BBC Choice facts for kids

BBC Choice was a TV channel owned by the British Broadcasting Corporation. It was a new kind of channel that started in 1998. It was replaced in 2003 by BBC Three, which became another popular channel for young people.

What Was BBC Choice?

BBC Choice was one of the first digital-only TV channels in the UK. It was launched by the BBC to try out new ideas. The channel aimed to reach younger viewers. It also offered different types of programmes. It was a place for the BBC to experiment.

When Did BBC Choice Broadcast?

The channel officially started broadcasting on 23 September 1998. It was available on digital platforms. This included Sky Digital and digital terrestrial television. BBC Choice ran for almost five years. Its final broadcast was on 9 February 2003.

What Kind of Shows Did BBC Choice Have?

BBC Choice showed a mix of programmes. It often repeated popular shows from BBC One and BBC Two. But it also had its own unique content. This included new comedy shows and music programmes. It also showed youth dramas and documentaries. Sometimes, it would show live events. These could be music concerts or comedy gigs. The channel was known for being a bit more daring. It tried out programmes that might not fit on the main BBC channels.

Interactive Features and Late-Night Shows

BBC Choice was also known for its interactive features. Viewers could sometimes press the red button on their remote. This would let them choose different camera angles. Or they could access extra information. This was quite new for TV at the time. The channel also showed a lot of late-night content. This included repeats of shows from BBC One and Two. It also had special programmes for night owls.

Why Was BBC Choice Replaced?

The BBC decided to change BBC Choice into a new channel. This was part of a bigger plan. They wanted to create a channel especially for young adults. This new channel would be called BBC Three. The idea was to have a channel with more original programmes. It would focus on entertainment and factual shows. These would be made for people aged 16 to 34.

The Launch of BBC Three

BBC Three officially launched on 9 February 2003. It took over from BBC Choice. Many of the ideas and some of the staff moved to the new channel. BBC Three aimed to be more mainstream. It wanted to attract a wider audience. It also had a bigger budget for new shows. This helped it create many popular programmes. Some of these shows are still well-known today.

Images for kids

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  A former ident of BBC Choice