CBBC

CBBC is the BBC's principal brand for content aimed at children roughly aged six to twelve and the name of its dedicated British free-to-air children's television channel. The service combines live and recorded television presentation with drama, comedy, entertainment, animation, factual programming, news, sport, games and informal learning. Its principal editorial remit is to provide distinctive, high-quality and trusted content for school-age children, with most of the output produced in the United Kingdom and with participation, creativity and learning embedded in the service. The CBBC name originated as an abbreviation of Children's BBC. From 1997 it was used to identify BBC children's programming shown on BBC One and BBC Two. Before the dedicated channel launched, the brand also appeared in distribution arrangements and programming blocks on services including Nickelodeon and BBC Choice. The standalone CBBC Channel launched on 11 February 2002 alongside CBeebies, which serves younger children. The two services established a clearer BBC portfolio structure: CBeebies for pre-school audiences and CBBC for older children. At launch, CBBC shared transmission capacity with BBC Choice and subsequently with BBC Three. Its standard broadcast schedule historically ran from the morning until early evening, although the channel was temporarily extended into the evening from 2016 to early 2022 to serve older children and young teenagers after BBC Three moved toward an online-first model. When BBC Three returned as a linear channel in January 2022, CBBC reverted to a schedule ending at 7:00 p.m. The channel has also been distributed in high definition, through BBC online services, and to British Forces Broadcasting Service audiences. CBBC is more than a television channel. Its wider brand ecosystem has included the CBBC website, games, video, puzzles, moderated participation features, programme microsites, Newsround and sport-related content, as well as availability through BBC iPlayer. The Red Button service CBBC Extra previously supplied interactive features and additional material. The brand has also been adapted for Scottish Gaelic presentation within BBC Alba through CBBC Alba and has supported international distribution of BBC children's programming through BBC Studios-operated or partner services. The service has repeatedly refreshed its visual identity and presentation style in response to changes in children's media consumption. Major redesigns occurred in 2007 and 2016, with the 2016 identity using a colourful, flexible wordmark intended to work across television and digital platforms. In March 2023, the on-screen identity was updated to align with the BBC's wider 2021 branding system. Presentation operations moved from BBC Television Centre to MediaCityUK in Salford in 2011. The channel has received Channel of the Year recognition at the British Academy Children's Awards in 2008, 2012 and 2015. In 2022 the BBC proposed eventually replacing CBBC as a linear service with an online content hub as part of a broader digital-first restructuring. The proposal was not an immediate closure: the BBC said the service would remain available for at least several years while the future model was considered. In December 2024, reporting indicated that the closure plan had been reprieved because audience evidence did not yet support ending the linear channel. CBBC therefore remains an active BBC children's brand and broadcaster, operating alongside its online and on-demand services.

CBBC developed from the BBC's long-running children's programming operation rather than beginning solely as a television channel. The abbreviation Children's BBC was adopted as a unified brand for programming aimed at children on BBC One and BBC Two in 1997. Earlier distribution experiments included a CBBC block on Nickelodeon between 1996 and 1999 and CBBC-branded output associated with BBC Choice from 1998 until the launch of the dedicated channel. On 11 February 2002, CBBC launched as a standalone free-to-air channel at the same time as CBeebies. The division gave the BBC distinct linear services for older children and pre-school viewers. CBBC initially shared capacity with BBC Choice and, from February 2003, with BBC Three. The channel carried a mixture of programmes inherited from the BBC's terrestrial children's blocks, repeats, full-series runs and exclusive commissions. Its editorial range included drama, comedy, factual material, animation, entertainment, news and sport. Education has remained part of the service's public-purpose identity. CBBC once scheduled substantial blocks of factual and schools programming through Class TV. That format ended in 2008 after changes to the channel's remit, but educational output later returned in different forms, including Live Lessons introduced in 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread school closures, CBBC broadcast additional learning-oriented programming and newly recorded material to support children who lacked reliable access to online lessons. The brand expanded into digital distribution as children's viewing habits changed. A live stream became available through the CBBC website in 2008. The website offered games, videos, puzzles, programme information, moderated participation and news, while BBC iPlayer supplied recent programmes on demand. CBBC Extra, delivered through BBC Red Button and later online, provided interactive features, audience material and supplementary content until its online discontinuation in 2016. CBBC HD launched in December 2013. Brand presentation was refreshed several times. A major relaunch in 2007 sought to appeal across the channel's broad age range and compete more effectively with commercial children's networks. A new multicoloured logo and presentation system arrived in March 2016, designed for both television and digital applications. The on-screen identity was updated again in March 2023 to align with the BBC's newer corporate branding. Operationally, CBBC presentation moved from BBC Television Centre to MediaCityUK in Salford in September 2011, where the BBC Children's and Education department is based. Studio presentation arrangements have changed over time, including the use of dedicated CBBC HQ facilities and later temporary arrangements following the departure from the former MediaCityUK studio in 2023. The channel's schedule has been shaped by BBC capacity decisions. In 2015 the BBC Trust approved a proposal to extend CBBC's day by two hours, and the longer schedule operated from April 2016 until January 2022. The return of BBC Three as a broadcast service led CBBC to resume its earlier 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. pattern. In 2022 the BBC proposed eventually moving CBBC from linear broadcasting to an online-only model as part of a digital-first restructuring. By December 2024, the proposed closure had been reprieved, leaving CBBC active while the BBC continued to assess the role of linear children's television.

1. 2024Linear closure proposal reprieved

   The previously announced plan to end the linear service was reported as reprieved in December.

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2. 2023Identity updated to match BBC branding

   The on-screen bug and presentation identity were revised on 15 March to reflect the BBC's newer logo system.

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3. 2022Broadcast day returns to 7:00 p.m.

   CBBC reduced its hours after BBC Three returned as a linear channel.

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4. 2019Live Lessons revive scheduled learning content

   CBBC introduced weekday Live Lessons as part of a renewed educational offering.

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5. 2018CBBC Alba introduced

   The children's block on BBC Alba was divided into CBeebies Alba and CBBC Alba, with Gaelic-language presentation and programming.

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6. 2016Multicoloured identity introduced

   CBBC launched a new logo and on-air presentation on 14 March and extended its broadcast day in April.

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7. 2013CBBC HD launches

   A high-definition version of CBBC began broadcasting on 10 December.

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8. 2011BBC Children's operation moves to Salford

   The BBC Children's department moved to MediaCityUK, and CBBC presentation operations followed.

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9. 2008Live online service introduced

   The channel became available as a live stream through the CBBC website.

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10. 2007Major brand relaunch

    CBBC introduced a refreshed identity intended to appeal to the full 6-to-12 audience and strengthen its competitive position.

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11. 2003Timesharing moves to BBC Three

    After BBC Three replaced BBC Choice, CBBC began sharing its transmission capacity with BBC Three.

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12. 2002Dedicated CBBC Channel launches

    CBBC launched as a standalone free-to-air channel on 11 February alongside CBeebies.

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13. 1997CBBC name adopted as a BBC children's brand

    The CBBC name began identifying BBC programming for children on BBC One and BBC Two.

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A trusted, public-service children's media brand combining entertainment, information, learning and participation for school-age audiences, with a strong emphasis on UK-produced content and safe digital engagement.

• CBBC ChannelLinear television channel2002

  The core free-to-air channel for children aged approximately 6 to 12. It schedules UK children's drama, comedy, animation, entertainment, factual programming, news and learning content, with live presentation and audience participation. The channel normally broadcasts from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and timeshares with BBC Three.

• CBBC OnlineDigital content platform

  The CBBC website extends the television brand with programme pages, games, videos, puzzles, printable activities, moderated participation features and regularly updated news. It also connects audiences with Newsround, sports material and BBC iPlayer programming.

• CBBC on BBC iPlayerOn-demand video service

  An on-demand destination for recent CBBC programmes and related BBC children's content. It forms an important part of the brand's digital distribution strategy and was central to proposals for a future online-first CBBC service.

• CBBC HDHigh-definition television channel2013

  The high-definition version of the CBBC channel, launched in December 2013 and distributed through BBC television capacity and selected pay-TV platforms. Its availability and transmission arrangements vary by territory and multiplex requirements.

• CBBC ExtraInteractive television service

  A former BBC Red Button and online service offering interactive features, audience contributions, games, programme-related material, Newsround content and other supplementary items. The online version was discontinued in 2016.

• CBBC AlbaRegional children's programming block2018

  The Scottish Gaelic children's block on BBC Alba, introduced in 2018 as part of a split between CBeebies Alba and CBBC Alba. It uses Gaelic-language presentation and provides dubbed or adapted children's programming.

• 2020COVID-19 educational programming response

  United Kingdom

  During school closures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, CBBC expanded learning-oriented broadcasting for primary-age children. The schedule combined existing programmes with new or newly recorded material to support children who could not readily access online lessons.

  Outcome. Provided an additional public-service learning route during school disruption.

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• 2023Refresh of the on-screen identityGeneration change

  The 2016 multicoloured identity had been in use for seven years, while the BBC had introduced a newer corporate logo system.

  What changed. CBBC updated its on-screen bug and presentation identity on 15 March to align with BBC branding.

  Aftermath. The brand retained a child-focused identity while becoming more consistent with the wider BBC design system.

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• 2022Proposal to move CBBC toward an online-only modelStrategy

  As part of a BBC digital-first restructuring and cost-reduction programme, the BBC proposed ending CBBC as a linear service in the longer term.

  What changed. The BBC announced that CBBC would eventually operate primarily as an iPlayer content hub, while remaining on air for at least several years during the transition.

  Aftermath. The proposal was later reprieved, with December 2024 reporting indicating that audience evidence did not yet justify closing the linear channel.

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• 2016Extension of the CBBC broadcast dayStrategy

  The BBC had additional capacity following the move of BBC Three toward an online-first model and wanted to serve older children during later hours.

  What changed. CBBC extended its schedule by two hours, operating until 9:00 p.m. from April 2016.

  Aftermath. The extended schedule continued until early January 2022, when BBC Three returned as a linear channel.

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• 2002Launch of the standalone CBBC ChannelProduct launch

  The BBC sought to organise its children's output into dedicated services for different age groups.

  What changed. CBBC launched as a free-to-air channel on 11 February 2002 alongside CBeebies.

  Aftermath. The launch established CBBC as a distinct channel and retained the brand for BBC children's programming on other platforms.

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• 2024Proposed CBBC closure is reprieved

  Reporting in December 2024 indicated that the proposed linear shutdown had been reprieved because audience data did not yet demonstrate that closure was necessary.

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• 2022CBBC returns to a 7:00 p.m. sign-off

  Following BBC Three's return as a linear channel, CBBC reduced its broadcast hours and resumed timesharing from 7:00 p.m.

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• 2022BBC proposes an online-first future for CBBC

  The BBC announced a plan to discontinue CBBC as a linear service in the longer term and operate it primarily as an iPlayer-based content hub, subject to implementation and review.

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• 2016CBBC extends its broadcast hours

  The channel extended its transmission day to 9:00 p.m., using capacity associated with BBC Three and targeting older children and young teenagers.

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• 2011CBBC launches on Sky in Ireland

  CBBC expanded its television availability to Sky viewers in Ireland.

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• 2008CBBC becomes available as a live online stream

  The BBC announced that CBBC would be made available live through its website, extending the channel beyond conventional television distribution.

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• 2002CBBC launches as a dedicated children's channel

  CBBC began standalone broadcasting on 11 February 2002 alongside CBeebies, formalising the BBC's separate services for school-age and pre-school audiences.

  Product launch
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1. CBBC
2. CBBC official website