The fight for children’s television

Image: Brecht Bug (Creative Commons Licence)

When you think of Aussie kids’ shows, chances are you’re thinking Bluey, H2O: Just Add Water, or Hi-5. These blockbuster international success stories helped put Australian children’s television on the map.

Whilst the ABC – home of the award-winning Bluey which has small children in Texas speaking in Australian accents – still produces TV for kids as driven by its mandate, it’s increasingly the only broadcaster doing so. Commercial networks have all but tapped out of producing content in this space.

But as CEO of Screen Producers Australia Matt Deaner told In Focus, it’s just not right.

“The expectation of having the permission to be a licensed broadcaster in this market comes with an obligation to release certain numbers of hours [sic] of children’s content”

Now, SPA is taking the fight to Canberra. Deaner told In Focus what he’s asking from the government and the commercial broadcasters, and why it’s worth it.

“The minister has the discretion to change the regulations…the minister…could just change the requirements overnight.”

Catch In Focus with AFTRS FM Monday to Saturday on iHeart Radio or listen back on the In Focus Podcast.

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