Statement: Original productions on CBBC – request to change the Operating Licence

Statement published 19 May 2022

We have approved a request by the BBC to reduce the CBBC original productions quota in the BBC Operating Licence. We consider that the scale of the reduction is small but that it will enable the BBC to evolve and innovate to better reach young audiences.

We understand concerns raised by stakeholders about acquisitions but consider that carefully chosen acquisitions within the overall content mix of CBBC can play an important part in making CBBC more appealing to audiences.

The BBC will need to be transparent about how it is delivering for younger audiences, and we will hold it to account. We expect it to publicly evaluate the success of changes to CBBC and be ready to continue to adapt as necessary.