New kids block launching on Irish TV

The 3e free TV channel will launch a new kids block and has acquired series including Teletubbies and The Wiggles (pictured).

3e is a youth-skewed free-to-air channel and part of the Liberty Global-backed TV3 group.

The new 3Kids strand kicks off on June 27 and will run seven days a week from 7am to 10am and be fronted by presenters Claire Flynn and Ollie Kelly.

A raft of well-known kids series have been acquired for 3Kids.

In addition to Teletubbies and The Wiggles, it will have shows including Barney & Friends, Origanimals, Ruff Ruff Tweet & Dave, Caillou, Dive Olly Dive and Babar and Badou.

The programming deals were negotiated by former Hit Entertainment exec Alison Homewood, who now runs the Versatile Media consultancy.

The kids shows will also be available on TV3’s 3Player catch-up service.

TV3 had been tipped to launch a full kids channel, but has now confirmed the daily block.