Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
The brand name 'Children's Independent Television' (CITV) has been in use since the programming block's inception in 1983.
Answer: False
Explanation: The brand was originally launched as 'Children's ITV' in 1983. The acronym CITV, representing 'Children's Independent Television', was adopted later, with the 'Children's' part being formally dropped from the logo in 1996.
The Children's ITV programming block, launched in 1983, was specifically designed to appeal to preschool-aged children.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Children's ITV programming block was specifically designed for children aged 6-12, not preschool-aged children.
Children's ITV was launched as a replacement for the 'Watch It!' branding, which was the previous timeslot for children's programmes on the ITV network.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Children's ITV replaced the earlier 'Watch It!' branding, which had been the designated timeslot for children's programming on ITV.
A key innovation of Children's ITV was the introduction of networked in-vision continuity, which featured on-screen presenters.
Answer: True
Explanation: Children's ITV introduced networked in-vision continuity links, a significant feature where presenters appeared on screen to introduce shows and interact with the audience.
The initial pre-recorded continuity links for Children's ITV were produced at Central's Birmingham studios until 1987.
Answer: False
Explanation: The original pre-recorded links were produced at a small London studio called Molinare. Production moved to Central's Birmingham studios in 1987 when the links became live broadcasts.
The production of live continuity links for Children's ITV was relocated to Central's Birmingham studios in 1987.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1987, Central won the contract to produce live continuity links for Children's ITV, moving production from London to their Birmingham studios.
The 'Watch It!' branding, which preceded Children's ITV, began on December 29, 1980.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Watch It!' timeslot for children's programmes on the ITV network, the predecessor to Children's ITV, started on December 29, 1980.
Prior to the 'Watch It!' block, the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) was concerned about inconsistent networking and scheduling of ITV's children's shows.
Answer: True
Explanation: The IBA expressed concern that ITV's children's shows were not consistently or fully networked, and that some regions aired non-children's programs during the designated timeslot.
The 'Watch It!' programming block was conceived by the programming department at Granada Television.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Watch It!' block was conceived by the promotions department at ATV, not Granada Television.
Lewis Rudd, Central's Controller of Children's Programmes, proposed the new presentation method that led to the initial concept of Children's ITV.
Answer: True
Explanation: The initial concept for Children's ITV resulted from a suggestion by Lewis Rudd, Central's Controller of Children's Programmes, for a different approach to presentation.
By 1985, Children's ITV utilized a common, stylized set known as 'Network Control,' which was designed to facilitate presenter interviews with guests.
Answer: True
Explanation: By 1985, a common set called 'Network Control' was used for Children's ITV links, allowing the presenter to host guests for interviews.
Early pre-recorded links for Children's ITV frequently suffered from technical issues such as programs starting too late and presenters being cut off mid-sentence.
Answer: False
Explanation: While there were technical issues, such as links being cut short or presenters being left on screen if a program failed, the source does not mention programs starting too late or presenters being cut off mid-sentence as frequent problems.
Children's BBC's 'Broom Cupboard' format offered a more relaxed presentation style than Children's ITV by using a live, self-operated continuity studio with a single presenter.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC's 'Broom Cupboard' format, introduced in 1985, used a small, self-operated studio with a single live presenter, which allowed for a looser and more relaxed style compared to Children's ITV's approach at the time.
The first live presenters for Children's ITV, upon its transition to live broadcasts in June 1987, were Gary Terzza and Debbie Shore.
Answer: True
Explanation: When Children's ITV began live broadcasts in June 1987, the initial presenters were former Central announcers Gary Terzza and Debbie Shore.
When did the Children's ITV programming block originally launch, and what was its target age group?
Answer: January 1983, targeting ages 6-12
Explanation: The Children's ITV programming block launched on January 3, 1983, and was specifically designed for children in the 6-12 age range.
What significant innovation did Children's ITV introduce regarding the continuity links between programmes?
Answer: Networked in-vision continuity links with presenters
Explanation: A key innovation of Children's ITV was the introduction of networked in-vision continuity, where presenters appeared on-screen to link programmes, a departure from simple voice-overs.
Where were the original pre-recorded continuity links for Children's ITV produced until 1987?
Answer: Molinare in London
Explanation: Until 1987, the initial pre-recorded continuity links for Children's ITV were produced at a small London studio named Molinare.
In what year and to which location did the production of live continuity links for Children's ITV move?
Answer: 1987, Birmingham
Explanation: In 1987, Central won the contract to produce live links for Children's ITV, relocating production to their studios in Birmingham.
What was the name of the children's programming timeslot that Children's ITV replaced, and when did it begin?
Answer: Watch It!, 29 December 1980
Explanation: Children's ITV replaced the 'Watch It!' branding, which had served as the timeslot for children's programmes on ITV since its start on December 29, 1980.
What was a primary concern of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) regarding ITV's children's programming before the 'Watch It!' block was established?
Answer: Most shows were not consistent or fully networked, and some regions aired non-children's programs.
Explanation: The IBA expressed concern that ITV's children's programming was not consistently or fully networked across all regions, and that some regions were even broadcasting non-children's content in the designated timeslot.
Which entity conceived the 'Watch It!' block?
Answer: The promotions department at ATV
Explanation: The 'Watch It!' branding and block concept were conceived by the promotions department at ATV.
Who suggested the alternative presentation approach that ultimately led to the creation of Children's ITV?
Answer: Lewis Rudd
Explanation: Lewis Rudd, who was Central's Controller of Children's Programmes, was responsible for suggesting a different approach to presentation that resulted in the initial concept for Children's ITV.
Who was the original presenter of the Children's ITV strand when it launched in 1983?
Answer: Matthew Kelly
Explanation: Matthew Kelly was the original presenter for the Children's ITV strand upon its launch in 1983.
By 1985, what was the name of the common, stylized set used for Children's ITV links that allowed presenters to host guests?
Answer: Network Control
Explanation: By 1985, Children's ITV used a common set known as 'Network Control,' which was designed to allow presenters to conduct interviews with guests.
Which of the following was a technical issue commonly faced with the early pre-recorded links of Children's ITV?
Answer: Links were often cut short, or presenters were left on screen if a program failed.
Explanation: The early pre-recorded links were prone to technical issues, such as being cut short or leaving presenters on-screen if a scheduled program failed to start on time.
How did Children's BBC's 'Broom Cupboard' format, introduced in 1985, primarily differ from Children's ITV's presentation at the time?
Answer: It used a small self-op studio with a single live presenter for a relaxed style.
Explanation: The BBC's 'Broom Cupboard' format was distinct because it used a small, self-operated continuity studio with a single live presenter, which fostered a looser and more relaxed on-air style compared to Children's ITV.
Who were the initial live presenters for Children's ITV when it transitioned to live links in June 1987?
Answer: Gary Terzza and Debbie Shore
Explanation: When Children's ITV began broadcasting its continuity links live in June 1987, the initial presenters were Gary Terzza and Debbie Shore.
The relocation of CITV's presentation to Granada Television in Manchester in 2004 led to the reintroduction of in-vision continuity.
Answer: False
Explanation: The move to Granada Television in Manchester in 2004 marked the end of in-vision continuity, with presenters no longer appearing on screen.
Stonewall Productions introduced a presentation style that involved links from various areas of Central's headquarters, featuring a rotating team of presenters and a puppet.
Answer: True
Explanation: When Stonewall Productions took over presentation in 1989, they moved away from a fixed set, instead presenting from various locations within Central's headquarters with a rotating team and a puppet named Scally the Dog.
When Central regained the contract for Children's ITV continuity in April 1991, they appointed Tommy Boyd as the single regular presenter in a small in-vision studio.
Answer: True
Explanation: Upon regaining the contract in April 1991, Central reverted to a small in-vision studio format with Tommy Boyd as the sole regular presenter.
Controller Dawn Airey reintroduced in-vision presentation for Children's ITV in February 1993, featuring new animated characters.
Answer: False
Explanation: Dawn Airey dropped in-vision presentation in February 1993, replacing it with live out-of-vision continuity links that featured animated characters.
The 'Children's' part of the brand name was removed from the CITV logo in September 1996, a change that coincided with the introduction of a digital on-screen graphic.
Answer: True
Explanation: In September 1996, the logo was changed to just 'CITV', dropping the 'Children's' part. This rebranding also included the introduction of a digital on-screen graphic (DOG).
Nigel Pickard, who became controller of CITV in January 1998, introduced a revamped live in-vision service and a new logo in May of that year.
Answer: True
Explanation: Shortly after becoming controller in January 1998, Nigel Pickard oversaw a significant revamp of CITV, which launched in May 1998 with a new logo and a new live in-vision service.
Nigel Pickard's strategy to reinvigorate CITV in 1998 involved commissioning more live entertainment content aimed primarily at younger, preschool audiences.
Answer: False
Explanation: Nigel Pickard's strategy was to commission more live entertainment content for older pre-teen and teenage audiences, not preschool audiences.
The 1998 revamp of CITV led to an increase in the number of weekly preschool shows like 'Tots TV' and 'Wizadora' to compete with BBC's offerings.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1998 revamp led to the decommissioning of many weekly preschool shows in favor of newer programs designed to be stripped daily, a strategy to better compete with the BBC's daily preschool block.
After over 900 auditions, producer Steve Ryde selected Stephen Mulhern and Danielle Nicholls as the new in-vision presentation team for CITV in 1998.
Answer: True
Explanation: Producer Steve Ryde chose Stephen Mulhern and Danielle Nicholls from over 900 candidates to be the new in-vision presenters for the 1998 CITV revamp.
Nigel Pickard left CITV in June 2000 to join the BBC, where he subsequently launched the CBBC and CBeebies channels.
Answer: True
Explanation: In June 2000, Nigel Pickard departed from his role at CITV to join the BBC, where he was instrumental in launching the dedicated children's channels CBBC and CBeebies.
The 'Telly Tots' sub-strand, introduced by Janie Grace, was a pre-school block that replaced in-vision presentation during a specific afternoon slot with CGI-animated mascots.
Answer: True
Explanation: 'Telly Tots' was a new pre-school block introduced by Janie Grace that used CGI-animated mascots instead of in-vision presenters for its afternoon continuity links.
In 2003, former BBC Children's producer Steven Andrew succeeded Janie Grace as ITV's controller of children and youth programming.
Answer: True
Explanation: Steven Andrew, who had previously worked at BBC Children's and Granada Kids, took over from Janie Grace as controller of children and youth programming for ITV in 2003.
By August 2004, in-vision continuity on CITV was fully restored with new presenters.
Answer: False
Explanation: By August 31, 2004, all in-vision continuity on CITV had been replaced by an out-of-vision voice-over.
What was the primary consequence of CITV's presentation moving to Granada Television in Manchester in 2004?
Answer: End of in-vision continuity
Explanation: The relocation of CITV's presentation to Granada Television in Manchester in 2004 marked the end of in-vision continuity, with on-screen presenters being replaced by voice-overs.
Which independent production company won the contract to produce the Children's ITV presentation in April 1989?
Answer: Stonewall Productions
Explanation: In April 1989, the contract to produce and revamp the Children's ITV presentation was awarded to Stonewall Productions, an independent company.
What characterized Stonewall Productions' presentation style for Children's ITV?
Answer: They presented links from various areas of Central's headquarters with a rotating team and a puppet.
Explanation: Stonewall Productions adopted a dynamic presentation style, broadcasting from various locations within Central's headquarters and featuring a rotating team of presenters along with a puppet character named Scally the Dog.
When did Central regain the contract for Children's ITV continuity links, and who was appointed as the single regular presenter?
Answer: April 1991, Tommy Boyd
Explanation: Central regained the contract to produce the continuity links in April 1991 and reverted to a small studio format with Tommy Boyd as the sole regular presenter.
What major change did controller Dawn Airey introduce to Children's ITV presentation in February 1993?
Answer: She dropped in-vision presentation for out-of-vision links with animated characters.
Explanation: In February 1993, controller Dawn Airey made the significant change of dropping in-vision presenters, replacing them with live out-of-vision continuity that featured animated characters.
When was the 'Children's' part removed from the CITV logo, and what new element was introduced concurrently?
Answer: September 1996, a digital on-screen graphic (DOG).
Explanation: In September 1996, the logo was rebranded to simply 'CITV', and this change coincided with the introduction of a digital on-screen graphic (DOG).
Who became the new controller of CITV in January 1998 and subsequently introduced a revamped live in-vision service and logo?
Answer: Nigel Pickard
Explanation: Nigel Pickard became the controller of CITV output in January 1998 and introduced a heavily revamped live in-vision service and a new logo in May of that year.
What was Nigel Pickard's primary strategy to reinvigorate CITV following the 1998 revamp?
Answer: To commission more live entertainment content for older pre-teen and teenage audiences.
Explanation: Nigel Pickard's strategy to reinvigorate the brand involved commissioning more live entertainment content, such as 'SMTV Live,' specifically aimed at older pre-teen and teenage viewers.
How did the 1998 revamp under Nigel Pickard affect preschool programming on CITV?
Answer: It resulted in the decommissioning of many weekly preschool shows in favor of daily stripped programs.
Explanation: The 1998 revamp led to the decommissioning of many weekly or twice-weekly preschool shows. They were replaced with newer programs designed to be 'stripped' daily, a scheduling strategy to better compete with the BBC.
Who were selected as the new in-vision presentation team for CITV by producer Steve Ryde in 1998?
Answer: Stephen Mulhern and Danielle Nicholls
Explanation: Following over 900 auditions, producer Steve Ryde selected Stephen Mulhern and Danielle Nicholls to be the new in-vision presentation team for the 1998 CITV revamp.
When did Nigel Pickard leave CITV, and what significant role did he subsequently take on at the BBC?
Answer: June 2000, launching the CBBC and CBeebies channels.
Explanation: Nigel Pickard left his role at CITV in June 2000 and moved to the BBC, where he was responsible for launching the dedicated children's channels, CBBC and CBeebies.
What was the 'Telly Tots' sub-strand, and what did it replace in the afternoon schedule?
Answer: A new pre-school block with CGI-animated mascots, replacing in-vision presentation.
Explanation: Introduced by Janie Grace, 'Telly Tots' was a new pre-school block that used CGI-animated mascots for its continuity links, replacing the in-vision presenters during its specific afternoon timeslot.
Who succeeded Janie Grace as ITV's controller of children and youth programming in 2003?
Answer: Steven Andrew
Explanation: In 2003, Steven Andrew took over from Janie Grace to become ITV's new controller of children and youth programming.
What was the status of in-vision continuity on CITV by the end of August 2004?
Answer: It was replaced by an out-of-vision voice-over.
Explanation: By August 31, 2004, all in-vision continuity on CITV was discontinued and replaced by an out-of-vision voice-over.
CITV's original afternoon programming slot on the main ITV network was expanded in late 2006 due to increased viewership.
Answer: False
Explanation: The afternoon programming slot on the main ITV network was axed in late 2006, with children's programming being relegated to weekend mornings.
CITV's budget was significantly reduced in 2001 primarily due to increased competition from new digital children's channels.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary reason for the 17% budget cut in 2001 was a broader advertising recession, not direct competition from digital channels.
In 2001, CITV controller Janie Grace publicly criticized Carlton and Granada Television for their lack of investment in ITV's children's service.
Answer: True
Explanation: Amid budget cuts, CITV controller Janie Grace publicly criticized Carlton and Granada Television for underinvesting in the network's children's programming.
By 2002, CITV had experienced a total budget reduction of 50%, amounting to £30 million.
Answer: False
Explanation: By 2002, the total budget reduction was 25%, which amounted to £30 million.
A third round of budget cuts for CITV was driven by factors including the rising costs of original production, an impending ban on 'junk food' advertising, and increased digital competition.
Answer: True
Explanation: The reasons cited for a third round of budget cuts included the perceived high cost of original productions, the anticipated impact of a ban on 'junk food' advertising, and growing competition from other digital children's channels.
ITV shut down its in-house children's programming unit in the summer of 2006, citing the competitive production environment as the reason.
Answer: True
Explanation: As part of a restructuring process in summer 2006, ITV closed its in-house children's programming unit, publicly blaming the competitive production landscape.
The 2006 'commissioning freeze' at ITV resulted in the CITV channel's schedule being filled primarily with new, unaired productions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'commissioning freeze' had the opposite effect, leaving the CITV channel's schedule with only repeats and a very limited number of new productions that had not yet been aired.
CITV's weekday afternoon strand on the main ITV network permanently ceased by January 2007, making the dedicated CITV channel the primary outlet for its programming.
Answer: True
Explanation: By January 2007, the weekday afternoon block on the main ITV channel was permanently ended, solidifying the dedicated CITV channel as the main home for ITV's children's content.
What happened to CITV's original afternoon programming slot on the main ITV network in late 2006?
Answer: It was axed, though a block continued on weekend mornings.
Explanation: In late 2006, the weekday afternoon programming slot on the main ITV network was discontinued, although a children's programming block was retained on weekend mornings.
What was the primary reason cited for CITV's 17% budget cut in 2001?
Answer: The advertising recession
Explanation: The significant budget cut that CITV faced in 2001 was attributed primarily to a wider advertising recession affecting the industry.
Which CITV controller publicly criticized Carlton and Granada Television for underinvestment in ITV's children's service in 2001?
Answer: Janie Grace
Explanation: In 2001, CITV controller Janie Grace was vocal in her public criticism of Carlton and Granada Television, accusing them of underinvesting in the network's children's programming.
By 2002, what was the total percentage of budget reduction for CITV?
Answer: 25%
Explanation: Following an initial 17% cut, further reductions brought the total budget cut for CITV to 25% by 2002.
Which of the following was a key reason for a third round of budget cuts for CITV?
Answer: The perceived rising costs of original production and the impending 'junk food' advertising ban.
Explanation: A third round of budget cuts was prompted by several factors, including the perceived high cost of original productions and the anticipated financial impact of an upcoming ban on 'junk food' advertising.
When did ITV shut down its in-house children's programming unit, and what reason was publicly given?
Answer: Summer 2006, due to the competitive production environment.
Explanation: ITV closed its in-house children's programming unit in the summer of 2006, stating publicly that the decision was due to the competitive production environment.
What was the primary consequence of ITV's 'commissioning freeze' in 2006 on the CITV channel's schedule?
Answer: The channel's scheduling was left with only repeats and limited unaired new productions.
Explanation: The 'commissioning freeze' in 2006 meant that no new shows were being ordered, leaving the CITV channel's schedule to be filled with repeats and a small number of previously commissioned but unaired productions.
When did CITV's weekday afternoon strand on the main ITV network permanently conclude?
Answer: January 2007
Explanation: The weekday afternoon programming block for children on the main ITV network was permanently ended by January 2007.
Nine years after moving to Manchester, CITV operations were relocated to ITV Granada's MediaCityUK studios in Salford.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the 2004 move to Manchester, CITV operations were relocated again nine years later to ITV Granada's MediaCityUK studios in Salford.
The CITV digital channel launched on the Freeview platform in March 2006.
Answer: True
Explanation: The dedicated CITV digital channel launched on Freeview on March 11, 2006.
The CITV digital channel's daily schedule from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm consisted primarily of newly commissioned, original content.
Answer: False
Explanation: The CITV digital channel's schedule was primarily composed of repeated content from the ITV archives and acquired programming, not newly commissioned content.
Unlike most other ITV channels, CITV did not offer a +1 timeshift service, and its HD simulcast had limited availability.
Answer: True
Explanation: The CITV channel was distinct in that it lacked a +1 simulcast, and its HD version was only accessible on Sky online and Sky Glass platforms.
Plans for a standalone CITV digital channel were first reported in 2000 but were put on hold due to a lack of available digital bandwidth.
Answer: False
Explanation: While plans for a standalone channel were reported in 2000, they were put on hold indefinitely due to budget cuts in 2001, not a lack of digital bandwidth.
In 2005, the proposed name for a joint venture children's channel between ITV and Nickelodeon was 'KidsNet'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The proposed name for the joint venture channel between ITV and Nickelodeon was 'INK', which stood for ITV Nickelodeon Kids.
The joint venture between ITV and Nickelodeon for a children's channel failed to proceed because the two parties could not agree on the structure and branding of the new venture.
Answer: True
Explanation: The proposed joint venture did not move forward because the two companies failed to reach an agreement on the exact structure and branding, leading to a mutual decision to abandon the project.
The CITV channel officially launched on March 11, 2006, with 'Holly and Stephen's Saturday Showdown' as its first program.
Answer: True
Explanation: The CITV channel launched at 9:25 am on March 11, 2006, and its first broadcast was a simulcast of 'Holly and Stephen's Saturday Showdown'.
The CITV channel initially broadcast daily from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Answer: False
Explanation: The CITV channel's initial daily broadcast schedule was from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The 'Mini CITV' strand, a revamped pre-school block, was introduced in November 2009 alongside a new logo and visual identity.
Answer: True
Explanation: On November 2, 2009, CITV introduced a new logo and visual identity, which included the launch of 'Mini CITV', a revamped pre-school programming block.
To celebrate its thirtieth anniversary in January 2013, the CITV channel held a special 'Retro Rewind' event featuring classic programming.
Answer: False
Explanation: The thirtieth-anniversary event was officially known as the 'Old Skool Weekend', not 'Retro Rewind'.
The new visual identity for CITV introduced in January 2013 featured a 'yellowy-orange' logo, cartoon idents with humorous sounds, and child voiceovers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2013 rebranding of CITV included a 'yellowy-orange' logo, cartoon idents with humorous sound effects, and voiceovers provided by children.
CITV's dedicated in-house promotions and presentation unit was disbanded in November 2016.
Answer: True
Explanation: The dedicated in-house unit responsible for CITV's promotions and presentation was axed in November 2016.
From 2019 until its closure in 2022, the British Film Institute's (BFI) Young Audiences Content Fund provided grants for additional content on CITV.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BFI's Young Audiences Content Fund, a three-year pilot scheme, provided grants that supported additional content on CITV from 2019 until the fund was closed by the UK Government in 2022.
The final program broadcast on the CITV channel before its cessation was an episode of 'The Rubbish World of Dave Spud' titled 'Moonbreaker'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The last program to air on the CITV channel before it ceased broadcasting was indeed the 'Moonbreaker' episode of 'The Rubbish World of Dave Spud'.
Programming on the CITV channel between 6:00 am and 9:25 am was controlled by ITV Breakfast, which had rebranded its GMTV children's output as CITV.
Answer: True
Explanation: The early morning block on the CITV channel was controlled by ITV Breakfast, which had rebranded its children's output (formerly on GMTV) under the CITV banner.
Nine years after the relocation to Manchester, to which specific studios were CITV operations moved?
Answer: ITV Granada's MediaCityUK studios in Salford
Explanation: Following the move to Manchester, CITV operations were relocated again nine years later to ITV Granada's purpose-built MediaCityUK studios in Salford.
On what date did CITV launch as a dedicated digital channel on Freeview?
Answer: 11 March 2006
Explanation: The standalone CITV digital channel was launched on the Freeview platform on March 11, 2006.
What type of content did the CITV digital channel primarily broadcast?
Answer: Repeated ITV content and acquired programming
Explanation: The schedule of the CITV digital channel was composed mainly of repeated content from ITV's archives, supplemented by acquired programming.
Which statement accurately describes how the CITV channel's simulcast services differed from other ITV channels?
Answer: It lacked a +1 simulcast, and its HD was limited to Sky online and Sky Glass.
Explanation: Unlike most of ITV's other channels, CITV did not have a +1 timeshift service, and its high-definition simulcast was only available on select Sky platforms.
When were plans for a standalone CITV digital channel first reported, and what caused them to be put on hold indefinitely?
Answer: 2000, due to budget cuts in 2001.
Explanation: Plans for a dedicated CITV channel were first reported in 2000 but were shelved indefinitely following significant budget cuts in 2001.
What was the proposed name for the joint venture children's channel between ITV and Nickelodeon in 2005?
Answer: INK
Explanation: The proposed name for the joint venture channel between ITV and Nickelodeon was 'INK', an acronym for ITV Nickelodeon Kids.
Why did the proposed joint venture between ITV and Nickelodeon for a children's channel ultimately fail to proceed?
Answer: Both parties failed to agree on the exact structure and branding.
Explanation: The joint venture did not proceed because the two companies could not reach an agreement on the precise structure and branding of the proposed channel.
When did the CITV channel officially launch, and what was the first program broadcast?
Answer: 11 March 2006, 'Holly and Stephen's Saturday Showdown'
Explanation: The dedicated CITV channel launched on March 11, 2006, with a simulcast of 'Holly and Stephen's Saturday Showdown' as its inaugural program.
What was the CITV channel's initial daily broadcast schedule upon its launch?
Answer: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Explanation: Upon its launch, the CITV channel broadcast daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
What was the 'Mini CITV' strand, and when was it introduced alongside a new logo?
Answer: A revamped pre-school strand, November 2009.
Explanation: 'Mini CITV' was a revamped pre-school programming strand that was introduced as part of a channel-wide rebrand in November 2009.
What special event did the CITV channel hold in January 2013 to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary?
Answer: The 'Old Skool Weekend' featuring archive programming.
Explanation: To mark its thirtieth anniversary, the CITV channel held a special marathon of archive programming known as the 'Old Skool Weekend' in January 2013.
Which of the following accurately describes the new visual identity introduced for CITV on January 14, 2013?
Answer: A 'yellowy-orange' logo, cartoon idents with humorous sounds, and child voiceovers.
Explanation: The 2013 rebranding included a 'yellowy-orange' logo, cartoon-style idents featuring humorous sound effects, and voiceovers provided by children.
When was CITV's dedicated in-house promotions and presentation unit disbanded?
Answer: November 2016
Explanation: The dedicated in-house unit responsible for CITV's promotions and on-air presentation was disbanded in November 2016.
What fund provided grants for additional content on CITV from 2019 until its closure by the UK Government in 2022?
Answer: The Young Audiences Content Fund
Explanation: From 2019 until the fund was closed in 2022, the British Film Institute's (BFI) Young Audiences Content Fund provided grants that supported additional content on CITV.
What was the final program to air on the CITV channel before it officially ceased broadcasting?
Answer: 'The Rubbish World of Dave Spud' (episode 'Moonbreaker')
Explanation: The final program broadcast on the dedicated CITV channel before it ceased operations was the 'Moonbreaker' episode of 'The Rubbish World of Dave Spud'.
Who controlled programming on the CITV channel during the early morning block from 6:00 am to 9:25 am?
Answer: ITV Breakfast
Explanation: The early morning programming block on the CITV channel was controlled by ITV Breakfast, which had rebranded its own children's output under the CITV banner.
Following the cessation of its standalone channel in September 2023, CITV transitioned to a morning programming block on the ITV2 channel.
Answer: True
Explanation: The standalone CITV channel ceased broadcasting on September 1, 2023, and the brand was repurposed as a morning programming block on ITV2.
ITVX Kids was launched in July 2023 as a children's hub on the ITVX streaming service, intended to eventually replace the linear CITV channel.
Answer: True
Explanation: ITVX Kids was launched on July 22, 2023, as a new children's hub on the ITVX streaming platform, with the stated intention of replacing the broadcast CITV channel.
The standalone CITV channel concluded its broadcasting operations at 9:00 pm on September 1, 2023.
Answer: True
Explanation: The dedicated CITV channel officially ceased broadcasting at 9:00 pm on Friday, September 1, 2023.
Following the closure of the standalone CITV channel in September 2023, the children's programming block was moved to ITV3.
Answer: False
Explanation: After the standalone channel's closure, the children's programming block was moved to ITV2, where it airs during the morning breakfast time slot.
The children's programming strand currently airing on ITV2 has adopted entirely new branding, distinct from the former CITV channel.
Answer: False
Explanation: The children's strand on ITV2 has retained the pre-existing CITV branding, despite the closure of the dedicated channel.
The last regular children's television slot on the main ITV network concluded in late August 2023.
Answer: True
Explanation: The final regular children's TV slot on the main ITV network ended on Sunday, August 27, 2023, just before 8:25 am.
The new CITV programming block on ITV2 initially aired from 5:00 am to 9:00 am, but its schedule was later extended.
Answer: False
Explanation: The programming block on ITV2 initially aired from 5:00 am to 9:00 am but was later shortened to run from 6:00 am to 9:00 am.
The ITV2 breakfast time block features shows primarily sourced from the ITVX Kids streaming service, including titles like 'Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The content for the ITV2 morning block is sourced from the ITVX Kids streaming service and includes acquired programs such as 'Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous'.
What is the operational status of the CITV brand as of late 2023?
Answer: It is a morning programming block airing on ITV2.
Explanation: After its standalone channel ceased broadcasting in September 2023, the CITV brand continued as a morning programming block on the ITV2 channel.
What was the intended strategic role of ITVX Kids upon its launch in July 2023?
Answer: As the eventual replacement for the linear CITV channel.
Explanation: ITVX Kids was launched on the ITVX streaming service with the explicit intention of eventually replacing the linear, broadcast CITV channel.
On what specific date and at what time did the standalone CITV channel officially cease broadcasting?
Answer: 1 September 2023, 9:00 pm
Explanation: The dedicated CITV channel officially ended its broadcast operations at 9:00 pm on Friday, September 1, 2023.
After the standalone CITV channel closed in September 2023, where was the children's programming block relocated?
Answer: It was moved to ITV2, airing every morning.
Explanation: Following the closure of the dedicated channel, the children's programming block was moved to the ITV2 channel, where it airs daily during the morning.
What branding is currently used for the children's programming strand on ITV2?
Answer: The pre-existing CITV branding
Explanation: Despite the closure of the dedicated channel, the children's programming block on ITV2 has retained the established CITV branding.
When did the final regular children's TV slot on the main ITV network conclude?
Answer: 27 August 2023
Explanation: The very last regular children's television slot on the main ITV network ended on Sunday, August 27, 2023.
What was the initial and later shortened time slot for the CITV programming block on ITV2?
Answer: Initially 5:00 am to 9:00 am, later 6:00 am to 9:00 am.
Explanation: The CITV block on ITV2 initially ran from 5:00 am to 9:00 am daily, but this was later shortened to a 6:00 am to 9:00 am slot.
From where is the content for the ITV2 breakfast time block primarily sourced?
Answer: The ITVX Kids streaming service
Explanation: The shows featured on the ITV2 morning block are sourced from the library of the ITVX Kids streaming service.
On its launch day, the CITV channel achieved higher average viewership than Cartoon Network, Boomerang, and Nickelodeon.
Answer: True
Explanation: On its launch day, the CITV channel's average viewership of 33,000 was higher than that of its commercial competitors Cartoon Network (20,000), Boomerang (28,000), and Nickelodeon (26,000).
The highest viewing figure for the CITV channel was recorded by an episode of 'Danger Mouse' during the 'Old Skool Weekend' in 2013.
Answer: True
Explanation: The channel's highest-ever viewing figure was 578,000 viewers, achieved by an episode of 'Danger Mouse' broadcast during the 'Old Skool Weekend' anniversary event on January 6, 2013.
What does the acronym CITV represent?
Answer: Children's Independent Television
Explanation: The source material confirms that the acronym CITV stands for Children's Independent Television.
On its launch day, how did the CITV channel's average viewership compare to its main commercial competitors?
Answer: It had higher viewership than all three.
Explanation: On its launch day, the CITV channel achieved a higher average viewership than its main commercial competitors: Cartoon Network, Boomerang, and Nickelodeon.
What was the highest viewing figure recorded for the CITV channel, and which program achieved this milestone?
Answer: 578,000 viewers, 'Danger Mouse'
Explanation: The channel's highest-ever viewing figure was 578,000, achieved by an episode of the classic cartoon 'Danger Mouse' during the 'Old Skool Weekend' anniversary event in 2013.