Latest news with #LucyMurphy
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Sky reveals ‘deeply concerning' change to popular kids TV channel
SKY has scrapped plans to make original kids' TV shows — sparking 'deep concern' from experts. UK-based watchdog the Children's Media Foundation (CMF) slammed the move, after Sky confirmed it will stop creating its own content and instead buy in shows from other providers. 2 Pip and Posy was co-commissioned with Channel 5's Milkshake Recent original titles from Sky include Pip & Posy — co-commissioned with Sky Kids, led by Lucy Murphy, currently has around 150 original titles in its catalogue. Although it will honour content still in production, Sky confirmed it has no plans to greenlight any new original The broadcaster also warned that some job losses may follow as a result of the strategy change. Read more on Technology Jamie Morris, Sky's executive director of content strategy and performance, said: 'With a strong pipeline of new original shows still to come, we now have a rich slate of content that allows us to evolve our strategy. 'In the future, Sky Kids will focus on acquiring third-party content. "While this means reviewing the number of roles required to deliver the next phase of our offer, we remain committed to bringing the very best in children's entertainment to families across the UK.' The decision comes just over two years after Sky made headlines by launching its own children's linear TV channel — a bold move at a time when many other broadcasters were moving away from traditional channels in favour of digital platforms. Most read in Tech But the CMF said the change was 'a depressing and short-sighted decision, which will leave UK children less well-served.' Highlighting that only the BBC and Milkshake! remain as major commissioners of factual and entertainment content for children, the organisation said Sky's exit removes 'healthy competition' in the market and urged the broadcaster to think again. Sky TV remotes have hidden trick that saves you so much time Greg Childs, director of the CMF, said: 'This is not the time to give up on great UK content for UK kids. "Just as we are working with government and platforms like YouTube to help children and young people find more personally and socially valuable content on video-sharing platforms. "Sky is walking away from its kids' needed is fresh thinking about deals and partnerships that take their content to where kids are watching, not a knee-jerk cost-cutting spree which will damage their relationship with their customers and certainly diminish the prospects of quality viewing time for children in their country.' Animation UK also hit out at the decision, calling it a 'significant blow' to the animation sector and those behind Sky's well-received original content. Will more kids TV channels vanish? Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun These latest closures don't come as much of a shock with children largely shifting to digital platforms for entertainment thanks to apps like TikTok and YouTube. Some of the POP's other channels have gone digital-only already. And in September 2023 the The BBC have been mulling the But it's been granted a temporary reprieve for now. Children's TV boss Patricia Hidalgo told the i paper at the end of 2024 that "currently the numbers don't tell us you have to close it yet", adding: "It's really important to us as public service broadcasters that if children still need us on a linear network, we're going to be there for them." It warned that losing a major commissioner like Sky limits creative opportunity and reduces access to culturally relevant UK storytelling. Kate O'Connor, chair of Animation UK, said: 'Sky has played a valuable role in backing original UK animation and children's programming. "Its decision to step away from commissioning is another signal that the children's content sector needs urgent attention. 'Without intervention, we risk losing the UK's ability to tell its own stories to its youngest citizens and to support our world class content creation sector.' The change to Sky Kids follows a wider shake-up across the broadcaster. Earlier this year, Sky shut down its standalone The group has been gradually shifting its focus toward digital-first content and streamlining services under pressure from increased competition and changing viewer habits. The Sun has reached out to Sky for further comment. 2 Sky Kids, led by Lucy Murphy, currently has around 150 original titles in its catalogue Credit: PA:Press Association
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Sky reveals ‘deeply concerning' change to popular kids TV channel
Sky Kids currently has around 150 original titles Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SKY has scrapped plans to make original kids' TV shows — sparking 'deep concern' from experts. UK-based watchdog the Children's Media Foundation (CMF) slammed the move, after Sky confirmed it will stop creating its own content and instead buy in shows from other providers. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Pip and Posy was co-commissioned with Channel 5's Milkshake Recent original titles from Sky include Pip & Posy — co-commissioned with Channel 5's Milkshake! — as well as BooSnoo! and The Brilliant World of Tom Gates. Sky Kids, led by Lucy Murphy, currently has around 150 original titles in its catalogue. Although it will honour content still in production, Sky confirmed it has no plans to greenlight any new original children's programming. The broadcaster also warned that some job losses may follow as a result of the strategy change. Jamie Morris, Sky's executive director of content strategy and performance, said: 'With a strong pipeline of new original shows still to come, we now have a rich slate of content that allows us to evolve our strategy. 'In the future, Sky Kids will focus on acquiring third-party content. "While this means reviewing the number of roles required to deliver the next phase of our offer, we remain committed to bringing the very best in children's entertainment to families across the UK.' The decision comes just over two years after Sky made headlines by launching its own children's linear TV channel — a bold move at a time when many other broadcasters were moving away from traditional channels in favour of digital platforms. But the CMF said the change was 'a depressing and short-sighted decision, which will leave UK children less well-served.' Highlighting that only the BBC and Milkshake! remain as major commissioners of factual and entertainment content for children, the organisation said Sky's exit removes 'healthy competition' in the market and urged the broadcaster to think again. Sky TV remotes have hidden trick that saves you so much time Greg Childs, director of the CMF, said: 'This is not the time to give up on great UK content for UK kids. "Just as we are working with government and platforms like YouTube to help children and young people find more personally and socially valuable content on video-sharing platforms. "Sky is walking away from its kids' needed is fresh thinking about deals and partnerships that take their content to where kids are watching, not a knee-jerk cost-cutting spree which will damage their relationship with their customers and certainly diminish the prospects of quality viewing time for children in their country.' Animation UK also hit out at the decision, calling it a 'significant blow' to the animation sector and those behind Sky's well-received original content. Will more kids TV channels vanish? Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun These latest closures don't come as much of a shock with children largely shifting to digital platforms for entertainment thanks to apps like TikTok and YouTube. Some of the POP's other channels have gone digital-only already. And in September 2023 the CITV channel closed down, switching to a new digital-only streamed channel ITVX Kids on the ITVX app. The BBC have been mulling the closure of CBBC's linear channel and making it digital only via iPlayer too. But it's been granted a temporary reprieve for now. Children's TV boss Patricia Hidalgo told the i paper at the end of 2024 that "currently the numbers don't tell us you have to close it yet", adding: "It's really important to us as public service broadcasters that if children still need us on a linear network, we're going to be there for them." It warned that losing a major commissioner like Sky limits creative opportunity and reduces access to culturally relevant UK storytelling. Kate O'Connor, chair of Animation UK, said: 'Sky has played a valuable role in backing original UK animation and children's programming. "Its decision to step away from commissioning is another signal that the children's content sector needs urgent attention. 'Without intervention, we risk losing the UK's ability to tell its own stories to its youngest citizens and to support our world class content creation sector.' The change to Sky Kids follows a wider shake-up across the broadcaster. Earlier this year, Sky shut down its standalone Sky Mix channel and moved some content to its streaming platform NOW, while also cutting several back-office roles as part of a cost-saving restructure. The group has been gradually shifting its focus toward digital-first content and streamlining services under pressure from increased competition and changing viewer habits. The Sun has reached out to Sky for further comment.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Sky reveals ‘deeply concerning' change to popular kids TV channel
SKY has scrapped plans to make original kids' TV shows — sparking 'deep concern' from experts. UK-based watchdog the Children's Media Foundation (CMF) slammed the move, after Sky confirmed it will stop creating its own content and instead buy in shows from other providers. 2 Recent original titles from Sky include Pip & Posy — co-commissioned with Channel 5's Milkshake! — as well as BooSnoo! and The Brilliant World of Tom Gates. Sky Kids, led by Lucy Murphy, currently has around 150 original titles in its catalogue. Although it will honour content still in production, Sky confirmed it has no plans to greenlight any new original children's programming. The broadcaster also warned that some job losses may follow as a result of the strategy change. Jamie Morris, Sky's executive director of content strategy and performance, said: 'With a strong pipeline of new original shows still to come, we now have a rich slate of content that allows us to evolve our strategy. 'In the future, Sky Kids will focus on acquiring third-party content. "While this means reviewing the number of roles required to deliver the next phase of our offer, we remain committed to bringing the very best in children's entertainment to families across the UK.' The decision comes just over two years after Sky made headlines by launching its own children's linear TV channel — a bold move at a time when many other broadcasters were moving away from traditional channels in favour of digital platforms. But the CMF said the change was 'a depressing and short-sighted decision, which will leave UK children less well-served.' Highlighting that only the BBC and Milkshake! remain as major commissioners of factual and entertainment content for children, the organisation said Sky's exit removes 'healthy competition' in the market and urged the broadcaster to think again. Sky TV remotes have hidden trick that saves you so much time Greg Childs, director of the CMF, said: 'This is not the time to give up on great UK content for UK kids. "Just as we are working with government and platforms like YouTube to help children and young people find more personally and socially valuable content on video-sharing platforms. "Sky is walking away from its kids' needed is fresh thinking about deals and partnerships that take their content to where kids are watching, not a knee-jerk cost-cutting spree which will damage their relationship with their customers and certainly diminish the prospects of quality viewing time for children in their country.' Animation UK also hit out at the decision, calling it a 'significant blow' to the animation sector and those behind Sky's well-received original content. Will more kids TV channels vanish? Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun These latest closures don't come as much of a shock with children largely shifting to digital platforms for entertainment thanks to apps like TikTok and YouTube. Some of the POP's other channels have gone digital-only already. And in September 2023 the CITV channel closed down, switching to a new digital-only streamed channel ITVX Kids on the ITVX app. The BBC have been mulling the closure of CBBC's linear channel and making it digital only via iPlayer too. But it's been granted a temporary reprieve for now. Children's TV boss Patricia Hidalgo told the i paper at the end of 2024 that "currently the numbers don't tell us you have to close it yet", adding: "It's really important to us as public service broadcasters that if children still need us on a linear network, we're going to be there for them." It warned that losing a major commissioner like Sky limits creative opportunity and reduces access to culturally relevant UK storytelling. Kate O'Connor, chair of Animation UK, said: 'Sky has played a valuable role in backing original UK animation and children's programming. "Its decision to step away from commissioning is another signal that the children's content sector needs urgent attention. 'Without intervention, we risk losing the UK's ability to tell its own stories to its youngest citizens and to support our world class content creation sector.' The change to Sky Kids follows a wider shake-up across the broadcaster. Earlier this year, Sky shut down its standalone Sky Mix channel and moved some content to its streaming platform NOW, while also cutting several back-office roles as part of a cost-saving restructure. The group has been gradually shifting its focus toward digital-first content and streamlining services under pressure from increased competition and changing viewer habits. The Sun has reached out to The Children's Media Foundation for further comment.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cornish charity boss completes month-long 5k-a-day challenge
A Cornish charity boss has completed a month-long challenge to walk or jog 5k every day. Claire Eldred, director at Dravet Syndrome UK, took part in the #EveryDayinMayForDravet challenge to help raise funds and awareness for the rare form of epilepsy. Dravet Syndrome is a severe neurological condition associated with epilepsy and learning disabilities, affecting one in 15,000 live births in the UK. Lucy Murphy, a young woman who has Dravet Syndrome, and Claire Eldred taking part in the challenge. (Image: supplied) Daily, those with Dravet often endure multiple seizures, and face a significantly higher risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Clare, who lives in Botallack, West Penwith, said: "I'm very proud to be doing #EveryDayinMayForDravet with and for all the families across the UK who are affected by this devastating, life limiting condition. "Sadly, it's all too common for individuals with Dravet Syndrome to have to wait months or even years to receive a diagnosis as sometimes even medics have not heard of Dravet. "I hope that raising awareness across Cornwall and the Southwest will lead to more families getting an earlier diagnosis and access to the treatment and support that they need." She also highlighted the importance of donations for the charity's continued work. Clare added: "As a small charity, all donations received make a huge difference in helping us to continue our vital work supporting and empowering families, educating professionals, and funding research. "A huge thank you to everyone who is sponsoring me or who is taking part or donating for #EveryDayinMayForDravet." The #EveryDayinMayForDravet challenge saw hundreds of participants across the globe, many of whom committed to 5k or 10k daily efforts. The challenge welcomed all ages and fitness levels, with some children participating in a 2k daily task. This family-friendly initiative is designed to not only raise funds but also to bolster community spirit and inclusivity among supporters. Dravet Syndrome UK continues to serve as a lighthouse for families who struggle with the complex challenges posed by Dravet Syndrome. They aim to ensure those affected receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and the essential support required for improved lives. To sponsor Claire or donate to the cause, visit the charity's JustGiving page. For more information, please visit Dravet Syndrome UK's website.
BBC News
02-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Completing walking challenge with rare condition a 'miracle'
A woman has completed a challenge to walk 5km a day during the month of May in order to raise funds and awareness of the rare condition she has. Lucy Murphy, 25, from Exeter, has Dravet Syndrome - a form of epilepsy - and her walk raised money for the charity Dravet Syndrome UK which supports families of those with the Syndrome causes learning disability and a spectrum of associated conditions such as autism, ADHD and speech Murphy's mother, Denise Murphy, said her daughter's accomplishment was a "miracle" after frequent ambulance trips and admissions to intensive care throughout her life. 'Constantly seizing' Ms Murphy lives in supported accommodation and has a carer who helps her daily. She was diagnosed with the condition at the age of three, having had her first seizure at four months old, and she now has the comprehension ability of an eight or nine year old, her mother her early years she was "constantly seizing", Denise Murphy added."We knew every ambulance crew in the area," she said. "We made the decision to move house to be closer to the hospital and never travelled further than a 10-minute radius of our home in Exeter unless we had a nurse with us."Lucy is currently in the longest seizure-free period of her life and we never thought we would be in this position so it's a miracle really."Ms Murphy said she was trying to do as much as she could to raise awareness."If this can spread awareness to others it will make me happy to know I was a part of it," she said. 'Pretty remarkable' Claire Eldred, the Cornwall-based director of Dravet Syndrome UK, also took part in the challenge."What Lucy is doing is incredible," she said. "Dravet is a spectrum and... over 50% of adults need to use a wheelchair, over 50% will have severe to profound intellectual disability and many are non-verbal. "So it is actually pretty remarkable for a person with Dravet Syndrome to be able to take on something like this."
