I was thinking this afternoon, don't know why, but in 2002, CiTV changed it's graphics to co inside with the new look ITV1 in October, so maybe they are thinking about a similar thing for CiTV this year and maybe changing things on November 1st like everything else.
It would be a lovely surprise, and would make sense that this period is a brief fill in, as the 2002 graphics were (as CBBC relaunched, and launched the channel, and the then main titles had been in use since Sept 1999).
Plus many of the new programmes that they trailed like the new worst witch, the new My Parents Are Aliens, and that show on the Autumn trailer with the musketeer like people (haven't a clue what that is).
I'm not thinking of a major relaunch, just something to freshen up the current...
Use the logo on white, or on other colours and use them along with characters and pieces from the show
Add music to the idents, even in the form of the simple tune
Create start ups and ends to make it seem like a proper show
Or maybe use the letters as new bouncing letters in their modified state and more 4 sided than rounded.
Create a simple studio (though not totally white, perhaps using the CiTV colours of yellow, red & blue),
Get a couple of presenters, even if it's Andy & Laura again
Build up on the interactivity through new ways
Return of competitions, including big and quick ones
Bring back text and email for instant communication to CiTV
Perhaps set up an active service where viewers can send instant messages, find out information about the shows & presenters and play games (which could bring in revenue for CiTV/itv), and would also give itvi something to do!
Try the Nickelodeion idea and screen instant messages on a bar over the adverts, this would keep viewers watching through the adverts instead of flicking, and may create more revenue as they can sell the adverts for more as more viewers will be watching.
Just a few ideas that may boost the audience, along with taking away little programmes to give more on air time for competitions, maybe games.
As Steve Ryde said a few years ago when Central News looked behind the scenes of CiTV in 2000, the key to success is to be different and that's what they try and provide on CiTV, well did!
Thus the reason for the success of da bungalow in a way as it is a totally different Saturday Morning show.
Kids can get TV anywhere, so the idea is to make it different, distinctive and provide something that they won't get on any other channel, not only with programmes (with the live programme format being a great idea in the late 90's), but also with in vision continuity!
Charles Allen may want rid of it, but if they put in the effort it could reap rewards for CiTv and the itv network. Of course it's going to get rubbish ratings if nobody likes the way it's presented, thus why that's the key rule at school for essays, projects, coursework, etc; Presentation is the Key!
It could be true as they may have been looking for a new studio, or sorting out arrangements and may do it to coincide, then again maybe they won't do anything and just let CiTV lose many more viewers until Ofcom give them the power to get rid of it!
Where as whilst its compulsary they may as well use it as much as they can to get great audiences, and to get children liking the ITV brand as young children that will grow up to become the ITV audience in future years.
It may be true, then again, I do think about things too much!