A new Irish language children's channel has been launched today.
Cúla4 is an initiative from TG4 to provide dedicated programming to younger audiences. It will be broadcast on television, online and via a dedicated app.
The station is aimed at children aged up to 12 years and forms part of an ongoing effort to ensure entertaining and educational content is available through Irish, for this demographic.
The free-to-air channel will run each day from 6am to 8pm, featuring a range of both locally produced and internationally sourced programmes.
Much of the content will be provided by the independent production sector, with new animation, drama and lifestyle shows ready for transmission.
Other material will be re-voiced from its original language and broadcast in Irish.
Cúla4 Channel Manager Karina Feirtéar said the station will ensure Irish language content is more accessible for younger audiences.
Tar linn go fótaisheisiún le láithreoirí Cúla4 🧡📸🌈🪩
— Cúla4 08.09.23 🚀 (@Cula4_TG4) September 7, 2023
Beidh siad ag teacht chugat óna 4 i.n. amárach ar chainéal nua Cúla4 🎤🤩👯@NiamhNiChroinin @josephjonesnyc @ChonghaileSile #cúla4 #isliomsaé pic.twitter.com/DefaxQthz6
In turn, it is hoped this will strengthen children’s engagement with the language.
Ms Feirtéar said the channel had been designed to offer content on demand, in a manner that children have come to expect from other media providers.
As well as in-home and on-the-move viewing, the channel will offer educational content linked to the primary curriculum, which schools can use to aid and enhance the teaching experience.
The launch is the latest part of an ongoing effort by TG4 to future-proof the provision of programming through Irish.
Speaking at today's launch, Media Minister Catherine Martin, said: "The launch of a dedicated Irish language children’s channel gives TG4 the opportunity to better serve younger Irish audiences. I am very pleased to see the combination of child-focused news, educational and entertainment content in the schedule."
Minister Martin, added: "I was delighted to secure €3.3m of exchequer funding in Budget 2023 to support the development and launch of Cúla4."
The station's Director General Alan Esslemont said the country’s ability to pass the language onto future generations was key to the proposal to have a dedicated children’s channel.
He said the launch was of "historic significance" when it came to trying to ensure Irish continued as a community language that would grow and thrive.
Mr Esslemont said providing a counter-balance to the omnipresence of English programming for children would strengthen their relationship with the language and help safeguard its place in their lives.
Cúla 4 said the diverse backgrounds of children living in all parts of Ireland and particularly in Gaeltacht and Irish-speaking communities, will be reflected in its programming.
Three anchor presenters, from Belfast, Galway and Dublin, will guide viewers through the 14-hour-a-day schedule.
The channel went live on Saorview, Virgin Media, Sky and Eir this afternoon.
Online viewers can access the content on cula4.com.
