It's not just newspapers with declining audiences

On my postgraduate journalism course we are constantly reminded that traditional news media is in trouble - newspaper circulation figures are falling year on year, the advertisers are going elsewhere and experienced journalists are being laid off by the dozen.

Yet despite the uncertainty of print journalism as a career, I was particularly saddened to read about the 40% decline in viewing figures for BBC Newsround.

Newsround was one of my biggest motivations for becoming a journalist. I watched diligently every evening before Neighbours, and the Press Pack pass was an honoured possession, on a par with a Blue Peter badge (which I never owned).

Not only was it inspirational to me as a youngster, seeing the old presenters work in 'proper, grown-up' news was encouraging as I matured, as it proved that Newsround was 'proper' journalism, not just kids stuff. Seeing Lizo on the six o'clock news was a life-affirming moment, as before I had previously associated him as little more than a Harry Potter enthusiast.

Moving Newsround to CBeebies was no doubt seen as ideal: more coverage, more broadcasts and a captive audience. Yet viewing figures have fallen from 325,000 to 226,000 in four years.

This must be turned around. Despite the impending digital switchover, many households have not yet got a Freeview box or Freeview enabled TV. Living in Lincolnshire, where enforced switchover is not due until 2011, it could be two more years before CBeebies is the only option for BBC childrens programmes.

There must be reasons for the decline, whether they be increased internet knowhow amongst tweens, accesiblity problems for CBeebies or simple lack of interest in the format. Whatever they are, I hope the BBC Trust will do something positive to reverse the trend once the executive report back to them in March.

It would be a great shame for Newsround to vanish into obscurity.