The SABC has decided to cancel “Kids News Room” after almost two decades of youthful insights.
Mmoni Seapolelo, the Acting Group Executive of Corporate Affairs and Marketing at the public broadcaster told Independent Media Lifestyle: “The SABC continuously reviews performance of all its content offerings and a decision has been made to discontinue the show, ‘Kids News Room’ (KNR).”
“We can further confirm that the permanent staff members who worked for the programme will be moved to other departments within SABC News.”
She told “48 Hours”, an SABC educational show which brings the world of careers to young South Africans, is currently occupying the slot.
The weekly youth current affairs show was initially broadcast in English when it premiered on SABC2 in 2004. Two years later, it migrated to SABC1 in 2006 and then back to SABC2 in June last year.
It was then presented in several languages including Sesotho and isiZulu as it appealed to youngsters between seven and 16.
The show was presented by teenagers, with the most anchors in recent years being 13-year-old Bonolo Moahludi, Leavante Sheba, 13, Ruvarashe Marumo,16, Ayanda Masango,16, Thabelo Makhode,13, Kago Mavunda,15, and Mhlontlo Geleba, 22.
The last episode aired in May and, two month later, the decision has been made to not extend the programme.
The SABC explained in a previous statement that the purpose of KNR was to reflect the youth’s diversity.
“KNR is a prime example of how the channel continuously delivers on providing an immersive family viewing experience," they added at the time.