This is a quick sprint through the key events of 2007, which has seen real progress in bring the campaign to public and political attention.
January:
- SKTV submits written evidence to the House of Commons Culture Media and Sport Committee’s long-running investigation into the future of Public Service Television. After this and other allies’ interventions, the failure of children’s PSB is a major feature of the committee’s report when it is published in November.
- SKTV advises Ofcom on the investigations needed for their Children’s Television Review.
February:
- SKTV and international allies, the American Centre for Children and Media, and Action for Children’s Television Canada host an industry leaders’ breakfast meeting at Kidscreen in New York to discuss the UK situation and how it might affect other territories.
- Anna Home makes representations to Michael Grade about ITV renewing its commitment to kids.
March:
- An SKTV working group research international programme funding models to inform future representations to Ofcom.
- SKTV “shifts the PR agenda� after the Mediawatch promotion of pop-psychologist Aric Sigman’s book on the harmful effects of television. Major PR coups include first national radio and TV mentions of the decline in children’s quality media, and subsequent growth in press interest. “It’s not about quantity – it’s about quality.�
April:
- SKTV as an organisation and members individually interviewed by Ofcom for the Children’ Review.
- Equity joins PACT, BECTU, Writers Guild and VLV as supporters of the campaign.
- Industry Summit meeting at BAFTA called by Broadcasting Minister, Shaun Woodward, provides graphic evidence that ITV has no intention of getting back into kids content, with a bald stamen from Michael Grade to that effect. Save Kids’ TV and allies make impassioned plea that the Minister understand there is a crisis, but the Minister shows no signs of sympathy.
May:
- The VLV supported by SKTV stage a major conference sponsored by Ragdoll and BBC Worldwide on the crisis and possible solutions. Anne Wood suggests the creation of a new public service channel for children. Major press coverage follows.
- The International Broadcasting Trust joins as a campaign supporter and offers access to its member charities.
- Early Day Motion in Parliament (inspired by Equity, Writers’ Guild and Musician’s Union) attracts cross-party support.
June:
- SKTV initiates development of its “funded destination� plan for submission to Ofcom later in the year.
- SKTV working group begins work on a comprehensive plan to “reach parents�.
July:
- Campaign video launches at Showcomotion Children’s Media Conference. SKTV represented on several panels, including a key debate with “Toxic Childhood� campaign, which leads to better understanding and support for the SKTV “best TV for kids� concept.
- Anna Home meets Shadow Children’s Minister Tim Houghton to brief him on the issues.
August:
- Philip Pullman agrees to become SKTV patron and makes a strongly worded statement on the crisis in funding.
- SKTV redesigns website and newsletter
September:
- 12 organisations meet to co-ordinate activity in first “campaign umbrella meeting� organised by SKTV. Joint press-release prepared for date of Ofcom Children’s Review report launch.
- SKTV supports Action for Children’s Arts special award to Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin with consequent PR and celebrity outreach
October:
- Ofcom launches Children’s Review report and discussion document, calling for consultation on five possible options for the future of children’s public service television.
- Joint press release issued by campaign alliance. Individual organisations also issue further releases. Major press coverage with extensive time and space devoted to the campaign in mainstream TV radio and print.
- PACT launch Downing Street website petition. SKTV focuses PR effort on encouraging sign-up.
November:
- VLV annual children’s conference – SKTV outlines “online destination� plan.
- BBC Chairman expresses concern at budget cuts in children’s area.
- SKTV lobbies BBC Director General on the cuts.
- The Musicians Union joins the “campaign umbrella�
December:
- A strong SKTV PR presence at the BAFTA Children’s Awards is provided by Anne Wood at Ragdoll donating a campaign advert in the programme. Several of the speeches highlight the problems in the industry and further press coverage results.
- Parliamentary Adjournment Debate on the children’s television issue. All party consensus on the problems faced by the industry and how this might affect British kids.
- SKTV submits final “online destination� plan to Ofcom as part of response to public consultation.
- Anna Home writes to BBC Chairman on budget cuts and hours commitment.
