Kids TV Campaign Launched

A campaign has been launched to save children's TV.

With British-made programmes being cut back due to budget constraints, the schedules will soon be made up entirely of repeats, cartoons and US imports unless urgent action is taken, according to industry figures.

Former Playschool presenter Floella Benjamin is spearheading a new petition organised by Pact, which represents independent TV companies.

Entering your postcode at www.pact.co.uk/campaign will generate an automatic letter to your MP demanding the safeguarding of British children's programmes. There is also a petition on the No 10 website which has already been signed by 3,039 people.

Floella said: "British kids' TV has always been an inherent part of our culture. For generations, the programmes aimed at kids have been celebrated not only for their strong content and challenging views, but for the endless choice."

"Kids' TV has, for many, provided a rite of passage."

"However, the continued reduction in funding that has taken place in the last few years has resulted in a fall in the number of new programmes made."

"Without immediate action, this spells the end of British kids' TV as we know it, leaving future generations nothing other than a series of re-runs and imports."