Rai Gulp: Italy’s Premier Channel for Young Viewers

Introduction​

Rai Gulp is a free-to-air Italian television channel. It is owned and operated by RAI, Italy’s national public broadcaster. The channel was launched in 2007, targeting children aged 6 to 14. Its programming includes animated series, educational shows, and age-appropriate entertainment. Since its debut, Rai Gulp has steadily gained popularity among younger audiences. It has become a household name in Italy, valued for its mix of fun and informative content.

Origins and Evolution

Rai Gulp launched as a successor to two discontinued RAI channels—Rai Doc and Rai Futura. At first, it offered animated programs for children aged 4 to 10. However, by 2009, Rai Gulp expanded its target audience to include children up to 14 years old. Consequently, it introduced more live-action series and a wider variety of content to meet evolving viewer interests.

In April 2010, Rai Ragazzi (now Rai Kids) took over the channel’s programming coordination. This shift allowed Rai Gulp to improve its lineup and better reflect the needs of its audience. Since then, the channel has continued to evolve, offering a balanced mix of entertainment and educational content.

Rai Gulp Channel Programming Highlights

Rai Gulp’s schedule is a blend of animated series, teen dramas, educational shows, and music programs. The channel has aired a variety of popular international and Italian productions, including:​

  • Animated Series: “Winx Club,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “Geronimo Stilton,” and “Code Lyoko.”​

  • Live-Action Shows: “Maggie & Bianca Fashion Friends,” “Penny on M.A.R.S.,” and “Sara e Marti.”​

  • Educational and Magazine Programs: “Gulp Music,” “La Banda dei FuoriClasse,” and “Tiggì Gulp.”​

The channel also participates in international events, such as broadcasting the Junior Eurovision Song Contest from 2014 to 2021, showcasing young musical talents from across Europe.

Technological Advancements

Rai Gulp has consistently embraced technological changes to enhance the viewing experience. In fact, in January 2017, the channel began broadcasting in high definition on Tivùsat, Italy’s free satellite platform. Later, in July 2020, Rai Gulp’s content became accessible via RaiPlay, RAI’s official streaming service. As a result, audiences gained the flexibility to watch programs on demand, across various digital devices.

Moreover, the channel has continuously updated its visual identity. For instance, the most recent logo and graphics overhaul occurred in April 2017, aligning with RAI’s broader rebranding strategy. These enhancements reflect Rai Gulp’s commitment to staying relevant in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Ownership and Direction of Rai Gulp Channel

As part of RAI’s portfolio, Rai Gulp operates under the Rai Kids division, which also manages Rai Yoyo—a channel designed for younger children. Since April 2017, Luca Milano has directed both Rai Gulp and Rai Yoyo, following the tenure of Massimo Liofredi. Under his leadership, the channel has seen a renewed focus on innovation, creativity, and audience engagement. Consequently, Rai Gulp continues to evolve, adapting its content to meet the dynamic needs of its viewers.​

How to Watch Rai Gulp Channel in Italy

Fortunately for viewers, Rai Gulp is easily accessible across multiple platforms. On digital terrestrial television, the channel is available on channel 42 in SD. In addition, it broadcasts via satellite on Tivùsat. For those preferring online viewing, Rai Gulp’s programming can be streamed on RaiPlay, offering flexible access on computers, tablets, and smartphones. This multi-platform availability ensures that audiences can enjoy Rai Gulp content anytime, anywhere.​

Conclusion

Rai Gulp stands as a testament to RAI’s ongoing commitment to delivering quality, age-appropriate content for children and teenagers. Thanks to its diverse programming, combined with technological adaptability and a strong educational focus, the channel has earned a loyal viewership. Moreover, its ability to balance entertainment with learning ensures that Rai Gulp remains a trusted and beloved platform for Italy’s younger audience.

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