BBC 3 Returns to TV

BBC 3 is to return to television screens in 2022. The BBC say that this is to provide more value to their audiences. The channel was launch as the BBC's youth channel in 2003, taking over from BBC Choice, the channel remained on the air until 2016, when the BBC moved the channel to online only. Since then its been the home of hit drama's such as Killing Eve, Fleabag and Normal People.

---

CBBC's closedown will return to 7pm from its current 9pm closedown, while BBC 3 will air from 7pm until 4am each night. The channels prewater shed programming will be aimed at the 13+ age group, with 16 to 34 year olds being catered for after 9pm. In 2017 the channel won Channel of the Year from the Royal Television Society and digital channel of the year from the Edinburgh TV Festival in 2019.

BBC 3 will build on its partnerships with Northern Ireland Screen, Screen Scotland and Creative Wales. Providing a home to a diverse range of under represented groups from a variety of regions.

The BBC will now start a Public Interest Test this week.

Charlotte Moore, Chief Content Officer says: “BBC Three is a BBC success story, backing creativity, new talent and brave ideas has resulted in hit after hit, from Fleabag and Man Like Mobeen, Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK and Jesy Nelson’s Odd One Out, to Normal People and This Country. The BBC needs to back success and make sure its programmes reach as many young people as possible wherever they live in the UK. So regardless of the debates about the past, we want to give BBC Three its own broadcast channel again. It has exciting, groundbreaking content that deserves the widest possible audience and using BBC iPlayer alongside a broadcast channel will deliver the most value.”