Factual entertainment may be dominating primetime but its effects are being felt in programming for reality-hungry kids. Maria Esposito looks at the impact of docusoap and formats on kids' TV.

In recent months France has seen the launch of a new kids' channel and the rebrand of another. In a fast expanding children's broadcast market, established players and the newcomers are targeting niche audiences to keep their slice of the pie.

With launch now slated for October, France's upcoming gay channel PinkTV has named Caroline Comte as its programming head and channel director.

In Germany, pay-TV broadcaster Premiere has secured a deal to transmit two new American dramas almost immediately after the shows debut in the US.

In the US, music video channel Fuse is losing its president Marc Juris to Court TV, where he will be looking to grow the network's younger viewership.

A 24-hour American digital national network, entitled Jewish Television (JTV), is prepping for launch next year under the tagline of "not just news and not just Jews".

In the US, Paolo Sadri of TMG Films and actor Mario Lopez have banded together to form TMG Television, an indie production house aiming to make English and Spanish-language reality programming.

Just weeks after US hit sitcom producer Carsey-Werner-Mandabach (CWM) vowed to remain independent, partner Caryn Mandabach has quit to form her own production company.

Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) Europe has given Finn Arnesen his second promotion in just over a year, bumping him up to the joint roles of svp of original animation and acquisitions and international head of programme production outside of the US.

Flush with new advertising revenue, UK broadcaster Channel 4 has increased its forecast programming budget for this year by £20m, bringing the total estimated 2004 spend to a record £469m.