BBC ALBA today (13 September) announces a landmark partnership with the corporation’s cherished children’s brands, CBeebies and CBBC.
CBeebies and CBBC will launch on ALBA on Monday, 17th September from stunning new sets.
Stars of CBeebies and CBBC, Ben Cajee and Karim Zeroual, visited Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu (Glasgow Gaelic School) to celebrate the exciting new collaboration.
They were joined by Carrie MacNeil, Ruairidh Cormack, Hannah McKirdy and Calum MacDonald who, along with a team of fresh new talent, will present BBC ALBA’s new-look Gaelic children’s zones.
As a result of this daily, year-round production, original children’s content will quadruple on BBC ALBA.
CBeebies, for pre-schoolers, will run on ALBA from 5pm for an hour, ending with Stòiridh – a nightly bedtime story. The Gaelic-language version of CBBC will air from 6pm to 7pm.
The two Gaelic services will look and feel similar to their English-language cousins with sing-a-longs, birthday shout-outs, makes and bakes.
This major initiative marks the 10th anniversary of BBC ALBA, and celebrates 40 years of Gaelic language children’s programming on the BBC.
Bill Macleod, executive producer for BBC ALBA and leading the initiative, says:
“This is a bold new commitment to inclusion and diversity, giving Gaelic-speaking children and parents their own unique versions of the BBC’s much-loved children’s strands. It’s been a fantastic collaborative effort with our colleagues at BBC Children’s in Salford. We know the kids will love what is in store for them.”
Margaret Mary Murray, Head of the BBC’s Gaelic Services says:
“Children’s programmes lie at the heart of BBC ALBA’s daily schedule and we are delighted to be able to offer such an exciting and substantial development which will bring real value and impact to our young audience through a unique BBC partnership.”
Ian France, Head of Presentation, BBC Children’s says:
“The Presentation department for CBBC and CBeebies is the beating heart of both channels and is expert at engaging with children all over the UK so I’m thrilled that this new partnership means even more children will be able to enjoy our wonderful content.”
