What Save Kids’ TV needs to do next…
In its review of Public Service Broadcasting to children Ofcom has identified that parents know their children need television programming which reflects their own culture and are concerned that there is not enough provision of such public service programming. Ofcom has also identified a huge funding gap that cannot be filled by commercial means. The market can no longer provide the programmes UK kids need and deserve. Drama and factual programmes for older children are the hardest hit, but all age groups and genres are affected. The BBC is also under pressure, and meanwhile repeats and imported programmes fill the schedules
SKTV believes that Government must intervene to ensure an increase in children’s public service programming made in the UK. SKTV is developing a detailed proposal to solve the problem long-term, and supports the call for immediate tax-breaks for producers of children’s programmes to alleviate the crisis right away. But the Government will only take action if put under public pressure.
As the Ofcom consultation on the options for the future of children’s content get under way, the weeks between October and December 2007 will be vital to sway public opinion behind the campaign.
Therefore SKTV plans:
- To grab the public’s attention with a range of activities – for example, video, blogging, stories, art, music, public debate, competitions…
- To make the public aware there is a crisis and that their children are about to be denied something they have always taken for granted – the best kids’ TV.
- To stimulate action to ensure their children’s continuing cultural entitlement.
- To give them a simple action they can take, in signing up to a Petition on the Downing Street Website.
Meanwhile, all SKTV’s PR projects will express and illustrate this simple message:
UK children need a variety of television programmes that reflect their culture, meet their developmental needs and entertain them. To ensure these programmes continue to be made in the UK, public funding needs to be found to support them.
And what can you do to help? It’s simple. Forward our newsletter to as many friends, relatives, and colleagues as you can. Ask them to sign up on the website – so that when the petition launches we’ll have a growing supporter base within easy reach. Now’s the time for action – tell your friends!
