CBeebies & CBBC Coming to BBC ALBA

BBC ALBA has entered into a partnership that will bring CBeebies and CBBC blocks to the channel.

CBeebies and CBBC will launch on BBC ALBA on Monday, September 17. CBeebies will run on ALBA for an hour, from 5 p.m. The Gaelic-language version of CBBC will air from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The two Gaelic services will look and feel similar to their English-language counterparts.

The initiative marks the tenth anniversary of BBC ALBA and celebrates 40 years of Gaelic-language children’s programming on the BBC. Stars of CBeebies and CBBC, Ben Cajee and Karim Zeroual, visited Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu (Glasgow Gaelic School) to celebrate the collaboration. They were joined by Carrie MacNeil, Ruairidh Cormack, Hannah McKirdy and Calum MacDonald who, along with a team of fresh new talent, will present BBC ALBA’s new-look Gaelic children’s zones.

Bill Macleod, executive producer for BBC ALBA who is leading the initiative, said, “This is a bold new commitment to inclusion and diversity, giving Gaelic-speaking children and parents their own unique versions of the BBC’s much-loved children’s strands. It’s been a fantastic collaborative effort with our colleagues at BBC Children’s in Salford. We know the kids will love what is in store for them.”

Margaret Mary Murray, the head of the BBC’s Gaelic Services, commented, “Children’s programs lie at the heart of BBC ALBA’s daily schedule and we are delighted to be able to offer such an exciting and substantial development, which will bring real value and impact to our young audience through a unique BBC partnership.”

Ian France, the head of presentation for BBC Children’s, remarked, “The presentation department for CBBC and CBeebies is the beating heart of both channels and is expert at engaging with children all over the U.K., so I’m thrilled that this new partnership means even more children will be able to enjoy our wonderful content.”