Nick Jr. (Australia & New Zealand)
| Company type | Pay television channel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Children's television |
| Predecessor | Nickelodeon morning block |
| Founded | 1998 (as a programming block), 14 March 2004 (as standalone channel) |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia, New Zealand |
| Owner | Paramount Networks UK & Australia |
Nick Jr. is a dedicated pay television channel broadcasting 24 hours a day in Australia and New Zealand, specifically designed for pre-school-aged children. Initially introduced as a morning segment within Nickelodeon programming, it evolved into a standalone channel in 2004 via Foxtel, modeled after its American equivalent. The channel is under the ownership of Paramount Networks UK & Australia and was formerly accessible through Optus Television.
History
Prior to its establishment as an independent channel, Nick Jr. functioned as a morning block on Nickelodeon, showcasing programs such as Blue's Clues, Dora the Explorer, and LazyTown. Between 1998 and 2006, the block featured an Australian host named "Face," recognized as one of the final international Nick Jr. segments to incorporate this character.
On 21 January 2004, Foxtel revealed plans for new digital channels, including Nick Jr., which officially commenced broadcasting on 14 March 2004, marking Australia's inaugural 24-hour pre-school channel. For several months following the launch, Nick Jr. continued to air a shortened two-hour morning block on Nickelodeon.
The channel also produced original short-form series like Cooking for Kids with Luis and Gardening for Kids with Madi. On 26 March 2010, it introduced a refreshed logo, replacing the original kangaroo-themed emblem that had been in use since its inception.
During the period when Nickelodeon operated a distinct feed for New Zealand, Nick Jr. was broadcast in weekday and weekend blocks; after that feed ceased operations, the Australian version of Nick Jr. became available in New Zealand starting 24 December 2010.
Distribution expanded further when Nick Jr. joined Foxtel's streaming platform Foxtel Go in December 2013 and launched on IPTV service FetchTV in January 2014. Additionally, the channel aired as a two-hour segment on New Zealand's Sky Television until 2013.
On 1 August 2023, Nick Jr. was withdrawn from Foxtel following the rebranding of 10 Shake to Nickelodeon, with select programming migrating to that channel. In its place on Foxtel, Nick Jr. Global was introduced, while Fetch TV continues to provide access to the local Nick Jr. channel within Australia. Moreover, a FAST channel version is offered through 10Play.
Presenters
- Face (1998–2006 as block; 14 March 2004 – 2006 as standalone channel)
- Ollie the Australian Muppet (2004–2013)
See also
- Nick Jr. Channel (United States)
- Nickelodeon (United States)
- Nickelodeon (Australia and New Zealand)
External links
- Nick Jr.
- 1998 establishments in Australia
- 1998 establishments in New Zealand
- 2004 establishments in New Zealand
- 2004 establishments in Australia
- Children's television channels in Australia
- Commercial-free television networks in Australia
- English-language television stations in Australia
- English-language television stations in New Zealand
- Television channels and stations established in 1998
- Television channels and stations established in 2004