RTÉjr

RTÉjr is an Irish free-to-air children's television channel operated by state-owned broadcaster RTÉ. The channel mainly targets a demographic of 2- to 7-year-olds, but some cartoons for older children also air. The channel is part of RTÉ KIDS.[1]

RTÉjr
CountryIreland
Broadcast areaIreland
Northern Ireland
HeadquartersDonnybrook, Dublin
Programming
Language(s)English
Irish
Picture format576i 16:9 (SDTV)
Ownership
OwnerRaidió Teilifís Éireann
Sister channelsRTÉ One
RTÉ2
RTÉ News
History
Launched27 May 2011 (official channel)
15 April 2013 (update)
Links
Websiterte.ie/rtejr
Availability
Terrestrial
SaorviewChannel 7
Streaming media
Virgin TV AnywhereWatch live (Ireland only)
Aer TVWatch live (Ireland only)
RTÉ PlayerWatch live (available depending on rights)

The channel broadcasts 12 hours of programming each day between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.[2] It is supported by radio station RTÉ Junior and additional services available on-demand, on mobile and online.[2] The channel operates alongside its sister strand TRTÉ on RTÉ2.

History

RTÉjr was initially a programming block on public service broadcaster RTÉ2, launching on 20 September 2010, replacing Den Tots.[3]

RTÉ planned on launching a television channel dedicated to RTÉjr; it launched on May 27, 2011, at 11:00 (IST). The channel does not carry advertising, in line with the broadcaster's policy not to target advertising towards those under 6 years of age.

By April 2013, the channel began a stand-alone schedule; however, plans to replace the RTÉjr block on RTÉ2 have yet to come to light. The channel broadcasts as a stand-alone channel with its own schedule and new programming.[4]

Availability

The channel is available to 98% of television viewers within the Republic of Ireland through Saorview. The channel became available on Virgin Media Ireland on channel 600 on 15 March 2012[5] and on Sky Ireland on channel 624 (635 in NI) on 15 April 2013. The channel's programming can be viewed internationally through its on-demand service, mobile services and website.[2]

Programming

The channel has a wide range of domestically produced programming, either in-studio programming or animations. Its flagship programme is hosted by former Six member Emma O'Driscoll, Muireann NiChiobhain, Clara Murray and their puppet friends Séamus the dog and Bláithín the flower fairy. The channel has a strong focus on inclusive programming with a mix of programming in Irish, English and Irish Sign Language.[6]

On 3 May 2011,[7][8] RTÉjr broadcast Punky, the world's first animated series which focuses on the life and adventures of a girl with Down syndrome.[7] The show is broadcast daily at 10:25 and 13:45. It was designed by award-winning Irish animation company Monster Animation and Design.[9]

On 15 April 2013 the channel hosted 14 newly commissioned programmes, including the bilingual show Spraoi, the dance show Move It! and RTÉjr Workshop.

Current programming

References
  1. "RTÉ Kids". RTÉ.ie. 6 November 2021.
  2. Burke, Elaine (10 April 2013). "RTÉjr to become dedicated cross-platform kids' channel on 15 April". Silicon Republic. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  3. "RTÉ overhauls children's TV schedule". The Irish Times. 9 September 2010.
  4. "No children's TV on RTÉ 2 from next month". Newstalk. 10 March 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  5. "UPC forges ahead with new content from RTÉ" (PDF). UPC Ireland. 13 March 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
  6. "Signing now available on RTÉjr". RTÉ. 21 November 2014.
  7. "RTÉ launches new animation series Punky". RTÉ News. 28 April 2011.
  8. "'Punky' and 'Gumball' Arrive on TV Screens". IFTN. 28 April 2011. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  9. "Monster Animation". Monster Animation. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
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