Funding will be available from April 2019 to find the next Peppa Pig, Byker Grove and Grange Hill of UK kids TV productions.

According to reports, children today are subjected to repeats of programmes produced in the early noughties.

Over the past decade production of new children’s content has declined.  In 2016, 98% of children’s content on commercial children’s channels and 91% on public service broadcasters were repeats.  Public service broadcasters spend 40% less than they did in 2006.

To overcome this £57 million will be invested in a Young Audience Content Fund administered by the British Film Institute.   Producers can apply for the funding from April 2019.

Minister for Digital, Margot James MP, said:

Young people in the UK deserve high quality content that entertains, informs and reflects their experiences growing up across the country today.

The UK broadcasting and production sectors are world renowned, and a success story to be proud of. This innovative project is an instrumental part of our support for the UK’s vibrant media sector and will help it continue to go from strength to strength.