Ofcom allows ITV to reduce programming for children

ITV has consulted Ofcom on its proposals for a reduction of children's programming from around 11.5 hours a week, as transmitted in 2004, to at least 8 in future (although the total for 2005 will be higher than this). ITV proposed that religious output should move from 2 hours to 1.

The Ofcom Board and Content Board have concluded that these changes would afford ITV a greater degree of flexibility in the delivery of its public service obligations in line with recommendations made by Ofcom's Review of Public Service Broadcasting.

The Review identified that the provision of public service broadcasting objectives by the public service channels should be “taken together” and that the level of provision remains substantially the same.

A full statement is available on the Ofcom website.