The S4C Authority is launching a public consultation on the possibility of starting up a Welsh-language public service television channel for children. The 10-week consultation will seek opinions from the public and key stakeholders on the proposed network, aimed at kids up to the age of 16. The new service will require the granting of a public service remit from the Welsh Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

S4C would fund the new net from its current budget with some added help from its commercial revenues. Notably, S4C is one of the largest purchasers of original children’s programming in the UK; a total of US$21.5 million has been earmarked for commissions from indie producers in 2007.

The proposal states the new net will be available in Wales on digital satellite, digital cable and digital terrestrial television, and viewers elsewhere in the UK should be able to catch it via digital satellite and broadband.

The consultation period ends on July 20th.