BBC CBeebies U-turn grants reprieve to Bob the Builder, Rastamouse & Mr Tumble
Some of the BBC’s most popular children’s shows have been spared from broadcasting oblivion after the network bowed to public pressure and agreed to keep its CBeebies channel on air having earlier singled it out for closure.
The U-turn followed a public petition against the closure which drew over 130,000 signatories and means the home of hit shows and characters such as Bob the Builder, Rastamouse and Mr Tumble remains secure for now.
Confirming the policy about turn whilst addressing MPs at the Culture, Media and Sport select committee BBC director general Lord Hall said: “We don't have proposals to take CBeebies and CBBC, as channels, out of the environment."
Campaigners argued that Cbeebies was an important educational and entertainment resource for children that allowed stressed parents to carry out housework whilst their children were distracted.
The BBC had earlier identified CBeebies for its latest round of budget cuts that are forcing the public service broadcaster to reduce and close services.