Like many in the industry, Pact is deeply disappointed by Sky's announcement that it will no longer commission original children's content.
In a statement, Sky’s Executive Director of Content Strategy and Performance, Jamie Morris said “In the future, Sky Kids will focus on acquiring third-party content." He went on to say "we remain committed to bringing the very best in children’s entertainment to families across the UK.”
Sky's withdrawal from commissioning is a further blow to an already struggling sector and we are concerned about the long-term impact this move may have on independent producers and the many freelancers who contribute to making original UK children's programming.
Pact will be engaging directly with Sky to try to understand the rationale behind this decision and to seek clarification on how it is consistent with its stated commitment to children and family audiences in the UK.
CMS Committee
Inquiry
Earlier this month, the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee (CMSC) launched a new inquiry into children’s TV and video content in the UK, which will explore what can be done to ensure future generations continue to have access to high-quality British programming.
We will be submitting a substantial response to the Committee’s inquiry in September, highlighting the growing challenges facing children’s content producers including the diminishing number of UK commissioners and the implications for cultural representation. Children’s content brings important social, cultural and economic benefits and we have long campaigned for improved provision and funding for original UK content.
In addition to our response to the CMSC inquiry, we are also investigating programme financing in children’s content as part of our all-genre research project, The Bigger Picture. And Ofcom will soon publish its Public Service Media (PSM) Review, part of which will be assessing how PSM content providers can connect with children and younger audiences, given changing viewing habits. We will also be submitting a response to that review in due course.
Get
Involved
We consult with members working in children’s content through our Children’s and Animation Working Group, to ensure your voices and experiences are reflected in our lobbying and inquiry/consultation responses.
If you would like to share your perspective or get involved in our work on this issue, please contact our Senior Policy Executive, Susie Heron-Halliday: [email protected].