Report Says Children’s TV Is Cartoon Saturated

The Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC) is concerned that much of children’s television variety is disappearing. The Commission indicates that there has been a decline in pre-school, factual and home-grown programmes which have been replaced largely with cartoons.

The report shows that whilst there has been a significant increase in the volume of children’s programming, through new programmes on BBC2 and Channel 4, as well as more dedicated children’s channels on cable and satellite, animation has come to dominate. BBC1 animation: 9% in 1981 to 35% in 1996. ITV 9% in 1981 to 40% in 1996. Factual programming on the BBC has remained constant at around 18%, but ITV’s factual children’s content has declined significantly from 22% to 7%.

The BSC outlines a number of recommendations for improvement including rules on diversity and foreign quotas that should apply to BBC, ITV and satellite and cable, where feasible. Also, the Commissions suggests that the afternoon slot is preserved for children.

Broadcasting Standards Commission: 0171 233 0544