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.
The channel broadcasts 12 hours of programming each day between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. It is supported by radio station RTÉjr Radio and additional services available on-demand, on mobile and online. 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.
On 3 May 2011, 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. The show is broadcast daily at 10:25 and 13:45. It was designed by award-winning Irish animation company Monster Animation and Design.
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.
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 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.
Cable
Virgin Media : Channel 600
IPTV
eir TV : Channel 612
Vodafone : Channel 600
Satelite
Sky : Channel 624 (Northern Ireland) Sky : Channel 617 Saorsat : Channel 7
Online
RTÉ Player : Watch live
Terrestrial
Saorview : Channel 17
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
Abadas
Alva's World
Ar Mbia Ar Sli
Atom Town
Bing Bunny
Body Brothers
Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese
Circle Square
Critters TV
The Curious World of Professor Fun and Dr Dull
Dig in Diner
Dizzy Deliveries
Donncha's Two Talented
Fia's Fairies
Flix
Fluffy Gardens (English and Irish dubs) Funny Little Monsters Garth and Bev Happy the Hoglet Inis Spraoi I Want a Pet The Imagination Machine Kiva Can Do Magical Sites Makers Mya Go Nelly & Nora Odo Ollie Pablo Paddles! The Huggable Polar Bear Peek Zoo Pins and Nettie Puffin Rock Punky Ray of Sunshine Royals Next Door Shutterbugs Simon Says Storytime The Day Henry Met..? The Travels of the Young Marco Polo The Wee Littles Tilly and Friends Twigin Wildernuts Zara World Zig and Zag