05 September 2023 , 05:55
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Sky, Freeview and Virgin Media users have waved bye-bye to a familiar family favourite on their TV planner. ITV has just shut down its CITV service which has broadcast programmes such as Art Attack, Fraggle Rock and Horrid Henry for the past 40 years.
It's long been a popular service but it appears that the UK public has lost its love affair with this channel and a drop in viewer numbers means ITV has felt the need to call time on it.
Announcing the closure of its platform, Freeview said in a blog post: "From 2nd September 2023 the CITV channel will no longer be broadcasting on Freeview."
Although it's sad news for anyone who had that channel added to their favourites list, there is now a new way to tune into content for younger viewers.
ITV says that its ITVX kids online streaming platform is now the place to go for the latest shows, cartoons and entertainment.
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This platform is available via the dedicated ITVX app which can be found on most new smart TVs, streaming devices, phones and tablets.
"The ITVX Kids homepage is accessible within child-safe ITVX kids profile on the ITVX app, offering more than 1,000 hours of programming," Freeview added.
The ITVX Kids service is totally free to watch, you'll just need a broadband connection to tune in. That's because instead of coming into homes via an aerial, everything is streamed over the web.
Once connected you'll find shows including Scooby-Doo!, Barbie, Mr Bean and Pingu plus there are movies such as Kung Fu Panda and Ice Age which can be viewed without needing a subscription.
Speaking about the changes Craig Morris, Managing Editor of ITVX said: "We’re really excited to launch this dedicated destination for kids on ITVX, which will be home to a wealth of content including new series, recognisable brands and existing favourites for a range of ages, all in one child-safe area, with editorial curation to guide viewing."