Newsround: How BBC’s Pioneering Children’s News Programme Continues to Evolve
A Trusted Source for Young Audiences
Newsround is a BBC children’s news programme, which has run continuously since 4 April 1972, making it one of the world’s first television news magazines specifically designed for children. Broadcast on CBBC, the programme is aimed at 5 to 15-year-olds, and has become an essential resource for helping children understand complex world events in an age-appropriate manner.
The programme’s importance extends beyond mere entertainment. Programs like BBC Newsround help young audiences differentiate between trustworthy information and potential misinformation, a skill crucial in the digital age where children are increasingly exposed to diverse media channels. In classrooms across the United Kingdom, teachers regularly use Newsround’s morning edition to help students engage with current affairs.
Recent Developments and Modernisation
Newsround has undergone significant changes to remain relevant in today’s digital landscape. Under changes announced in September 2024, the BBC moved children’s news show Newsround to its news division, with the production team and editor Lewis James now sitting under BBC News. The switch is not expected to result in any significant editorial changes, but the plan is to amplify its output and better integrate the team into the wider BBC newsroom culture.
The programme also received a studio makeover in 2025. On 17 March 2025, Newsround moved into their new permanent studio, with Jenny Lawrence being the first person to present from the new studio. The refreshed set features updated lighting and modern décor designed to support contemporary broadcasting needs.
Adapting to Changing Viewing Habits
BBC executives concluded that children no longer turn on traditional television channels when they return home from school, and that the focus would shift to Newsround’s morning edition often used by teachers in school classrooms, and to more investment in the programme’s website. Every day, Newsround is broadcast on CBBC once a day, with an eight-minute bulletin on weekdays and a six-minute bulletin on weekends at around 7:45am. On Saturday morning, it is also broadcast on BBC Two.
Significance for Young Viewers
As media consumption continues to evolve, Newsround remains committed to its founding mission of making news accessible and understandable for children. By presenting complex topics in simple language and balancing serious news with lighter stories, the programme plays a vital role in developing media literacy among young audiences. For parents and educators seeking reliable, child-friendly news content, Newsround continues to be an invaluable resource that helps the next generation navigate an increasingly complex world with confidence and understanding.