KIDS Central and Arts Central will be rebranded as okto from Oct 19.

The predominantly English channel will retain programming from Kids and Arts Central.

Currently, Vasantham Central, which offers mainly Tamil-language programmes, occupies the 6.30 to 9pm slot on Central. It was announced in February that Vasantham will be spun off into a stand-alone channel. This takes effect from Oct 19.

On okto, the programmes from 6.30 to 9pm will be aimed at youth and young adults.

This will allow a smoother transition from Kids Central to the demographic group that goes for arts and lifestyle offerings on Arts Central, says Ms Daisy Irani, vice-president of Central Network Programming and Promotions.

The new channel will offer 105 hours of programming a week, an increase of 26.5 hours from the 78.5 hours currently offered by Kids and Arts Central.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times' Life!