The future of children's media is an exciting and rapidly evolving landscape, and as we look ahead to 2026, there's a real sense of optimism and opportunity. The world of children's television is not just about entertainment; it's about shaping identities, fostering representation, and creating a sense of belonging.
Our mission as public service broadcasters is to ensure that children see their own reflections on screen, connecting them to their culture, community, and the world around them. With over 50% of children's video consumption now happening on YouTube, we must adapt and meet them where they are.
But here's where it gets controversial... While prominence for public service broadcasters is essential, it's not the sole solution. We must evolve our content strategies to reach children on online platforms like YouTube and Roblox, creating public service content tailored to these digital spaces.
Over the past year, we've made significant strides in this direction. We've increased our presence on YouTube and Roblox, launched services like CBeebies Parenting to support parents, and expanded our off-screen offerings with podcasts and live events. These initiatives have helped us reach an impressive 53% of 0-15-year-olds across our platforms, including TV, BBC iPlayer, web, and apps.
However, challenges remain. Funding for children's content is under pressure, with fewer commissioners investing in original content. Producing high-quality children's programming at scale is becoming increasingly difficult, and ensuring that children can easily discover and access this content is an ongoing battle.
And this is the part most people miss... The Culture, Media, and Sport Committee's inquiry into children's TV and video content offers a glimmer of hope. It's a crucial moment to recognize the value of our industry and secure its future for the next generation.
As we head into 2026, here's what we can expect:
- Nostalgia is a powerful trend: Families want to share their favorite shows with their children, and we're bringing back classics like Balamory, a perfect example of public service TV reflecting UK children's world, culture, and community.
- Multi-generational viewing is here to stay: Big family moments on main TV networks, like Gladiators and The Traitors, remain vital, and co-viewing will continue to be strong. Spin-offs of these shows, like Gladiators: Epic Pranks, keep parents and children laughing together.
- Establishing brands and creating lifelong memories: We'll continue to take beloved brands like CBeebies beyond the home, into live events and cinemas, creating memorable experiences that build brand loyalty.
- High-end drama and literary adaptations: Shows like Lady Grace Mysteries and Crookhaven will appeal to broader family audiences, and we'll explore shorter-form storytelling to engage teens and tweens.
- Animation remains king: Comedy animation and serialized anime continue to engage 7-12-year-olds, and we're excited to introduce Duck and Frog, our homegrown slapstick series from BBC Ignite.
- Championing emerging talent: Our focus on supporting new talent will continue as we expand our YouTube presence with original content, testing and learning on third-party platforms. Early experiments, like CBeebies House, have already attracted millions of views.
- Social gaming platforms: Roblox and similar platforms offer interactive spaces where children can immerse themselves in beloved stories and characters. We'll continue to explore edutainment games, like our upcoming Horrible Science Roblox experience, to weave learning into play.
In 2026, we'll deepen our connections with our audience, partnering across the industry to build brands that transcend platforms and screens. We'll continue supporting parents, carers, and teachers with informative, educational, and entertaining content.
The future of children's media is bright, and we're excited to be a part of it. Stay tuned for more updates and join the conversation!
What are your thoughts on the future of children's media? Do you think public service broadcasters should adapt to online platforms? Share your opinions in the comments below!
