Ofcom rejects ITV plans to cut children's TV

Broadcasting regulator Ofcom has rejected plans by ITV to cut its number of hours of children's programmes.

The broadcaster had been reportedly looking to cut back its hours of kids shows from eight hours a week to two, in order to free the schedule up for shows that would bring in higher ratings. This would have potentially cost the children's production sector around £25million a year.

An Ofcom statement said: "The (Ofcom) Board declined a proposal from ITV plc for a significant change in the volume of children's programmes on ITV1."

ITV submitted an official request to Ofcom in August requesting its commitment to children's programming on ITV1 be reduced.