| RTÉjr | |
| Launch Date: | 20 September 2010 (programming block) 27 May 2011 (simulcast channel) 15 April 2013 (stand-alone channel) |
| Picture Format: | 576i (SDTV) |
| Owner: | Raidió Teilifís Éireann |
| Country: | Ireland |
| Language: | English Irish |
| Area: | Republic of Ireland Northern Ireland |
| Headquarters: | Donnybrook, Dublin |
| Sister Channels: | RTÉ One RTÉ2 RTÉ News TRTÉ |
| Terr Chan 1: | See separate section |
| Online Chan 1: | See separate section |
RTÉjr is an Irish free-to-air children's television channel operated by state-owned broadcaster RTÉ. The channel mainly targets a demographic of 2- to 7-year-olds, but some cartoons for older children also air. The channel is part of RTÉ KIDS.[1]
The channel broadcasts 12 hours of programming each day between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.[2] It is supported by radio station RTÉjr Radio and additional services available on-demand, on mobile and online.[2] The channel operates alongside its sister strand TRTÉ on RTÉ2.
RTÉjr was initially a programming block on public service broadcaster RTÉ2, launching on 20 September 2010, replacing Den Tots.[3]
On 3 May 2011,[4] RTÉjr (which was only a programming block at that time) broadcast Punky, the world's first animated series which focuses on the life and adventures of a girl with Down syndrome.[5] The show is broadcast daily at 10:25 and 13:45. It was designed by award-winning Irish animation company Monster Animation and Design.[6]
RTÉ planned on launching a television channel dedicated to RTÉjr; it launched on 27 May 2011, at 11:00 (IST). The channel does not carry advertising, in line with the broadcaster's policy not to target advertising towards those under 6 years of age.
By April 2013, the channel began a stand-alone schedule; however, plans to replace the RTÉjr block on RTÉ2 have yet to come to light. The channel broadcasts as a stand-alone channel with its own schedule and new programming.[7]
On 15 April 2013, the channel hosted 14 newly commissioned programmes, including the bilingual show Spraoi, the dance show Move It! and RTÉjr Workshop.
The channel is available to 98% of television viewers in Ireland through Saorview. The channel became available on Virgin Media Ireland on channel 600 on 15 March 2012[8] and on Sky Ireland on channel 624 (635 in NI) on 15 April 2013. The channel's programming can be viewed internationally through its on-demand service, mobile services and website.[2]
See main article: articles and . The channel has a wide range of live-action and animated programming, usually dubbed in either Irish or English, these are mainly Irish-produced programs (such as Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese and Puffin Rock), however, there are some acquired programming (mainly sourced from the BBC).
It's flagship programme is hosted by former Six member Emma O'Driscoll, Muireann NiChiobhain, Clara Murray and their puppet friends Séamus the dog and Bláithín the flower fairy.