Television presenter Michael Underwood has expressed his deep disappointment over ITV’s recent decision to discontinue its long-standing dedicated children’s channel, CITV. The 47-year-old presenter, who gained recognition through his work on CITV between 2002 and 2003, shared his poignant sentiments regarding the channel’s closure, as it played a pivotal role in launching his career.
ITV’s announcement revealed that CITV would be transformed from a traditional broadcast channel into a streaming-only platform for children’s content. This transition is scheduled to occur in the early autumn. The news of CITV’s demise left Underwood and many others saddened by the end of an era.
Taking to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Underwood conveyed a mixture of nostalgia and sadness as he reminisced about his time at CITV. While he acknowledged the inevitability of changes in the media landscape, he underscored the emotional connection he had with the channel and the cherished memories it had provided him.
In his heartfelt post, Underwood mentioned his participation in the renowned show “Jungle Run,” which holds a special place in his heart. The presenter’s candid expression of his feelings resonated with fans who engaged in conversations about their own memories of CITV and inquired about the location of the channel’s studios.
The decision to transform CITV into an online content provider signifies a shift in the way children’s programming is delivered in the digital age. As streaming platforms continue to shape media consumption patterns, the closure of a beloved channel like CITV sparks discussions about the evolving landscape of television and the sentimental value it holds for both content creators and audiences alike.