ITV1 defies Ofcom to cut children's TV

ITV1 has cut children's programming by more than a third this year despite opposition from Ofcom.

The broadcaster's latest disagreement with the regulator emerged today as public service broadcasters released statements on their programming plans for 2008.

Originally, ITV1 proposed to halve its 2007 provision of about four hours per week. Ofcom responded that it would be "inappropriate" to reduce it at all.

The channel revised up its plan to around 2.5 hours per week - still a 36% cut - and the regulator was powerless to stop it.

"Ofcom remains of the view that ITV should not further reduce its children’s output at all, pending completion of Ofcom’s PSB review currently underway," it said in a statement. "Ofcom is, however, unable to take any further action."

ITV insisted it had taken account of opposition and would continue to provide a good range of shows. They would include original programming and particularly pre-school, drama and factual offerings, it said.

The broadcaster complained that its share of the children's audience in 2007 had fallen below 7% as it "faces intense competition from 25 or more dedicated children's channels (including the CITV channel) and new media".

ITV said this and a tough advertising market led it to reduce its children's provision.

Ofcom has opposed ITV's cutting back of children's programming on several occasions in recent years.