RTÉjr

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
TRTÉ
History
Launched20 September 2010 (programming block)
27 May 2011 (simulcast channel)
15 April 2013 (stand-alone channel)
Links
Websiterte.ie/rtejr
Availability
Terrestrial
See separate section
Streaming media
See separate section

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]

The channel broadcasts 12 hours of programming each day between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.[2] It is supported by radio station RTÉjr Radio 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]

On 3 May 2011,[4][5] RTÉjr (which was only a programming block at that time) broadcast Punky, the world's first animated series which focuses on the life and adventures of a girl with Down syndrome.[4] The show is broadcast daily at 10:25 and 13:45. It was designed by award-winning Irish animation company Monster Animation and Design.[6]

RTÉ planned on launching a television channel dedicated to RTÉjr; it launched on 27 May 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.[7]

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

Availability

The channel is available to 98% of television viewers in Ireland through Saorview. The channel became available on Virgin Media Ireland on channel 600 on 15 March 2012[8] 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]

Cable

IPTV

Satelite

  • Sky UK: Channel 624 (Northern Ireland)
  • Sky Ireland: Channel 617
  • Saorsat Ireland: Channel 7

Online

Terrestrial

Programming

The channel has a wide range of live-action and animated programming, usually dubbed in either Irish or English, these are mainly Irish-produced programs, however, there are some acquired programming.

It's 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.

Current programming

Original programming

Acquired programming

Upcoming programming

  • Sullivan Sails (TBA 2023)[19]
  • Silly Sundays[20]

References

  1. ^ "RTÉ Kids". RTÉ.ie. 6 November 2021. Archived from the original on 1 November 2021. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Burke, Elaine (10 April 2013). "RTÉjr to become dedicated cross-platform kids' channel on 15 April". Silicon Republic. Archived from the original on 16 May 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  3. ^ "RTÉ overhauls children's TV schedule". The Irish Times. 9 September 2010. Archived from the original on 13 September 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2010.
  4. ^ a b "RTÉ launches new animation series Punky". RTÉ News. 28 April 2011. Archived from the original on 2 May 2011. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
  5. ^ "'Punky' and 'Gumball' Arrive on TV Screens". IFTN. 28 April 2011. Archived from the original on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  6. ^ "Monster Animation". Monster Animation. Archived from the original on 26 November 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  7. ^ "No children's TV on RTÉ 2 from next month". Newstalk. 10 March 2013. Archived from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  8. ^ "UPC forges ahead with new content from RTÉ" (PDF). UPC Ireland. 13 March 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 November 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
  9. ^ BRAND NEW: Atom Town #ScienceWeek | Theme Song 🎵 | Science for Kids | @RTÉjr. RTÉjr. 7 November 2022. Archived from the original on 8 November 2022. Retrieved 8 December 2022 – via YouTube.
  10. ^ NEW: Dizzy Deliveries 🚚 | Trailer | STARTS 19th October | Weekdays On RTÉjr & RTÉ Player | @RTÉjr. RTÉjr. 13 October 2022. Archived from the original on 25 October 2022. Retrieved 8 December 2022 – via YouTube.
  11. ^ "- YouTube". YouTube. Archived from the original on 25 October 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  12. ^ "Flix: Tomi Ungerer's children's classic gets animated for RTÉ". RTÉ.ie. 24 March 2023.
  13. ^ "BRAND NEW: Funny Little Monsters 👹 | Trailer | STARTS 17th April | @RTEjrOfficial". YouTube.
  14. ^ BRAND NEW: Happy the Hoglet 😃🦔 | Theme Song 🎵 | Starts Monday 14th November | @RTÉjr. RTÉjr. 9 November 2022. Archived from the original on 14 November 2022. Retrieved 8 December 2022 – via YouTube.
  15. ^ "BRAND NEW: Ray of Sunshine ☀️😁☀️ | This #Christmas 🎄 | RTÉjr & RTÉ Player! | @RTEjrOfficial". YouTube. Archived from the original on 12 December 2022. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  16. ^ "Simon Says Theme Song 🎵🎶🎵 | @RTEjrOfficial". YouTube. Archived from the original on 14 January 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
  17. ^ The Wee Littles | Intro & Theme Song 🪱✨🎵 |@RTÉjr. RTÉjr. 23 November 2022. Archived from the original on 26 November 2022. Retrieved 8 December 2022 – via YouTube.
  18. ^ "BBC picks up the Game Catchers for CBeebies". Archived from the original on 17 January 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  19. ^ "Distillery Film's 'Sullivan Sails' Casts off with RTÉ". 11 October 2020. Archived from the original on 15 February 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  20. ^ "BRAND NEW: Silly Sundays 🎉😄🎉 | Trailer | STARTS 2nd July | @RTEjrOfficial". YouTube.

External links