CBBC Channel to extend hours?

From MediaGuardian...



I presume the only way they can do this is to create a full new stream, as the channel currently time-shares with BBC Three. In which case, could this also open the way for an extension of hours for BBC Three or Four into daytime?

There's also the issue as to how an extra stream could be added on DTT. They've just managed to squeeze in a full-screen BBC Parliament into Mux B by reducing resolution on the interactive feeds. I really hope we don't see picture quality of the main channels reduced to accommodate the extra bandwidth required.

maybe they could ditch BBC3. It's increasingly worthless.

All it does is repeat shows non-stop and all the good stuff is just shown on one and two anyways. You wonder why it's there. At least BBC4 has shows only on BBC4.

It should be relatively straightforward to extend the channel hours on cable and satellite, where capacity is more avaiable.

On Freeview it is more difficult.

It also recently had one of the highest ever ratings for a digital channel (Torchwood launch).

Can't seeing it being ditched. Even though it really does need much more new and quality stuff on there.

I've been watching the Apprentice USA at 7pm on BBC3, but only when I remember to tune in. The reason I forget is that BBC3 is off my list of channels to browse from.

If its not "two pints", its "trouble with my breasts/penis" or some other oft repeated programme.

I have no desire to watch EastEnders, so I dont watch at 10pm as I used to.

Its a dead duck now. I used to enjoy a number of shows (like Liquid News and Ferrocious Mr Fix It), but now it has NOTHING to offer.

It needs a serious rethink.

The only good thing is the continuity announcer with the Scottish voice - becuase it is particularly sexy.

The rest is rubbish.

I don't know, but i'm sure that when the analogue switch-off is over (and I know thats six years away) two/three of the analogue streams are to be donated to DTT.

Correct me if i'm wrong though.

The original plans for the CBBC channel had it ending at 8.00pm, but it was decided that, since audiences for children's channels drop off dramatically after 7.00 (adults taking charge of the remote control?), that hour should be given to BBC Three instead. I will be very surprised if the channel extends through to 10.00 any time soon.

I seem to remember both the controllers of BBC Three and BBC Four have expressed a desire to extend the hours of their channels, yet I bet none of the channels will do so at least until analogue switch-off when the BBC muxes revert to 64 QAM.

BBC Four in daytime would definitely be worthwhile, whereas BBC Three definitely wouldn't. I would only be in favour of an extension of CBBC's hours if the extra time was used for classic children's comedy and drama from the archive - what would be the point in even more repeats of Chucklevision and Tracy Beaker?

Just what we need - Tracy Beeker in primetime!


CBBC and CBeebies haven't got the content to warrant being extended into primetime, and likewise BBC3 and BBC4 don't have enough to extend into daytime. It's just all talk ahead of the licence fee deal!


Anyway, shouldn't kids be hanging around on street corners frightening pensioners by that time of night?

Sorry - you're wrong AIUI.

Once analogue switch off happens the plans are as follows :

1. Move digital broadcasts from 2k to 8k but change the existing 16QAM muxes to 64QAM (back to the way they were under ON Digital) This will mean the two BBC muxes and two Freeview muxes will go from 18Mbs to 24Mbs each. (As the ITV/C4 and Five/SDN muxes are now) This would give the BBC - potentially - 12Mbs more bandwith. Enough for a compromised HD channel in 720/50p (they trialled 13Mbs 720/50p a few weeks ago and it wasn't great) - or 3 or 4 extra SD services.

2. Shuffle digital broadcasts to "better" frequencies closer to the analogue frequencies previously in use in each region, to improve reception on analogue aerials bought for that region.

3. Possibly increase transmitter powers in some cases.

HOWEVER - part of the frequency shuffling will create a large chunk of spectrum clear of TV broadcasts nationwide - which the government can do what it likes with - including selling it off for non-TV use.

The BBC and other existing terrestrial broadcasters are lobbying for some of this space to be made available to them - hence the HDTV trial via terrestrial in London.

However there has been absolutely no suggestion from the government that any of the spectrum free-ed up by ceasing analogue broadcasting will be given to broadcasters.

In my own personal opinion BBC 3's hours should be from 10pm to 5am (mainly because of all the repeats and lack of new and original programming on the channel) thus enabling CBBC to increase its hours to 10pm. I also fel, of my own opinion, that CBBC and CBeebies should merge as I just don't understand why they need 2 channels. The extra time availabe then could be as follows....

BBC Three Transponder
0500 to 2200 CBBC
2200 to 0500 BBC 3


BBC Four Transponder
0400 to 0900 The Learning Zone - predominantly Open University Programmes
0900 to 1300 BBC Schools
1300 to 0400 BBC Four

BBC THREE

6am to 12pm - CBBC programmes
12pm to 3pm - BBC Schools programmes
3pm to 9.30pm - CBBC programmes
9.30pm to 3am - BBC THREE programmes
3am to 6am - BBC Learning Zone programmes

BBC FOUR

6am to 8pm - **** Off-air for CBeebies channel ****
8pm to 2am - BBC FOUR programmes
2am to 6am - BBC Learning Zone programmes

CBEEBIES (space from BBC FOUR)

6am to 8pm - On-air
8pm to 6am - **** Off-air for BBC FOUR channel ****

Or would that not work?

you don't have kids do you?

Do you think we should teach three year olds the curriculum for Yr 6 too?

I agree BBC3 shouldn't be on till 10. Without Liquid there is no reason for it to be on early.