ABC has announced upcoming changes to its broadcast of children’s programs now that Australia free-to-air television is completely digital.

From Sunday 2 February any children’s programs currently broadcasting on ABC1 on Sunday morning (6.30am-9.00am) and weekday afternoons (3.00pm-5.00pm) will be shifted to ABC3 or ABC4Kids (ABC2 daytime).

The transmission of schools programs on weekday mornings will shift from ABC1 to ABC3 later this year, from Monday 21 July.

The changes will allow ABC1 to provide an alternative schedule to children’s programs during daytime hours. ABC News’ Midday Report is to be expanded while ABC News Breakfast, One On One and ABC News Early Edition will continue to broadcast on ABC1 during the daytime.

ABC1 will also feature time-shift and repeat content during the day covering drama, lifestyle, arts and documentary titles.

In a statement issued by ABC today Brendan Dahill, Head of Programming, ABC1 & ABC2, said:

“With digital switchover now complete we can take full advantage of the breadth of our channels to offer something for everyone during daytime. Kids will still get a full complement of programming on ABC4Kids and ABC3, whilst ABC1 will be providing general entertainment for our adult audiences and News 24 will broadcast rolling news coverage.”