Italy’s RAI Expands Kids’ Offer Amid School Closures

RAI, Italy’s national public broadcaster, is increasing its offer for children, in reaction to the school closures spurred by the coronavirus outbreak.

As millions of children and teens have been ordered to stay at home in the coming weeks, in most of Northern Italy until April 3, a new children’s slot has been opened on the generalist channel Rai2, with in-house productions and co-produced series, while the thematic channels Rai Yoyo (preschool) and Rai Gulp (kids) are increasing their offering of programs with educational content, including animated series and shows on art, music, history and science.

The channels’ social media accounts are being used to provide children with accurate information as well as helping them to manage anxiety and stress. The free VOD services RAI Play and Rai Play Yoyo are opening dedicated sections, with all content curated by genre and sub-genres and promoting children’s interaction.

While schools all over Italy are developing e-learning and online activities, all curricula are taken care of by the RAI School TV channel and website, and the RAI Culture department in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Education.