Press Releases

Following publication by the BBC Trust of its review of review of BBC services and content for children, a joint statement was issued by Jana Bennett, Director, BBC Vision, and Richard Deverell, Controller, BBC Children's.

The statement reads:

We are delighted that the BBC Trust has concluded that CBeebies and CBBC are at the heart of the BBC's public service remit and that they are performing strongly on both tv and online. Their view that the BBC is delivering popular children's programmes and websites which successfully entertain a wide audience, deliver good value for money and at the same time make an important contribution to the BBC's public purposes is something we embrace wholeheartedly.

We agree that the BBC must remain a cornerstone of good quality UK-produced children's content, providing a range of programmes and reflecting the diversity of Britain's children.

We are pleased that the initial findings show that Formal learning, a core part of the BBC's public service offering for children, is valued and highly used by our audiences although we note that the BBC Trust is currently awaiting the review of young people's services before drawing any conclusions.

We welcome the Trust's key recommendations, and will submit our responses over the next six months, in particular regarding CBeebies Radio; seeking the best ways of continuing to reach children via tv and the web and the overall investment plan for BBC Children's.

Richard Deverell, Controller, BBC Children's, said: "There can be no better stamp of endorsement on the work we are doing than from the parents and children who say they love and value what we do on CBeebies and CBBC. It's a testament to the hard work, commitment and passion of everyone working on these services."

Jana Bennett, Director, BBC Vision, added: "The BBC's children's services are a great success story devoted to providing creativity and dedicated to enriching children's lives. BBC Children's is a pioneer in the world of interactivity and digital technology, and is the cornerstone of original British content for our children. I am pleased that this review has endorsed the unique and important role BBC Children's has and it is our job to keep it strong for the next generation."

TM2