BBC launches CBeebies iPlayer

by Dan Leahul, Brand Republic 11-May-09, 10:15

LONDON - The BBC has launched a CBeebies iPlayer for under sixes to complement its CBBC iPlayer, which was released last year.

The "child-friendly" website allows parents to control their children's television viewing in a flexible time frame, airing popular programmes such as 'Timmy Time', 'Charlie and Lola' and 'Kerwizz'.

The service is designed to restrict inadvertent access to non-children's programming, with most shows available for a week after broadcast with some available for up to 13 weeks as series catch ups.

The BBC said a significant number of requests are received each day for CBeebies content via the main BBC iPlayer, with requests only expected to grow with the new service.

The CBeebies website reached more than one million unique users in the UK during the first week of February 2009, a record for the site.

As part of its efforts with CBeebies, the BBC is planning to expand the CBeebie's Red Button service to children, which will include interactive content and games to accompany its programming.

In addition Cbeebies radio is to launch later this year on the Red Button service, as well as a new grown-up section containing useful information for parents.

Erik Huggers, director of BBC future media and technology, said: "The children's BBC iPlayers bring the flexibility of on-demand viewing to the BBC's younger viewers to a more familiar environment -- designed specifically for them.

"We are constantly innovating to improve our audiences' experience of the BBC's first-rate children's programming, and hope CBeebies iPlayer will be a hit with parents and children alike."