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BBC revives Play School after 38 years to compete with online children's content

The corporation brings back the classic preschool show with new digital elements as it pushes back against low-quality streaming content.

newest coverage 18h agosummary written 8h ago7 pieces NewswiresGoogle NewsReddit

What to know

  • The BBC is reviving Play School after a 38-year hiatus, bringing back the 1964-1988 classic with digital-age elements including YouTube parenting content.
  • The move responds to widespread concerns about low-quality, addictive online children's content and positions the BBC's brands to compete globally.
  • Patricia Hidalgo, BBC Children's director, has warned of an alarming decline in children's programming among British broadcasters and emphasizes that quality content is more important than ever.
  • The revival coincides with the BBC's launch of a "parenting promise" and is seeking producer pitches while aiming to retain the original show's values around learning through play.

“Play School has always embodied so much of what CBeebies stands for: creativity, curiosity, imagination and learning through play.”

Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children's and Education · The Guardian ↗

Patricia Hidalgo Director of BBC Children's and EducationBBC Public broadcaster

BBC revives Play School after 38 years to compete with online children's content
theguardian.com

How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articlesposts

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  1. 1

    BBC positioning quality programming against online content concerns

    The BBC's decision to revive Play School reflects efforts to counter growing concerns about low-quality and addictive online children's content, a topic being examined by MPs on the culture, media and sport select committee. The move also positions the corporation's brands to compete in the increasingly global children's TV market.

    “In a changing media landscape, we believe trusted, high-quality children's content has never been more important.”
    — Patricia Hidalgo
    1. 5 outlets BBC confirms revival of Children's TV classic Play School

      first by Radio Times, 1d ago · also C21media, Guardian, Guardian Culture, Guardian Media

      2 more headlines
  2. background

    BBC launches "parenting promise" commitment — The announcement of Play School's revival coincides with the launch of the BBC's "parenting promise", described as a commitment to "help every child learn through play", part of the corporation's broader strategy to emphasize quality children's content.

  3. background

    BBC announces revival of Play School with digital elements — The BBC confirmed plans to bring back Play School after a 38-year break, with the show revamped for the digital age to include content for a new CBeebies Parenting YouTube channel. Producers are being invited to pitch their vision for the show, which will maintain its traditional blend of songs, stories, movement, music, poetry, and imaginative play.