was also introduced prior to the May revamp, with live in-vision presentation launching for it later that year in September - outside broadcasts additionally occurred on occasion.<ref name=":1" />

By then coming fully under [[Carlton Television]]'s branding, Central retained the contact to produce CITV for a further two years in 1999, successfully seeing off two rival bids from other ITV companies.<ref>{{cite web |date=18 June 1999 |title=Carlton regains CITV job |url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/multi-platform/news/carlton-regains-citv-job/1215790.article |access-date=22 June 2013 |website=Broadcast Now}}</ref> Presentation was refreshed several times by their in-house promotions team, with one of the service's longest-lasting visual identities launching on 11 September 1999.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |date=1999-09-10 |title=Aldis Animation has produced a new series of idents and bumpers for Children's ITV. Designed and directed by Carlton Television's David Hickman and Amanda Robinson, the idents were produced by Aldis |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/aldis-animation-has-produced-a-new-series-of-idents-and-bumpers-for-childrens-itv-designed-and-directed-by-carlton-televisions-david-hickman-and-amanda-robinson-the-idents-were-produced-by-aldis/1219895.article |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Broadcast }}</ref> Under the design and direction of Carlton's Dave Hickman and Amanda Robinson, 3D animation firm Aldis Animation produced many of the strand's short computer-generated idents and break bumpers.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |title=MEDIA: Nestle Milkybar makes TV sponsorship debut |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/media-nestle-milkybar-makes-tv-sponsorship-debut/56898 |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=www.campaignlive.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> CITV's online presence was additionally expanded, with its first fully-fledged standalone website launched by ITV and web design agency Workhouse on 25 October 1999.<ref>{{cite web |date=1999-09-17 |title=CITV GETS READY TO GO ONLINE |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/citv-gets-ready-to-go-online/1220226.article |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Broadcast }}</ref> Shortly afterwards, in-vision presentation started sharing studio space with the West Midlands edition of ''[[ITV News Central|Central News]]''.<ref name="web.archive.org2" /> This allowed more room for a larger, specially stylised set, created by prop manufacturers Dorans Propmakers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-08-09 |title=Dorans Propmakers |url=http://www.dorans.demon.co.uk/credits.html |access-date=2024-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030809005542/http://www.dorans.demon.co.uk/credits.html |archive-date=9 August 2003 }}</ref>

Despite indicating he had more work to do in interviews,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Fry |first=Andy |title=Nigel Pickard: Quick-change artist |url=https://kidscreen.com/2000/05/01/28841-20000501/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Kidscreen}}</ref> Pickard left his role at CITV in June 2000 for the BBC,<ref>{{cite web |date=2000-08-04 |title=CBBC gears up to relaunch next year |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/cbbc-gears-up-to-relaunch-next-year/1199259.article |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Broadcast }}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Pickard leaves CITV to head BBC children's unit |url=https://kidscreen.com/2000/07/01/29446-20000701/ |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Kidscreen}}</ref> where he would go on to launch the [[CBBC]] and [[CBeebies]] channels.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-11-21 |title=BBC announces children's channel plans |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a4283/bbc-announces-childrens-channel-plans/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}}</ref> Prior to leaving ITV, Pickard had begun floating the idea of a separate CITV digital channel to open in 2001.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":6" /> CITV strands had already been broadcast for a short period on the then-new [[ITV2]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fry |first=Andy |title=CITV hoards commissions and gives pilots a fighting chance |url=https://kidscreen.com/1999/04/01/25010-19990401/ |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Kidscreen}}</ref>

=== Cutbacks (2001–2006) ===
[[File:CITV_logo_2003.svg|left|thumb|200x200px|CITV logo (8 September 2003 – 10 March 2006)]]
In 2001, CITV's budget was cut by 17% due to the advertising recession, leading to CITV controller Janie Grace publicly criticising Carlton and [[ITV Granada|Granada Television]], by that time the main controlling forces in the network, for underinvestment in ITV's children's service.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Maggie |date=1 November 2001 |title=ITV kids' shows at risk |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/nov/01/broadcasting4 |access-date=22 June 2013 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Grace went further and complained to the [[Independent Television Commission|ITC]], claiming CITV was unlikely to fulfil its range of programming commitments in expensive genres like drama the following year.<ref name="auto62">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Maggie |date=12 November 2001 |title=Suffer the children |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/nov/12/mondaymediasection |access-date=22 June 2013 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> In an attempt to combat this, Grace considered commissioning more lower-cost productions such as video diary documentaries.<ref name="auto62" /> Grace also sought support from the ITC for the creation of a separate CITV Ltd company, which would allow more children's output to be made in-house - a proposal which ultimately fell apart due to the need for a change in the law and support from the [[Office of Fair Trading]]. Around the same time, greater emphasis was placed on viewer engagement with the launch of a CITV text messaging service,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Deans |first=Jason |date=2001-10-01 |title=2morrow's txt 2day |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/oct/01/mondaymediasection10 |access-date=2024-01-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> interactive online vote events,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-03-12 |title=CiTV Goes Interactive For Easter - The Media Leader |url=https://the-media-leader.com/citv-goes-interactive-for-easter/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |language=en-GB}}</ref> and a new pre-school sub-strand also introduced under the name "Telly Tots", which replaced the in-vision presentation between 3:20 and 3:40pm with a CGI-animated town of cartoon mascots.<ref name="auto1"/> Books, magazines and video tapes were introduced to tie-in with the new strand.<ref name="auto62" /> However, further cuts took place again during 2002, bringing CITV's total budget reduction to 25% overall at £30 million.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deans |first=Jason |date=20 November 2001 |title=BBC chief calls for strong CITV |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/nov/20/ITV.bbc |access-date=22 June 2013 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Grace's experiment in introducing a 'stripped' daily weekday schedule to the strand inspired by American broadcasters such as [[Nickelodeon (British and Irish TV channel)|Nickelodeon]] (where she had previously worked<ref>{{cite web |date=2000-03-03 |title=INTERVIEW - The quality of Grace |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/interview-the-quality-of-grace/1191196.article |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Broadcast |language=en}}</ref>) additionally failed, after initially increasing viewership.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Maggie |date=2002-09-04 |title=ITV abandons kids scheduling experiment |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/sep/04/broadcasting.ITV |access-date=2024-01-07 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

Despite its cutbacks and falling ratings, the ITC contended in its 2002 performance review that CITV had "sustained an impressive schedule", gave "factual material a fresh look", and "continued to produce good dramas".<ref>{{cite web |title=ITC Note: Children's Television |url=http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/itc/itc_publications/itc_notes/view_note73.html |access-date=22 June 2013 |website=Ofcom}}</ref> In-house promotions additionally maintained graphics refreshes,<ref>{{cite web |date=2002-12-18 |title=CiTV adds Xmas character |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/citv-adds-xmas-character/1166838.article |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Broadcast }}</ref> and presentation producers Sid Cole and Martyn Fox took the strand on tour at theme parks during the summer months of 2001 and 2002.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 August 2002 |title=Star Hire on CiTV White Knuckle Tour |url=https://www.etnow.com/news/2002/8/star-hire-on-citv-white-knuckle-tour |website=ETNow.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Collections Search {{!}} BFI {{!}} British Film Institute |url=https://collections-search.bfi.org.uk/web/Details/ChoiceFilmWorks/150656984 |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=collections-search.bfi.org.uk}}</ref> Soon after CITV celebrated its 20th anniversary in January 2003, Grace left her post, just before her predecessor and former [[Television South]] colleague Nigel Pickard became ITV's new overall Director of Programmes.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Deans |first=Jason |date=2003-02-06 |title=Grace loses favour at ITV |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/feb/06/broadcasting.ITV |access-date=2024-01-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref name="broadcastnow2">{{cite web |date=3 February 2003 |title=Children's TV: CITV - Winning custody of the children |url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/childrens-tv-citv-winning-custody-of-the-children/1109395.article |access-date=22 June 2013 |website=Broadcast Now}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=27 February 2003 |title=Granada Kids boss replaces Grace |url=http://www.c21media.net/archives/12597 |access-date=22 June 2013 |website=C21 Media}}</ref> Pickard pledged to produce 80 more hours of children's programming against a target of 520 hours in 2002, and to extend their range for the inclusion of more factual and topical series, as well as mixed entertainment and drama.<ref>{{cite web |date=29 January 2003 |title=ITV puts colour back into kids |url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/itv-puts-colour-back-into-kids/1108923.article |access-date=22 June 2013 |website=Broadcast Now}}</ref> Once again, concerns about CITV and its structure were highlighted by Angus Fletcher, president of Jim Henson Television Europe, and [[Anne Wood]], founder of [[Ragdoll Productions]], as it could only earn money from a then-unreliable advertising market, unlike [[BBC Worldwide]], where the likes of ''[[Teletubbies]]'', ''[[Tweenies]]'', and ''[[Bob the Builder]]'' became key earners for the corporation via merchandising and licencing.<ref name="broadcastnow2" />

Former [[BBC Children's and Education|BBC Children's]] and Granada Kids producer Steven Andrew took over from Grace as ITV's controller of children and youth programming, overseeing the merger of Carlton and Granada's children's departments he had previously called for prominently whilst serving as director of the latter.<ref>{{cite web |date=2003-02-27 |title=Granada Kids chief moves to top CITV role |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/granada-kids-chief-moves-to-top-citv-role/1111583.article |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Broadcast }}</ref> Andrew returned focus to the possibility of launching a separate CITV channel, which until then had been put on hold indefinitely by the 2001-02 budget cuts.<ref>{{cite web |date=2003-12-12 |title=Interview - CiTV comes of age. |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/interview-citv-comes-of-age/1131633.article |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Broadcast }}</ref> On-screen, various changes to the in-vision presentation team saw no less than eight host additions and replacements over the course of four years, and a September 2003 branding refresh coincided with a reduction in studio space and time for the service. By 31 August 2004, all in-vision continuity was replaced by an out-of-vision voice-over once more (provided by promotions producer [[Tim Dann]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=CITV 1998 – 2006 Branding {{!}} TVARK |url=https://tvark.org/branding/itv-network/childrens-itv/citv-1998 |access-date=2024-01-10 |language=en-GB}}</ref>), while the newly-formed [[ITV plc]] announced the eventual closure of its presentation and transmission facilities in Birmingham, signalling the end of CITV presentation from Central. Presentation was fully relocated to Granada in Manchester by early 2005.<ref>{{cite web |date=2004-11-25 |title=CiTV presentation moves to Manchester |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/citv-presentation-moves-to-manchester/1101864.article |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Broadcast }}</ref>

After a brief period surrounding the Granada and Carlton merger in which CITV's budget was slightly increased again by £7.5 million,<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last=McGown |first=Alistair |url=http://archive.org/details/bfitelevisionhan0000unse |title=BFI television handbook 2005 : the essential guide to UK TV |date=2004 |publisher=London : BFI |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-1-84457-027-0}}</ref> a third round of cuts took place due to the perceived rising costs of original production and the imminent effects on advertising revenues from a ban by [[Ofcom]] on 'junk food' advertising within children's schedules from 2007,<ref>{{cite web |date=24 February 2005 |title=Tough times for kids TV |url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/tough-times-for-kids-tv/1020266.article |access-date=22 June 2013 |website=Broadcast Now}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sweney |first=Mark |date=17 November 2006 |title=Total ban for junk food ads around kids' shows |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2006/nov/17/health.food |access-date=22 June 2013 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Harvey |first=Jessica |date=22 February 2007 |title=Ofcom to begin phasing out fast-food ads during kids programmes |url=http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/23/02/2007/311842/Ofcom-to-begin-phasing-out-fast-food-ads-during-kids.htm |access-date=22 June 2013 |website=caterersearch.com |publisher=Caterer and Hotelkeeper}}</ref> as well as increasing competition from [[CBBC (TV channel)|CBBC]] and numerous other digital children's channels for new programmes (especially imported cartoons, typically from the United States).<ref name=":3" /> In summer 2006, ITV shut down its in-house children's programming unit as part of ITV's then on-going process of restructuring ITV Productions, publicly blaming the closure on the competitive production environment.<ref>{{cite web |date=2006-06-20 |title=ITV to shut up kids shop |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/itv-to-shut-up-kids-shop/164116.article |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Broadcast }}</ref> The closure and confirmation that the network were seeking to lobby Ofcom in an effort to reduce its required children's programming hours saw CITV controller Estelle Hughes resign.<ref>{{cite news |last=Holmwood |first=Leigh |date=2006-08-16 |title=ITV kids' controller Hughes to leave |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/aug/16/broadcasting.ITV |access-date=2024-01-07 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Despite this, ITV denied any intention of ditching its children's programming from the network's schedule altogether.<ref>{{cite news |last=Holmwood |first=Leigh |date=20 June 2006 |title=ITV to end kids' TV production |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/jun/20/broadcasting.ITV1 |access-date=22 June 2013 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> By January 2007, CITV's weekday afternoon strand on the main ITV network had nonetheless permanently ended, making the recently launched CITV channel the main outlet for ITV children's programming.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Conlan |first1=Tara |last2=Deans |first2=Jason |date=2007-01-02 |title=ITV1 drops afternoon kids' shows |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/jan/02/broadcasting.ITV |access-date=2024-01-10 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

=== ITV simulcast (2006–2023) ===
A simulcast of the CITV channel was broadcast on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] during weekend mornings, continuing after the brand's original weekday afternoon strand was axed. These simulcasts were later dropped alongside the channel itself in 2023, with the final regular children's TV slot on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] ending just before 08:25 on Sunday 27 August 2023. The move came 40 years and eight months after children's programmes on the ITV network were first brought under the Children's ITV brand.<ref name="auto12">{{Cite web |last=Newsdesk1 |first=RXTV |date=24 August 2023 |title=Changes to ITV1 and ITV2 after CITV closure > RXTV info |url=https://rxtvinfo.com/2023/changes-to-itv1-and-itv2-after-citv-closure/ |access-date=3 September 2023}}</ref>

=== ITV2 programming block (2023–present) ===
On 2 September 2023, the morning after the closure of the CITV channel, ITV2 launched a new breakfast time block from 5am to 9am everyday with shows featured on ITVX Kids on [[ITVX]]. This block retains the CITV branding.<ref name="auto32">{{Cite web |title=CITV on ITV2 Children's Block Launch 02/09/23 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xwhSQq4eoU |access-date=3 September 2023 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=THE FIRST CITV ON ITV2 (HD) - 2nd September 2023 (5.00am - 9.00am) - Adverts and Continuity | date=2 September 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK2ntyc8oeQ |access-date=3 September 2023 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> The new children's strand replaces teleshopping and re-runs of shows including ''World's Funniest Videos'' and ''Love Bites''. Children's shows featured on the new breakfast time block include ''[[Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous]]'' and ''[[Scooby-Doo]]''.<ref name="auto12" />

On 9 June 2025, the block's timeslot was reduced to under two hours, airing from 6:00 am to 7:45 am, due to ITVBe's programming moving to ITV2 following the channel's closure.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://rxtvinfo.com/2025/itv-reduces-kids-tv-slot-in-itv2-revamp/ | title=ITV reduces kids TV slot in ITV2 revamp }}</ref>

== CITV channel ==

=== Original plans (2000–2006) ===
Plans for a standalone CITV digital channel were first put in motion and reported as far back as 2000,<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fry |first=Andy |title=U.K. casters say kid dial is full |url=https://kidscreen.com/2000/04/01/28563-20000401/ |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Kidscreen}}</ref><ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=ITV says Grace |url=https://kidscreen.com/2000/08/01/29612-20000801/ |access-date=2024-01-08}}</ref> but were placed on hold indefinitely following its budget cuts in 2001.<ref name="auto62" /> When Steven Andrew became controller of children and youth programming at ITV plc in 2003, he stated that "No kids strategy is complete without us being able to play in the cable and satellite world. In fact, we can't not do this and ultimately survive as a kids player in the future".<ref>{{cite web |date=12 December 2003 |title=Autumn launch for CiTV channel |url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/autumn-launch-for-citv-channel/1131522.article |access-date=22 June 2013 |publisher=Broadcast}}</ref> ITV director and former CITV controller Nigel Pickard additionally admitted the network's output for children had become "a minnow in a sea of twenty channels".<ref name=":3" />

In early 2004, [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] finally confirmed it had greenlit the launch of a children's channel, but as a joint venture. Charles Allen, chief executive of ITV plc, claimed to not believe in ITV creating a new channel by itself in an "over-populated market", whilst the network held talks with [[Nickelodeon (British and Irish TV channel)|Nickelodeon]] and [[Disney Channel (British and Irish TV channel)|Disney]].<ref>{{cite web |date=10 February 2004 |title=New kids' channel planned by ITV |url=http://www.mediaweek.co.uk/news/514495/ |access-date=22 June 2013 |publisher=Media Week}}</ref>

On 11 April 2005, ITV announced they had entered into a partnership with Nickelodeon to launch a free-to-air channel dubbed "INK" (ITV Nickelodeon Kids). The venture would allow the two companies to share programmes across each other's networks.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Maggie |date=2005-04-11 |title=ITV to launch kids' channel with Nickelodeon |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/apr/11/broadcasting.ITV2 |access-date=2023-06-05 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> However, on 14 July 2005, it was announced that the venture would not go ahead and that ITV would instead launch a children's channel alone. Both parties failed to reach an agreement on the exact structure of the new venture and how it would be branded, with ITV stating "We just got to the point of thinking that it was more sustainable for us to do it ourselves. The deal fizzled out over a period of time". Nickelodeon described the decision to end the talks as a "mutual backing away".<ref>{{cite web |date=14 July 2005 |title=ITV kids channel set for autumn |url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/itv-kids-channel-set-for-autumn/1027071.article |access-date=22 June 2013 |publisher=Broadcast}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=29 July 2005 |title=New kids plan for ITV? |url=http://www.toynews-online.biz/news/394/New-kids-plan-for-ITV |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115034713/http://www.toynews-online.biz/news/394/New-kids-plan-for-ITV |archive-date=15 January 2013 |access-date=22 June 2013 |publisher=ToyNews}}</ref> ITV officially revealed their independent plans for a channel in August, although no launch window was given, it was confirmed that it would timeshare with [[ITV4]], which was scheduled to launch on 1 November.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ITV to launch fta kids channel |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/itv-to-launch-fta-kids-channel/ |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=C21media |language=en-us}}</ref>

On 16 December 2005, it was announced that the [[ITV News Channel]], which by then had downgraded its hours due to the launch of ITV4, would close down at the end of January 2006 to make way for the launch of the CITV channel in February.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Conlan |first=Tara |date=2005-12-14 |title=ITV News Channel axed |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/dec/14/tvnews.itv |access-date=2023-06-05 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> A few days later, ITV announced the closure had been brought forward to 23 December,<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |last2= |first2= |date=2005-12-19 |title=ITV News Channel to close before Christmas |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/dec/19/tvnews.television |access-date=2023-06-05 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> with the channel effectively ceasing operations that day and leaving ITV4's downtime unoccupied until February.

=== Channel history (2006–2022) ===
The CITV channel's launch was pushed back to 11 March in February 2006. As a result of a "comprehensive" rebranding and problems with "clearing the digital rights to children's programming", it was again pushed back by another four weeks.<ref name="Kidding Sround Gets Serious2">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Maggie |date=13 February 2006 |title=Kidding Around Gets Serious |url=http://media.guardian.co.uk/mediaguardian/story/0,7558,1708203,00.html |access-date=13 February 2006 |work=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref>

Promotions for the channel began on 20 February, including an online countdown clock, running to the channel's launch date. As had become standard for Freeview channel launches, the channel was allocated an EPG number well before transmission started. Initially, a static 'coming soon' graphic was shown, followed by a preview video loop running from late February 2006 until the launch.<ref name="CITV Channel to Launch2">{{cite web |title=CITV Channel to Launch |url=http://media247.co.uk/skydigital/newsarchive/2006/02/citv_to_launch.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060301023815/http://media247.co.uk/skydigital/newsarchive/2006/02/citv_to_launch.php |archive-date=1 March 2006 |access-date=28 February 2006}}</ref>

The channel launched on 11 March 2006 at 9:25am, with a simulcast of ''[[Holly and Stephen's Saturday Showdown]]'' being the first programme to air following a countdown graphic. It initially launched on [[Freeview (UK)|Freeview]] Channel 75, Homechoice (now known as [[TalkTalk TV]]), and [[Telewest]] Channel 734, and was added to [[Sky (United Kingdom)|Sky]] Channel 624 on 8 May 2006 and NTL Channel 76/602 on 6 June. Additionally, the channel simulcasted CITV Breakfast (previously known as GMTV2, originally broadcast on [[ITV2]], then [[ITV4]]) on weekdays between 6am and 9:25am. The channel was broadcast daily from 6:00am–6:00pm, although beginning in 2007, the channel's broadcast ended earlier at 12:30pm on weekends to make way for sports coverage on ITV4.<ref>{{cite news |title= ''Art Attack'' axed after 18 years |url= http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/programming/a65632/art-attack-axed-after-18-years.html |last=Oatts |first=Joanne |work=[[Digital Spy]] |date= 13 July 2007 |access-date=13 July 2007}}</ref> Its launch coincided with a full visual identity rebrand; though out-of-vision voiceover announcements remained, the refresh was intended to bring back "the kind of brash children's ITV of more than a decade ago".<ref name="Kidding Sround Gets Serious2" />

On 5 February 2008, ITV4 extended its broadcast hours to stay on-air around the clock. As a consequence, the CITV channel moved to the space on multiplex A on Freeview originally held by [[ABC1 (UK)|ABC1]] from English and Scottish transmitters and [[S4C]] from Welsh transmitters, which meant that viewers of the latter were unable to receive the channel on Freeview unless they could receive transmissions from England.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-02-12 |title=Wales loses ITV children channel |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7238912.stm |access-date=2024-01-07 |language=en-GB}}</ref> ITV's closure of its in-house children's programming production unit in 2006 had coincided with a "commissioning freeze", leaving only repeats and a number of unaired new productions for scheduling on the channel. A conclusion of this was confirmed on 7 March 2008, alongside the first renewals of a select few series sourced from independent production companies.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Conlan |first=Tara |date=2008-03-07 |title=CITV ends commissioning freeze |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/mar/07/itv.television |access-date=2024-01-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New CiTV budget favors live action |url=https://kidscreen.com/2008/06/01/citv-20080601/ |access-date=2024-01-07}}</ref>

[[File:CITV logo 2009.svg|thumb|200x200px|CITV logo used from 2009 to 2013.]]

In July 2009, ITV announced CITV was the only channel among its portfolio to have an increased budget.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CITV bucks ITV spending trend |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/citv-bucks-itv-spending-trend/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=C21media |language=en-us}}</ref> Emma Tennant, the then-controller of CITV, told a children's Showcomotion conference that "the commissioning budgets for all channels next year are going to be smaller, except CITV, which is growing – but it will not necessarily spend the additional money on original commissions". It was made clear that due to tight budgets, the slightly increased spend could nonetheless simply lead to more acquisitions rather than new original programmes being commissioned.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rushton |first=Katherine |date=2009-07-02|title=CITV bucks trend to grow budget |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/citv-bucks-trend-to-grow-budget/5003131.article |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Broadcast |language=en}}</ref> On 2 November 2009, the CITV channel was relaunched with a new logo and visual identity to match [[ITV1]] as part of ITV plc's corporate look. The channel's pre-school strand was revamped and renamed "Mini CITV" at the same time.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rushton |first=Katherine |date=2009-10-01|title=CITV to split target audiences with preschool strand launch |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/citv-to-split-target-audiences-with-preschool-strand-launch/5006299.article |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Broadcast }}</ref> On 9 January 2012, a change in the [[forward error correction]] mode on the multiplex allowed CITV to broadcast in Wales on Freeview.

On 21 December 2012, the channel aired its first live programme since 2006, a 45-minute CITV special of ''[[Text Santa]]'', ITV's Christmas charity appeal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Text Santa: CITV Special (2012) |url=https://www.avclub.com/film/reviews/text-santa-citv-special-2012 |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=The A.V. Club |language=en}}</ref> A year later, a series of 10-minute programmes titled ''Help with Hattitude'' in aid of the aforementioned appeal was produced for the channel. Both programmes were produced in-house by [[ITV Studios]]. The channel's promotions team headed by Dave Hickman additionally continued to produce original short-form content, such as the [[British Academy of Film and Television Arts|BAFTA]]-award-winning ''Share a Story'' campaign.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Randall |first=Chris |date=2018-01-10 |title='Share a Story' Wins 4th BAFTA |url=https://www.secondhomestudios.com/blog/stop-motion-animation/share-a-story-wins-fourth-bafta/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Second Home Animation Studios |language=en-GB}}</ref> On the weekend of Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 January 2013, the channel celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of its brand with a marathon of archive programming, officially known as the ''Old Skool Weekend''.<ref name="Old Skool weekend draws CITV's biggest ever audience2">{{cite web |date=8 January 2013 |title=Old Skool weekend draws CITV's biggest ever audience |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/old-skool-weekend-draws-citvs-biggest-ever-audience-/5050375.article |access-date=23 May 2023 |website=Broadcast}}</ref> A new look was introduced on 14 January 2013 to coincide with ITV's corporate rebranding. CITV adopted a "yellowy-orange" logo with cartoon idents that "burp and fart, and do other things kids love", as well as child voiceovers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Laughlin |first=Andrew |date=16 November 2012 |title=ITV1 to become 'ITV' in major corporate rebrand |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/media/news/a438502/itv1-to-become-itv-in-major-corporate-rebrand.html |access-date=17 December 2012 |publisher=Digital Spy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-07-01 |title=CITV's pride at Cannes Lion gold - Prolific North |url=https://www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/citvs-pride-cannes-lion-gold/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

On 22 February 2016, the channel extended its on-air hours to 9pm.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Loveday |first=Samantha |title=CITV to extend broadcast hours |url=https://www.licensingsource.net/citv-to-extend-broadcast-hours/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Licensing Source |language=en-US}}</ref> Following its move from the former Granada studios to [[MediaCityUK]] in 2012,<ref>{{Cite web |title=ITV starts MediaCityUK move |url=https://www.manchesterdigital.com/post/manchester-digital/itv-starts-mediacityuk-move |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Manchester Digital |language=en}}</ref> and several rounds of redundancies in the years prior,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-11-04 |title=EXCLUSIVE: seven jobs go at CITV's MediaCityUK marketing team - Prolific North |url=https://www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/exclusive-seven-jobs-go-citvs-mediacityuk-marketing-team/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |language=en-GB}}</ref> CITV's dedicated in-house promotions and presentation unit was axed in November 2016.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2016-11-30 |title=CITV's Manchester creative team to be axed - Prolific North |url=https://www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/citvs-manchester-creative-team-be-axed/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |language=en-GB}}</ref> All remaining creative responsibilities involving its content were handed to personnel in charge of other ITV channels.<ref>{{cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=2016-11-25|title=CITV boss faces the axe |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/citv-boss-faces-the-axe/5111706.article |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Broadcast }}</ref> At the same time, ITV abandoned its programming director role specifically for children's television last occupied by Jamila Metran, leaving existing channel and genre teams to direct CITV's output.<ref>{{cite web |last=Getzler |first=Wendy Goldman |title=ITV to restructure children's programming strategy |url=https://kidscreen.com/2016/11/28/itv-to-restructure-childrens-programming-strategy/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Kidscreen}}</ref> After removing all pre-school programming from the channel in 2013, ITV reintroduced these shows away from CITV under the [[LittleBe]] strand on [[ITVBe]] in September 2018.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2018-07-04 |title=ITV set to reintroduce pre-school block |url=https://tbivision.com/2018/07/04/itv-set-to-reintroduce-pre-school-block/ |access-date=2019-03-08 |website=TBI Vision |language=en-US}}</ref>

From 2019 until its 2022 closure by the [[UK Government]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=UK government shutters Young Audiences Content Fund |url=https://kidscreen.com/2022/01/24/uk-government-shutters-young-audiences-content-fund/ |access-date=2024-01-10}}</ref> the [[British Film Institute|BFI]]'s three-year Young Audiences Content Fund pilot scheme provided grants for additional content on CITV alongside its small remaining investment into commissions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CITV invites pitches for new content |url=https://www.theknowledgeonline.com/the-knowledge-bulletin/post/2019/06/26/citv-invites-pitches-for-new-content- |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=The Knowledge |date=26 June 2019 |language=en}}</ref> On Monday 19 September 2022, due to the state funeral for Queen [[Elizabeth II]], the channel's normal programming was replaced by ITV London's feed<ref>{{cite web |title=ITV confirms its plans for coverage of the state funeral for Her Majesty the Queen |url=https://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/itv-confirms-its-plans-coverage-state-funeral-her-majesty-queen}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=19 September 2022 |title=Itv Confirms Plans for the Queen's Funeral |url=https://www.tvzoneuk.com/post/itv-queenfuneralday}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=8 September 2022 |title=UK channels suspend broadcasts following Queen's death |url=https://rxtvinfo.com/2022/uk-channels-suspend-broadcasts-following-queens-death}}</ref> This was in contrast to CBBC and CBeebies, which did not carry the BBC's coverage.<ref name="auto22">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/schedules/p00fzl9s/2022/09/19|title=CBeebies - Schedules, Monday 19 September 2022|website=BBC}}</ref>

=== Last day and closure (2023) ===
On 10 March 2023, ITV plc announced that it would close the CITV channel in the autumn, with a phased migration of ITV's children's programming moving to ITVX Kids set to launch on 22 July, on its streaming service [[ITVX]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=ITV to shutter its linear kidsnet and move content to ITVX |url=https://kidscreen.com/2023/03/10/itv-to-shutter-its-linear-kidsnet-and-move-content-to-itvx/ |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=Kidscreen}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=10 March 2023 |title=ITV announces closure of CITV in favour of streaming-only children's content |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2023-03-10/itv-announces-closure-of-citv-in-favour-of-streaming-only-childrens-content |access-date=30 April 2023 |work=ITV}}</ref><ref name="RXTV2"/>

ITVX launched the ITVX Kids [[Free ad-supported streaming television|FAST]] channel on 12 July 2023.<ref name="ITVX Kids2">{{cite web |date=12 July 2023 |title=ITVX Kids |url=https://www.itv.com/watch?channel=fast6 |access-date=12 July 2023 |website=ITVX}}</ref>

CITV officially ceased broadcasting at 9:00pm on 1 September 2023. The channel's remaining promos were notably adjusted to promote ITVX prior to its closure. The last programme to air on the channel was an episode of ''[[The Rubbish World of Dave Spud]]'' titled 'Moonbreaker'. The channel then closed shortly afterwards with a loop and caption card informing its viewers that its content could now be seen on ITVX.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thornham |first=Marc |date=24 August 2023 |title=Changes to ITV1 and ITV2 after CITV closure |url=https://rxtvinfo.com/2023/changes-to-itv1-and-itv2-after-citv-closure/ |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=RXTV info}}</ref>

On 1 October 2023, CITV's 602 Freesat slot was removed, exactly one month after the closure. In late February 2024, CITV's live streams on ITVX and other remaining platforms were removed, after repeating the ITVX loop since its official September closure.

== Programming ==

Programming between 6 and 9:25am was controlled by [[ITV Breakfast]] (previously [[GMTV]]), who, having rebranded the vast majority of their GMTV children's output as CITV, used the space to simulcast their programming at weekends on the [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] network and '''CITV Breakfast''' on weekdays.<ref name="GMTV's Overall Strategy and Major Themes of the Year2">{{cite web |title=GMTV's Overall Strategy and Major Themes of the Year |url=http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=18900 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060923124406/http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=18900 |archive-date=23 September 2006 |access-date=30 January 2006}}</ref> ITV took over at 9:25am, controlling the rest of the day's programming. When it first launched, GMTV used to sell all the airtime for the channel, making it the first ITV plc-owned channel not to be sold by the in-house sales team. Airtime sales were later taken back in-house by ITV.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ITV Media - |url=http://www.itvmedia.co.uk/itv-platforms/citv |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804083204/http://www.itvmedia.co.uk/itv-platforms/citv |archive-date=4 August 2012 |access-date=30 July 2019}}</ref>

Some of the channel's most notable programming has been specially commissioned by CITV, such as ''[[Horrid Henry (TV series)|Horrid Henry]]'', ''[[Mr. Bean: The Animated Series]]'', ''[[Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids (TV series)|Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids]]'', ''[[Thunderbirds Are Go (TV series)|Thunderbirds Are Go]]'', and ''[[Sooty (2011 TV series)|Sooty]]''. A number of other programmes are sourced from different broadcasters internationally.

=== List of programmes ===
{{Div col}}
* 50/50 Heroes
* [[Albie (TV series)|Albie]]
* [[Art Attack]]<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-12-18/citv-celebrates-30th-anniversary-with-a-weekend-of-classic-childrens-programmes/|title=CITV celebrates 30th anniversary with a weekend of classic children's programmes - Radio Times|date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002031010/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-12-18/citv-celebrates-30th-anniversary-with-a-weekend-of-classic-childrens-programmes/ |archive-date=2 October 2018 }}</ref>
* [[Avenger Penguins]]<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/tv-battle-for-children-begins-broadcasters-reveal-ratings-weapons-1460745.html|title=TV battle for children begins: Broadcasters reveal ratings weapons|date=12 August 1993|website=The Independent|accessdate=2 January 2024}}</ref>
* [[Bad Influence!]]<ref>{{cite web |author=James Osborne |url=http://www.bad-influence.co.uk/presenters.htm |title=Violet Berlin, Andy Crane, et al. |publisher=Bad Influence! |access-date=14 September 2009 |archive-date=23 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923181615/http://www.bad-influence.co.uk/presenters.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Bangers and Mash (TV series)|Bangers and Mash]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/audio/from-in-sickness-and-in-health-to-crackerjack-chas-and-daves-greatest-tv-moments/|title=From In Sickness and in Health to Crackerjack - Chas and Dave's greatest TV moments|website=Radio Times|accessdate=2 January 2024}}</ref>
* [[Bernard's Watch]]
* [[Bookaboo]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/2012/07/09/third-cycle-of-this-is-franchise-and-canadian-bookaboo-series-in-the-works/|title=Third cycle of This is… and Canadian Bookaboo series in the works|accessdate=2 January 2024}}</ref>
* [[Button Moon]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[Canimals]]
* [[Children's Ward]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[Chocky (TV series)|Chocky]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nostalgiacentral.com/television/tv-by-decade/tv-shows-1980s/chocky/ |title=Chocky/Chocky's Children/Chocky's Challenge - Nostalgia Central |date=23 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015232212/https://nostalgiacentral.com/television/tv-by-decade/tv-shows-1980s/chocky/|archive-date=15 October 2017}}</ref>
* [[Construction Site (TV series)|Construction Site]]
* [[Count Duckula]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[Danger Mouse (1981 TV series)|Dangermouse]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[Don't Eat the Neighbours]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/2002/02/01/teenmerch-20020201/|title=Brit licensors leverage teen merch appeal for kids TV series|accessdate=2 January 2024}}</ref>
* [[Dramarama (TV series)|Dramarama]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[Dream Street]]<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/tequila-develops-kids-promotional-bags-citv-roadshow/150023|title=Tequila develops kids promotional bags for CiTV roadshow|website=www.campaignlive.co.uk}}</ref>
* [[The Dreamstone]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/90s-cartoon-the-dreamstone-more-than-just-a-cracking-theme-song/ | title=90s cartoon the Dreamstone: More than just a cracking theme song | date=27 November 2019 }}</ref>
* [[Emu's TV programmes]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/citv-orders-more-emu/5002039.article|title=CITV orders more Emu|first=Robin|last=Parker|date=2009-06-02 |website=Broadcast}}</ref>
* [[Engie Benjy]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[Eye of the Storm (TV series)|Eye of the Storm]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.memorabletv.com/tv/eye-of-the-storm-itv-1992/|title=Eye Of The Storm (ITV 1992, Bill Nighy, Cordelia Bugeja)|date=22 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808090036/https://www.memorabletv.com/tv/eye-of-the-storm-itv-1992/|archive-date=8 August 2020}}</ref>
* [[The Famous Five (1995 TV series)|The Famous Five]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/2023/06/26/bbc-to-re-adapt-the-famous-five/|title=BBC to re-adapt The Famous Five|accessdate=2 January 2024}}</ref>
* [[Fetch the Vet]]
* [[Finders Keepers (1991 game show)|Finders Keepers]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[Fleabag Monkeyface]]
* [[Fraggle Rock]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[Fun House (British game show)|Fun House]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[Gaspard and Lisa (TV series)|Gaspard and Lisa]]
* [[Gladiators: Train to Win]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/tv/gladiators-host-bradley-walshs-25m-28483736|title=Bradley Walsh's £2.5m luxury home he shares with wife and son|first1=Susan|last1=Knox|first2=Aaliyah|last2=Rugg|date=20 January 2024|website=Liverpool Echo|accessdate=4 February 2024}}</ref> (1995–1998)
* [[Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids (TV series)|Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/citv-art-attack-grizzly-tales-gruesome-kids-b2403851.html|title=Farewell to CITV – the weirder side of British children's TV &#124; Christopher R Moore|date=2 September 2023|website=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/citv-renews-grizzly-tales-gruesome-kids|title=CiTV Renews Grizzly Tales For Gruesome Kids|website=Animation World Network}}</ref> (2000–2016)
* [[Hilltop Hospital]]
* [[Horrid Henry (TV series)|Horrid Henry]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/2014/02/03/citv-commissions-fourth-season-of-horrid-henry/|title=CiTV commissions fourth season of Horrid Henry|accessdate=4 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/mar/07/itv.television|title=CITV ends commissioning freeze|first=Tara|last=Conlan|date=7 March 2008|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> (2006-2019)
* [[How 2]]
* [[Hurricanes (TV series)|Hurricanes]]<ref name="auto2"/>
* [[Huxley Pig]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[Jungle Run]]
* [[King Arthur's Disasters]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/king-arthurs-disasters-return-to-citv/1025095.article | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805193857/https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/king-arthurs-disasters-return-to-citv/1025095.article | archive-date=5 August 2020 | title=King Arthur's disasters return to CITV }}</ref>
* [[Knight School (CITV series)|Knight School]] (1997–1998)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/k/knightschool_7774060.shtml|title=BBC - Comedy Guide - Knight School|date=26 October 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041026133557/http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/k/knightschool_7774060.shtml |archive-date=26 October 2004}}</ref>
* [[Knightmare (TV series)|Knightmare]] (1987–1994)<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[Krankies Television]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/k/krankiestelevisi_1299001823.shtml|title=BBC - Comedy Guide - Krankies Television|date=13 December 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041213065007/http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/k/krankiestelevisi_1299001823.shtml |archive-date=13 December 2004}}</ref>
* [[Miffy and Friends]]
* [[Mike and Angelo]] (1989–2000)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/m/mikeangelo_7774280.shtml|title=BBC - Comedy Guide - Mike & Angelo|date=2 November 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041102210954/http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/m/mikeangelo_7774280.shtml |archive-date=2 November 2004 }}</ref>
* Molly's Gang
* [[Mopatop's Shop]]  (1999–2003, 2006–2009)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/citv-ups-mopatops-commission-for-every-day-outing/1192363.article|title=CITV UPS MOPATOP'S COMMISSION FOR EVERY DAY OUTING|website=Broadcast|accessdate=6 January 2024}}</ref>
* [[Mr. Bean: The Animated Series]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a551236/mr-bean-animated-series-to-air-on-citv/|title=Mr Bean animated series to air on CITV|date=14 February 2014|website=Digital Spy}}</ref>
* [[Mr. Magoo (TV series)|Mr. Magoo]]
* [[Your Mother Wouldn't Like It#Palace Hill|Palace Hill]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/p/palacehill_1299002458.shtml|title=BBC - Comedy Guide - Palace Hill|date=4 October 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031004133941/http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/p/palacehill_1299002458.shtml |archive-date=4 October 2003}}</ref>
* Phoenix Hall<ref>{{cite web|title=Phoenix Hall (Original)|url=https://collections-search.bfi.org.uk/web/Details/ChoiceFilmWorks/150789461|website=BFI|access-date=May 25, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Press Gang]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[Pocoyo]]
* [[Pororo the Little Penguin]]
* [[Puddle Lane]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[The Raggy Dolls]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[Rainbow (TV series)|Rainbow]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[The Riddlers]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/23831308.uk-popular-forgotten-kids-tv-shows-80s-90s/|title=Look: Nine kids TV shows that will transport you back to your childhood|date=8 October 2023|website=South Wales Argus|accessdate=31 January 2024}}</ref>
* [[Rolf's Cartoon Club]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/rolf-harris-dead-career-timeline-prison-b2344248.html|title=Disgraced entertainer Rolf Harris's rise and fall|date=23 May 2023|website=The Independent}}</ref> (1989–1993)
* [[Rosie and Jim]]<ref name="auto4"/> (September 1990–July 2004)
* [[Round the Bend]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/sep/01/from-fun-house-to-mr-majeika-the-best-shows-citv-ever-made-before-closing-forever|title=From Fun House to Mr Majeika: the best shows CITV ever made – before closing for ever|first=Stuart|last=Heritage|date=1 September 2023|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>
* [[Snug and Cozi]] (1996–1997)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/s/snugandcozi_7775895.shtml|title=BBC - Comedy Guide - Snug And Cozi|date=5 December 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041205092404/http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/s/snugandcozi_7775895.shtml |archive-date=5 December 2004}}</ref>
* [[The Sooty Show]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[Spatz (TV series)|Spatz]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/s/spatz_1299002927.shtml|title=BBC - Comedy Guide - Spatz|date=29 January 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050129111315/http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/s/spatz_1299002927.shtml |archive-date=29 January 2005}}</ref>
* [[Thunderbirds Are Go (TV series)|Thunderbirds Are Go]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/top10facts/937060/Thunderbirds-Are-Go-news-series-ITV|title=Thunderbirds: Top 10 facts to celebrate the new series|first=William|last=Hartston|date=26 March 2018|website=Express.co.uk}}</ref>
* [[Time Riders (TV series)|Time Riders]]<ref name="Time Riders">{{Cite web |date=2008-06-06 |title=The UK Sci-Fi TV Book Guide: Time Riders by Jim Eldridge |url=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/john.seymour1/ukbookguide/Series/TimeRiders.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606000305/http://homepage.ntlworld.com/john.seymour1/ukbookguide/Series/TimeRiders.html |archive-date=2008-06-06 |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=The UK Sci-Fi TV Book Guide}}</ref>
* [[Timmy Towers]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/multi-platform/news/brilliant-wins-citv-timmy-towers-series-commission/1188773.article |title=Brilliant Wins Citv Timmy Towers Series Commission &#124; News &#124; Broadcast |publisher=Broadcastnow.co.uk |date=2000-01-28 |accessdate=2012-05-25}}</ref>
* [[Tiny Planets]]
* [[The Tomorrow People#1990s_series:_(1992–1995)|The Tomorrow People]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[ToonMarty]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tbivision.com/news/2017/08/citv-picks-toonmarty/782352/|title=CITV picks up ToonMarty - TBI Vision - Page 782352|website=tbivision.com|access-date=7 February 2018}}</ref>
* [[Tots TV]]<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K8erMI3-0xIC&dq=Tots+tv+citv&pg=PA115|title=Marketing Briefs: A Revision and Study Guide|first=Sally|last=Dibb|date=21 August 2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-01665-3 |via=Google Books}}</ref> (1993–1998)
* [[What About Mimi?]] (2003–2004)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/decode-lands-citv-deal-mimi|title=DECODE Lands CiTV Deal For Mimi|website=Animation World Network}}</ref>
* [[Wizadora]]<ref name="auto4"/>
* [[The Wombles]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/citv-secures-the-wombles-until-at-least-2001/1212298.article | title=Citv Secures the Wombles Until at Least 2001 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.skwigly.co.uk/the-wombles-50-years-ivor-woods-classic-series/ | title=Remembering the Wombles: 50 Years of Ivor Wood's Classic Series | date=15 February 2023 }}</ref>
* [[The Worst Witch (1998 TV series)|The Worst Witch]] (1998–2001)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/reasons-well-miss-citv/|title=15 Reasons We'll Miss CITV|first=Laura|last=Vickers-Green|date=1 September 2023|website=Den of Geek|accessdate=31 January 2024}}</ref>
* [[Your Mother Wouldn't Like It]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/y/yourmotherwouldn_1299003474.shtml|title=BBC - Comedy - Guide - Your Mother Wouldn't Like It|date=30 December 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041230085525/http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/y/yourmotherwouldn_1299003474.shtml |archive-date=30 December 2004 }}</ref>
* [[Zig and Zag (puppets)|Zig and Zag]] (1998)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/z/zigandzagshowthe_7777170.shtml|title=BBC - Comedy - Guide - The Zig And Zag Show|date=17 December 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041217193849/http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/z/zigandzagshowthe_7777170.shtml |archive-date=17 December 2004 }}</ref>
* [[ZZZap!]] (1993–2001)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/z/zzzap_7777175.shtml|title=BBC - Comedy - Guide - Zzzap!|date=8 January 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050108215730/http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/z/zzzap_7777175.shtml |archive-date=8 January 2005 }}</ref>
{{div col end}}

== Ratings ==
The CITV channel launched with a full-day average of 33,000 viewers and a 2.5% share of the child audience. This put it ahead of other channels [[Cartoon Network (UK)|Cartoon Network]] (20,000, a 1.5% share), [[Boomerang (British TV channel)|Boomerang]] (28,000 a 2.1% share), and [[Nickelodeon UK|Nickelodeon]] (26,000 a 2.0% share). The channel peaked at 4:30&nbsp;pm with ''[[Bratz (TV series)|Bratz]]'' gaining 51,000 viewers and a 3.6% share.<ref name="ITV Ratings at Six-Month Low">{{cite news |url=http://media.guardian.co.uk/overnights/story/0,,1729992,00.html|title=ITV Ratings at Six-Month Low|access-date=13 March 2006 | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Dominic | last=Timms | date=13 March 2006}}</ref>

The channel took a 0.2% audience share in its first week compared to: [[CBBC (TV channel)|CBBC]] 0.6%, [[Cartoon Network (UK)|Cartoon Network]] 0.4%, [[Boomerang (UK & Ireland)|Boomerang]] 0.4%, and [[CBeebies]] 1.4%. Its overall ratings share for March 2006 was 0.1%; by April 2006 this had risen to 0.2%, 0.3% followed in May. In August 2006, the channel became the most popular commercial kids channel between 6&nbsp;am and 6&nbsp;pm.<ref name="CITV Channel Celebrates First Birthday">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/a43891/citv-channel-celebrates-first-birthday.html|title=CITV Channel Celebrates First Birthday|website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=13 March 2007|date=13 March 2007}}</ref> On 6 January 2013, the CITV channel received its highest viewing figures to date: ''[[Danger Mouse (1981 TV series)|Danger Mouse]]'', which was shown as part of the "Old Skool Weekend" to celebrate CITV's 30th anniversary, attracted 578,000 viewers.<ref name="Old Skool weekend draws CITV's biggest ever audience">{{cite web |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/old-skool-weekend-draws-citvs-biggest-ever-audience-/5050375.article|title=Old Skool weekend draws CITV's biggest ever audience|website=Broadcast|access-date=23 May 2023|date=8 January 2013}}</ref>

== Footnotes ==
{{Reflist|group=notes}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{ITVX|id=watch?channel=fast6|title=ITVX Kids}}
*{{ITVX|id=watch/categories/children|title=Children's shows}}

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