Dear Sir

You have asked for public views on the BBC digital TV and radio services.  My comments below refer to the BBC "CBeebies" channel for under-fives.

As a first-time parent of a daughter now aged two-and-a-half, I have found the CBeebies channel a wonderfully useful tool in our family environment.  The programmes are gentle and educational;  they are not interspersed by advertisments;  production values are high (particularly in programmes such as Balamory);  and above all they are fun.

Because CBeebies is what we regard as a "safe" channel, we can rely on it on those inevitable occasions when we need a few minutes undisturbed peace - our daughter can always find something of interest, and we don't have to monitor her viewing. It's all suitable for her.  

We have found, unexpectedly, that it also forms the basis of quality family time where we can all watch the programmes and discuss them - it has stimulated my wife and I (as inexperienced parents) in helping our daughter's learning.

To conclude, those behind CBeebies should be proud of their achievment - to me, it is the most worthwhile of all the extra digital BBC channels as it is the one which serves a market not served by anything else.  It is distinctive, useful, and a valuable addition to our family viewing.  I wish it had been around when I was younger!

With kind regards
Yours faithfully

Paul Rachael and Katie Hodgson


(I should add that neither I or any member of our family has any connection with the BBC or any production company)