Rai boosts children’s offer as schools close

Italian public broadcaster Rai is reacting to the country’s coronavirus emergency, which has resulted in the closure of all schools, by increasing its kids’ content offering.

Italy is the European country hardest hit by the virus, with over 9,000 cases and more than 450 deaths.

Yesterday, Italian authorities extended emergency coronavirus measures, with prime minister Giuseppe Conte ordering the country’s entire population of 60 million people to stay at home, with special permission needed for travel.

With millions of children and teens expected to stay at home in the coming weeks, Rai has added a new children’s slot on generalist channel Rai 2 that will feature in-house productions and coproduced series.

Meanwhile, thematic children’s channels Rai Yoyo and Rai Gulp will air more educational content, including animated series focusing on subjects such as art, music, history and science.

Rai is also using its social media network to provide children with accurate information as well as helping them to manage anxiety and stress, the pubcaster said.

Rai has already been forced to postpone its Cartoons on the Bay event, which was due to take place between April 2 and 5 in Pescara. The rearranged dates for 2020 have yet to be announced.