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Blue Peter
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Find out answers to your most frequently asked Blue Peter questions right here! Check out the FAQ below to see if we've already answered your question.
A. Simply let us know which one you want and send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the address above.
A. Our advice for anyone wanting to work in television would be to get as many qualifications as possible. Broadcasting is a very difficult career, and if you have qualifications you always have something to fall back on. There's lots of competition and it's often a matter of luck as well as ability. However, many presenters start through doing work experience on a television programme. You can apply for this at bbc.co.uk/workexperience but you must be 18 years old.
A. Blue Peter is on every Tuesday and Wednesday at 4.35pm on CBBC One. More information can be found here: bbc.co.uk/cbbc/whatson/ . If you have Freeview, Satellite or Cable, why not check out CBBC eXtra by pressing your red button.
A. Blue Peter does not have a studio audience, so we can't invite viewers to sit in on the programme. However CBBC do run tours of other studios, and you can find out more information about these here .
A. Yes - every single letter and e-mail is read and a very large number of the items on the programme come originally from viewers' letters. Our office often handles many thousands of items of mail and e-mails a week, so please be patient if you do not receive a reply for some time.
A. Blue Peter began on 16th October 1958. In those days there was only one programme each week, lasting for fifteen minutes. The first two presenters were Christopher Trace and Leila Williams. In 1962 the first pet joined, a dog called Petra.
A. Blue Peter is named after the blue and white flag which is raised twenty-four hours before a ship leaves harbour. The idea is that the programme is like a ship setting out on a voyage, having new adventures and discovering new things. This is why a ship was chosen for our symbol way back in 1962.
A. The name of the tune is "Barnacle Bill" and it was used on Blue Peter and has been rearranged several times.
A. If you are lucky enough to win or come a runner up in a Blue Peter competition, we will get in touch once the competition has been judged. This can sometimes take quite a while, so do be patient. If you don't hear from us, we're sorry but you haven't won this time. Please try again next time.
A. To be as fair as possible, our major competitions are usually divided into three age groups:
We award first, second and third prizes in each age group, and give many runners-up awards. For some competitions, there is an overall top prize.
The judges normally include the editor of Blue Peter and a selection of experts connected with whatever the competition is about. They will judge your entry against various criteria relating to the competition.
The expert judges always have the casting vote. After the final judging, top prize winning entries are checked to make sure they are all the entrant's own work. Needless to say, entries must be completely original and never copies from other people's work.
You can find more information about competitions here.
A. Since 1963 we have worked with a huge range of different charities both here at home in the UK and overseas in countries where people need help. The way that the decision is made is that charities who would like to apply to be the Appeal partner send in a proposal and Blue Peter invites the best of these to come for an interview at Television Centre. The panel then decide which one would make the best partner. The process is overseen by the BBC Appeals Advisory Committee.
A. Factbyte Factory is a game on the Blue Peter website. By collecting points and answering quizzes you can gain points. These points unlock VIP levels. Each VIP level holds different rewards, such as videos, book chapters and wallpapers. Factbyte Factory will re-open in 2010
A. CBBC uses a variety of different types of software so if you are having trouble seeing everything on the site you may need to download a plug-in.
Check out CBBC Help for more information here
A. If you are following directions from CBBC then you have nothing to worry about. However it is important to ask your parent or guardian first before downloading software on to your computer.
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