 Logo used since 2012 | |
| Broadcast area | |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Erfurt, Germany |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | German |
| Picture format | 1080p and720pHDTV (downscaled to576i for theSDTV feed) |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | ARD andZDF |
| History | |
| Launched | 1 January 1997 (28 years ago) (1997-01-01) |
| Former names | Der Kinderkanal(1997–2000) |
| Links | |
| Website | www |
| Availability | |
| Terrestrial | |
| Digital terrestrial television | Multiplexes vary depending on location |
| Streaming media | |
| kika.de | Watch live |
Kika (currently stylised asKiKA, formerly asKI.KA; formallyDer Kinderkanal von ARD und ZDF,transl. The Children's Channel ofARD andZDF) is a Germanfree-to-airtelevision channel based inErfurt,Germany. It is managed by a joint venture by public-service broadcasters[1] ARD and ZDF. Its intended audience is children and the youth, devoid of advertising, and it is generally watched by children 3 to 13. TheMDR is responsible for its playout.[2]
The channel also repeats shows, such asTabaluga tivi from ZDF's main channel.
In the channel’s early years, the program consisted mostly of series and shows that were already being broadcast on ARD and ZDF. Whole programs were being broadcast simultaneously on the main channels and the children’s channel, for example the afternoon program of ZDF. Kika showed German as well as international series, like cartoon classics from the 1970s and 80s (Heidi,Biene Maja,Wickie,Little Amadeus orNils Holgersson). Classics of children’s TV like film versions ofAstrid Lindgren books or theAugsburger Puppenkiste were also regularly being broadcast.
After a time, more original broadcasts started appearing in Kika’s program, likeSchloss Einstein, andThe Tribe.
The all-girlpopular music bandSaphir was formed of the 2007-2010 winners of the talent showKI.KA LIVE — Beste Stimme gesucht! (Best Voice Wanted).
In July 2020, Kika announced that it wouldparticipate in theJunior Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, with an entry for the2020 edition written by singer-songwriter Levent Geiger, a finalist ofDein Song [de] in 2015 and 2019. The performer was decided in the national finalDein Song für Warschau, won by Susan Oseloff.[3][4]
Since launch, Kika has airedanimated andlive-action series; however, due to changes in the programming, the former now predominate (85%). Besides animated series, the afternoonsoap operaSchloss Einstein is currently the onlylive-action series in Kika's lineup during the day. There are only two other live-action shows, one of which is aired in the afternoon and the other in the evening. Some series, such asPet Alien,Being Ian, andJakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks, are aired daily, as Kika previously used to air different programming on weekdays and weekends. Separately, many programmes, especially older series, such asPan Tau,Pippi Longstocking, andEs war einmal, can be seen only on the ZDF and regional channels.
The channel sometimes airs repeats of old series. Similar to private TV channels, these series are broadcast as double features. Much of the older series which were broadcast from 1997 to 2004 are excluded from the lineup, partly due to ARD and ZDF no longer owning the broadcast rights.
One of Kika's older programmes,Augsburger Puppenkiste, origuinally aired on Saturday and Sunday mornings and later went on hiatus four years but returned to the channel's lineup in April 2008.
Kika airs at least two movies a week on Fridays and Sundays; often animated films rather than live-action films.
Kika'smascot is the puppet characterBernd das Brot, a chronicallydepressed loaf of bread.
The channel uses live continuity announcers. Four of the most popular announcers were Juri Tetzlaff (1997–2010), Karsten Blumenthal (1997–2004), Singa Gätgens (1997–2010), and Lukas Koch (2003-2009).
Kikaninchen[5] is a segment on KiKA whose main character is a blue, friendlyrabbit, that is very popular among children in Germany. Kikaninchen is known for its entertainment, engaging children in fun and educational games with its friends, as well as featuring preschool shows during the segment. Kikaninchen airs only onweekdays, between 6:10AM (afterLogo!) and somewhere around 10:20AM (actual end time may vary). His friends are Anni, Jule and Christian. Hisfamous catchphrase is "Dibedibedab"!
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