A new Irish children’s channel, Cúla4, has been approved for TG4, Arts Minister Catherine Martin announced today.
The channel will try to build on the TV channel’s Cúla4 programming and will cost 3.2 million euros.
Cúla4 will feature a children’s news service, entertainment and educational content, drama and Irish animation.
Martin said the new channel will “reflect the diverse backgrounds of children living in all parts of Ireland, but especially in Gaeltacht and Irish-speaking communities”.
TG4 announced last year that it planned to establish a dedicated children’s channel and work on Cúla4 began earlier this year.
The channel will be managed by Karina Feirtéar, while Niamh Ní Chróinín is the new presenter of Cúla4 and will act as a youth ambassador for TG4 representing Cúla4 at public events and functions, on screen as the presenter of Cúla4 and as the cross-platform voice of Cúla4.
“Cúla4 will continue to expand the offerings of children’s programming from the independent production sector with new content in the schedule and on non-linear platforms aimed at children,” said TG4.
Ms Martin said the investment in the new channel “supports the government’s commitment to implement the 20-year Irish Language Strategy 2010-2030, but further boosts the Irish language creative sector”.
TG4’s Director General Alan Esslemont said TG4 – and the Irish language media and other Irish language arts organizations – “play an important role in promoting the identity and enrichment of Irish communities and supporting the transmission of the Irish language from generation to generation”.
“We also need to think about how children will develop the skills and creativity they need. Media are essential for the development of children’s understanding, attitudes and participation in society. We must serve children and young people in safe spaces with trusted content.
“Public broadcasters have a special role in this regard, but Irish-language media faces an additional challenge as they compete for audiences in a global and predominantly Anglophone media market.
“If Irish language media are not supported and if they are not visible, prominent and attractive, there is a risk of them losing their relevance, especially to a young Irish audience growing up in a global media environment.
Video of the day
“More than ever, TG4 must increase the relevance of Irish language content and serve and encourage the young audience that will shape the future of Irish as a community language. We must enrich TG4’s services for children, strengthen children’s relationship with TG4 and, maintaining their relationship with the Irish language,” said Mr Esselmont.
.