The channel had limited coverage, reaching only 69% of the population via the lowest-powered terrestrial multiplex D,[3][4] and newspapers and listings magazines were slow to feature the channel's programming.[5] In the face of competition from several other dedicated children's channels in the UK market[6] the channel ceased broadcasting at the end of January 2000 after 14 months, (1 year, 2 months) partly due to the limited uptake of the ONdigital platform where it was exclusively available. It was replaced by Discovery Kids.[7][8] The other Carlton channels closed over the next few years.[9]
Carlton Television later merged with Granada in 2004 to form ITV plc, which went on to launch another children's channel CITV, in 2006.
Presentation was provided by daily wrap-around shows "Wakey Wakey" and "The Max". Both were recorded at Ealing Studios. "Wakey Wakey" was presented by Chuck Thomas and Naomi Wilkinson.[12] The Max was presented by Angellica Bell[13][14][15] and Paul Leyshon. Other presenters included Jamie Rickers[16] and Alex Verrey.[17]
Carlton Kids was the first of five Carlton Communications channels to shut down, doing so on 31 January 2000. The channel had no mention of its closure, and after airing its final program aired a few advertisements and a promo of Discovery Kids coming to the UK, which would foreshadow Discovery Kids replacing Carlton Kids. [18]
